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In most states, the standard for obtaining consent includes discussion of risks versus benefits, some known complications, and any alternative treatment options.

This article focuses on the the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' recently released 2013 utilization and payment data and what they tell us about the business of urology.

When anticipating a divorce, it’s important to understand there are often major financial consequences and some important tax issues that need to be addressed.

In this article, Nick van Terheyden, MD (aka “Dr. Nick”), explains why you need to be active on social media and how to get started.

In this column, Ray Painter, MD, and Mark Painter also answer questions about coding for bladder hydrodistention under moderate sedation and re-positioning of a ureteral stent by a radiologist.

One of the most damaging scenarios to the defense in medical malpractice cases is that of dueling defendants.

The Painters compare ICD-9 and ICD-10 in the context of coding for treatment of patients with cancer.

Understanding the impact that the beneficiary designation has on the payout of an individual retirement account after the IRA owner dies is a critical element of the planning process.

In this article, Robert A. Dowling, MD, examines some of the practice-related implications of the rapid change in the management of patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Other products featured include: Radiosurgery collimator allows treatment of broad rang of tumors and Phi prostate cancer test and more.

Products in the pipeline for prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and much more.

In this article, Robert A. Dowling, MD, discusses additional opportunities for urologists to improve the safety of care in their own practices in the context of the NQF best practices.

In this Coding Q&A column, the Painters discuss the tricky question of whether you can bill for stone prevention counseling, and also answer a question about whether you can bill two instillation codes (51700) for one appointment.

Other products featured include a spacer system to protect men undergoing PCa radiotherapy, a pelvic floor exercise app, and more.

If you continue to own appreciated capital assets until you or your spouse dies, the tax consequence could be greatly reduced, or maybe even completely eliminated, when the assets are eventually sold, courtesy of Section 1014(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, which generally allows an unlimited federal income tax basis step-up for appreciated capital assets owned by a person who passes away.

Although significant time is spent developing methods or strategies that come close to that “perfect investment," none is as popular or compelling as modern portfolio theory.

There appears to be a trend toward third-party patient financing options in the current environment.

We have never seen so many changes in coding and billing for any service that would equal the changes we’ve seen for reporting multiple stones in the urinary system. Over the past 3 years, we’ve witnessed multiple opinions and differing payment results.

In this article, I will discuss additional opportunities for urologists to improve the safety of care in their own practices in the context of the National Quality Forum’s best practices.

In cases involving a claim that a patient had an unnecessary operation where cancer was suspected but not found, the issues usually are a lack of informed consent and failure to further investigate the condition to get a definitive diagnosis.

In a series of articles, urologist Robert A. Dowling, MD, reviews aspects of the National Quality Forum's “Safe Practices for Better Healthcare” consensus recommendations that are relevant to quality and safety in urologic practice.

When choosing a life insurance product, time needs to be spent on the intricacies of how those death benefits pass to the intended heirs, and how your estate is impacted, prior to making the purchase.

The Painters clear up confusion surrounding coding for prostate needle biopsy, and also discuss split billing for urodynamics testing.

Neither option will sidestep the need for a manual review prior to payment, say Ray Painter, MD, and Mark Painter.

A patient with an abnormal PSA level transferred to another physician's care and was never told of his result. Two and a half years later, a biopsy revealed Gleason 9 prostate cancer.

To make sure you enjoy your retirement without financial worries, you should ensure you have enough money saved based on your own unique situation.

If you feel like the practice of medicine is becoming more complicated and that the government and the payers are out to get you, you are not alone, nor are you paranoid. In this article, we examine a few of the issues you are currently facing and some of the choices you have to make.

In this article, Robert A. Dowling, MD, covers some practical aspects of telemedicine and what it might mean for urology.

While it is often difficult to defend a case involving the removal of an organ for cancer that is then determined to be cancer free, the added claim of lack of informed consent for the procedure does not aid the defense in these lawsuits.

New products and services from Samsung Electronics America, Syneron Medical, American Medical Systems, New Star, Buffalo Filter, Cook Medical, Endo International, Trimel BioPharma Metamark, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.