Creating a Lean Practice

Scott Endsley, Michael K. Magill, Marjorie M. Godfrey

A highly efficient practice is within your reach if you’re willing to examine your processes and ruthlessly eliminate waste.

Outpatient vs. Inpatient Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Mark H. Ebell

Using a clinical prediction tool at the point of care will help you choose which course is best for your patient.

Using a Simple Patient Registry to Improve Your Chronic Disease Care

David D. Ortiz

Who needs an EHR? Software you already have can help you make sure your patients get the care they need.

Same-Day E/M Services: What to Do When a Health Plan Won’t Pay

Cindy Hughes

These ideas will help you deal with the difficult consequences of this common policy.

Can Your Patients Afford the Medications You Prescribe?

Richard J. Sagall

Patient adherence may depend on the answer to this question, so it must be asked.

How Do You Cope With Bundled Claims?

Robert Edsall

Don’t cheat yourself. That’s the health plan’s job.

Reinventing Family Medicine

Sanford J. Brown

Redefinition is the first step toward reinvigoration.

Should you cut out the middle plan?

Level-IV visits

Correction

NEWS & TRENDS

Family medicine sees small gains in filling residency positions | Work setting affects physicians' quality of work life | Physicians urged to prepare now for 2006-2007 flu season | Coalition aims to reduce physicians' administrative hassles | 99214s on the rise

CODING & DOCUMENTATION

Cindy Hughes

List the chief diagnosis code first | Consultation or subsequent care in hospital rehab unit? | New vs. established patients | Acupuncture | Psychotherapy | Managing home INR draws | E/M + trigger point injections | Swing bed stays | When to use 99361

PRACTICE PEARLS

Mark Needham, Sarah Yonder, Henry F. Domke, Cheryl Iverson

Know when to ask for help | Send reminders for needed lab work | Encourage appropriate dress in your office | ED work and opting out of Medicare | Promote patient education with podcasts | Show your appreciation for your staff

Turning Frustration Into Fulfillment

Sweety Jain

When we invite our patients to be part of the solution, even difficult encounters can become rewarding.