For Michael J. Maricic, MD, the heat is always on—and not just from the scalding temperatures of the ever-present Tucson sun. Strolling through the lobby of his bone clinic, the same sign awaits him every morning: “Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic disorders, combined with compassionate care.” Compassion is a primary adjective in that sentence and in his mind, and Dr. Maricic hopes this commitment will make him and his partners a top practice in a very busy market. After all, Arizona is a place where people retire—often taking their rheumatism with them.
Coding Corner Question
May’s Coding Challenge
Coding Corner Answer
May’s Coding Answer
Maximize Reimbursement by Managing Denials
Could you use an additional $50,000 to $80,000 in revenue each year? If you are like most clinicians, you have superbills and well-trained office staff but you still receive frequent denials. Though some denials are appropriate, many can be corrected and the lost revenue recovered.
On Board with Baby
Rheumatology programs make strides in work–life balance support
Readers Answer ‘Twenty Questions’
The March Rheuminations column, “Twenty Questions, Part 1” inspired many letters from TR readers. Here are just a few of those responses.
Coding Corner Question
April’s Coding Challenge
Now’s Your Chance to Join an ACR Committee
Volunteers who serve on the ACR’s committees and subcommittees are a vital component of the organization’s ability to respond to the rheumatology landscape for the benefit of members. There are many complex issues facing the subspecialty of rheumatology; it is those dedicated members who choose to become involved who drive the organization’s achievements in advocacy, training, recruitment, education, practice support, and the development of professional standards.
Medicare Switch to ASP Pricing Reduces Part B Spending
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) reported to Congress in January that Medicare’s switch to a payment method known as ASP, or Average Sale Price, has reduced spending on drugs in the Medicare Part B program. This system reflects actual market spending, rather than wholesale prices.
Sniff 101 and Other Lessons
Sometimes doctors don’t speak the same language