August 2011 by San Diego Physician

August 2011

of f ici a l p u b l ic at ion of

the san diego county medical society

Reaching

8,500 Physicians

Every Month

Office Managers: Don’t Know Where to Begin?

Think

SDCMS First! “ P h y s i c i a n s U n i t e d F o r A H e a l t h y S a n D i e g o ”

One stolen laptop — 2,000 exposed patient records.

Let us shield you. Patient information can be lost or stolen in many ways. But when it happens, you’re the one who must clean up the mess and incur the expense. DataShield, a coverage enhancement from NORCAL Mutual, protects you from costs related to information and network security— at no additional cost to you. Call us at 800-652-1051. To find out more visit norcalmutual.com/datashield Proud to support the San Diego County Medical Society.

S A N D I E G O P HY S I CI A N .or g A u gu st 2011

Our passion protects your practice

August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICI A N. o rg

thismonth Volume 98, Number 8

features OFFICE MANAGER ADVOCACY

Think

SDCMS First!

12 Three Very Different Medical Office Managers: A Day in the Lives by Sonia Gonzales 20 SDCMS Seminars & Webinars: 2012 21 SDCMS Seminars & Webinars: 2011

22 A Treasure Trove of Recorded Seminars Available for Viewing at SDCMS.org/webinars 25 Compliance Expertise Is the Future of Healthcare Become a Certified Medical Compliance Officer in FIVE DAYS!

28 Your Full-time SDCMS Office Manager Advocate Sonia Is Here to Help! 36 SDCMS’ 3rd Annual “Outstanding Medical Office Manager” Contest Submission Deadline Is Sept. 30, 2011!

Resident Physician Director Steve H. Koh, MD Retired Physician Director Rosemarie M. Johnson, MD Medical Student Director Beth P. Griffiths

OTHER NONVOTING MEMBERS Young Physician Alternate Director Renjit A. Sundharadas, MD Resident Physician Alternate Director Christina Pagano, MD

8 Practice Management

Retired Physician Alternate Director Mitsuo Tomita, MD

36 S A N D I E G O P HY S I CI A N .or g A u gu st 2011

MD, Kimberly M. Lovett, MD (A:Venu Prabaker, MD) Hillcrest Theodore S. Thomas, MD, Steven A. Ornish, MD, Jason P. Lujan, MD (A:Gregory M. Balourdas, MD) Kearny Mesa John G. Lane, MD (A:Marvalyn E. DeCambre, MD, Sergio R. Flores, MD) La Jolla Gregory I. Ostrow, MD, Wynnshang “Wayne” Sun, MD (A: Matt H. Hom, MD) North County James H. Schultz, MD, Douglas Fenton, MD, Niren Angle, MD (A: Steven A. Green, MD) South Bay Vimal I. Nanavati, MD, Mike H. Verdolin, MD (A: Andres Smith, MD)

Young Physician Director Van L. Cheng, MD

Ask Your Office Manager Advocate, and More …

geographic and geographic alternate Directors East County William T-C Tseng, MD, Heywood “Woody” Zeidman,

Communications Chair Theodore M. Mazer, MD (CMA Vice Speaker)

6 Office Manager Bulletin Board

Classifieds

SDCMS Board of Directors Officers President Robert E. Wailes, MD (CMA Trustee) President-elect Sherry L. Franklin, MD (CMA Trustee) Treasurer Robert E. Peters, PhD, MD Secretary J. Steven Poceta, MD Immediate Past President Susan Kaweski, MD

other voting members

4 Briefly Noted SDCMS Seminars, Webinars, and Events, Community Healthcare Calendar, Get in Touch, Contact Your Legislators, Featured Member, and More …

34 Physician Marketplace

Editorial Board Van L. Cheng, MD, Adam F. Dorin, MD, Kimberly M. Lovett, MD, Theodore M. Mazer, MD, Robert E. Peters, PhD, MD, David M. Priver, MD, Roderick C. Rapier, MD Marketing & Production Manager Jennifer Rohr Sales Director Dari Pebdani Art Director Lisa Williams Copy Editor Adam Elder

At-large and At-large alternate Directors Jeffrey O. Leach, MD, Bing S. Pao, MD, Kosala Samarasinghe, MD, David E.J. Bazzo, MD, Mark W. Sornson, MD, Peter O. Raudaskoski, MD, Mihir Y. Parikh, MD, Suman Sinha, MD (A: Carol L. Young, MD, Thomas V. McAfee, MD, Ben Medina, MD, James E. Bush, MD, Samuel H. Wood, MD, Elaine J. Watkins, DO, Carl A. Powell, DO, Theresa L. Currier, MD)

departments

Physicians Advised to Begin Preparing for New HIPAA 5010 Standards

Managing Editor Kyle Lewis

CMA President-elect James T. Hay, MD CMA Past Presidents Robert E. Hertzka, MD (Legislative Committee Chair), Ralph R. Ocampo, MD CMA Trustee Albert Ray, MD CMA Trustee (OTHER) Catherine D. Moore, MD CMA SSGPF Delegates James W. Ochi, MD, Ritvik Prakash Mehta, MD CMA SSGPF Alternate Delegates Dan I. Giurgiu MD, Ashish K. Wadhwa, MD

Opinions expressed by authors are their own and not necessarily those of San Diego Physician or SDCMS. San Diego Physician reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length as well as to reject any material submitted. Not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. Advertising rates and information sent upon request. Acceptance of advertising in San Diego Physician in no way constitutes approval or endorsement by SDCMS of products or services advertised. San Diego Physician and SDCMS reserve the right to reject any advertising. Address all editorial communications to Editor@SDCMS.org. All advertising inquiries can be sent to DPebdani@SDCMS.org. San Diego Physician is published monthly on the first of the month. Subscription rates are $35.00 per year. For subscriptions, email Editor@SDCMS.org. [San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS) Printed in the U.S.A.]

