features

Special Focus: Tools for Your Practice

39 ICD-9 Changes: The New Codes Are Here (PDF available)

Cindy Hughes, CPC

You should start using the updated diagnosis codes Oct. 1.

43 In Search of a Super Superbill (PDF available)

Leigh Ann Backer

This superbill incorporates the best characteristics of superbills submitted by FPM readers.

49 Providing Consistent Care With Standardized Admission Orders
(PDF available)

Robert M. Wiprud, MD

Incorporating these orders into your hospital admission routine will ensure that patients receive comprehensive, appropriate care every time.

56 A Toolbox of Resources to Simplify Your Practice (PDF available)

FPM's online toolbox equips you with more than 150
practice management tools.

63 The FPM Encounter Forms Collection: 'Paper Automation' of Your Progress Notes (PDF available)

Robert L. Edsall

Our forms can make documentation faster, easier and more accurate while providing decision support and coding help. What more do you want for nothing?

73 Improving Communication With Older Patients: Tips From the Literature (PDF available)

Thomas E. Robinson II, PhD, George L. White Jr., PhD, MSPH, and John C. Houchins, MD

Poor communication with this vulnerable and growing population can undermine your efforts to provide good patient care.

Departments

14 from the editor

A Whole Issue of Doctor Tools

Robert L. Edsall

Your practice toolkit isn't complete without these.

16 letters

Affordable medications in India • Creating a registry for patients with chronic diseases • Precertification, denials and appeals • Which drugs to prescribe • Correction

26 news & trends

Connecticut physicians plan to open retail health clinics • Medicare changes enrollment process for physicians • FP recruitment sees an upswing • Certification, safe harbors announced for EHRs • Aetna goes public with physicians' payment rates • IOM report addresses medication errors

33 Coding & Documentation

Cindy Hughes, CPC

Pre- and post-op consultations • Multiple allergy shots • OB care after hours • Typhoid immunizations • Care plan oversight and nursing facilities • Exam documentation for 99214 • Documenting review of systems • Billing for Pap smear collections • STD screening

80 practice pearls

Explain the benefits of pneumonia immunization • Coordinate refills and appointments • Hold a staff appreciation lunch • Write it where you'll need it • HIPAA and filling out forms in the waiting room • Use your PDA as a reminder tool • Let your patients do their jobs • Keep up with clinical studies • Display data in graph form

85 FPM QUIZ

Earn 4.25 CME credits.

90 the last word

Why I Never Had an Atari Video Game System

Mitchell L. Cohen, MD

Technology won't solve all our problems, and it may even cause a few.

4 Contact us

69 Classifieds