RX

Showing 177–192 of 259 results

  • How to keep pesky practice costs in line

    Summer 2012
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 738

    Abstract: This article takes a look at several typically “pesky” practice costs and how to keep them in line. It specifically discusses staffing, salaries, health care and retirement benefits, paid time off, overtime, and lease-related operating expenses.

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  • Practice benchmarking — A 12-step program for improving performance

    Summer 2012
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 354

    Abstract: Benchmarking is the continuous process of measuring and comparing organizational performance against the performance of other comparable physician practices. It demonstrates how the “best in class” achieve their performance levels and gathers the knowledge necessary to reach those heights. This article describes a 12-step program that practices can use to determine where they stand and get the data they need to make productive changes.

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  • The IRS is watching — Why having an accountable plan is so important

    Summer 2012
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 849

    Abstract: An “accountable plan” comprises policies and procedures for handling and reimbursing employee business expenses according to IRS guidelines. Without such a plan, these expenses must be included in the employee’s gross income, and the amounts are subject to employment taxes and withholding. If a practice fails to report this income and pay the appropriate taxes, it could become subject to back taxes and penalties. This article describes typical employee business expenses and explains the substantiation requirements for an accountable plan.

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  • E-prescribing: A mandate you simply can’t ignore

    Summer 2012
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 860

    Abstract: E-prescribing allows a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant to electronically transmit a new prescription or renewal authorization to a community or mail-order pharmacy. The use of this functionality is becoming so widespread — and offers such convenience and efficiency for both the doctor and patient — that it can’t be ignored. This article describes what — under the Medicare financial incentive program — a “qualified” e-prescribing system must be able to do, and shows the reader how to implement one. A sidebar chart lists the benefits and barriers to e-prescribing.

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  • Practice Notes — Ensure your outsourcing arrangement bears fruit

    Spring 2012
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 465

    Abstract: A practice that’s falling behind in its billing and collections should consider outsourcing those functions. But outsourcing can work either very well or very poorly. This article shows how to ensure the experience is fruitful by researching firms to determine which is best and by ensuring the contract specifics are favorable.

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  • How to grow your practice with group medical visits

    Spring 2012
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 773

    Abstract: Group medical visits are a growing trend in physician practices. Under this appointment model, a physician sees and consults with multiple patients in a single setting at one time. There are two types of group visits: the shared medical appointment (SMA), also known as the cooperative health clinic (CHC), and the drop-in group medical appointment. This article describes both types and how they have the potential to satisfy patients and physicians alike.

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  • Going boutique — Concierge practices gain the attention of many physicians

    Spring 2012
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 689

    Abstract: Many physicians, increasingly disenchanted with filing claims and wresting reimbursements from public and private payers, are now considering whether to “go boutique” by setting up a concierge practice. This article shows how such a practice works and explains the pros and cons. It also offers 10 steps that can help physicians transition to this new practice model.

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  • The switch to ICD-10: Are you ready?

    Spring 2012
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 882

    Abstract: The switch from ICD-9 to ICD-10 for diagnosis and inpatient procedure coding becomes a requirement on Oct. 1, 2013. Its greater coding detail enables better analysis of disease patterns and a wider variety of potential treatment outcomes that can improve care — and it will help physicians streamline claims submissions. But there’s much to do to prepare for it. As this article explains, the preparations should include setting up a transition team to work with third parties to create an implementation plan, to test the new system and to train staffers. A sidebar briefly notes that electronic claims must use the Version 5010 standards for electronic transactions.

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  • Practice Notes — The art of practicing evidence-based medicine

    Winter 2012
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 469

    Abstract: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) has focused on the treatment of inpatients in hospital settings. But it’s clear that it’s just as valid for outpatients in physician practices. Several provisions outlined in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) give physicians the incentive to practice this brand of medicine. This article describes some of the basics of EBM, while a sidebar shows where to find more information.

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  • Get ready for a RAC attack

    Winter 2012
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 859

    Abstract: Medicare’s Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) programs are now operational in all 50 states — and beginning Jan. 1, 2012, all states must have RAC programs in place to identify improper payments for Medicaid services. Furthermore, the audits are now focusing on outpatient settings as well as inpatient. So all physician practices that submit claims to these federal programs will likely be reviewed at some point by a RAC. This article shows what happens if a RAC determines an overpayment has been made to a practice, and how the appeal process works. It also shows how to prepare for an audit, while a sidebar lists the four RAC contractors and their assigned territories.

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  • Budget problems? — Get a handle on soaring costs

    Winter 2012
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 712

    Abstract: At a time when practices everywhere are being squeezed by the faltering economy and the need to provide top dollar for top-notch physicians — yet while overhead costs seem to be climbing higher and higher — it’s more essential than ever to contain costs. This article shows how to negotiate for better prices; determine that the practice is being staffed most cost-efficiently; and re-evaluate health insurance costs.

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  • How to select malpractice coverage and evaluate carriers

    Winter 2012
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 807

    Abstract: Selecting the terms of medical malpractice coverage is a complex, critical task, as is evaluating insurance carriers. This article discusses the amounts of coverage necessary and the types to choose from. It also describes important provisions that physician practices should scrutinize closely, and explains how to choose the right insurance carrier.

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  • Practice Notes – The pros and cons of leaving insurers’ provider panels

    Fall 2011
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 480

    Abstract:  Many physicians are seeing fewer advantages to remaining on an insurance company’s provider panel. They’re opting instead to become out-of-network providers for the same insurer. They do so because, in addition to avoiding billing and payment headaches that come with health plan relationships, out-of-network status can lead to higher reimbursement rates. But, as this article explains, there are risks to consider as well.

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  • Staff engagement leads to staff loyalty

    Fall 2011
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 760

    Abstract: Employees are motivated by more than monetary compensation. Well-run practices also meet many other needs, thereby creating a critical component of any successful organization — the engaged employee. This article discusses the importance of offering employees nonmonetary rewards that are tailored to each individual. A sidebar notes that exit interviews can be helpful to learn lessons from employees who decide to leave.

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  • Protect your practice – Use a buy-sell agreement to minimize disputes

    Fall 2011
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 799

    Abstract: In the wake of health care reform, practices may be flooded with new patients, so it may be advisable to hire one or more physicians to help with the workload. If so, and if these physicians intend to take an ownership share of the practice, it’s important to make sure each one signs a buy-sell agreement. Why? Because it can protect a practice from disgruntled physicians and minimize disputes should they arise. This article addresses such issues as defining and appraising the practice’s assets, dividing practice income among partners, practice control issues and other considerations.

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  • 12 tips for negotiating physician employment agreements

    Fall 2011
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 683

    Abstract: Until they become partner-owners, most physicians have an employment relationship with their physician group. When it’s time to negotiate or renegotiate an employment contract, there are critical issues that must be understood and settled. A written physician employment agreement can make sure each physician understands and is comfortable with every contract provision. This article offers 12 common provisions that should be included in a practice’s contracts to address such issues as compensation, relocation loans and restrictive covenants.

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