August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICI A N. o rg

brieflynoted calendar SDCMS SEMINARS & WEBINARS SDCMS.org/event

Focus on Payor Contracts With ACO Guidelines AUG 18 •11:30am–1:00pm Financial and Legal Life Skills for (Financially and Legally Clueless) Docs AUG 20 • 8:30–11:30am Changes to Medicare Regulations SEP 1 • 11:30am–1:00pm Taking the Stress out of Depositions SEP 8 • 11:30am–1:00pm Microsoft Outlook for Crazy Busy Docs SEP 10 • 8:30–11:30am HIPAA and HiTech Act Updates SEP 15 • 11:30am–1:00pm Pertinent Issues Facing Family/Closely Held Businesses in the Medical Field SEP 17 • 9:00am–12:00pm Certified Medical Compliance Officer Course BEGINS SEP 22 • 8:00am–5:00pm

CMA WEBINARS CMAnet.org/calendar

HIPAA Update 2011 AUG 17 • 12:15–1:15pm Legislative Update AUG 24 • 12:15–1:15pm EHR Meaningful Use AUG 31 • 12:15–1:15pm • 6:15–7:15pm

HIPAA 5010 Transactions and ICD10 SEP 1 • 12:15–1:15pm How to Grow Your Practice SEP 7 • 12:15–1:15pm Surviving Workers’ Compensation Labyrinth SEP 14 • 12:15–1:15pm Know Your Rights About Unfair Payment Practices SEP 21 • 12:15–1:15pm A Guide to CMA’s Amazing Legal Library SEP 28 • 12:15–1:15pm

COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE CALENDAR Nine Girls Ask for a Cure for Ovarian Cancer SEP 10 • 11:00am • La Jolla Marriott • $85 • Call Joan Wyllie at (619) 708-7891 or email ninegirlsask@live.com 16th International Conference on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma SEP 11–14 • Town and Country Resort and Convention Center, San Diego • www.ivatcenters.org POMAA’s 2011 National Conference SEP 21–23 • Sheraton Suites San Diego at Symphony Hall • “Join the Physician Office Managers Association of America (POMAA) in sunny and beautiful San Diego at the Sheraton Suites at Symphony Hall for what is sure to be one of our best conferences yet. Network with other physician office managers, increase your practice’s revenue, and get motivated. We guarantee our 2011 Conference will be information-packed and fun at the same time.” • www. pomaa.com

S A N D I E G O P HY S I CI A N .or g A u gu st 2011

We Can’t Wait II: Caring for Complex Children 0–5 SEP 24 • 8:00am–5:00pm • Scottish Rite Event Center, San Diego • $60 • Presented by the San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry • sandiegoacap@ yahoo.com MACtoberfest 2011 OCT 18–20 • The Premier Live Event for All J1 Provider Stakeholders • Marriott Marquis and Marina • www.palmettogba.com/ MACtoberfest TEDMED 2011 at the Hotel del Coronado OCT 25–28 • Where the world’s most creative minds meet healthcare’s most innovative science. TEDMED celebrates conversations that demonstrate the intersection and connections between all things medical- and healthcare-related: from personal health to public health, devices to design, and Hollywood to the hospital. Together, this encompasses more than 20 percent of our GNP in America while touching everyone’s life around the globe. Apply today to attend this amazing event as space is limited. Always a sold-out event! Exclusive spots reserved for physicians in San Diego. Apply online at www. TEDMED.com/register, and, upon acceptance, enter the Group Code: SD2011. 3rd Annual Heart and Vascular Conference 2011: Awareness, Prevention, and Intervention NOV 5–6 • La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad • $125 • sharp.com/classes

featured member

Become an SDCMS

Featured Member! SDCMS would like to begin featuring some of our member physicians for their noteworthy accomplishments in these pages and on SDCMS.org! If you would like to be considered for our next “Featured Member” spotlight, please email Editor@SDCMS.org. Thank you, and thank you for your membership in SDCMS and CMA! y

ou co u hereld appear next!

legislator birthdays

One way to let your legislators know that you’re paying attention and that you vote is by wishing them a happy birthday! BIRTHDAY: september 4 U.S. Representative Bob Filner (District 51) E: (via website) house.gov/filner Washington, DC, Office: T: (202) 225-8045 • F: (202) 225-9073 Chula Vista Office: 333 F St., Ste. A, Chula Vista, CA 91910 T: (619) 422-5963 • F: (619) 422-7290 Imperial Office: 1101 Airport Rd., Ste. D, Imperial, CA 92251 T: (760) 355-8800 • F: (760) 355-8802

you take care of the san diego communit y ’s health. we take care of san diego’s

healthcare communit y.

get in touch

3 income Tax Planning

Your SDCMS and SDCMSF Support Teams Are Here to Help!

3 Wealth Management 3 employee Benefit Plans

SDCMS Contact Information 5575 Ruffin Road, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92123 T (858) 565-8888 F (858) 569-1334 E SDCMS@SDCMS.org W SDCMS.org • SanDiegoPhysician.org

3 Profitability Reviews 3 outsourced Professional services (CFo, Controller)

CEO/Executive Director Tom Gehring at (858) 565-8597 or Gehring@SDCMS.org COO/CFO James Beaubeaux at (858) 300-2788 or James.Beaubeaux@SDCMS.org

3 organizational and Compensation structure

Director of Membership DevelopmenT Janet Lockett at (858) 300-2778 or Janet.Lockett@SDCMS.org

3 succession Planning

Director of Membership Operations and Physician Advocate Marisol Gonzalez at (858) 300-2783 or MGonzalez@SDCMS.org

3 Practice Valuations 3 internal Control Review and Risk Assessment

director of medical office manager support and Office Manager Advocate Sonia Gonzales at (858) 300-2782 or Sonia.Gonzales@SDCMS.org Director of Engagement Jennipher Ohmstede at (858) 300-2781 or JOhmstede@SDCMS.org

akt

Director of Communications and Marketing Kyle Lewis at (858) 300-2784 or KLewis@SDCMS.org accounting and administrative MANAGER Nathalia Aryani at (858) 300-2789 or Nathalia.Aryani@SDCMS.org administrative assistant Betty Matthews at (858) 565-8888 or Betty.Matthews@SDCMS.org

A KT LLP, CPAs and Business Consu LTAnTs

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Editor@SDCMS.org GENERAL SUGGESTIONS SuggestionBox@SDCMS.org

