Practice Management

A senior partner has announced his plan to retire from our single-specialty group practice. We have a buy-out in place and expect his departure will be amicable. However, we have no experience with managing the details of a doctor's departure. For example, when should he tell his patients and referring doctors that he's leaving? What else do we need to do?

The author built up her practice and became a local celebrity by writing a newspaper column.

One of my associates is treating the father of the senior partner in our corporation and billing Medicare for his services. It's my understanding that CMS doesn't permit a physician to bill for medical services provided to his own family members or those of other doctors in his group, but others in our practice disagree. Who's right?

The author and her partner bet that patients would pay out of pocket for extra service. They were wrong.

You can't ignore a patient's missed appointment. Looking closer can help boost practice income, and prevent litigation.

Some doctors are doing it successfully, but costs and logistics can make it a challenge. Here's what to watch for.

In today's shifting marketplace, becoming a practice partner may no longer be a matter of when, but if.

Patients who come in without appointments can disrupt-or build up-your practice. A solid walk-in policy will make the difference.

Tech Talk

Here's how to find and use these substitute doctors.

Technological advances, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, are enabling people with hearing loss to succeed as physicians.

A management services organization can take some hassles off your back, but there's a price. Make sure you know what you're getting into.

Public scorecards on individual doctors are just around the corner, and payers want you to supply the data.

You can get started for as little as $1,000-but first makesure payers in your area will reimburse for these services.

This is the 12th in a series of articles on specific ancillaryservices that can boost your bottom line and keep you and yourpractice busy in a competitive market.

This is the 11th in a series of articles on specific ancillaryservices that can boost your bottom line and keep your practicebusy in a competitive market.

These inpatient ob/gyns make life easier for office-based colleagues.

Medical record-keeping is part art, part science, and all about providing first-class patient care and maximizing reimbursements.

Technology Consult

Malpractice Consult

Long before HIPAA, an embarrassing incident taught this doctor that some conversations should never take place.

This is the first in a series of articles on specific ancillary services that can boost your bottom line and keep you and your practice busy in a competivtive healthcare market.

Follow this step-by-step formula to find out, the author says.

The author had the same disease as some of her patients. Should she tell them?

An administrator with bad people skills can scare off good employees. Here's what to do if you've got a bully.