How to hire a practice administrator

Carolyn Rogers

Frank discussions + due diligence make for a happy “marriage” Business is booming at your four-person orthopaedic group practice, and your partners agree it’s time to bring on an experienced practice administrator. After interviewing several candidates, you select a well-spoken, seemingly intellectual and insightful candidate who holds a senior-level job at a major state-run hospital system.

Coding for pediatric spine deformity procedures

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

By Mary LeGrand, RN, MA, CCS-P, CPC Coding for pediatric spine deformity procedures follows similar coding principles to adult spine cases. The major difference is the use of the spinal deformity codes and osteotomy codes in cases of severe scoliosis or congenital kyphosis. Laminectomy/discectomy are typically performed in conjunction with either the insertion of implants or osteotomy procedures and should not be included as a separate code.

Avoid these team-busting practices

Steven E. Fisher, MBA

What NOT to do if you want a strong office team Building an alliance with your practice executive is key to ensuring that your practice runs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably. Last month, we looked at 10 tips for establishing an alliance with your manager. But sometimes, what you don’t do is as important as what you should do. Here are 10 “don’ts” that will help keep your team intact and functioning well. DON’T undermine authority DO NOT permit violations to the “chain of command.”

Thoughts on shedding light on the dark side

Marshall K. Steele III, MD

Progressive hospitals are now developing orthopaedic subspecialty service lines as “destination centers of superior performance.” These subspecialty service lines may focus on total joint replacement, spine, or trauma, and are led by physicians. In 1995, I became a service line leader (part-time position) in joints, spine, and the operating room. As usual in many hospitals, tensions and issues of trust existed between administration and physicians.

Read your medical liability insurance contract

J. Michael Maxwell, MD; Mark A. Tisdel

By J. Michael Maxwell, MD, and Mark A. Tisdel You may end up with more questions than you had at the start I’ve often asked myself, “What can I do about my medical liability insurance?” I seem to have the same conversation with my office manager, my certified public accountant (CPA), and my attorney every year. At year-end, my medical liability insurance premium stands out like a basketball player at a women’s gymnastics meet.

Legal trends in the evolution of medical risk

Stephen J. Brown, JD, MBA

The adoption of EMRs and best practices is changing the scene Medical “risk” generally takes two related forms. The first is the physical risk to patients that medical treatment, therapy, surgery, or drugs will harm them or leave them in a worse position than when they started. This risk is referenced in the goal of any physician to “do no harm.” The second form of risk is financial and legal, and belongs to the healthcare provider. A patient who has been harmed may file a lawsuit.

Enroll now in upcoming practice management course

Meghan Jacobs

Would you like to manage your practice more effectively? Are you looking for ways to position it for greater growth? Make the 3rd Annual AAOS Orthopaedic Practice Management Course: Building Essential Skills a key component of your business plan. The course, directed by Kevin J. Bozic, MD, MBA, and David A.