Practice Management

A summary of current articles that pile on your desk

How do I dismiss a noncompliant patient from my practice?

Can I charge for a new-patient visit at a new practice if I saw the patient at my previous practice?

I treat many high-risk patients, what's the best way to limit my liability for those who are noncompliant?

Joining a new practice doesn't require a new National Provider Identifier.

Services that have never been covered by Medicare don't require an ABN modifier in order to bill the patient.

We are having difficulty getting paid for visits that occur on the same day that procedures are done in the office, even though we are using modifier 25. Any suggestions?

Can we reward valued patients with gas cards, or does that violate governmental regulations?

Malpractice insurance rates dipped by an average of 4 percent across the country in 2007, but in primary care specialties, the cost of insurance continued to be one of the highest practice expenses.

From minor setbacks to worst-case scenarios, disaster planning is vital to the survival of your practice.

Primary care physicians spent fewer hours on professional activities last year than in 2006.

Primary care reimbursement rose substantially last year, but not all primary care specialties benefited.

I applied to get credentialed with another managed-care company but haven't yet received final approval. May I start seeing their enrollees anyway?

I plan to charge a fee for filling out forms for physicals, disability, and family medical leave. Would this policy run afoul of health plan regulations or any other rules?

Our collection agency says that due to HIPAA regulations, it no longer can contact a patient directly if his check bounces. Instead, we must charge the amount back to the patient's account as an unpaid balance and turn the account over for collections. Is this true?

Are RVU-based contracts the standard in today's medical environment?

Eliminating big backups will improve patient satisfaction and relieve stress on you and your staff.

This North Carolina family physician was wary of his insurance carrier's pay-for-performance program, but found the rewards-for him and his patients-were well worth the headaches.

Did the smoking cessation counseling codes change?

Billing for a routine exam which uncovers a serious medical problem must be handled on a case-by-case basis.

How do I bill for service during extended office hours?

I'm tired of waiting for patients who show up late for their appointments. To discourage this, I'd like to have my staff tell anyone who arrives more than five minutes late that she must reschedule for another day. Does this policy seem reasonable?

I'm employed by a not-for-profit hospital. Does that mean I can't collect revenue for ancillary services such as lab work and imaging?

A former associate has filed a claim against me for pay she believes I owe her. In my defense, may I release patient records, including names and financial data, or will that violate HIPAA?

How long after I treat a patient may I bill him for my services? Bills were never sent for some patients I saw between 2002 and 2006. May I bill them now?