CARL SBAD

ESCONDIDO

760-431-8440 SDCMSF Contact Information 5575 Ruffin Road, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92123 T (858) 565-8888 F (858) 560-0179 W SDCMSF.org

S A N DIEGO

W W W.AKTCPA.COM

RMITCHELL@AKTCPA.COM

ron mitchell, cpa director of health services

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Barbara Mandel at (858) 300-2780 or Barbara.Mandel@SDCMS.org project access PROGRAM DIRECTOR Brenda Salcedo at (858) 565-8161 or Brenda.Salcedo@SDCMS.org Healthcare Access Manager Lauren Radano at (858) 565-7930 or Lauren.Radano@SDCMS.org Patient Care Manager Rebecca Valenzuela at (858) 300-2785 or at Rebecca.Valenzuela@SDCMS.org Patient Care Manager Elizabeth Terrazes at (858) 565-8156 or at Elizabeth.Terrazes@SDCMS.org

“think SDCMS FIRST!”

Start by contacting SDCMS at (858) 565-8888 or at SDCMS@SDCMS.org.

IT PROJECT MANAGER Rob Yeates at (858) 300-2791 or Rob.Yeates@SDCMS.org

August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICI A N. o rg

officemanagerbulletinboard

Hello SDCMS Medical Office Managers and Practice Administrators!

gone by, and that It’s hard for me to believe that a year has Manager Advoce “Offi al annu fifthI’m working on this, our happy to report that cacy” issue of San Diego Physician. I’m munity as your I’m still enjoying serving our medical com sincere hope that my is It . medical office manager advocate to deliver a fresh hard ed work have I you enjoy this issue, as in healthcare face all we s enge chall the to new approach management. Trujillo, Judy I would like to personally thank Andrea the time to me ing allow for es Robl Krueger, and Eleanor look at er’s insid an gain to tices prac busy step into their stories, their with g their individual roles in their offices. Alon etto Palm s, dard Stan 5010 A we’ve compiled data on HIPA inar web inar/ sem ative tent our on, mati GBA E&M audit infor y highl the on for calendar for 2012, registration informati at SDCMS (Certied offer se cour ion ficat certi er ht-aft soug ly, information final and, er), fied Medical Compliance Offic Office Manager” ical Med ding stan on our third-annual “Out contest. be an extension Thank you for allowing us at SDCMS to our best to bring g doin are we of your practice. Rest assured you the most relevant seminars/ webinars and that we’re working hard to get you the answers you need right away. As I’ve said before, you are not alone! Simply pick up the phone and call me at (858) 300-2782 or send me an email at Sonia.Gonzales@ SDCMS.org. I look forward to talking with you soon!

important!

Please share this issue with your physician, and encourage his or her participation in entering YOU in our third-annual “Office Manager of the Year” contest. See page 36 for details.

S A N D I E G O P HY S I CI A N .or g A u gu st 2011

Practice Management Deadlines!

• BEFORE STARTING THE 2011 –12 SCHOOL YEAR: [July 15 Note: Legislature Passes Bill To Dela y Pertussis Vaccine Requirement]. All California middle and high school students entering or advancing into 7th through 12th grades will need proof of a Tdap booster shot.

• SEPT. 1, 2011: Changes to Anth em Blue Cross’ Prudent Buyer physician fee schedule take effect. Click here for details. • OCT. 1, 2011: Last day for eligible professionals (EPs) to begin their 90-day reporting period in time to attest to/receive their 2011 Medicare EHR Incentive Program payments. • DEC. 31, 2011: Reporting year ends for eligible professionals (eRx ). • JAN. 1, 2012: On Jan. 1, 2012, the HIPAA 5010 “implementation guide” standard will go into effec t. This affects all of the HIPAA Standard Transactions, including the following pertinent transactions for most medical practices: elect ronic claims; electronic remittance advices; electronic requ ests for eligibility and benefit verification and the responses; elect ronic referral authorizations; and electronic claims status. The last major change was in October 2003, when the HIPAA transactions and code sets rule took effect. The 5010 changes reduce ambiguit y in many of the transactions and provide for some very importa nt new codes, such as ICD-10. They also eliminate many of the situa tional codes while implementing requirements such as taxo nomy codes on all claims. Medical practices should be preparin g now for this change by ensuring your vendors (billing softw are, billing services, and clearinghouses) are ready and that your software is capable of generating a 5010 transaction. If your prac tice management systems are not compliant with HIPAA Version 5010 standards by Jan. 1, 2012, you will risk not getting electroni c payments from Medicare or private insurers. [Note: See page 8 for details.] • FEB. 29, 2012: Last day for eligi ble professionals to register and attest to receive incentive payment for calendar year 2011 (eHR).

SDCMS DEADLINpatEionS!Requirement:

s Company (TDC) Partici • ONGOING: The Doctor their er physicians need to satisfy TDC-insured SDCMS memb continue to er ord in once every two years participation requirement premium nce ura ins ility l professional liab receiving their TDC medica credit.

count Deadline MA 2012 Early Bird Dues Dis • NOV. 1, 2011: SDCMS-C 2012 Due MA Membership Dues for • JAN. 1, 2012: SDCMS-C d If Dues Not Paid S-CMA Membership Droppe • APRIL 1, 2012: SDCM for 2012 ership Directory S 2012–13 Pictorial Memb • APRIL 1, 2012: SDCM e Photo Submission Due Dat

ASK YOUR

Off ice Manager Advocate g to conduct E&M audits? Question: Is Palmetto GBA goin medical review department will be GBA Answer: Yes. The Palmetto iof CPT code 99214 billed by phys performing a prepayment review imed nal inter and ly practice, cian specialties in cardiology, fami fornia physicians are two to three Cali that tified iden etto Palm . cine as compared to other jurisdicstandard deviations above the norm vidual physicians but a random tions. This is not an audit of the indi provider selected. If you are selected sampling of three to four for each records will be sent to your practice. for sampling, requests for medical ests for medical records, or the requ the to Physicians must respond that physicians personally review claims will be denied. It is suggested in order to assure that there are no the records returned to Palmetto de: clinical errors. Records should inclu record for the listed date(s) of ical med nt’s • legible copy of the patie service ls, or an attestation statement to • physician signature and credentia legible not authenticate if the signature is • medication list on each office note • patient name and date of service s • consultation report or progress note substantiate the level of service • any diagnostic test results that help unted for 50 percent of claim deni Common problems that have acco of Lack rds. reco es and illegible als are the result of missing signatur ing cause of denial. Physicians in lead a also is s ician phys from response look for letters from Palmetto ld the specialties mentioned above shou s. week in the mail in the coming regarding these audits, please conIf you have any further questions . S.org or call me at (858) 300-2782 tact me at Sonia.Gonzales@SDCM

