Practice Management Resources
Practice Forms
The Academy has developed new, free resources to assist members who wish to simplify office procedures and save time and money. Sample office registration forms are now available to AAN members along with short instructional videos on how to create and use the forms.
Log in to access the forms and view the instructional videos.
Coding Audio Conferences
The Academy is helping members take some of the confusion out of coding. The 2009 Coding Audio Conferences review proper coding in common circumstances, helping participants to code with greater precision. Coding experts will present four audio conferences on:
- CPT Coding for Neurologic Procedures
- Avoid Coding Pitfalls and Reduce Claim Denials
- ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Coding for Neurologists and an Introduction to ICD-10-CM
- E/M: Minimize Mistakes, Maximize Reimbursement.
Each audio conference is one hour and offers one AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Obtain more information and register online
External and Internal Audits
In a follow-up to the internal billing audit brochure, the AAN and the AMA have again partnered to create an external audit brochure guiding physicians through a retrospective health plan audit.
The internal billing audit brochure will help you learn the steps to performing an internal audit in your office. Identify incorrect billing patterns before the claims are denied or outside auditors assess penalties.
The AMA's Private Sector Advocacy group collaborates with medical societies and develops tools for physicians. The AMA developed a new flyer entitled How to Appeal Inappropriate Health Plan Claim Denials (.pdf). AMA members can access the complete Claims Management Resource Kit.
Get timely information about managing your business office from Neurology Today articles written by leading experts in practice management.
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- Stipends for Stroke Call Create New Pressures, Demands on Neurologists (.pdf)
- As Public Expectation for TPA Grows, So Too Do Lawsuits; How Neurologists Can Reduce Malpractice Risks (.pdf)
Claims Processing Forms
Most neurology practices could benefit from improved claims processing efficiency. The AAN is part of a specialty society coalition that meets with insurers to increase communication and collaboration. A committee representing physicians, health plans, and hospitals developed tools to help with claim delays and denials.
- Coordination of Benefits: Tips for Reducing Payment Delays and Improving Accounts Receivable (.pdf)
- Claim Correction Form (.pdf)
- Improving Claims Processing and Payment: A Self-Assessment Tool for Providers (.pdf)
Physician Extenders
With just so many hours in a day, how do neurologists squeeze in more patients without feeling like they're skimping on quality and patient safety? Adding another neurologist to a practice is one answer, but it can be a lengthy and expensive—and perhaps unnecessary—solution.
As today's health care delivery system evolves, all levels of professionals are learning that a "team" approach is both efficient and effective for providing quality patient care. Neurologists are increasingly using nurse practitioners and physician assistants (non-physician providers, or NPPs) to broaden the availability of neurological services.
Physician Extenders (.pdf)