When your best laid plans don’t work out
Running a medical practice means being ready for the unexpected
A decade of lessons learned from private practice
One physician reflects on her decision to leave her employer, start her own practice and how she followed (and deviated) from her startup plans.
What to say when asked about former employees
One solo practicioner mulls over what she should or shouldn’t say when sought for a reference check.
Why I still practice medicine
Physician Melissa Young shares two patient encounters that remind her of her primary role: to care for and comfort others.
The fight against prior authorizations
The ongoing battle to get patients the treatments they need is a major contributor to physician burnout.
Physician outrage over CVS’ new diabetic testing policy
Monitoring glucose levels is important for managing diabetes. CVS Pharmacy now limits quantities of diabetic testing supplies to meet Medicare Part B’s medical necessity requirements, superseding doctor’s orders.
New year, new challenges
The only thing certain in life is change. Learn how one physician is coping with the transition back to solo practice following her associate’s departure.
Following in my footsteps
One physician reckons with the fact that her high school-aged daughter says she wants to be an endocrinologist-just like mom.
When employees walk away from the job
Consider taking precautions to prevent staff from leaving-and taking your belongings with them.
Reminder cards
Two cards tacked to a covered bulletin board help one physician remember why she practices medicine.
Eye on the prize
Imagine: the freedom to care for patients the way you want to, not the way insurance mandates or regulations require.
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Medications is Wrong
This doctor says that direct-to-consumer advertising of medications leads patients to get the wrong idea about their treatment plans.
Prior Authorization Frustration
A physician attempts to profess her gripes about the prior authorization process to a pharmacist to no avail.
This Doctor's Least Favorite Time of Year
Dr. Melissa Young shares with us why January is her least favorite time of the year - from cold weather to unmet deductibles.
Sexual Harassment against Physicians from Patients
Dr. Melissa Young on a less heard about target of sexual harassment in the workplace: physicians from aggressive and inappropriate patients.
Physicians are People Too
A physician dispels common misconceptions about the profession.
Negotiating with Payers as a Small Practice
Small practices won't have access to a private payer's reimbursement rates, so what they are to do?
Medical Practice Tales from a Thunderstorm
This doctor shares her experience from a terrible thunderstorm and what happens when IT systems go down.
Don't Assume Your Patients Know Medicine
You might think a medical issue is widely understood, but for many patients, they won't know what you're talking about.
To Invest in a VOIP System at Our Practice or Not
This doctor is looking to make a switch on her telephone system at her practice. Weighing the pros and cons, she isn't sure how to proceed.
The Delicate Act of Dropping an Insurance Plan
As a solo physician, it's not easy to drop an insurance plan when you know that could have a negative impact on your patients.
The Prior Authorization Process is Needlessly Complex
There are several redundant questions and processes when trying to obtain a prior authorization. It needs to be simplified.
Clothes Do Make the Private Practice Doctor
While it may seem trivial to some, the way doctors in private practice present themselves is an important part of the job.
Is Joining a Medical Association a Worthy Investment?
Medical association fees can add up into the thousands each year if you join more than a few. What do you get out of it?
The Clinical and Financial Costs of Medical Devices
Sometimes it makes clinical and financial sense to purchase a medical device. Other times, it doesn't add up.
What to do about Non-Adherent Patients and MIPS?
Some patients are just not going to adhere to a physician's guidelines; is it fair to get penalized by CMS for that?
The Rising Cost of Operating a Medical Practice
The cost of running a medical practice is going up, but unlike other businesses, doctors have no power over what they are paid.
Looking Back on Switching to Private Practice
Seven years ago, this doctor made a decision to go from being an employed physician to owning her own practice. She looks back at what's happened since.
The Problems with Direct-to-Consumer Pharma Advertising
While there may be a benefit to pharmaceutical companies advertising to consumers directly, this doctor sees too many problems with it.
When Doctors Have to See Other Doctors
Dr. Melissa Young talks about the moral dilemma that doctors face when they have to receive care, perhaps from someone they know.