How to Use Scheduling Data to Improve Efficiency
Lee Buttz, MD, MBA
The first step is simply to take a closer look at your appointment book.

Using Bilingual Staff Members as Interpreters
Javier F. Sevilla Mátir, MD, and Deanna R. Willis, MD, MBA
If you don't have access to a professionally trained interpreter, these tips will help you maximize the resources you do have.

Should You Charge Your Patients for "Free" Services?
Leigh Ann Backer
Some family physicians are charging for refills, forms - and even phone calls.

GETTING PAID
Billing for Your Work With Surgeons
Kent J. Moore
Getting paid for preoperative and postoperative care needn't be a headache.

CODING & DOCUMENTATION
Answers to Your Questions
Kent J. Moore
99211 & immunizations • "Self-limited, minor" problems • After office hours • Multiple procedures at the same visit • HCPCS codes for Nubain & Phenergan • Benadryl injection

IMPROVING PATIENT CARE
Sticking the Landing: How to Create a Clean End to a Medical Visit
Michelle E. Lutton, PsyD
Seven skills will help you end the medical visit with greater satisfaction for both you and your patient.

BALANCING ACT
Managing Family Dynamics
J. LeBron McBride, PhD, MPH
Unseen family phantoms can accompany you and your patients into the exam room.

EDITOR'S PAGE
Exploring the Limits of an Insane System
Robert L. Edsall
By charging patients for refills, phone calls, e-mails and more, some family physicians are looking for the future.

LETTERS
Patients are customers too • Waiting room entertainment and copyright laws

MONITOR
Backlog in Medicare enrollment processing continues • Supreme court limits lawsuits against HMOs

PRACTICE DIARY
Sanford J. Brown, MD
Role models • Horses vs. zebras V

ASK FPM
Billing costs • Online consultations outside your patient base • Documenting E/M services with checklists • Delayed dictation