tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 Maximizing productivity and office management. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32548 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

At this point, I am certain everyone is aware of the CPT codes for billing acupuncture. However, there have been some recent cases where it is clear that not everyone is following the clear-cut rules on how to define and use these codes. Depending on your state laws, not properly coding can result in billing delay or denial, fines for wrong coding and fraud investigation.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM At this point, I am certain everyone is aware of the CPT codes for billing acupuncture. However, there have been some recent cases where it is clear that not everyone is following the clear-cut rules on how to define and use these codes. Depending on your state laws, not properly coding can result in billing delay or denial, fines for wrong coding and fraud investigation. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32536 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

There are lots of applications and devices out there for the acupuncturist-on-the-go. From general phone apps to help you get organized, to more specific apps made for acupuncturists and students of TCM, we'll take a look at some that can help make your job a little easier. Please note: a lot of this information is about iPhone and iPad apps. I do not work for Apple; I just like their products. You can also find PC versions and Android apps.

By Denise Cicuto, LAc There are lots of applications and devices out there for the acupuncturist-on-the-go. From general phone apps to help you get organized, to more specific apps made for acupuncturists and students of TCM, we'll take a look at some that can help make your job a little easier. Please note: a lot of this information is about iPhone and iPad apps. I do not work for Apple; I just like their products. You can also find PC versions and Android apps. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32535 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

While going through a pile of papers on my desk I came across a marketing newsletter for publishers from 1999! Although now a relic from the pre-digital age, I had marked up one article on direct mail advertising with a highlighter and copious scribbled notes, so it obviously held some interest at the time. Glancing through the article, I discovered that despite the change in the delivery system (now email, social media, or website advertising instead of print-based offers) much of the advice was still relevant.

By Honora Lee Wolfe, Dipl. Ac. While going through a pile of papers on my desk I came across a marketing newsletter for publishers from 1999! Although now a relic from the pre-digital age, I had marked up one article on direct mail advertising with a highlighter and copious scribbled notes, so it obviously held some interest at the time. Glancing through the article, I discovered that despite the change in the delivery system (now email, social media, or website advertising instead of print-based offers) much of the advice was still relevant. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32528 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

This past September marked my 13th anniversary of being a New York State licensed acupuncturist. I have seen and learned much since the first day I inserted an acupuncture needle for pay.

By Lawrence Howard, LAc, MSAc This past September marked my 13th anniversary of being a New York State licensed acupuncturist. I have seen and learned much since the first day I inserted an acupuncture needle for pay. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32526 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Many of you treat children -- at least your own children. You might treat a relative's or neighbor's child too. It's one thing to treat a child you know, but how do you approach and treat a child that's not your own? What do you do when things don't go smoothly? How do you handle children or parents that are non-compliant or difficult to work with? There are plenty of resources available on how to treat the pediatric health conditions, so here are some ideas on how to handle the practical aspects of pediatric acupuncture practice.

By Robin Green, MTCM, LAc Many of you treat children -- at least your own children. You might treat a relative's or neighbor's child too. It's one thing to treat a child you know, but how do you approach and treat a child that's not your own? What do you do when things don't go smoothly? How do you handle children or parents that are non-compliant or difficult to work with? There are plenty of resources available on how to treat the pediatric health conditions, so here are some ideas on how to handle the practical aspects of pediatric acupuncture practice. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32509 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

We have all had them - the patients we have personal difficulty working with. The ones that inspire us to inadvertently wince when we see their names on the schedule, or spontaneously pause and inhale before entering treatment rooms. With some we even sigh with relief as they leave. They may be complainers, perhaps they smell bad, and sometimes they are too effusively filled with gratitude. Maybe they just rub us the wrong way or aren't the sort of people we would have in our lives if they weren't laying on treatment tables in our offices. We can't naturally like everybody, though we do our best with them all.