Mark Your Calendars! Remaining SDCMS Semina & Webinars for 201 rs 1

✓ AUG. 18: Focus on Payor Contracts Wit Guidelines

h ACO

✓ AUG. 20: Financial & Legal Life Skills

for (Financially & Legally Cluele ss) Docs

✓ SEPT. 8: Taking the Stress out of Dep ositions ✓ SEPT. 10: Microsoft Outlook for Crazy Busy

Docs

✓ SEPT. 15: HIPAA and HITECH Act Upd ates ✓ SEPT. 17: Pertinent Issues Facing Fam

ily/ Closely Held Businesses in the Medical Field ✓ SEPT. 22, 23, OCT. 19, 20, 21: Certifie d Medical Compliance Officer Course (see page 25 for details) ✓ OCT. 13: 10 Strategies for Economic Survival ✓ OCT. 27: How to Oversee Your Biller(s ) ✓ NOV. 2: Changes to Medicare Regula tions ✓ NOV. 16: Litigation Traps for Surgica l Practices ✓ NOV. 17: Litigation Traps for Surgica l Practices

SPECIAL FOCUS ITEM

Be sure to plan ahead and check out the seminar/webinar calendar on page 20. If there’s a seminar topic you don’t see listed, let me know!

August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICI A N. o rg

practicemanagement the 4010 version of the HIPAA electronic transaction standards. In 2006, CMS began the process of updating from the 4010 standards, which were originally developed in 2000 (and subsequently revised in 2002), to the “5010 standards.” The rationale CMS has advised that the for making the regulations will not be switch is that the delayed, and failure to comply 4010 version, will result in nonpayment of just like any claims effective Jan. 1, 2012. other software application, has become outdated. Many technical issues have been found in transactions since 2000, and new business needs have been identified that cannot be accommodated with the 4010 version of the standards. For example, conversion to the 5010 standards is a prerequisite for the conversion from the current ICD-9 diagnostic code set to the new ICD-10 code set, which is mandated for Oct. 1, 2013. The ICD-10 codes have a different format and length than the ICD-9 codes, which cannot be reported in the current 4010 version of the HIPAA transactions, so the upgrade to 5010 needs to be completed before ICD-10 codes can be reported. Work was completed By Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA) between 2006 and 2007 on a newer version of each transaction, Version 005010, commonly called “5010.” In 2009, the result in nonpayment of claims effective Physician practices may need to make Department of Health and Human Services Jan. 1, 2012. There are no exemptions for adjustments to the patient data they collect (HHS) and CMS announced that physicians physicians who bill electronically based on and report in order to comply with a new and other healthcare providers would be specialty, practice size, or any other criteria. HIPAA requirement that takes effect Jan. required to use the updated 5010 versions The remainder of this article provides 1, 2012. The new “HIPAA 5010 regulaof the HIPAA transaction standards by Jan. background on the HIPAA 5010 regulations tions” impact all healthcare providers who 1, 2012. and guidance for physicians to plan ahead conduct administrative transactions electo minimize the risk of payment interruptronically (including submitting claims, What Is Actually Changing? Who tions in 2012. checking eligibility and claims status, or Does It Apply To? obtaining remittance advice and referral Physicians and other healthcare providBackground: HIPAA 5010 Standards authorizations). The regulations cover all ers are HIPAA “covered entities,” which Physician practices who conduct adminisHIPAA-covered transactions and therefore means they must comply with HIPAA trative transactions electronically (includapply to most physician practices, health requirements when conducting electronic ing submitting claims, checking eligibility insurance companies, and clearinghouses. transactions. Therefore, if you currently and claims status, or obtaining remitThe changes primarily impact software send and receive HIPAA-covered electronic tance advice and referral authorizations) vendors and billing clearinghouses, but transactions (including submitting claims, are required to meet Health Insurance compliance may require medical practices checking eligibility and claims status, or Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to change some business processes as well. obtaining remittance advice and referral standards to perform such transactions. ACCMA is advising members to authorizations) and plan to continue doing These standards ensure consistency in the familiarize themselves with these regulaso, then you will be required to upgrade to type and format of data required in a given tions and be proactive about making the the 5010 standards. electronic transaction regardless of which needed changes to comply. The Centers The 5010 standards have reporting rebilling vendors, clearinghouses, or payers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) quirements that differ somewhat from the are involved. has advised that the regulations will not current standards. These changes may reCurrently, electronic transactions utilize be delayed, and failure to comply will

Physicians Advised to Begin Preparing for New HIPAA 5010 Standards Which Take Effect Jan. 1, 2012!

S A N D I E G O P HY S I CI A N .or g A u gu st 2011

Physician Office Managers Association of America’s

2011 Annual National Conference for Medical Office Managers and Personnel

september 21–23, 2011

Sheraton San Diego Suites at Symphony Hall, San Diego, CA

with Pre-Conference Reception on September 20th

get educated. get information. get connected.

Topics: • “ICD-10” • “The Top 10 Ways to Make Your Practice Money” • “Lean Six Sigma for the Medical Practice” • “What Makes a Practice Great” • “Simple Ways to Boost a Positive Patient Visit” • “Stop Workplace Drama” • And More…

only 125 seats!

