Practice Management

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services earlier this month granted a two-year deadline extension to 2013 for the transition from ICD-9 codes to the greatly expanded ICD-10 codes.

Physician retirees face unique challenges when looking for volunteer options, but their skills are needed.

How would we go about finding a group purchasing organization? Are there any guidelines to keep in mind when shopping around for one?

Can you describe the two or three most important benchmarks for a family medicine practice and the ideal target ranges for each one?

CMS now mandates that retroactively billing for a physician in the credentialing process must be completed within 30 days.

In some instances it is appropriate to use modifier –50 for bilateral procedures.

Proper phrasing is essential when documenting a consultation; avoid using the words "referred" and "referral."

Volunteering can improve lives near and far - especially your own.

Even with a single-payer, government-operated health system, it's tough for solo doctors to make a go of it in Great Britain.

Sometimes, the best place for care isn't the best place for the patient's finances or for family considerations. But sometimes it's still the best choice to make.

Medical Economics joins a volunteer group's monthly mission to a clinic in rural Mexico.

A medical residency program at New York University may offer some clues to help curb the burnout rate and increase the number of primary care physicians.

How would you suggest calculating a reduction in pay for physicians who want to stop taking call?

The AMA has implemented numerous changes to Category III codes, and some of them have transitioned to Level I CPT codes.

CMS has specific guidelines on how to meet the in-office ancillary exception if group practices have a formal arrangement to share office space.

A provider must render the service in order to bill for it; simply signing the chart is not providing the service.

The idea behind check-in kiosks is not only to increase the accuracy of patient records, but also to improve patient and staff satisfaction by decreasing tedious administrative tasks.

A physician's own ordeal revealed the challenges faced by others.

Patient care can be a wonderful thing, but it's not the only thing.

A physician shares an experience that tested the bounds of doctor-patient confidentiality.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Health System found a variety of costs and reimbursements for vaccines, with some practices considering dropping inoculations because of the financial strain.

Despite the proliferation of health-plan-sponsored online physician quality rating systems, two recent studies suggest few potential patients are checking the internet to choose their next doctor.

Medical Economics 2009 Doctors' Writing Contest is open for business.

Doctors who use electronic prescribing systems that feature formulary decision support help patients save on drug costs, according to a recent study.

Most patients still find their primary care doctors the old-fashioned way -- through word-of-mouth and physician referrals -- despite all the hype that online physician ratings have garnered in recent years, according to a study by a health policy research group.

Identifying and responding to financial abuse of your elderly patients

Are there any recommended guidelines for the number of support staff required for practices with multiple providers?

I'm interested in opening a side business as a clinical investigator. Do you have any suggestions on how I can get connected with the organizations that manage clinical trials or make my practice look more attractive to them?

In a phone survey, 20 percent of 1,009 respondents said they would want fictional TV doctor Gregory House of the Fox drama "House" as their doctor.

Focus on the simple things that can improve patient care and efficiency.