Legal, Finance, & Billing

Rethinking Medical Codes of Ethics: What Patients Teach Us
Karen ScullyMedical codes of ethics have traditionally listed standards of behavior for physicians in their care of patients. The American Medical Association lists nine principles, all of which begin with, “A physician shall…”1 These are formal professional standards and obligations, all related to the agency of the physician. In their book, “What Patients Teach, The Everyday Ethics of Health Care …
Karen Scully
Codes for Procedures
Medical Coding\Part 2 of 2 in a series Biopsies One of the most common codes you will use in dermatology is for skin biopsy. In most cases, you should use 11100 for the first biopsy (shave or punch) and 11101 for each additional biopsy. For example, if you perform five biopsies you would bill 11100 and 11101 with a quantity of four for a total of five. When shouldn’t you use these codes? - Use shave remo …
Medical Coding
The 411 on Medical Coding
Medical CodingThe importance of understanding coding cannot be understated. Knowing how to code well will ensure you get paid appropriately for what you do. It will also help you avoid/survive an audit, and make you more efficient at documenting. Unfortunately, coding is complicated and not intuitive. It is something you need to spend time studying and learning; look for sessions at conferences to help you beco …
Medical Coding
The Importance of Obtaining a Proper Informed Consent
signature consentObtaining a proper informed consent may be one of the best ways to protect oneself from undue litigation. In a study published in JAMA Dermatology1, approximately one-third of lawsuits stemming from injury sustained following laser surgery cited a failure to obtain a proper informed consent. All patients have the right to an informed consent. Informed consent is when a medical provider provides in …
signature consent
Consider Hiring a Practice Management Consultant
leader researchScott Beals, DO Dermatology Surgery Center-Crestview, Niceville, Andalusia Crestview, FL 1. The most important thing I learned from starting a practice 10yrs ago, make an investment and get a good practice management consultant 2. Too many areas to consider when starting a practice 3. Start an electronic medical record 4. Keep up with medicare and government regulations 5. Get a high qual …
leader research