Are you ready for the HIPAA 5010 conversion?

Karen Leeker

Just 6 months left to implement new electronic claim transactions standards Because nearly all Medicare Part B claims transactions are submitted electronically, orthopaedic practices must be prepared for new standard formats that go into effect on Jan. 1, 2012. These new electronic data interchange (EDI) standards—version 5010—replace the current versions of the standards (4010) for healthcare transactions. What is 5010?

Changes in reporting wound débridement

Mary LeGrand, RN, MA CCS-P, CPC

This year, CPT 2011 introduced multiple changes in the reporting of wound care services associated with fractures, as well as wound care not associated with an open fracture and/or dislocation. The online version of this article includes a summary chart (PDF), showing the code changes, that can serve as an easy reference for accurate reporting of wound care services. Highlights and key changes in the Integumentary System Section of 2011 CPT are covered in this article.

Managing office expenses by using corporate credit cards

Adam D. Soyer, DO

Credit cards can facilitate purchases and control utilization The practice expense account is a highly regarded benefit of partnership. A physician’s expense account can have a substantial impact on operating expenses if not carefully managed, because this corporate ‘perk’ can be overutilized. Practice executives must constantly scrutinize purchases and debit partners accordingly to keep cash and operations flowing.

About my error

David Ring, MD, PhD

No matter what happens, take accountability for your actions It feels like the ground has fallen from underneath your feet and your breath has been stolen—you’ve made a medical error. Is there any way to undo it? Turn back the clock, make amends, make it right? Did it really happen? In my case, it did—I released a carpal tunnel instead of a trigger finger. I’m not supposed to make a mistake.

In-office pharmaceutical dispensing

D. Kay Kirkpatrick, MD

Orthopaedic practice shares lessons learned A few years ago, our orthopaedic practice established an in-office pharmaceutical dispensing program for the convenience of our workers compensation patients. We had two goals: to improve medication compliance among patients, and to provide the practice with an additional ancillary revenue stream. With the help of an outside partner, we developed a program that allowed us to own and dispense the medication.

What to say when things go wrong

Dennis J. Boyle, MD

Despite our best intentions, medical care does not always deliver the results that we anticipate. Unanticipated outcomes may result from potential complications, such as postoperative deep vein thrombosis or infection. Explicit errors, such as use of a wrong-size joint implant or a wrong-side surgery, also result in adverse outcomes.

Practical communication tips

Susan Keane Baker

It’s been said that it doesn’t matter what you know if you can’t communicate it. Although that may be less true for orthopaedic surgeons than for a lot of other professionals, communication is nonetheless an essential skill. Here are six practical communication techniques for your communication tune-up. 1. Assess the likelihood of follow-through.