Physicians Practice Pearls®

Asset protection and risk management for medical practice owners is becoming increasingly broad in scope due to both internal and external risks. The 2020 election, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, adds layers to this complexity in areas ranging from physical security to employment law.

Bill Dacey, president and CEO of The Dacey Group, pens the popular Coding Columns on Physician's Practice. In our first podcast version of this column, we answer contributed questions on provider types, protocols, and patient behavior.

Being small does not equate to being disadvantaged. Here’s how solo providers and small group practice are benefitting during the pandemic.

This month’s Coding Q&A features questions from a physician coding for time spent with hospital patients, and another wondering if there is another way to code for medical reconciliation outside of Transitional Care management codes.

More staff may actually be a more reliable path to a more profitable practice.

An unexpected side effect of COVID19 is a significant rise in identity theft and related cybercrimes. Here are the most common traps to look out for and a response plan in case it happens to you or someone you know.

A trifecta of healthcare cybersecurity issues should cause healthcare industry participants to assess their current environments.

More than 500 individuals affected; five new enforecement actions published.

With the election around the corner the country may be in for some significant legal and political changes that can affect physician’s assets.

Working from home can lead to casual conduct, posing compliance risks for your organization.

Elizabeth Woodcock explains the policies surrounding telemedicine, as well as what services are reimbursable and how payment is received.

Tax savings plans targeting doctors require careful due diligence. We examine some of the basics every physician should be aware of.

Discomfort or trepidations aside, you’ll have to answer these tough, but inevitable, questions.

Elizabeth Woodcock outlines her best practices for setting up telemedicine services from an administrative perspective, while emphasizing that it is never too late to get in the game.

HIPAA settlement and new guidelines shed light on government enforcement policies.

If your practice doesn't already have a strategic growth plan, make one

A bare minimum checklist for your business.

Ensure compliance with state and federal laws before offering wellness services to remedy COVID complications.

Should providers should include notes in an EMR so insurance companies see CC statement? CMS vs CPT Code Book hospital admission coding. Plus, a clarification on guidelines when coding for telehealth visits.

Three predictable and recurring legal and financial risks physicians face when holding informal jointly-owned with extended family.

Employers should continue to enforce all recommended COVID precautions within the practice and remain vigilant of changes in state and federal laws.

To avoid potential conflict, patients should be provided advance notice of your policy to avoid surprise and embarrassment.

Mask policies that may increase compliance and reduce risk and conflict.

Can multiple services from different providers be mixed or combined and billed together? Also, what are the rules for adding HCC codes at the end of your note?

Two recent cases, one settled and one just filed, are illustrative of the effects of class actions, which are filed in relation to an underlying data breach involving PHI.

If you are a physician practice owner who is considering a merger at some point, it is vital to learn more about this process early in the game.

Recommendations for every practice to consider.

Systemic racism is also a public health issue.