OCTOBER 2001

A nationwide experiment is asking practices to forget the way they’ve always done it and pursue the ideal in patient care.

Don’t let diversion of pain medication hamper your ability to treat chronic pain.

It’s easier than you might think to get what’s coming to you.

Look at the cover illustration. What do you think is going on in the picture? I was looking at it the other day in the process of preparing this issue for publication, and I kept seeing it in new lights.

Changes took effect Oct. 1.

Coding a cold | B–12 with or without E/M | Well-child checks | CPT for DOT

Nation responds to medical needs in wake of attacks | HMOs doing a better job, not good enough | PRACTICE PEARLS from here and there | Doctor’s orders | Bright lights, big city | Meanwhile … | Medicare updates | Compensation and RVUs | Charity care strong but slipping…

This updated and expanded collection of orders can help you admit patients more efficiently and effectively.

Rivulets make a river | Patients bearing gifts | Helter skelter

Follow along as the author explains how to get programs from the Internet to your hand-held computer.

Notifying patients of test results | Physician office labs

If you’ve ever wondered how your dedication to your profession affects your children’s lives, you may be pleasantly surprised.