For the past few years, most anesthesia practices have had trouble recruiting qualified providers to meet the needs of the facilities they serve. In June 2024, the ASA published an article entitled “Anesthesia Workforce Shortage Poses Threat to Health Care.” While it is true that some practices with consistent surgical volume and a positive payer […]
Every year brings something new, especially in the context of healthcare rules and regulations. We’ve already seen the changes the government has planned for anesthesia and pain reimbursement, post-op pain coding, telehealth, and opioid treatment; now it’s time to take a look at what the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has in store […]
On July 10, 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2025 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule (PR) relative to hospital outpatient services. The following will act to summarize the key elements of the PR. General OPPS Payment The OPPS payment rates for hospitals that meet the applicable quality reporting […]
“Mother, may I?” was the familiar refrain from an old-school children’s game that required obtaining permission before proceeding forward. If you failed to first ask permission, you were sent back to the starting point. Standing in opposition to this concept is the modern meme that says it’s better to act now and apologize later than […]
Now that summer is nearly upon us (officially starts June 20), many are giving serious consideration to how they’re going to look in beachwear. A toned body can create the impression of fitness. But to get into that kind of shape, one must be dedicated to a disciplined diet and exercise program. Part of a […]
An ancient account tells of a single man who was pitted against an entire community, including its rulers and a throng of thousands. But when push came to shove, it was the solitary underdog who prevailed. How did he accomplish such a feat? He undermined the pillars on which the entire edifice was built. Pushing […]
No, there is not an explicit right to privacy listed in the Bill of Rights or the larger U.S. Constitution. However, the nation’s highest court has ruled that, while such a right is not expressly granted in that venerable document, there is an implied right to privacy based on the cumulative thrust of the several enumerated rights. […]
Many of us have been there. We seek and land a great job, but there’s just one catch. To lock up the position, we must first sign away our future right to seek employment in the same industry, up to a certain period of time (two years is standard), should we ultimately part ways with […]
