Articles
How to Use Scheduling Data to Improve Efficiency
The first step is simply to take a closer look at your appointment book.
Using Bilingual Staff Members as Interpreters
If you don't have access to a professionally trained interpreter, these tips will help you maximize the resources you do have available.
Should You Charge Your Patients for “Free” Services?
Some family physicians are charging for refills, forms - and even phone calls.
¿Qué hacer si necesito un interprete?
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From the Editor
Exploring the Limits of an Insane System
By charging patients for refills, phone calls, e-mails and more, some family physicians are looking for the future.
Letters
Getting Paid
Billing for Your Work With Surgeons
Getting paid for preoperative and postoperative care needn't be a headache.
Coding & Documentation
CODING & DOCUMENTATION
99211 & immunizations | “Self-limited, minor” problems | After office hours | Multiple procedures at the same visit | HCPCS codes for Nubain & Phenergan | Benadryl injection
Monitor
MONITOR
Backlog in Medicare enrollment processing continues | Supreme Court limits lawsuits against HMOs | Twenty states in crisis | Health care spending slows | Paying for performance
Improving Patient Care
Sticking the Landing: How to Create a Clean End to a Medical Visit
Seven skills will help you end the medical visit with greater satisfaction for both you and your patient.
Practice Diary
Ask FPM
ASK FPM
Billing costs | Online consultations outside your patient base | Documenting E/M services with checklists | Delayed dictation
Balancing Act
Managing Family Dynamics
Unseen family phantoms can accompany you and your patients into the exam room.