Practice Management

There are endless articles, reference materials, and seminars that teachthe fine art of CPT coding. Everyone knows that understanding the CPT descriptors,selecting the correct code to reflect the service(s) provided, having substantivedocumentation, mastering the rules governing bundling and unbundling, andconquering the use of modifiers are all essential to getting insurance claimspaid properly and timely.

After years of relatively stable levels on the cost of malpractice premiums,many physicians across the country experienced sticker shock when they openedtheir bills in January.

With a 5.5 percent decrease in Medicare reimbursement rates now in placefor 2002, dermatologists and other specialty groups are hoping to convinceCongress to quickly reduce those cuts and act on other issues importantto them, as well.

Dr. Franks routinely speaks to his referring doctors about patients,sends insurance documents electronically and by way of the mail, and hasalways stressed that his staff be confidential about all patient issues.Recently, he received a threatening letter alleging that his

The treatment of warts can be a frustrating experience for both the dermatologistas well as the patient and/or patient's family. The provider needs to bewell versed in the many rules and regulations that govern the billing ofwarts (e.g., medical necessity issues, CPT and ICD-9 coding) while the patientneeds to be educated on the nature of the condition and the complexitiesassociated with the treatment arsenal.

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Physician review by peers (including your own) is a critical cog to improvingoffice practices

The destruction of benign, malignant, and premalignant lesions has been and continues to be the main income stream for most dermatologists in private practice.

I understand there is a new waiver form for Medicare that I mustuse when providing cosmetic services. When does this form take effect? CanI use it for all my patients? What about patients who are Medicare HMO?This whole signing of waivers is so confusing for me. Perhaps you can shedsome light on this matter. Any insight you can give me would be appreciated.Sincerely, Confidence Waiving

Dr. Wolf, a well-respected dermatologist in the community, always asksfor a written release before sending any patient's records to a requestinginsurance company. However, as a general rule he will simply call the localMohs surgeon, internist, and general surgeon when he wants to discuss apatient he wishes to send for referral. He recently heard that there aresome new confusing regulations that will impact dramatically on how hedeals with his patients' confidential issues. Is he correct?

For physicians faced with decision of which contracts to sign, help is available thanks to survey sent to managed care firms

Dermatologists face major changes over next two years as accountability aspects of law take effect