Little White-Coat Lies

From Newsweek:
Not telling your doctor about all the health products you’re taking, even if they seem innocuous, can be particularly risky. A study that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association in December shows that about one in 25 adults between the ages of 57-85 are putting themselves at risk for major drug [...]

Inspector general says rural multiple-ownership deal OK

From Modern Healthcare:
In a recent advisory opinion, the HHS’ inspector general’s office has blessed a proposed arrangement involving 23 physicians and podiatrists who own and operate a group practice while maintaining practices outside the group as well. In addition to passing the office’s antikickback inspection, the practice passed a CMS test in June last year [...]

Obama’s big idea: Digital health records

From CNN:
President-elect Barack Obama, as part of the effort to revive the economy, has proposed a massive effort to modernize health care by making all health records standardized and electronic.
Here’s the audacious plan: Computerize all health records within five years. The quality of health care for all Americans gets a big boost, and costs decline.
Only [...]

Coding Complexity

From Kevin MD:
What’s the difference between ICD codes 401 and 401.0 for hypertension?
Plenty, as Dr. Rob points out. It can mean the difference of whether the physician is paid for the visit or not. He points out more inane examples, such as a positive rapid strep test that gets paid when diagnosed as “pharyngitis,” [...]