Do professional interpretations of X-rays require a written report?

Mary LeGrand, RN, MA, CCS-P, CPC

Coding specialists frequently receive questions about whether a written report (documentation) is needed to support claims reporting the professional interpretation of X-rays by orthopaedic surgeons. Typically, an orthopaedic surgeon in private practice owns the radiology equipment, employs the staff and interprets the X-ray. The physician reports radiology services using a global radiology code, such as CPT code 73564 “Radiologic examination, knee; complete, four or more views.”

Take off your white coat and put on your blue suit

Stephen P. Makk, MD, MBA

Think about what you can do differently to generate more revenue Over the last decade or so, the rapid rise of fiscal challenges has rivaled the technological progress in the practice of orthopaedic surgery. And with that shift has come a need for orthopaedic surgeons to take off their white coats and put on their blue suits—to understand economies of scale and scope as well as they understand the complexities of the musculoskeletal system.

Save with new group purchasing arrangement

Stephen P. Makk, MD, MBA; David A. Halsey, MD

In today’s economy, the most effective way for an orthopaedic surgeon to increase profits is to trim costs. Large groups may be able to negotiate supplier arrangements that provide them with reduced costs, but smaller practices and solo practitioners may find it difficult to achieve such economies of scale.

Time to get moving on strategic planning

Marty Krawczyk

Like most orthopaedic surgeons, you probably take a hands-on approach to problems. You don’t mind getting into the thick of things and tackling difficult issues. But when it comes to strategic planning, you hesitate. After all, your revenues are acceptable and your practice is running smoothly. So why bother? The obvious answer is that developing a strategic plan is good for your bottom line and should be part of your practice’s governance framework.

AAOS launches EMR educational initiative

Steven E. Fisher, MBA

How much do you—or your practice manager—know about electronic medical records (EMRs)? How comfortable would you feel interviewing an EMR vendor? Would you know what questions to ask? Which EMR system would be best for your practice…and could you afford it? To help you understand and make decisions about implementing EMRs in your practice, the AAOS Practice Management Committee has developed a major educational initiative on EMRs for 2007.