Time Is of the Essence: Coding on the Basis of Time for Physician Services
Aris Sophocles, MD, JD
Sometimes, coding is almost as simple as looking at the clock.

Demystifying Common Terms in Employment Agreements
Michael R. Burke, JD
A few key provisions can explain a lot about your contract.

Questions You Should Ask When Hiring
Peter Cardinal, MD, MHA
Choosing the best candidate for your staff depends a lot on selecting the right interview questions.

10 Ways Family Practices Lose Money
Keith Borglum
Learn how to plug the leaks that deplete your practice's income.

GETTING PAID
Diagnostic Testing and Medicare: How to Get Paid Without Getting in Trouble
Alice G. Gosfield, JD
Learn the rules, and you'll get the reimbursement you're entitled to.

CODING & DOCUMENTATION
Answers to Your Questions
Kent J. Moore
Coding multiple new problems • Swing-bed status

MONITOR
Health professionals' education system needs "overhaul," says IOM • New program pays docs for quality • Primary care to lead change of Americans' unhealthy behaviors • HIPAA gets a rough start

IMPROVING PATIENT CARE
Focusing on Today's Visit
James W. Redka, MD

This simple checklist can make your job easier by helping patients clarify what they want out of today's visit.

PRACTICE DIARY
Sanford J. Brown, MD
A complicated case • Horses vs. zebras IV • Old myths die hard

COMPUTERS
Open-Source Software: Just What the Doctor Ordered?
Jennifer Bush
Open-source software may be the key to an affordable electronic health record that even the smallest practice can afford.

ASK FPM
Offering health benefits • Governance rights • Employment agreements

BALANCING ACT
A Funny Thing Happened Today at the Office
Melanie Boock, RN, BSN
Laughter is the best medicine. And medicine often is the best laughter.