By Felice Dunas, PhD We have all had them - the patients we have personal difficulty working with. The ones that inspire us to inadvertently wince when we see their names on the schedule, or spontaneously pause and inhale before entering treatment rooms. With some we even sigh with relief as they leave. They may be complainers, perhaps they smell bad, and sometimes they are too effusively filled with gratitude. Maybe they just rub us the wrong way or aren't the sort of people we would have in our lives if they weren't laying on treatment tables in our offices. We can't naturally like everybody, though we do our best with them all. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32506 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that acupuncture is enjoying a remarkable degree of acceptance as a viable from of therapy all around the world from both the general public and modern medicine practitioners; the bad news is that many acupuncturists are struggling and failing to earn a living providing this therapy. This makes no sense. Why should it be that so many acupuncturists are failing in their practices at the same time the resistance to acupuncture's clinical value is finally crumbling? And - what can be done about this?

By Matthew Bauer, LAc I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is that acupuncture is enjoying a remarkable degree of acceptance as a viable from of therapy all around the world from both the general public and modern medicine practitioners; the bad news is that many acupuncturists are struggling and failing to earn a living providing this therapy. This makes no sense. Why should it be that so many acupuncturists are failing in their practices at the same time the resistance to acupuncture's clinical value is finally crumbling? And - what can be done about this? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32477 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Here is a list of the top 10 money mistakes a practitioner can make that can have an effect on their overall business. Make a note of them and try to avoid these common pitfalls by learning how to make better choices when it comes to your business funds.

By Stanley Greenfield, RHU Here is a list of the top 10 money mistakes a practitioner can make that can have an effect on their overall business. Make a note of them and try to avoid these common pitfalls by learning how to make better choices when it comes to your business funds. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32476 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

I don't know about you, but I am feeling very stressed right now. There is too much going on (yang) and not enough quiet time (yin) in my life to compensate for the activity. I am stretching myself, filling my life with a bit too much of a bit too much. Apparently I'm not alone because when I googled the question "How do I deal with my stress?" there were 584 million results. That's as many results as there are people on the North American continent: Canada, the U.S. and Mexico!

By Felice Dunas, PhD I don't know about you, but I am feeling very stressed right now. There is too much going on (yang) and not enough quiet time (yin) in my life to compensate for the activity. I am stretching myself, filling my life with a bit too much of a bit too much. Apparently I'm not alone because when I googled the question "How do I deal with my stress?" there were 584 million results. That's as many results as there are people on the North American continent: Canada, the U.S. and Mexico! tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32475 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Presumably you speak the same language as your patients do. Still, communicating about pain can be difficult. There's more to it than finding out if the pain is sharp, dull, stabbing, throbbing, constant, coming and going, hot, cold, etc. There may be even more to it than asking whether or not the pain interferes with the patient's daily activities. There are some alternate pain scales and ideas that can be helpful when our patients are trying to communicate with us about pain.

By Denise Cicuto, LAc Presumably you speak the same language as your patients do. Still, communicating about pain can be difficult. There's more to it than finding out if the pain is sharp, dull, stabbing, throbbing, constant, coming and going, hot, cold, etc. There may be even more to it than asking whether or not the pain interferes with the patient's daily activities. There are some alternate pain scales and ideas that can be helpful when our patients are trying to communicate with us about pain. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32473 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

I have written many times now about the importance of good, clear, complete documentation. No doubt it is a pain - it takes up time and energy we would all rather put toward patient care. But, there is really no choice - the standard of care and the new healthcare laws require a higher level of documentation. Electronic medical record software will very soon not even be an option, but a requirement for being in practice.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM I have written many times now about the importance of good, clear, complete documentation. No doubt it is a pain - it takes up time and energy we would all rather put toward patient care. But, there is really no choice - the standard of care and the new healthcare laws require a higher level of documentation. Electronic medical record software will very soon not even be an option, but a requirement for being in practice. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32471 2011-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Open your local phone book and you'll find that you have lots of competition from other acupuncturists and healers with various backgrounds and modalities, traditional doctors, and more. That's the bad news. But the good news is that every acupuncturist is unique and offers something different. No matter how much competition you might have, you can still find a few ways to stand out from the crowd.

By Jeffrey Grossman, LAc Open your local phone book and you'll find that you have lots of competition from other acupuncturists and healers with various backgrounds and modalities, traditional doctors, and more. That's the bad news. But the good news is that every acupuncturist is unique and offers something different. No matter how much competition you might have, you can still find a few ways to stand out from the crowd. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32464 2011-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

An RN friend of mine recently had a tough time trying to persuade her M.D. husband to go to the emergency room after he broke his arm. Surprising? Well yes, considering her husband formerly chaired a department at one of the nation's top medical schools. Years ago, I remember catching a doctor buddy of mine trying to open zits on his face with an unsterilized safety pin.

