Your Top Billing Questions Answered - April 2012 (HTML)
This month, CAFP answers the most common billing questions received over the past several months. 

Coding and Billing Changes - January 2010 (HTML | PDF)
It's the time of year to implement CPT updates.  Similarly, changes to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Physicians Fee Schedule (MPFS) are effective January 1, 2010. 

Collecting Outstanding A/R - April 2009 (HTML | PDF)
Accounts receivable (A/R) and collections are central components of your practice's revenue cycle.  Managing this cycle is more important than ever, given the current economic climate. 

Breaking the Mold: Profile of Gordon Moore, MD, Founder of the Ideal Medical Practice - November 2008 (HTML | PDF)
In 2001, after working in a group practice for 10 years, Gordon Moore, MD started a solo practice with no support staff inside 150 square feet of office space.   

Frustrated with California's New Medicare Contractor? - October 2008 (HTML | PDF)
Palmetto GBA recently won the contract to become the Jurisdiction 1 Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). On Sept. 2, 2008, California Part B (known as segment 3) transitioned to Palmetto.   

Avoid Claim Denials - August 2007 (HTML | PDF)
Insurance claim denials can be costly for any family medicine practice. Denials may lead to one of two different scenarios...

Billing Opportunities You Can't Afford To Miss - May 2006 (HTML | PDF)
How many times have you advised a patient to quit smoking and then devoted a good chunk of time explaining why and how they should do it?  Or spent from 5 to 10 minutes of your time reviewing and then signing either a certification or re-certification from a home health agency for one of your patients under their care...

Tips for Productive Billing and Prompt Payment - November 2005 (HTML | PDF)
It is estimated that only about 70 percent of claims submitted are processed and paid on the first submission.  That leaves an astounding 30 percent unprocessed or returned unpaid...

Evaluating a Billing Service - September 2005 (HTML | PDF)
With the rising costs associated with staff, and the inability to find experienced, responsible billing staff, it may be time to consider outsourcing your billing.  Billing services are a great solution for some practices, but can be a headache for others...

A Quick Check to Evaluate Your Billing Staff - July 2005 (HTML | PDF)
Before you set about to monitor and evaluate how well your billing staff is performing, remember this: your entire practice is the billing department. You depend on your receptionist, for example, to gather complete, up-to-date demographic and insurance information about the patients - and that's paramount to accurate claims submission...

Billing for Preventive Services - May 2005 (HTML | PDF)
Preventive medicine visits are an important part of any family medicine practice.  These visits often include additional services such as immunizations, screening studies/procedures and prevention counseling... 

Outsource Your Billing or Keep It In-House? - February 2005 (HTML | PDF)
Patient and insurance billing is a core function of any practice.  If run poorly, your practice will fail to thrive, or even die...