Plus: Be one of the first 50 people to mention you saw our ad in San Diego Physician when you register and receive a FREE practice manager book and a POMAA duffel bag when you sign in! Register today at www.POMAA.com or become a member of POMAA at www.POMAA.net to start receiving all of our great benefits! “BRinging PhysiciAn Office MAnAgeRs TOgeTheR since 2008” August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICI A N. o rg

practicemanagement quire you to collect additional data or report data in a different format. Some (but not all) examples include: no longer reporting a P.O. box in the billing provider address field (P.O. box addresses for payment purposes will now be reported in the pay-to address field); reporting a nine-digit ZIP code in the billing provider and service facility location address fields; reporting a patient with a unique health plan member ID as the subscriber; and only reporting minutes rather than units of anesthesia time. You should consult your billing service, clearinghouse, and payers to determine what changes will apply to your practice. Is There Any Flexibility on the Jan. 1, 2012, Compliance Deadline? CMS has advised that these regulations will not be delayed. The necessary software and system changes need to be in place by the compliance date in order for you to continue sending and receiving HIPAA electronic transactions. Failure to comply will result in nonpayment of claims effective Jan. 1, 2012. Any 4010 transactions sent on or after Jan. 1, 2012, will be rejected as noncompliant and will not be processed. You may begin using the 5010 standards in advance of Jan. 1, 2012, to test the system and minimize the chances of billing interruptions. You can begin to use the 5010 transactions if you are ready and mutually agree to this with your clearinghouses or payers. Using the transactions before the deadline will give you the ability to see that transactions are working smoothly and are continuing to be processed. If any issues are identified, you can resolve them before the compliance deadline. If you will not be ready by the compliance deadline, you will need to talk to your payers, clearinghouses, and billing service to determine what actions you can take to continue to have your transactions processed and receive payments. What Do Physicians Have to Do to Comply? The biggest concern for physician practices will be complete implementation and full functionality of the 5010 transactions at or before the compliance deadline of Jan. 1, 2012. Not all of the 5010 changes are IT changes, and some will impact your busi-

S AN D I E G O P HY S I CI A N. or g A u gu st 2011

ness functions. To avoid rejected claims and cash-flow interruptions, physicians should work with their vendors, clearinghouses, billing services, and payers to upgrade and test their systems to ensure that they are able to successfully implement the new standards prior to the compliance date. AMA has developed several resources to assist physicians in the transition to 5010, including the following checklist: 1) Talk to your current practice management system vendor. Be sure to ask the following questions: • Will you be upgrading my current system to accommodate the 5010 transactions? • Can my current system accommodate both the data collection and transaction conduction for 5010? • Will there be a charge for the upgrade? • When will the upgrades be available? • When will the installation to my system be completed? • What resources do you have to help us covert to 5010 before Jan. 1? 2) Talk to your clearinghouses or billing service, and health insurance payers. Ask the following questions: • Will you be upgrading your systems to accommodate the 5010 transactions? • Will you be increasing your fees for the 5010 transactions? • When will your upgrades be completed? • When can I send test transactions to you to test that the system will work? • Will I need to renegotiate my provider contract or electronic data interchange (EDI) agreement based on the move to the 5010 transactions? • What resources do you have to help us covert to 5010 before Jan. 1? 3) Identify changes to data reporting requirements. Questions to consider are: • Can we identify the data reporting changes for the various transactions we use? • Can we find resources to assist us in identifying the data reporting changes? • What is the cost of the resources we need? • Should we use a consultant to assist us in identifying the data reporting changes? • What is the cost of hiring a consultant? • Which of this new data can be stored in our current system? • Which of this data relies on the system

upgrade in order to store it? 4) Identify potential changes to billing and EMR systems, existing practice workflow and business processes. Questions to consider are: • Do we need to make any system upgrades? What is the cost? • Do we currently collect this data? • If not, how will we capture the data? • What added costs will result from new data collection methods, e.g., longer appointment times, revising existing forms? • What workflow processes do we need to change or add to capture the new data? • What are the costs of the newly revised workflow processes? 5) Identify staff training needs. Questions to ask include: • Who should be trained on the transaction changes? • How long will it take to train the staff on the changes? • Will there be “downtime” during the training? • Should we use a consultant to conduct the training, and, if so, what is the cost of a consultant? • What resources do we need for the training and to support staff after training? • What is the cost of purchasing or creating the training resources? • When should training be completed? 6) Test with your trading partners, e.g., payers and clearinghouses. Questions to consider about testing: • What transactions should I test? • Which trading partners should I test with? Test the 5010 transactions with your payers through the channels you use today to send and receive transactions. Specifically test with the payers and clearinghouses that make up your highest volume and/or highest dollar amount of claims. • When should I begin testing? Talk to your billing service, clearinghouses, and payers about the processes they will be using for testing. Follow their procedures and make certain that your testing is completed. • Will the testing be truly test data or will it use live production data? • Does everything work? Work with your vendor to fix any issues identified during

testing and retest with your billing service, clearinghouses, and payers. 7) Budget for implementation costs, including expenses for system changes, resource materials, consultants and training. • Do we have a backup plan? A major concern is the potential for disruptions in transactions processing after Jan. 1, 2012. Physicians should develop a “backup plan” or safety net to address what they will do if their transactions do not work and they do not receive payments. Where Can I Find More Information? A broad group of healthcare industry stakeholders (including AMA) is coordinating its efforts to support a smooth and timely transition to the 5010 transactions and has developed free archived webinars that are available for viewing at GetReady5010. org. These webinars will focus on testing the 5010 HIPAA electronic administrative

transactions and feature speakers from CMS and provider and payer organizations. In addition, there are numerous online resources available from AMA, the GetReady5010.org website, and CMS: AMA’s Website on “Version 5010 Electronic Administrative Transactions” Includes: • 5010 FAQs • AMA’s archived webinar, “5010 and ICD10: What They Are and How to Prepare for Them” • “5010 Checklist” that lists activities to guide physicians through their implementation of the Version 5010 HIPAA transactions • “5010 Project Plan Template: Helping Practices Prepare for the New HIPAA Standards” • “7 Steps Practices Can Take Now to Prepare for 5010” • 5010 Fact Sheet Series

• Links to additional resources CMS’ Website Includes: • Preparing for the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Standards: The Transition to Version 5010 and D.0 • New Healthcare Electronic Transactions Standards Versions 5010, D.0, and 3.0 • Transition to Versions 5010 and D.0: Checklist for Level I Testing Activities • Transition to Versions 5010 and D.0: Provider Action Checklist for a Smooth Transition GetReady5010’s Website Includes: • An educational effort supported by AMA and other healthcare industry stakeholders to support a smooth and timely transition to the 5010 transactions • Physician resources, as well as free webinars and materials on testing of 5010 transactions