By Pamela Ellen Ferguson, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM), AOBTA(R) and GSD-CI, LMT (TX) An RN friend of mine recently had a tough time trying to persuade her M.D. husband to go to the emergency room after he broke his arm. Surprising? Well yes, considering her husband formerly chaired a department at one of the nation's top medical schools. Years ago, I remember catching a doctor buddy of mine trying to open zits on his face with an unsterilized safety pin. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32462 2011-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

I've had the privilege to be in practice for just over 15 years now. I love my profession, I enjoy what I do, and I look forward to caring for my patients every day. I find my practice to be challenging and exciting with new patients and new interesting cases to work with. Of course, there are days when the practice is frustrating, but I think that is just part of this life. I am very blessed to go to work every day.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM I've had the privilege to be in practice for just over 15 years now. I love my profession, I enjoy what I do, and I look forward to caring for my patients every day. I find my practice to be challenging and exciting with new patients and new interesting cases to work with. Of course, there are days when the practice is frustrating, but I think that is just part of this life. I am very blessed to go to work every day. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32457 2011-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

In case you had forgotten that you aren't alone in your fumblings as a practitioner, I thought I would write another piece on mistakes that I have made with patients. Many columns ago, I shared with you treatments that didn't work because, simply, I made needling related mistakes. If you missed that one and are excited to read how, after decades in practice, a competent practitioner could mess up, it is in the Acupuncture Today archives. It's not that I am excited about you seeing the under belly of my practice. But, if my sharing how I have fine-tuned my work helps you save time and mistakes, then baring all is worth it. We aren't alone when we mess up. We share our humanity.

By Felice Dunas, PhD In case you had forgotten that you aren't alone in your fumblings as a practitioner, I thought I would write another piece on mistakes that I have made with patients. Many columns ago, I shared with you treatments that didn't work because, simply, I made needling related mistakes. If you missed that one and are excited to read how, after decades in practice, a competent practitioner could mess up, it is in the Acupuncture Today archives. It's not that I am excited about you seeing the under belly of my practice. But, if my sharing how I have fine-tuned my work helps you save time and mistakes, then baring all is worth it. We aren't alone when we mess up. We share our humanity. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32454 2011-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

There are things I never thought I'd let an acupuncturist do to me. When I first started seeing an acupuncturist five years ago, I had a list of procedures and points that were off the table. Not only did I imagine that many procedures would be painful, but I also didn't know enough about them to consider them anything other than strange. I would not allow cupping, bleeding, tuina or scraping. The list of points I refused to consider included anything on my face, all points that required significant disrobing and any point that I thought might really hurt. I also refused herbs with "yucky" ingredients in the formula. In short, I was an acupuncturist's nightmare patient.

By Constance Scharff, PhD There are things I never thought I'd let an acupuncturist do to me. When I first started seeing an acupuncturist five years ago, I had a list of procedures and points that were off the table. Not only did I imagine that many procedures would be painful, but I also didn't know enough about them to consider them anything other than strange. I would not allow cupping, bleeding, tuina or scraping. The list of points I refused to consider included anything on my face, all points that required significant disrobing and any point that I thought might really hurt. I also refused herbs with "yucky" ingredients in the formula. In short, I was an acupuncturist's nightmare patient. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32448 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

I spent eight months studying in Asia, at three different hospitals and several private clinics - all of which counted towards my license. I participated in the apprenticeship program, which has since been removed as an option. Instead of spending three to four years pursuing my Master's degree in an accredited acupuncture school, I spent a year and a half in school. One year under the tutelage of a mentor, and eight months studying abroad. An eclectic educational background allowed me to see a lot of variations of bedside manners. I have received acupuncture in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and America, and can easily say that bedside manner means something different in every culture.

