The following is a list of resources referenced in The Physician’s Action Guide to Starting Your Own Practice published by the Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. These resources include links to public and private sector organizations that we believe you will find to be of value as you build your new practice. In addition, we’ve included a number of CAP-published educational guides and tools you can download at no charge, to help you run a safer and more successful medical practice.

Start-Up Resources and Professional Associations

• Small Business Administration - An independent agency of the federal government offering a trove of information and resources for the small-business owner, including start-up tools, business loans, counseling sessions, and much more.
• HR360 - A website dedicated to providing business owners with clear, concise guidance on employment laws, news, and HR best practices.
• Glassdoor - Glassdoor supports employers with position salary ranges, recruitment platforms, employee matching, and many other HR-related resources.
• Nerdwallet - Nerdwallet promotes itself as a site featuring, “All things money, all in one place.” Learn how to stretch your dollar and track your financial progress.
• American Medical Association - The AMA’s mission is to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.
• Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) - MGMA is a prominent industry association that provides outstanding management resources, benchmarking information, salary surveys, and much more.
• Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM) - A national healthcare organization dedicated to promoting professionalism in physician office practice by providing professional development opportunities, continuing education, and more.

Credentialing and Contracting

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) - As part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the CMS administers the following programs: Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the health insurance marketplace.
• CAQH - A non-profit alliance of health plans and related associations dedicated to streamlining the business of healthcare, including improving the speed, integrity, and quality of the credentialing verification process.

HIPAA, Compliance, and Risk Management and Patient Safety

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)/Health Information Privacy - Comprehensive HIPAA information, including HIPAA Rules, compliance guidelines, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforcement activities, frequently asked questions, and more.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - As a part of the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA is tasked with assuring safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
• Sample Forms and Letters - Download numerous documents from the CAP website to help reduce risk, maximize patient safety and satisfaction, and run a more successful practice.

MACRA, MIPS, and Quality Payment Program

• Health Services Advisory Group - The non-profit Health Services Advisory Group (HSAG) makes available valuable free resources to physicians to prepare for and participate in the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Services include phone and email support, as well as access to educational webinars and other resources.
• MACRA/Quality Payment Program Updates - CAP’s dedicated MACRA site will help you stay current on news relating to MACRA, MIPS, and the Quality Payment Program.

Practice Management Vendors and Resources

• athenahealth EHR/Revenue Cycle Management - An all-in-one, cloud-based practice management solution for EHR, billing, and patient engagement services.
• Bailes & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services - Bailes & Associates is a commercial real estate services and advisory firm specializing in tenant representation. Physicians will work closely with a broker who specializes in medical office leasing, including expert lease negotiation.
• Bank of America Medical Practice Financing - Bank of America Medical Practice Financing loan officers have expertise in new practice and acquisition project financing, including design, construction, equipment, and working capital.
• CAP Marketplace - A directory of vendors, including products and services physicians need to efficiently run their practices. This directory includes experts in medical practice management, business operations, accounting, financial planning, and more.
• PatientPop Online Patient Growth Platform - PatientPop helps physicians grow their practice by optimizing their website and enhancing their online presence. PatientPop also generates automated appointment reminders and patient experience surveys.
• Paylocity Payroll and Human Capital Management - In addition to everyday payroll functions, Paylocity provides solutions for nearly all aspects of human capital management (HCM), such as: benefit administration, talent management, time and labor management, applicant tracking, performance reviews, and more.
• The Sage Associates Medical Practice Management Consulting - The Sage Associates Medical Practice Management Consulting group offers high-quality healthcare management consulting services supporting medical practices, hospital systems, medical associations, and malpractice providers, including CAP.
• Varisco Design - A design company dedicated exclusively to medical firms and facilities, Varisco Design specialists work with practices of all sizes to create a functional space to help increase productivity, improve patient satisfaction, and reduce operating costs.
• Zocdoc - Among other features, Zocdoc enables physicians to post their medical profile on Zocdoc’s website and mobile app, so patients can easily book appointments by viewing real-time availability.

Note: The Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. does not endorse the consultants, products, and services listed and does not review, approve, or endorse the advice or opinions from the consultants or the products or services listed.

The Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. and subsidiaries contract to receive compensation from certain product vendors as commissions or marketing fees. CAP uses these funds to control costs and provide additional services to its members.

CAP-Published Risk and Practice Management Resources and Guides

• Risk Management Essentials - Offers tools to keep your practice safe and compliant, including up-to-date forms and other valuable educational resources.
• Risk Management Self-Assessment Kit - A comprehensive checklist of items that every medical practice should evaluate for safety and compliance in the areas of office systems, paper medical records, and electronic medical records.
• The Physician’s Guide to Handling Adverse Outcomes - Learn how to recognize an adverse outcome and what steps to take following an adverse event to help avoid litigation and preserve the doctor-patient relationship.
• Avoiding Lawsuits: The Role Your Staff Can Play - This booklet highlights policies and procedures your team can easily implement to help you and your staff minimize risk in your medical practice.
• Employment Manual for Medical Practices - Developed by CAP’s own HR department specifically for our physician member practices, this downloadable manual is attorney reviewed, customizable, and applicable to practices of all sizes.
• Medicine on Trial, Second Edition - Features over 80 case studies of litigated cases, summarized by CAP’s own general counsel, so the experience of other physicians can give you the knowledge you need to avoid similar issues.
• The Physician’s Action Guide to Cyber Risk  - This booklet explores the specific steps that physicians can take to decrease the likelihood of a breach in their practice and protect their patients’ privacy.
• The 6 Most Common HIPAA Violations - This guide highlights the most common ways physicians and staff violate HIPAA regulations, while offering recommendations to best protect your practice.
• The Physician’s Action Guide to Business Insurance  - Examine the types of coverages available to physicians, what these policies cover, and how to make an informed decision about the amount and types of insurance that are appropriate for you and your practice.
• The Physician’s Online Reputation Action Guide - This guide will show you how to take control of your online reputation by using patient reviews, social media, and original content to define your own online identity, while avoiding the pitfalls of the ever-evolving online landscape.