When HHS extended the deadline for converting to ICD-10, physician practices breathed a sigh of relief. But don't be misled by the new October 1, 2013, deadline.

Three clinics that don't take insurance, file for it, or get paid by it. Their patients pay cash, but they don't fit the wealthy profile you might assume.

As hospitalists continue to see steady increases in their compensation, hospital CFOs need to consider whether employing or outsourcing for such services is the best option for their facility, both in terms of financial viability as well as improved quality of care. With a physician shortage, there's a growing need for more physicians and a body of evidence suggesting hospital medicine physicians could be a great source of revenue for those short any doctors. Be it through employment or contract agreements, in the past few years, the need for hospitalists has increased in both demand and popularity, according to the Society for Hospital Medicine.

Orienting hospitalists involves more than just providing new hires with a badge, showing them where the ED is, and sending them on their merry way. The following are tips medical directors can use to ensure a smooth transition.

The fallout is just beginning in Maryland over the state's highest court's decision in January that upheld a state law prohibiting physicians from referring patients for MRI, CT, and radiation therapy services to providers in their own group practice.

We've all heard the saying "Great leaders are made, not born." But how does one make a leader? It's a complicated recipe, but it involves one part self-education, one part ­opportunity, and one part mentorship. For medical staff professionals who want to move up the ladder, the first place to start is by educating yourself about leadership principles.

Physicians are enthusiastic about patient quality improvement initiatives while supporting frameworks for increased electronic health record adoption and accountable care organizations (ACO), according to the 2011 HealthLeaders Media Industry Survey.