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August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICIA N. o rg

[ Office Manager Advocacy]

S AN D I E G O P HY S I CI A N. or g A u gu st 2011

A Day in the Lives Three Very Different Medical Office Managers b y S o n i a G o n z a l e s , yo u r SDCMS O f f ic e m a n a g e r A d v o c at e

Before joining SDCMS

in the spring of last year, I worked as a medical assistant, a front-office coordinator, and a referral coordinator for a local family practice — and after that as a medical office manager for five years. I’ve walked in your shoes and gone home with your sore feet — or so I thought! After working at SDCMS for the past year and a half, I’ve learned how important it is for me to not only understand the issues we all face no matter the size of our practice (solo/small, medium, large, academic, etc.), but as well to be able to identify and meet head-on those issues and challenges that are mode-of-

practice-specific. With that in mind, I’ve begun to do site visits, spending a few hours at a time shadowing SDCMS member office managers of various practice sizes. For this, our fifth-annual Office Manager Advocacy issue of San Diego Physician, I spent a day each discovering what it’s like to manage a small practice, a mediumsize practice, and a large practice. It was a daunting task — overwhelming, really; I mean, how do you capture the similarities and differences, and the challenges unique to all of them with just one office visit? Armed with a notepad, a digital recorder, and a camera, I set out on

my journey. Along the way I rediscovered the incredible breadth and depth of skills required of all medical office managers no matter the practice size, and I renewed my respect for what you do. Having been an office manager, I can totally relate to the day-to-day, moment-by-moment decision-making that can at times be routine but that is, more often than not, monumental in its impact on the management of the practice. To put it simply, you are all amazing at what you do, and the physicians could not be who they are and do what they do without your invaluable support. Kudos to you all!

August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICIA N. o rg

[ Office Manager Advocacy]

First Stop: Andrea Trujillo

Small Practice

From top: Andrea reviewing office blueprints. Joyce (left) and Destiny (right) deliver service with a smile to the patients of Huntley Pain Specialists. Andrea listening intently during a teleconference.

I’ve learned how important it is for me to not only understand the issues we all face no matter the size of our practice, but as well to be able to identify and meet headon those issues and challenges that are mode-of-practice-specific.

S AN D I E G O P HY S I CI A N. or g A u gu st 2011

My first “reporting assignment” was at Huntley Pain Specialists in Mission Valley, the practice of Drs. Michael Huntley and Douglas Dobecki. I met with Andrea Trujillo, their office manager, who has been with the practice since 2006. She manages a staff of 10. Since Andrea started out in the medical field as a file clerk at the age of 15, she carries herself with the strength and professionalism of a seasoned pro. You can tell right off the bat that she has the exact recipe for success in the medical office management field: determination, hard work, thoughtfulness, skill, and leadership. As she gives me a tour of their office, the staff is diligently working at a good pace, and they all give me a pleasant greeting as we pass by. I can tell that customer service is important to this office. We get to Andrea’s office, and there is a classic rock station playing in the background. Her office is a good size with the typical office manager bookshelves stacked with Medicare/Billing/Compliance/Policy binders. When asked about her current chal-

lenges she states, “Getting it all done!” After spending a few hours shadowing her, I can see why! Andrea is doing the coding for all operative reports while in the process of researching specialty-specific EHR systems. She is negotiating a DME application. She’s fielding patient issues, scheduling issues, writing office policies and procedures, and reviewing blueprints for the office layout for phone extension decisions, and then she’s processing time cards. Whew — all of that, and it’s only Tuesday! I know this kind of juggling act is no surprise to all the managers out there in small and solo offices, but it’s quite amazing to watch someone change gears like that. As I conclude my visit, she is meeting with a phone vendor and mapping out extensions. I had to ask the million-dollar question: “What’s the most valuable benefit of your physicians’ SDCMS membership to you?” She answers quickly, stating that it’s the seminars/ webinars for her and the support and training she receives from SDCMS. I had one more question for her: “If there was one word to describe your office culture, what would it be?” Without hesitation she says, “Compassion.” That is what I would say too.

Next Stop: Judy Krueger

Medium Practice

My next stop was to go up to North County to Cassidy Medical Group where I met with Judy Krueger. Judy is a well-known office manager — she has been in healthcare for 38 years — and she is the president-elect for the San Diego Medical Group Managers Association. Upon my arrival, Judy was already in action leading a staff meeting because it’s open enrollment time for their employees. Employees started gathering, and rounds of cookies were handed out. I could tell right away that her staff respects her. Judy is extremely capable, seasoned yet still fresh with the energy to be creative and positive about the direction of this mediumsize group. She manages 16 physicians, one nurse practitioner, and 72 staff members. After she finishes up her part in the open enrollment meeting, we head to her office, which is bright, comfy, and lovely. As she sits down, she smiles and says, “You probably think that 72 staff members is a lot for 17 providers, right?” Funny, I was just thinking that exact thing! This woman is good! She explained that their group also has an urgent care component, which has the staff members and physicians working different shifts. I look around her office

and notice that she is not overly “techy,” yet she strikes the right balance for her leadership of this group. Like Andrea, you can tell Judy loves her job. She has a comfortable rapport with all the physicians. Judy’s official title is administrator/executive director, and her team consists of an IT manager, an HR manager, an A/P manager, and a practice manager who facilitates the clinical operations of the medical group. Her responsibilities include setting up the contracts for clinical trials and research that the physicians are going to begin. She also spends a lot of time reading and analyzing contracts, policies, and procedures. She states, “It’s rather quiet in here,” meaning her office. And good thing because she is heading up one of the most respected groups in North County, and has been doing so successfully since 1999. In asking about what her biggest challenges are in the coming year, she says, thoughtfully, “ACOs, Medicare changes, and Medi-Cal changes … healthcare reform.” Judy goes on to explain that the most valuable membership benefit for all her physicians is the advocacy by SDCMS-CMA. As we’re sitting in her office discuss-

The duties and responsibilities of their roles are so diverse because of the resources available to them, but they all recognize where SDCMS comes in and stands in the gap for them.

