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Most of us are familiar with the adage “knowledge is power,” generally attributed to English philosopher Francis Bacon. Fewer have heard the anonymous saying “Learning is like rowing upstream: advance or lose all.”
Not only are today's neurologists charged with staying proficient in our fields to ensure the highest levels of patient care, we are also tasked with staying attuned to constantly changing health care models, quality assurance requirements, and legal constraints affecting our practices. This issue of Neurology® Clinical Practice provides real-world knowledge to help neurologists navigate the ever-changing practice currents.
In his article on how to work with insurance companies, Joel Kaufman (p. 448) reveals several strategies that neurologists in all practice settings can employ to facilitate communication and maximize reimbursement.
Marc Nuwer (p. 430) offers a detailed overview of chronic care management requirements and explains how neurologists can use the associated billing codes. Editorialists Satya-Murti and Busis (p. 371) explain the benefits of authorized reimbursement for non-face-to-face outpatient encounters as a means to “markedly transform management for patients with chronic neurologic conditions by improving access to timely and affordable care.”
In a 3-part series on “How neurologists are paid,” Donofrio et al (p. 397, p. 405, p. 412) provide specifics about the Medicaid payment system; private practice, academic, and nonclinical activities; and hospital and research roles. In their concluding statement, the authors remind us that “[r]eimbursement and compensation…should not supersede obligations to care for patients with neurologic disorders.”
We welcome your feedback and personal experiences on these timely practice issues.
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John R. Corboy, MD, FAAN