Usage of modifier 22 (increased procedural services) by you and your peers dropped 11% from 2005 to 2007, while Medicare denials of claims using the modifier steadily increased by more than two percentage points over that time, according to a Part B News analysis of CMS claims data.

The Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (PPAC) grilled CMS on its plans to use physician resource use reports that measure cost for individual physicians to the Medicare program. PPAC members believe the reports  could hurt practices if they are publicized, especially if information is incorrect.

You should not have received any demand letters or record requests from Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) since March 2008, CMS officials said during a June 1 meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Committee (PPAC).

This chart shows how Medicare spending has changed from 2007 to 2008 by category. Categories are based on the Berenson-Eggers Type of Service (BETOS) system; data comes from an April 2009 report by the AMA called "Estimated change in SGR spending from 2007 to 2008."

Approximately $20 billion will be appropriated through the act to help physicians, medical practices, hospitals, states, and some healthcare vendors adopt information technology that will be used meaningfully. What does this mean for you and your practice?

The primary care group’s move toward the medical home model began in 2007, when it became clear that physician payments would move away from the traditional fee-for-service model and toward value-based primary care services, emphasizing preventive and proactive care.

: Beginning with EMR adoption in 2002, Southwest Medical Associates has continually sought to leverage technology to make its daily operations smoother, more cost-effective, and safer for patients, says Marcia Anderson, RN, BS, CCM, CDMS, vice president and chief nursing officer at the 250-provider multispecialty group.

Research has shown that remaining in the market will help facilities stay ahead of the game when the economy turns around, says Robert Rosenberg, president of Brand & Creative Strategy, Ltd., in Arlington Heights, IL. “Inevitably, it will turn around,” Rosenberg says.

The Hippocratic Oath, taken by aspiring physicians as they finish medical school, has become controversial during the past several decades, as it addresses issues such as abortion and euthanasia. However, its underlying premise has remained intact for centuries: protect and promote the health of patients and the public.

Although experts predict this global recession will continue at least into the next few years, exactly how long it will last remains unclear. However, what is known is that ensuring a strong financial future for yourself will mean taking a cautious, well-thought-out approach.