features

34 Coding Level-IV Visits Without Fear (PDF available)

Thomas A. Waller, MD

Use this worksheet to quickly assess whether you can code a 99214.

45 Minimizing the Risk of Financial Fraud (PDF available)

Herbert Snyder, PhD, CFE, and Donna K. Dietz, PhD, CMA

Implementing internal controls in your practice will help you stop embezzlement and keep what you earn.

51 Physician Leadership: A New Model for a New Generation (PDF available)

Catherine D. Serio, PhD, and Ted Epperly, MD

Today's leaders need more than vision and a high IQ.

56 Free Software for Your Practice (PDF available)

James Dom Dera, MD

Freeware and open-source software can handle many of your day-to-day computing duties.

61 Cash-Only Practice: Could It Work for You? (PDF available)

Trevor J. Stone

The cash-only model involves some risk, but it can also bring many rewards.

64 2,500 Cash-Paying Patients and Growing (PDF available)

Leigh Ann Backer

This physician is expanding his cash-only practice to keep up with demand.

67 Cashing in on House Calls (PDF available)

Andrea L. Brand, MD

A cash-only, house call practice enabled this physician to earn more while spending less.

74 A New Future With an Old Business Model (PDF available)

Shane J. Kraus, MD

Turning away third-party payers and requiring payment at the time of service restored this family physician's practice.

departments

14 from the editor

First-Party Payers: Should You Cut Out the Middle Plan?

Robert L. Edsall

How much of the world can you set right simply by asking your patients to pay for their care?

16 letters

Chronic disease management • Where's the fire? • Make notes better with macros • Group visits for chronic illness care • How are you doing?

24 news & trends

Medicare payment cut likely to be restored • Medicare Part D formulary help • Billing, insurance tasks account for 20 percent of spending • Health plans clash with physicians over payment issues • Health care spending still growing • Board offers 10-year recertification option • Medicare revises physician voluntary reporting program

30 coding & documentation

Cindy Hughes, CPC

Emergency care outside an ED • Modifiers for multiple births • History and physical for hospital readmittance • Home health certification • Materials for fiberglass splints • Coding pelvic exams and Pap smears • 99173 with an E/M service

78 practice pearls

Allocate overhead fairly • Streamline the Rx refill process • Make better decisions by improving your meetings • Do your homework before offering online consults • Go to the right source for help with Medicare reimbursement questions

81 FPM QUIZ

Earn 4 CME credits.

88 the last word

Doctorhood and Motherhood

Sarina Schrager, MD

Medicine and parenting possess many similarities, but they differ in at least one significant way.

4 Contact us

86 Classifieds

87 Authors Guide