Practice Management

A recent study suggests that outpatient computer-generated prescriptions may be just as error-prone as your old paper versions. There is a solution to reduce mistakes, however. You can program your e-prescribing system to help you avoid common errors.

Much of the hoopla has focused on a nearly 30% cut in rates in the proposed update to the physician fee schedule for 2012, even though Congress is likely to intervene to keep the reductions from being so severe. But, a provision calling for review of all of the evaluation and management (E&M) codes is likely to be more significant in the long term for primary care physicians.

Medical malpractice cases would be better managed with a mediation system that includes both parties being involved, not just the lawyers.

The ability to sell a practice is contingent upon finding someone who wants to be where you are, when you want to sell.

On-site assessments help doctors and office staff insulate themselves from malpractice liability in the office setting.

Our training as physicians doesn't include any information about insurance, one of the most expensive purchases we make during our careers.

Letters discuss the vocational pursuit of medicine, weight loss programs, and lifestyle changes.

It is common in a lot of hospital or health system contracts to use RVUs as an indicator of productivity.

Selling a medical practice always has been very individualized, but a little planning and preparation can simplify the process and help you get the most out of your sale.

The technology requirements to be recognized as a PCMH now closely mirror those needed to prove "meaningful use" of health information technology under the new healthcare legislation.

As of January 1, over-the-counter medications other than insulin need a prescription to qualify for reimbursement from an employer-sponsored flexible spending account or health reimbursement arrangement.

The issue of how long you will need tail coverage will turn on the statute of limitations to file a malpractice claim, which is controlled by state law.

Much has been written about the financial and practical use of electronic health records, but what impact is it having on the relationship with our patients?

Learn how to code for travel-related counseling and preoperative clearance in the hospital.

The death of a partner in practice forces physician to consider many facets of the practice operation, including the significance of accounts receivable.

Despite today's uncertain economic climate, two recent, surprising reports show that mergers and acquisitions are on the upswing.

Just in case you or your front desk staff had plans to take a vacation this summer, you may want to rethink that. Medicare has rolled out a major advertising campaign to get patients to visit you for an annual wellness visit and free preventive services. Since fewer than 20% of eligible patients used those services in the first half of the year, expect an onslaught of request for appointments.

This special report covers the spectrum of ACO topics of interest to the primary care physician.

Lack of capital, integrated systems and evidence-based treatment protocol data all play into the difficulty of creating an accountable care organization (ACO).The biggest challenge, however, is a personnel issue, and how physicians and hospitals will work together to resolve it.

With the June 30 deadline fast approaching, the largest state medical association in the country urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to give physicians more time to begin e-prescribing.

When it comes to technology, an apple a day does not keep the doctor away. In fact, physicians prefer Apples?or, at least the Apple platforms that run the iPad and iPhone. Nearly 30% of physicians use an iPad?6 times more than general U.S. consumers?and more than 60% of physicians who use smartphones have an iPhone.

If it seems like it?s harder than ever to get proper payment, it?s not just your imagination. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), health plans make errors in nearly 1 out of 5 claims. Electronic data interchange may help a little.

Gather some tips on negotiating contracts with health insurance companies.

Decide whether to allocate purchase price of practice to goodwill.

Find out whether gift cards are acceptable for insurance co-pays.

The author reflects on the possibility of being paid what you're worth.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act gives new impetus to form accountable care organizations to better coordinate the care of their patients, especially those with chronic diseases, and to ensure a continuum of care.

Know how to protect patients' information with billing companies.

To many physicians, the current healthcare environment is complex and overwhelming. From accountable care organizations, global capitation, and value-based purchasing to episode payments, episode groupers, and bundled payments, the terminology seems to be addressed to larger organizations than small primary care groups.

The author reflects on a Consumer Reports article about doctors and patients.