All News

As employers (and individuals) select health insurance plans with higher deductibles that place more financial responsibility on the patient, it's more important than ever that medical practices revamp front office collection procedures and place more responsibility on the front office staff.

With real-time claims adjudication, a patient receives a service in your office and then in real time, while the patient is in the office, she receives an explanation of benefits that details her charges, what the insurance company allows, the amount of the co-pay, and the status of the patient's deductible.

"Lean management" is the latest buzz phrase among savvy medical practices that are trying to reduce costs while improving quality.

The owners of most medical practices feel confident in the service they provide and believe they are both meeting their patients' needs and making a good first impression. But are they? Taking a critical look at the average practice, I'm not so sure.

Urologists share how EMRs, recycling and reducing waste help make their practices reduce their environmental impact.

When an official acting on behalf of a government agency contacts a medical practice, it can be a daunting, even frightening experience-one that requires knowledge of your rights and what you must and should do.

Most urologists' professional conduct is impeccable, but there is an occasional physician whose attitude and behavior make life at work difficult for everyone.

Concerns about regulations and time have changed the way urologists work with drug and device reps.

Health care reform is what it is, and we have to learn to live with it for now and the foreseeable future. Currently, it is the law of the land.

There's lot to think about when it comes to adopting an electronic health record system.

The two biggest issues that come to mind in light of the current economic climate are how well you're communicating within the urology practice and how the economy might affect staff performance.

It may be time to put surgical-style checklists to use in the office. This article, which details one of the author's own experience, explains why.

Although the request to revise the urodynamics codes was initiated by Medicare, the request was to change the CPT code descriptions to reflect the fact that the old 51772 and the old 51795 were billed in conjunction with code 51726 almost all the time.

However you decide to market and promote your practice, you will want to measure the impact and results of your efforts.

Medical practices around the country face continued challenges with managing a diverse work force that spans three generations.

Private payer rules differ from Medicare rules. From payment for procedures to globals, bundling, coverage, and modifier usage, private payers are not required to use Medicare rules.

When it comes to making a good first impression on patients, one area that should not be overlooked is your practice's Web site.

When it comes to Medicare, supplies are included for all services provided in the office setting.

It's time to take a good, hard look at inventory controls and plugging holes in wasted supplies.

How does your practice handle patients who don't have insurance or are experiencing financial problems?

No matter the size of your practice, unless each physician is the same age and plans to retire at the same time, you should consider developing a transition plan for the senior doctors in your practice.

It's your job to constantly seek ways to improve performance.

Urologists share their thoughts on current trends affecting their practice.

When a physician decides to make a change in the way they practice, regardless of whether that change is reduced hours or retirement, the ramifications need to be considered by the rest of the practice.

Medicare stopped paying for consults on Jan. 1. This article will provide you with our recommendations on how to bill Medicare and private payers based on the changes made by Medicare and our knowledge of payer decisions at the time the article was written.

Unfortunately, there is no code for "history of elevated PSA."

Urologists share their plans for their practices for 2010.

What advantages and challenges do you see with multi- and single-generation practices?

If you are serious about improving performance and increasing the level of service provided in your urology practice, it's critical to follow some basic tenets: stay informed, monitor performance, provide leadership and direction, and maintain accountability.

No matter the size of your practice, unless each physician is the same age and plans to retire at the same time, you should consider developing a transition plan for the senior doctors in your practice.