Why We're in the Mess We're In
Robert D. Gillette, MD
Three forces are making it difficult to be a family physician today, but there are reasons to be optimistic.

Eight Ideas for Managing Stress and Extinguishing Burnout
William Zeckhausen, DMin
Small changes can make a big difference in how well you deal with the pressures of practice.

Building a Mind-Set of Service Excellence
Paul Plsek, MS
Here's how to assess and improve the level of service your practice is currently providing.

GETTING PAID
Five Tips for Less Costly Flu Vaccination
Kent J. Moore
By planning ahead, you can take at least some of the red ink out of giving flu shots.

CODING & DOCUMENTATION
Answers to Your Questions
Kent J. Moore
After-hours codes in the ED • ICD-9 codes for newborn visits • Coding injections

MONITOR
Docs expected to refuse new Medicare patients due to payment cuts • Medicare payment error rate lowest to date • Practice pearl

IMPROVING PATIENT CARE
A Tool for Better Well-Woman Exams
Thomas J. Weida, MD

You can use this form to improve your documentation and your care.

PRACTICE DIARY
Sanford J. Brown, MD
A friend in need • Drug money • A service profession

COMPUTERS
How Much Will That EMR System Really Cost?
Jack Valancy, MBA

This spreadsheet helps you compare the long-term costs of electronic medical records systems.

ASK FPM
Discounts for uninsured patients • FP coverage for ob/gyns • Billing for patients seen in your absence • Buying into a practice

BALANCING ACT
Putting Politeness Into Practice
Pamela J. Vaccaro, MA, CSP
Never underestimate the effect common courtesies can have on your patients, your staff and your life.