January 2015 New Products: Ultrasound system offers multiple features, high-resolution images
January 2nd 2015New 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.
Multiple stone removal coding: ‘X’ marks the spot
December 15th 2014There is no specific limit to the number of times you can charge a –59 modifier. However, what and how you charge for multiple stones on the same side of the urinary tract is confusing, say Ray Painter, MD, and Mark Painter in their "Coding Q&A" column.
How to reduce estate taxes on your home
December 15th 2014If your estate is substantial and you're concerned about the federal estate tax bill your heirs will pay, there's a way you might be able to use your house to remedy the situation. It may be as simple as giving away your home or as complex as knowing the mechanics of an estate-planning tool called a qualified personal residence trust.
Ureteral injury to blame for bladder cancer, death?
November 19th 2014The claim alleged negligence in injuring the right ureter with a retractor during the original operation, and also claimed that the physicians were negligent in opening the bladder when removing part of the left ureter without performing a biopsy first.
Consolidation brings strength in numbers, culture shifts
November 6th 2014A panel comprised of a highly experienced health care consultant and two group practice leaders finds that large group practices are likely to be one of the few entities allowing urologists or other specialists a refuge from the current chaos in the American health care system.
Multiple stones: Watch for –59 modifier replacements
September 23rd 2014In this "Coding Q&A" column, Ray Painter, MD, and Mark Painter answer several reader questions involving billing for multiple stones, including replacements for the –59 modifier, use of CPT code 50590, and NCCI guidelines and multiple stones.
Medicare proposed rule: What you need to know
August 19th 2014The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed changes to Medicare payment cover the Physician Quality Reporting System, value-based payment modification, potential relative value unit changes, targeted codes, and a change in global for future years, among other items.
Worried about inflation? Here’s what you can do
June 19th 2014As the capital markets have improved, more investors have shifted their concern from weathering the financial crisis to anticipating the possible inflationary effects of rising federal spending and debt. This thinking has led many to reassess their bond portfolios and even look at commodity futures as a potential inflation hedge.
Health care market shift presents opportunities
June 19th 2014The changes in health care are fast and furious. Remember that in any massive change there is opportunity. For the office that is willing to make the changes, the silver lining is that health care is moving to a more retail environment. When the dust settles, the opportunity for your office to regain control of how your patients are treated is right in front of you.