Mark Painter

The regulations guiding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the establishment of the 2008 physician fee schedule remain unchanged for the most part.

Codes vary by cancer type, but liability for bladder Ca diagnosis rests with the doctor

Medicare has mandated a change from the current provider identification system to a new National Provider Identifier (NPI). The change will occur on May 23, 2007. This change is not an option, but is mandated for Medicare and, ultimately, all private payers that accept electronic claims.

Control of postoperative pain is usually considered follow-up care similar to wound care, removal of sutures, and other related services.

If possible, contracts based on straight percentage of Medicare should be avoided.

What is considered the usual postoperative bleeding time following a transurethral resection of the prostate?

If the conversion factor cut stands, urologists' Medicare income will decrease overall by about 5%.

What you discuss with patients and when you do it can make a difference in how you code