From top: (l–r) Stephanie, Sandra, and Celeste working hard in the pediatric department. Open enrollment meeting with some of Judy’s staff. Judy tackling billing issues.

August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICIA N. o rg

[ Office Manager Advocacy]

Eleanor taking a break from her busy afternoon.

ing both of our histories in healthcare, Judy asks about any changes with the most recent requirements for MBC posting. I make a note to research this upon my return to the office. As I pack up to leave her so that she can begin returning numerous messages, it occurs to me that Judy’s success is partly due to the support she receives from the organizations she is a part of, and I am once again glad to be part of a healthcare community that is making an effort to stay united during these tumultuous times.

Last Stop: Eleanor Robles

Large Practice

Please contact me at Sonia. Gonzales@SDCMS.org to set up a time for me to pay a visit to your office, and thank you to you and your physicians for your membership with SDCMS!

S AN D I E G O P HY S I CI A N. or g A u gu st 2011

My final field visit was with Eleanor Robles, CPMSM, credentialing services and communication center manager with Anesthesia Management Professionals (AMP), which is the management company for Anesthesia Service Medical Group (ASMG). Eleanor greets me pleasantly as we head upstairs to the offices of ASMG. The walls are decorated with past and present physicians in the group. Eleanor is a very pleasant, intelligent, and thoughtful woman. She speaks freely about the rewarding aspects of her job: coming to work every day and knowing that she can rely on the people she works

with. It’s extremely important to her that everyone does a good job. With good reason as ASMG is a group of 195 physicians, and there are 26 employees with AMP. Eleanor’s management responsibilities include assisting the physicians with navigating their privileges at hospitals and surgery centers, credentialing with licensing/ certification agencies, and active participation with government and private payers. She and her staff oversee all of the credentialing, and she has a lot of interaction with the physicians. As we talk I am quick to observe that Eleanor fits perfectly for her role here. She is extremely knowledgeable in the world of medical staffs and is very analytical and thoughtful in her discussions. She has been certified with the National Association Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) as a certified professional in medical services management since 1988 and is the current education chair for the San Diego Chapter of California Associate Medical Staff Services (CAMSS). I ask her which three words the staff would use to describe her; she pauses and states, “Professional, reliable, and positive.” That’s Eleanor. She tells me that she reads all of the “News You Can Use” e-newsletters that SDCMS sends out because “it’s nice to see what Sacramento is doing.” She’s hopeful yet cautious when she answers

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August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICIA N. o rg

[ Office Manager Advocacy]

my question about what challenges lie ahead for her. “Healthcare changes,” she states. “Where it’s going and where it will be.” She goes on to explain that this is the main reason it is mandatory for their physicians to be members of SDCMS. The advocacy by SDCMS-CMA is the main benefit for this large medical group. Eleanor has also attended SDCMS seminars free with the membership of the physicians and recognizes the value of keeping current in this quickly changing landscape. Our chat comes to a close as one of her co-workers informs her that a physician is waiting to meet with her. She glances at her watch and

says quickly, “I’ll be right there.”

Conclusion As Eleanor walks me out, I begin to reflect on the differences and the similarities among these three practice managers. Some characteristics are absolutely identical in their personalities: dedication, commitment, and integrity. Others are vastly different based primarily on the type of office they manage: Andrea — quick thinker, high energy for the solo/small group; Judy — high-level decision-maker, in touch with the day-to-day operations for the mediumsize group; Eleanor — patient and highly analytical for the

large-size group. The duties and responsibilities of their roles are so diverse because of the resources available to them, but they all recognize where SDCMS comes in and stands in the gap for them. They are all different specialties, practice sizes, and geographic locations, but their goal remains the same: to deliver high-quality healthcare to the patients they serve. I am content as this journey comes to a close knowing that I’m assisting this management aspect of the healthcare community, and knowing that it’s important to all of these practice managers that SDCMS is here to unite them, assist them, and battle for them and their

physicians on every level. Please contact me at Sonia. Gonzales@SDCMS.org to set up a time for me to pay a visit to your office, and thank you to you and your physicians for your membership with SDCMS!

About the Author: Sonia is your medical office manager advocate at SDCMS, and can be reached at (858) 300-2782 or Sonia.Gonzales@SDCMS. org with any questions you may have.

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[ Office Manager Advocacy]

SDCMS strives to build a robust schedule of free seminars/webinars and events for our member physicians and their staff. All SDCMS member physicians and their staff attend SDCMS seminars/webinars free of charge. Our seminars/ webinars cover a broad range of practice management topics, including legal issues, HIPAA, OSHA, risk management issues, contract negotiations, and much more. For further information about any SDCMS seminars/webinars or events, watch your emails and faxes, visit SDCMS’ website calendar at www. SDCMS.org/event, or contact SDCMS at (858) 565-8888 or at SDCMS@SDCMS.org. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SDCMS Seminars & Webinars for 2012

Let Us Know If You Have Any Suggestions!

S AN D I E G O P HY S I CI A N. or g A u gu st 2011

When are most SDCMS seminars/ webinars held? Answer: Most are held during lunchtime or dinnertime, with lunch and dinner provided free of charge. Lunchtime seminars/webinars usually target staff, and dinnertime

SDCMS Seminars/ Webinars for the Rest of

seminars/webinars usually target physicians, though all member physicians and their staff can attend all of our seminars/webinars.

Where are the seminars/webinars

held? Answer: Most SDCMS seminars are held at the San Diego County Medical Society meeting room at 5575 Ruffin Road, Suite 250, San Diego 92123. Call SDCMS for directions at (858) 5658888. For those who can’t get away from the office to attend our seminars in person, SDCMS offers to our member physicians and their staff the ability to “attend” our seminars as webinars, i.e., you can attend from wherever you are — all you need is a computer and access to the Internet!

Do I need to register? Answer: Yes. Our seminars/webinars and events require attendees to pre-register.