By Joni Renee Zalk I spent eight months studying in Asia, at three different hospitals and several private clinics - all of which counted towards my license. I participated in the apprenticeship program, which has since been removed as an option. Instead of spending three to four years pursuing my Master's degree in an accredited acupuncture school, I spent a year and a half in school. One year under the tutelage of a mentor, and eight months studying abroad. An eclectic educational background allowed me to see a lot of variations of bedside manners. I have received acupuncture in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and America, and can easily say that bedside manner means something different in every culture. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32441 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Buildings have them. Martial artists and Tai Chi practitioners also have them—a solid foundation on which to build. The foundation of any private practice is built upon a steady flow of new patients. To grow a thriving practice, you have to build and foster every single patient relationship in such a way that your current patients will want to continue to work with you—and also refer new patients to you. This may sound simple, but it's a crucial concept that should not be overlooked if you want to succeed in practice and reach your goals. How do you go about creating these relationships? Read on...

By Jeffrey Grossman, LAc Buildings have them. Martial artists and Tai Chi practitioners also have them—a solid foundation on which to build. The foundation of any private practice is built upon a steady flow of new patients. To grow a thriving practice, you have to build and foster every single patient relationship in such a way that your current patients will want to continue to work with you—and also refer new patients to you. This may sound simple, but it's a crucial concept that should not be overlooked if you want to succeed in practice and reach your goals. How do you go about creating these relationships? Read on... tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32440 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Kids love acupuncture. I swear its true! Right now pediatric acupuncture is gaining momentum as many parents realize that acupuncture is a natural, safe and effective treatment not only for themselves, but for their children too.

By Robin Green, MTCM, LAc Kids love acupuncture. I swear its true! Right now pediatric acupuncture is gaining momentum as many parents realize that acupuncture is a natural, safe and effective treatment not only for themselves, but for their children too. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32438 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

I am spending a considerable amount of time with phone calls particularly with physicians whom I have referred or have been referred a patient. There are also instances that I may spend 15-30 minutes with a patient on the phone to discuss specific issues of their care or case. Am I able to bill for the time I spend time on the phone?

By Samuel A. Collins I am spending a considerable amount of time with phone calls particularly with physicians whom I have referred or have been referred a patient. There are also instances that I may spend 15-30 minutes with a patient on the phone to discuss specific issues of their care or case. Am I able to bill for the time I spend time on the phone? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32428 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

We are taught how to be great healers and connect with people over and over in school. Once we begin to treat people, a special bond forms and our healing skills are brought to another. Somehow when we go to convey that message to a prospective patient, we get tripped up. We are taught to be humble, we are here to serve.

By Anne C. Crowley, LAc, DiplAc, MBA We are taught how to be great healers and connect with people over and over in school. Once we begin to treat people, a special bond forms and our healing skills are brought to another. Somehow when we go to convey that message to a prospective patient, we get tripped up. We are taught to be humble, we are here to serve. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32424 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

In a restaurant, we are given a menu and expected to make a choice about what we want to eat. Once we choose the chicken, we are denying the salmon, the beef and the bouillabaisse, yet we are usually not conscious of this denial. We are only aware of the fact that we are going to have the chicken. For some, there may be regret that we didn't choose the beef because it was just delivered to the table next door and it looks so good, but still the awareness is limited to either one or the other and not the whole picture.

By Andrew Rader, LAc, MS In a restaurant, we are given a menu and expected to make a choice about what we want to eat. Once we choose the chicken, we are denying the salmon, the beef and the bouillabaisse, yet we are usually not conscious of this denial. We are only aware of the fact that we are going to have the chicken. For some, there may be regret that we didn't choose the beef because it was just delivered to the table next door and it looks so good, but still the awareness is limited to either one or the other and not the whole picture. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32418 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

In order to be successful you must walk the tight rope of gratitude, humility and pride. As a practitioner, you have already accomplished so much for your patients, your community and your culture. Now it's time to be real about it. Students can also find much to be proud about in their career/passion undertaking. Both practitioners and students don't have to look far to see the positive influence they have had on others.

By Felice Dunas, PhD In order to be successful you must walk the tight rope of gratitude, humility and pride. As a practitioner, you have already accomplished so much for your patients, your community and your culture. Now it's time to be real about it. Students can also find much to be proud about in their career/passion undertaking. Both practitioners and students don't have to look far to see the positive influence they have had on others. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32417 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

When you start out in acupuncture, there are many questions to answer about how and where you are going to practice. Will you rent an acupuncture office by yourself or will you share one with other people? Will you rent from someone or to other people? Will you have a home office? If you share an office, will you share it only with other acupuncturists or other health care professionals in an integrative medicine setting? or will you take your acupuncture practice to the sea and do acupuncture on a cruise ship?

