Are E&M services reportable with a surgical procedure?

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

Examining the use of modifiers 25 and 27 Payors are becoming more prone to denying evaluation and management (E&M) services as “incidental to another service.” The appropriateness of a denial and appeal depends on whether the coding rules for both services were met. If the scenario is coded appropriately, practices should definitely appeal.

The solo practice: Strategies for success

Adam D. Soyer, DO

Keeping an orthopaedic practice—particularly a solo practice—profitable is challenging. Solo practitioners are usually the only revenue generators for the practice. To be successful, they must also assume the roles of office manager, administrator, and accountant. In my experience, the solo practitioner must take a very active managerial role in the practice, even though he or she will likely have little formal business training.

Promoting a culture of safety

Jennie McKee

Joint Commission initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety When some orthopaedists think of The Joint Commission (formerly known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), they may envision an organization focused on issuing requirements to physicians and healthcare organizations. But enhancing patient safety, rather than dictating rules and regulations, is at the heart of the organization’s mission, according to Robert A.

Translational etiquette

Kimberly Anderson, MHA

Carry your golf-course manners to the office All golfers, whether beginners or experts, follow basic rules of etiquette on the golf course. This same code of conduct can be transferred to the physician’s office to maintain a productive and respectful work environment. The following tips will keep your office running smoothly. Replace your divots If you take the last of the supplies, inform the appropriate person what supply replacement needs to be ordered.

Giving back to your community

D. Kay Kirkpatrick, MD; John L. Brown, Esq.; Sidney Welch, JD, MPH

Orthopaedic charitable foundations can offer great benefits The formation of a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt private foundation is an interesting addition to an orthopaedic practice that can add value in several ways. For many orthopaedic surgeons, part of finding satisfaction in practice lies in giving back to the local community. Forming a foundation is a relatively simple and inexpensive process that can bring great benefits to orthopaedic practices.

MOC: Improving quality and safety

James R. Kasser, MD

Maintenance of Certification (MOC) is a process that assures the public of physician expertise and ongoing competence in medical specialties by establishing standards for physician education, testing, and performance. The MOC Program, established by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) seeks to amplify the benefits of recertification in promoting physician performance improvement and educational update.

Physician maintenance of licensure

Martin Crane, MD; Humayun Chaudhry, DO

In April 2010, the House of Delegates of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)—which represents all of the nation’s state medical and osteopathic boards—overwhelmingly supported the adoption of a framework by which licensed physicians would be required to periodically demonstrate ongoing clinical competence as a requirement for licensure renewal.