Practice Management News and Education

You may have recently become aware of the Open Payments Program, previously called The Sunshine Act, through the California Medical Board and may be asking, “What is it and how does it affect my practice?”

Since California’s electronic prescribing mandate went into effect on January 1, 2022, many low-volume prescribers have found that securing a standalone e-prescribe platform or adding on e-prescribe as an electronic health record (EHR) feature has been costly, due to its monthly subscription costs and set-up fees.

If you are contemplating a change in your practice, please notify CAP as soon as possible so our Membership Services Department can review your options with you and make your coverage transition a smooth one. Changes include, but are not limited to: Retirement from practice at age 55+, part-time practice (e.g., 20 or fewer hours per week or 16 hours for anesthesiologists), or reduction or any change in the scope of your practice.

Starting January 2023, CAP members who receive their printed monthly statements via postal mail will be automatically enrolled in paperless billing to help reduce costs, and use of paper, on behalf of the entire membership.

Starting January 2023, CAP members who receive their printed monthly statements via postal mail will be automatically enrolled in paperless billing to help reduce costs, and use of paper, on behalf of the entire membership.

Practice staff are finding themselves with less time than ever before to complete day-to-day administrative tasks, including scheduling and confirming patient appointments. This is partially due to increased patient volumes and new administrative regulations, such as the No Surprise Billing Act that went into effect January 1 of this year.

CAP members can now sign up for paperless billing and enjoy the ease and convenience of managing their account online. Save time and money by easily opting in to receive statements via email, pay your bill online, and eliminate the need for another piece of mail.

Physician burnout continues to be a prevalent challenge in healthcare, with a substantial number of physicians reporting that with the additional challenges of COVID-19, increasing administrative duties, and new regulatory burdens, it is more difficult than ever to find time for themselves and their families.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule that includes timelines for when the patient is entitled to receive a GFE. It can depend greatly upon the patient's insurance status, the provider's insurance network status, and the type of care and location of the service.