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Don’t Forget to Order the Sausage
Now that I have your attention… My husband is the ninth of nine children so Thanksgiving is quite a production. At least two BIG turkeys, 25 lbs of potatoes, and stuffing that requires 15 lbs of a type of garlic and cheese sausage only available at a local family owned butcher shop (that requires two weeks notice to prepare). Guess who is in charge of the mashed potatoes…
Tracking Referrals
If you are not aware, one of the biggest shifts in private practice over the last 5-7 years has been referral sources. In reviewing metrics with my private consulting practices we often find the “referring physicians” bucket (at one time the largest) to be now among the smallest. . . It is no surprise with so many…
A Good Problem to Have
In the past few weeks, I have been helping my practices solve what I believe to be a good problem: an abundance of new patients. A healthy podiatry practice treats at least 20% new patients a month. With scheduling rules and a methodically planned appointment calendar, there should not be an issue with maximizing each encounter. But, what…
Using “dead-air” to Educate
I’ve said it a thousand times and I’ll say it again… Your patients think you treat only what they presented for… so educate them. Use the “dead air” during routine foot care visits to talk about something other than the weather. Casually mention the cute little boy who just left who was so excited to run…
Using “dead-air” to Educate
I’ve said it a thousand times and I’ll say it again… Your patients think you treat only what they presented for… so educate them. Use the “dead air” during routine foot care visits to talk about something other than the weather. Casually mention the cute little boy who just left who was so excited to run…
Government Shutdown and CMS
Last week, I received an email from a long-term practice asking my thoughts on the government shutdown. In a nutshell, here is what is said: Dr. _____ is concerned about the Medicare shut down and what we should do to prepare in regard to payments. Do you have any suggestions on this? Do we get money up…
Another Year, Another Raise?
Last week I spoke with an office manager about a long term employee (4 years- yes, that’s long term now. . . ) who was “up for a raise.” The manager opened the conversation by describing the employee’s recent outburst during a staff meeting where she stormed out of the office. The cause of the outburst; the practice recently moved…
Not All are Keen to Modern Technology
Seems like an obvious statement, right? But it’s true and could be negatively affecting your schedule and your patients’ trust. For years now we have been utilizing automated systems for patient reminders, newsletters, and other practice communications and it has been a tremendous help. For one, automatic reminders have freed up staff to care for patients…
Payer Related Changes and Updates that Can Negatively Affect your Income
Recently, a few of my practices have experienced major delays in payment due to payer system changes and updates. To be specific, one that had been billing under an individual NPI (for ten plus years) to Blue Cross learned that this was no longer acceptable and had to be changed to the group number. Shortly after receiving this information…
Making Less by Working More
The insurance “game” has ever changing “rules” and is more and more difficult to play… well, play well. There are no “cheats” to get to the next level. The only certainty in dealing with insurance carriers is clearly stated while you wait on hold; “Approval is not a guarantee of payment.” Years ago (almost a…