By Carole C. Foos, CPA, Jason O'Dell

If you think medicine is a difficult business today, “you ain’t seen nothing yet.” You are about to face your largest financial challenge ever. There is an approaching confluence of events that could have a significant financial impact on most doctors – unless you do something to protect yourself.

Medicare reimbursement cutbacks will reduce the income of most doctors. Even if you don’t treat Medicare patients, you are not immune to this cut. If your private insurance contracts offer you some percentage (say 120%) of Medicare, a cut in Medicare reimbursements will lower your insurance reimbursements. In addition, the healthcare overhaul the President is promoting will further reduce physician income. On top of both of these “gross” income reducing events, there are is a significant “net” income reducing threat that shouldn’t be ignored.

By Catherine Kowalski, RN

This brief article outlines some of the key reasons an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) could face scheduling problems. By identifying and addressing scheduling conflicts and issues, ASCs can improve their system and increase cases at their facility.

By Jeff Moffatt, CPA, CVA

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) is set to replace the ICD-9 system of coding as of October 1, 2013. Although this change is still a few years off, the healthcare industry is already starting to get prepared for what this new system will entail. This article will describe the ICD coding system and some of the changes that we will see between ICD-9 and ICD-10.

By Debra Robinson

Anyone who files claims with Medicare will be subject to review by the Medicare RACs. This includes physicians, hospitals, home health agencies, and Durable Medical Equipment providers.

By Jeff Moffatt, CPA, CVA

Best practices for receiving payment for assistance with a surgical procedure.

By Jeff Moffatt, CPA, CVA

Relying on the assets of a practice to determine its value.

By Jeff Moffatt, CPA, CVA

Using the income approach in valuing a medical practice.

By Jeff Moffatt, CPA, CVA

A description of the market approach to valuing a medical practice.

By Jeff Moffatt, CPA, CVA

The value of a practice can depend on why it is being valued.

By Jeff Moffatt, CPA, CVA

Some tips for reviewing your billing and coding practices.