Getting Paid Today: Challenges and Opportunities for Independent Practices

New legislation, as well as changes in patient expectations, present a host of challenges and opportunities for getting paid for service this year.

Unlike the previous time-based options, which required that 50% or greater of the visit be spent on counseling and coordination of care, the new guidelines include total time spent by the provider related to the visit.

This time includes non-face-to-face time spent on the day of the visit performing activities such as reviewing tests, obtaining or reviewing history, performing exams or evaluations, counseling and education of the patient/family/caregiver, and ordering medications, tests, or procedures.

The bottom line is that things are changing rapidly, and independent practices need to stay updated and aware if they are to avoid pitfalls and take advantage of new possibilities for getting paid today.