Hi all,

This has nothing to do with AC per se.

I am a solo family doc, 1 part time PA. Patient population is older, lots of psychosocial/depression/numerous chronic problems/etc. (Sound familiar?) Lots of prior auths/referrals/etc. Lots and lots of forms to fill out etc

Finances have been a struggle, reimbursements flat/expenses up/etc (Nobody else in this situation I'm sure.)

A local practice was bought out by a practice manager who claims that "Maximizing billing" will greatly increase revenue. This practice is looking for another physician, and is offfering considerably more than I am making now. The pitch is "Better billing will bring in lots more money without working harder."

I do not have many details, one example used was in-office spirometry.

My gut sense is that such an approach would push the legal and ethical limits, and create huge red flags inviting audits etc.

Anyone with experience in similar situations?

Anyone find a legitimate way to bring more money in? Locally we have seen physicians try to sell rx meds, sell vitamins, sell weight loss supplements, etc. I have trouble with spirometry etc, I see little useful medical need for this, I have enough trouble keeping symptomatic patients on inhalers, I see no clear benefit prescribing meds for relatively asymptomatic patients.

Thanks. Gene




Gene Nallin MD solo family practice with one PA Cumberland, Md