GSS Insight - Physician Services Articles
Medical practice bankruptcies: What to know
Among the nearly 1.38 million bankruptcies filed in the United States in 2011 were a number of physicians and group medical practices. This trend is spurred by the rising cost of technology, decreasing reimbursements and uncertainty about the effects of healthcare reform.
Should you lease your practice to a hospital?
Private practice physicians face lower reimbursement rates, greater compliance requirements and pressure to adopt costly technology. Many consider selling to a hospital, but that isn't the only option. Doctors who want to remain independent may prefer to lease their practice.
'Special' audits reserved just for healthcare providers
Increasing healthcare costs and an aging population have the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services scrambling for ways to save money – not the least of which is recovering payments improperly made to hospitals, physicians and other providers.
Compensation has interesting regional variations
Which region of the country has the highest median physician compensation? The 2011 "Physician Compensation and Production Survey" revealed results that some will undoubtedly find unexpected. See how your area stacks up.
Pilot program simplifies reporting for incentives
As part of a new pilot program, professionals participating in the Medicare Electronic Health Record Incentive Program can report clinical quality measures electronically using certified technology for the 2012 payment year.
Doctors question adding new Medicare patients
When it comes to Medicare reimbursement rates, physicians should be prepared for anything. They face potential cuts estimated to be $300 billion over 10 years. Will doctors continue to accept Medicare patients? What are their options?
Time running out on HIPAA grace period
The grace period for complying with the new Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 5010 standard for electronic transactions will soon run out. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services delayed enforcement of the transition to March 31, 2012.
Medicare revalidation required as part of anti-fraud move
Unless you enrolled in Medicare after March 24, 2011, you will be required to revalidate your Medicare enrollment information. The mandate is part of an anti-fraud initiative included in the health reform law.
Financial health declines at many small practices
There are positives and negatives to practicing medicine. In a survey of small practices, 41 percent of physicians reported a decline in the practice's financial health in 2011. Another 31 percent reported increased practice management costs. But there were many positives too.
Certification for incentive now easier
The requirements have eased needed for healthcare professionals to receive an additional 0.5 percent incentive under the Maintenance of Certification Program.
Learn how to earn the bonus.
Tired of working? Five exit strategies
Every business owner, including owners of medical practices, needs an exit strategy. When you decide the time has come for you to move on, you will need to have the answers to two questions: How will you get your money out of the practice, and how much will you get?
Incentive programs change for physicians in 2012
Some Physician Quality Reporting System incentive program changes in 2012 are designed to align with other Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services quality reporting programs. New reporting measures also have been introduced.
Graduating doctors have no unemployment concerns
While unemployment is a big problem on many fronts, it definitely isn't when it comes to doctors. Medical students in their last year of residency are being recruited for as many as 100 open positions, according to a new study.
Study: Some doctors see 150 patients a week
Have you wondered whether you're carrying a heavier load than the average physician? You may be surprised by the results of a 2011 physician survey conducted by Medscape that shows how doctors across the country spend their time.