features

26 EHRs Fix Everything – and Nine Other Myths (PDF available)

David E. Trachtenbarg, MD

Realistic expectations can help your conversion to electronic health records succeed.

33 Helping Your Patients Avoid Counterfeit Medicines (PDF available)

Peter G. Teichman, MD, MPA

Four simple steps will help safeguard patients from this growing threat to their pocketbooks and their health.

41 Is Moonlighting Right For You? (PDF available)

Joshua S. Coren, DO, MBA

A moonlighting position can help you hone your medical skills while boosting your income.

45 A Refresher on Coding Consultations (PDF available)

Cindy Hughes, CPC

Here’s a guide to the sometimes confusing documentation requirements for consultations.

48 Vaccine Administration: Making the Process More Efficient in Your Practice (PDF available)

Barry L. Hainer, MD

Appointing a vaccine champion and understanding the documentation rules are key steps toward improving your immunization process.

DEPARTMENTS

10 FRom the editor

FPM Peer Reviewers Can Now Earn CME Credit

Robert L. Edsall

A thorough manuscript review can be educational for the reviewer. Why not get the credit you’re due?

11 opinion

You, Your Public Health Department and the Next Flu Pandemic

Douglas Campos-Outcalt, MD, MPA

Optimal outcomes will depend on close collaboration between family physicians and public health officials.

15 Letters

No time for practice management resolutions • Starting the year off right • No more coding! • Radiating courtesy and professionalism • Family medicine and innovation

18 news & trends

Income gap between primary care, specialists • Doctors’ attire doesn’t matter • Health plan contract bill gets a second chance • Judge allows antitrust suit to proceed • Revised CMS-1500 form • Consumer Reports asks patients about docs • Snapshot of office-based physicians

23 Coding & Documentation

Cindy Hughes, CPC

Welcome to Medicare exams • Documenting the ROS and HPI • Critical care codes • Diagnosis coding for vaccines • Emergent and time-based coding • Screening for immunity • Proper units • 99204 at an urgent care clinic • Infusion time + hydration time • Modifier -32 for immunizations

54 practice pearls

Document a SOAMP note • Cross train your staff • Observe patients before their exams • Role-play with children • Use online resources to address patient concerns • Manage patient encounters away from the office

56 FPM QUIZ

Earn 3.75 CME credits.

60 the last word

Dealing With Medical Junk Mail

Bobby J. Newbell, MD

If you can’t stop the deluge, you might as well laugh at it.

2 Contact us

58 Classifieds