Physicians News Health news for doctors and patients.

The IRS position regarding the tax implications to tax-exempt hospitals created uncertainty and slowed the number of joint ventures with physician groups. That is, until a recent IRS ruling which is widely viewed as providing more flexibility in structuring joint venture arrangements of this type.

Physician practices must be vigilant to assure that only patients entitled to a discount are receiving the negotiated fee. Otherwise, your practice will be extending a discount to individuals and payors who should be paying your billed charges in full.

If your disability insurance carrier confuses and dilutes the basis of the disability equation, it obviously becomes harder to obligate them to pay. And that’s what it’s all about: diluting.

The American Medical Association and others have taken exception to this type of credentialing asserting that such credentialing practices conflict with state and federal law, including the federal Anti-Kickback Statute.

The medical community and other stakeholders believe that Pa.’s current Medicaid program structure is unsustainable, that mere fiscal tinkering will not fix a broken system, and that major structural reform is required.

“Will I have enough?” That’s the Big Question! It’s everyone’s number one concern. The Retirement Dilemma is showing up at retirement and not having enough.

Physicians can get to the root cause of frequency and severity, and use the committee as a vehicle for changing the liability equation.

It is clear that there will be more activity in this area, in light of a new Act and the increasingly competitive nature of health care today. Health care entities and professionals should be aware of these important aspects of the law so that there are no unexpected and unpleasant surprises.