By Denise Cicuto, LAc When you start out in acupuncture, there are many questions to answer about how and where you are going to practice. Will you rent an acupuncture office by yourself or will you share one with other people? Will you rent from someone or to other people? Will you have a home office? If you share an office, will you share it only with other acupuncturists or other health care professionals in an integrative medicine setting? or will you take your acupuncture practice to the sea and do acupuncture on a cruise ship? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32412 2011-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Thirty two years ago, while reading a classical Chinese medical text, I found more practical wisdom about leadership than I have since found in a lifetime of teaching and advising leaders.

By Nancy Post, MAc, PhD Thirty two years ago, while reading a classical Chinese medical text, I found more practical wisdom about leadership than I have since found in a lifetime of teaching and advising leaders. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32407 2011-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, I had a friend who had a request for a substantial sum of money to be refunded for infrared heat, 97026, as he billed and was paid for multiple units. My friend was confused on billing units for physical medicine services and asked "can I bill services such as heat, electrical stimulation, massage etc. for multiple units?"

By Samuel A. Collins Recently, I had a friend who had a request for a substantial sum of money to be refunded for infrared heat, 97026, as he billed and was paid for multiple units. My friend was confused on billing units for physical medicine services and asked "can I bill services such as heat, electrical stimulation, massage etc. for multiple units?" tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32406 2011-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

The current trend in healthcare is electronic record-keeping. At this time you can find over a dozen different software programs to help you generate or keep patient records. I have written many times in this column about the importance of keeping clear and accurate records. I will be the first to admit that all that paperwork is a pain, but it is nonetheless vitally important to maintain clear, concise, contemporaneous records of your patient care. Many of the electronic health record programs out there tout "quick and easy" recording of patient information – but is "quick and easy" the same as "accurate and appropriate?"

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM The current trend in healthcare is electronic record-keeping. At this time you can find over a dozen different software programs to help you generate or keep patient records. I have written many times in this column about the importance of keeping clear and accurate records. I will be the first to admit that all that paperwork is a pain, but it is nonetheless vitally important to maintain clear, concise, contemporaneous records of your patient care. Many of the electronic health record programs out there tout "quick and easy" recording of patient information – but is "quick and easy" the same as "accurate and appropriate?" tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32405 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

Pain is a difficult condition to live with. Unfortunately, for many of my patients, this affliction is a daily challenge they have to endure. Acupuncture can provide significant benefits to these patients by lessening symptoms as well as increasing functionality. Even within the realm of clinical research, there are progressively more studies that support acupuncture for pain therapy.

By Julie T. Chen, MD Pain is a difficult condition to live with. Unfortunately, for many of my patients, this affliction is a daily challenge they have to endure. Acupuncture can provide significant benefits to these patients by lessening symptoms as well as increasing functionality. Even within the realm of clinical research, there are progressively more studies that support acupuncture for pain therapy. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32404 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, I met the human resources assistant for a local manufacturing business which has over 2,000 employees spread out over two locations - both within 15 minutes of where I live and work.

By Joni Renee Zalk Recently, I met the human resources assistant for a local manufacturing business which has over 2,000 employees spread out over two locations - both within 15 minutes of where I live and work. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32397 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

One of the greatest challenges in medicine is treating the cancer patient. Successful treatment often involves bringing to bear many different modalities to restore health, a multi-disciplinary model followed regularly in Asia - where acupuncture, nutrition, exercise, hyperthermia, and herbal medicine are often combined with the more commonly accepted Western modalities of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

By Harvey Kaltsas, AP, Dipl. Ac., Past President, AAAOM One of the greatest challenges in medicine is treating the cancer patient. Successful treatment often involves bringing to bear many different modalities to restore health, a multi-disciplinary model followed regularly in Asia - where acupuncture, nutrition, exercise, hyperthermia, and herbal medicine are often combined with the more commonly accepted Western modalities of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.