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Urologists across the country are reporting an average increase of 39% in their medical liability insurance rates for the most current premium year.

Hicksville, NY-Nuclear Associates offers the Urological Radiation Shield, which has been shown to reduce the exposure of radiation dose from scatter by 70%. After the patient has been positioned on the table, the support rail is attached and the shield is slid onto the rail so it hangs in front of the patient, between the radiation source and the surgeon. This shielding system allows maximum radiation protection to be maintained, according to the company.

An astounding article in this issue of Urology Times details how oneurologist quit all commercial insurance participation, then "optedout" of Medicare-and is not only surviving, but thriving. Mike Harris, MD, a well-trained, board-certified, respected urologistin Traverse City, MI, said "Enough is enough!" and did somethingabout it. He no longer exists in any private insurance carrier databaseand likewise does not appear anywhere on the Medicare radar screen.

Ex-urologists say they wanted to escape reimbursement woes, pursue morefulfilling careersMedicine is a commitment. Pre-med, medical school, internship, residency,and building a reputation in academia or in community practice adds up toa self-imposed promissory note that can take a decade, perhaps two, to payoff. This is why it is unusual when an established physician opts to changecareers.

What are the benefits of PVP to the urologists?

Q How can I code cysto with double-J stent replacement to receivea higher reimbursement? Medicare states that 52315 is bundled with 52332.I have used ­59 and ­58 and still do not receive reimbursement for52315.

As of January 4, the final Stark II rules became effective. These federalregulations will have a profound effect on the relationship between urologypractices and the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Their impact extends farbeyond lithotripsy, which has been the primary concern of many urologists,to virtually every aspect of their practices. Practices that have not conformedto the requirements of these new regulations are exposed to financial penaltiesand other severe sanctions.

It's time to add electronic medical records, or EMR, to the list of buzzwordscommon in medical practices today. This new technology, although in itsinfancy, has the opportunity to facilitate many of the goals common to allpractices-efficiency, correct coding, Medicare and HIPAA compliance, andimproved outcomes. We are in a new age of medicine, and EMR technology willtransform the way you practice.

Washington-A sweeping new proposed federal regulation dealing with hospital outpatient compensation would change Medicare payments for specific medical procedures and tighten rules governing new technology payments, a move that could adversely affect urologists. The regulation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CMS) would apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2002.