Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Reduced patient pool, patient satisfaction could outweigh the easier payment process. With the threat of significant Medicare reimbursement reductions in 2010, your practice is not alone if you're debating about contracting with Medicare. The challenge: Before making any decisions that will affect your practice income and your patients, let our experts share the potential benefits and downfalls of a Medicare opt out. Know the Opt Out vs. Non-Par Difference "Opting out" of Medicare (or another payer contract) means removing your practice from the Medicare program. In this case, your practice can charge your patients whatever fee you set up for procedures and services, irrespective of Medicare's fees or coverage, says Barbara J. Cobuzzi, MBA, CPC, CENTC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CPCI, CHCC, president of CRN Healthcare Solutions, a coding and reimbursement consulting firm in Tinton Falls, N.J., and senior coder and auditor for The Coding Network. Beware: "Opting out of Medicare is [...]