The HIPAA Privacy Rules: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Alice G. Gosfield, JD
How will the privacy rules affect your practice? We took that question and others to a health care attorney to find out.

Serving Up the Feedback Sandwich
Anne Dohrenwend, PhD
Negative feedback is never easy to give, but sandwiching criticism between layers of praise makes it more palatable and more effective.

How to Help Your Low-Income Patients Get Prescription Drugs
Karen Montemayor
Accessing affordable medications can be a hassle. Here's how you and your patients can make the most of the available resources.

EDITORIAL
What's in a Name?
Dale Glenn, MD
Are you merely a family practitioner?

GETTING PAID
Another Ounce of Prevention
Kent J. Moore
Slowly but surely, Medicare coverage of preventive services has grown. Here's an update.

CODING & DOCUMENTATION
Answers to Your Questions
Kent J. Moore
Hospital observation/admission/discharge • G0101 & E/M services • ICD-9 code for tobacco dependence

MONITOR
Despite increased health care costs, consumer confidence rises • Jackson Hole Group renews push for health care reform • Practice pearls

IMPROVING PATIENT CARE
Oh, by the Way...": Agenda Setting in Office Visits
Kenneth P. Olson, MD

To manage patients' long lists and add-on complaints, elicit and negotiate their agendas up front.

PRACTICE DIARY
Sanford J. Brown, MD
Doctor's day off • Grounded! • Zero tolerance

SALARIED FP
A Primer on Employment Contracts
Michael R. Burke, JD
Defuse legal land mines by learning all you can about your employment contract. Here are five key areas to consider.

ASK FPM
The cost of office equipment • Acceptable
overhead • Patient satisfaction survey

BALANCING ACT
How to Cope if You're Attracted to a Patient
Frances Spickerman, PhD
Developing romantic feelings for a patient may be a symptom of burnout.