Are you a physician with a patient who no longer requires medical treatment? Do you have a patient you believe would be better served by another physician, specialist or practice due to a developing condition? Do you want to terminate a patient relationship because it is costing more than it is worth to your practice?…
Siting Your Rural Rheumatology Practice & Other Rural Rheum Concerns
Do you want to practice near a highway off-ramp or a supermarket? Where a rural rheumatology practice is located may be the key to success…
Veteran Rheumatologist Dr. Raymond Scalettar Recounts 60 Years of Practice, Growth of Specialty
“Yes sir.” That was the response of Raymond Scalettar, MD, DSc, FACP, when his commanding officer told him the U.S. Army wanted him to switch specialties—from gastroenterology to rheumatology. There was only one problem. Dr. Scalettar wasn’t exactly sure what that would entail. That was the mid-1950s. Back then, rheumatology was barely out of the womb. Residency…
What Rheumatologists Should Know about Purchasing a Healthcare Practice
After extensive research and careful deliberation, you have finally made the exciting but daunting decision to purchase a healthcare practice. You know that in the next couple of months you are going to need to examine the practice from a different perspective—one of a future owner. You also recognize that in order to facilitate the…
Phase 2 of HIPAA Audit Program Launches
With many competing priorities facing physician practices, HIPAA compliance and security is not a topic that usually makes it to the top of the list. But this is not the case with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR), because it has initiated a new phase of audits of physician…
Federal Compliance Mandates for Medical Practices
Approximately 10 years ago, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued its first guidance on compliance as it relates to federal mandates for physician practices. Although taking the necessary steps can be a daunting task in an era of complex rules and heightened regulations, there are key areas of government-mandated compliance requirements that practices should…
Rheumatology Research Foundation Receives $1 Million Donation
Norman B. Gaylis, MD, provides funds to benefit physician-driven medical research; establish ongoing research award for practicing rheumatologists
Beware Antitrust Laws When Considering Healthcare Mergers
Analysis of laws governing collaboration of healthcare systems, hospitals and physician practices should be done before consolidating
Medical Coding Certification Important for Rheumatology Practices
The ACR’s certified coding in rheumatology certificate trains individuals in coding concepts, principles in rheumatology
Coding Corner Answers: February
Proper guidelines for coding, billing procedures in rheumatology practices