As a recognized expert in the areas of operations and compliance, I was asked by the LinkedIn editorial panel to provide feedback on sourcing cost-effective medical supplies without compromising quality. Because LinkedIn limits an author to 750 words I thought I would expand that response and provide more insight into the process. As a former administrator and senior director of revenue integrity in addition to serving as a compliance officer, I have had to deal with sourcing cost-effective medical supplies while ensuring quality isn’t compromised. This involves a strategic approach that inclu ..read more

In the complex landscape of healthcare, revenue management is a critical component that influences the financial sustainability of a practice. As a physician and entrepreneur, understanding the various revenue models can help you make informed decisions that align with your practice’s goals and patient needs. Fee for Service (FFS) is the traditional model where providers are paid for each service rendered [7] [8]. This model incentivizes volume, as more services equate to more revenue. However, it may not always align with the goal of delivering value-based care, as the focus is on quantity ra ..read more

Recently, I’ve noticed an increase in providers reaching out due to patients leaving negative Google reviews post EOB receipt. One patient even claimed a client “stuck a needle in each knee without warning,” which is far from the truth. As medical providers, communication is key, unlike in veterinary practices. Thus, it got me thinking about why these patients who sought medical treatment for their ailment(s) and received relief from the treatment(s) leave such false and inflammatory reviews. The simple answer, they don’t want to pay their bill. So, that got me thinking more… Google and other ..read more

In the dynamic world of insurance reimbursement (Medicare, Medicaid, Private insurance) there seems to be constant change to how providers are paid and compensated for their time. In years past there were opportunities to add value to your practice by expensive capital costs investments such as bone density scanners,  peripheral neuropathy testing,  X-ray machines and MRI machines, however due to the rising cost of these expenses and decreasing reimbursements this is not a sustainable model. The current trends are more focused on optimizing your billing and your profit from individua ..read more

Attracting, recruiting, and retaining clinical staff is integral to the success of a medical practice. A medical practice that has talented and committed employees can provide high-quality patient care with optimal clinic efficiency. In a time when hiring and retaining staff members has become increasingly difficult, the tips in this blog will help your medical practice hire and retain a staff capable of achieving the desired results.  Attracting Clinical Staff Reputation and Culture: It is important to maintain an active and up-to-date online presence through the practice website. The mo ..read more

During our TCG Monday Auditing, Coding and Compliance podcast Terry Fletcher brought up the topic of why physicians should provide free services to other physician or clinical professionals who have the ability to refer patients for services and or procedures… Offering services for free to other physicians can be illegal because it can violate several healthcare laws and regulations designed to prevent fraud, abuse, and unethical practices. It can violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Stark Law, state laws, and principles of fair market value, while also undermining ethical standards and pati ..read more

Are you worried about facing an Integrity Agreement or a Corporate Integrity Agreement? You may have heard about other healthcare providers going through this process, but not entirely sure what it entails. In reality, the main goal of this process is to bring about positive outcomes. However, if not managed properly, it can turn into a mere formality. The type of agreement—whether it’s an Integrity Agreement or a Corporate Integrity Agreement — depends on the size of the organization. Solo physicians or small groups would enter an IA, while larger entities would be part of a CIA. For simplici ..read more

In our ongoing series addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by otolaryngology practices, we have explored strategies for navigating regulatory compliance and adapting to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. This third installment focuses on a crucial aspect of practice management: financial planning and budgeting. Effective financial management is key to ensuring the sustainability and growth of your ENT practice. This post offers tips for financial planning, budgeting, and cost-effective strategies tailored specifically to ENT clinics, and highlights how DoctorsManagement can suppor ..read more

Employee engagement is often confused with satisfaction. However, engagement refers to the level of an employee’s connection and commitment to the organization’s mission and values. Engaged healthcare employees feel a sense of purpose in their role at the facility, which may positively impact their satisfaction, happiness, and service delivery. Healthcare employees may feel disengaged for many reasons, including working in a high-stress environment, a lack of work-life balance, and burnout. Equally, healthcare facilities can take numerous steps to increase employee engagement, reaping the bene ..read more

Mistakes happen, we are all painfully aware of that fact. However, most mistakes with proficiency testing can be avoided with proper instruction, accurate data entry and organization. In fact, when it comes to the required proficiency events in a physician office laboratory, mistakes can even be costly. I use the word “costly” first because of the time and effort spent by testing personnel to remediate these events once failures occur and second in reference to the fees that can now be assigned due to event failures. For instance, as of January 2024, fees have been assigned to proficiency desk ..read more