How much does it cost to attend an SDCMS seminar/webinar? Answer: There are three courses for office managers during the year — the “Certified Medical Coder” course, the “Certified Office Manager” course, and the “Certified Medical Insurance Specialist” — that SDCMS charges a discounted rate for our member physician staff to attend; otherwise,

2011

all SDCMS seminars/ webinars are free to member physicians and their staff.

Who should I contact if I have further questions? Answer: For further information about SDCMS seminars/webinars and events, watch your emails and faxes, visit www.SDCMS. org/event, call SDCMS at (858) 565-8888, or email SDCMS at SDCMS@SDCMS. org. Details may change as seminars, webinars, and events approach — please contact SDCMS to confirm. Our 2012 Schedule: JANUARY: • HIPAA 5010 Regulations • Workplace Harmony: Conflict Resolution • Risk Management Webinars FEBRUARY: • Certified Medical Coder Course • Are Your Insurance Contracts Healthy? • Tax Time • Collections: Strategies, Tactics, and Proven Methods MARCH: • Human Resources Panel: Bring Your HR Questions! • Medicare Updates Overview

APRIL: • NPs, PAs: Hiring, Scope and Billing Questions • Risk Management Seminar/Webinars • Subpoenas/Expert Witness for Physicians MAY: • Preparing to Practice • ICD-10 • OSHA JUNE: • Health Care Reform Update • Partnerships, Contracts, and Business Entities JULY: • Risk Management Webinars AUGUST: • EHR Check-up • Buying, Selling, Leasing Office Space SEPTEMBER: • Practice Valuation • Billing: Get Paid Before the End of the Year! OCTOBER: • Certified Medical Insurance Specialist • Microsoft Outlook for Crazy Busy Docs NOVEMBER: • Identity Theft • Risk Management Webinars

Make Sure to Mark Your Calendars!

AUG 18: Focus on Payor Contracts With ACO Guidelines AUG 20: Financial & Legal Life Skills for (Financially & Legally Clueless) Docs SEP 8: Taking the Stress out of Depositions SEP 10: Microsoft Outlook for Crazy Busy Docs SEP 15: HIPAA and HITECH Act Updates SEP 15: The “How-To’s” of Appeals SEP 17: Pertinent Issues Facing Family/Closely Held Businesses in the Medical Field SEP 22, 23, October 19, 20, 21: Certified Medical Compliance Officer Course (see page 25 for details) OCT 13: 10 Strategies for Economic Survival OCT 27: How to Oversee Your Biller(s) NOV 2: Changes to Medicare Regulations NOV 11–12: The Leader’s Toolbox NOV 16: Litigation Traps for Surgical Practices NOV 17: Litigation Traps for Surgical Practices

For additional information on any of the following seminars, visit SDCMS. org/event or contact Sonia Gonzales at (858) 300-2782 or Sonia.Gonzales@SDCMS.org.

August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICIA N. o rg

[ Office Manager Advocacy]

A Treasure Trove of Recorded Seminars Available for Viewing at SDCMS.org/webinars All SDCMS member physicians and their staff can access all recorded seminars free of charge at SDCMS.org/webinars. Below is a list of current seminars available for viewing. If you need assistance in logging in to SDCMS. org, please contact SDCMS at (858) 5658888 or Webmaster@ SDCMS.org. Note: The date in parentheses following the seminar titles is the date the seminar was recorded.

2011: • Financial and Legal Life Skills for (Financially and Legally Clueless) Docs (2011.08.20) • Focus on Payor Contracts With ACO Guidelines (2011.08.18) • OSHA Update (2011.08.11) • Medicare Seminar on the 2011 Incentive Programs (2011.06.16) • Specific Strategies for Succeeding Under Healthcare Reform (2011.06.11) • How to Successfully Implement an EHR and Qualify for $1,000s in Federal Incentives! (2011.06.08) • The Road to ICD-10 (2011.05.26) • Networks, Hardware, and Software for Dummies (2011.05.19) • Maximize Your Medi-Cal Reimbursements: Top 10 Reasons for Denials (2011.05.12)

S AN D I E G O P HY S I CI A N. or g A u gu st 2011

• Best Practices in Revenue Cycle Management (2011.05.05) • Disclosure Techniques: Doing the Right Thing in the Right Way (2011.04.27/28) • Disciplinary Actions, Employee Terminations (2011.04.14) • Endgame Planning: Charting a Course for Your Last Trimester of Practice (2011.04.07) • Microsoft for Crazy Busy Docs (2011.03.26) • Medicare Updates (2011.03.17) • Legalities of Hiring (2011.03.03) • Identity Theft (2011.02.24) • Contract Negotiations (2011.02.10) • Treating Patients Right (2011.02.03) • Palmetto GBA/Medicare Provider Enrollment (2011.01.20) • Collections Procedures (2011.01.13)

2010: • Expert Witness / Medical Board Interactions (2010.11.04) • Economic Survival (2010.10.07) • The Art of the Appeal (2010.09.30) • Changes to Medicare Regulations (2010.09.16) • ACOs and Medical Foundations (2010.09.13) • HIPAA Updates (2010.08.25) • OSHA Refresher Course (2010.08.19) • Microsoft Outlook for Busy Docs (2010.08.07) • IT Overview: Networks, Hardware, Software for Dummies (2010.07.15)

• Preventing Sexual and Other Unlawful Harassment in the Workplace (2010.06.24) • ABCs of Workers’ Compensation Billing (2010.05.20) • E-health: Telemedicine and Telehealth (2010.04.21/22) • We want YOU! How RAC Audits Impact Providers (2010.04.15) • Contract Negotiations (2010.03.18) • Medicare Updates (2010.02.17) • Treating Patients Right (2010.02.04) • The Overlap Between the FMLA, the ADA, and Workers’ Compensation Leave Laws (2010.01.27) • Top 10 Collections Procedures (to Cover Your Assets) (2010.01.07)

2009: • Red vs. Blue: Republican and Democratic Views on Healthcare Reform (2009.12.12) • 10 Strategies for Economic Survival (2009.10.15) • HIPAA and HITECH Updates (2009.10.01) • Managing Your Contracts (2009.06.25) • Getting Paid: Maximize Your Cash Flow (2009.06.25) • Best Practices in Revenue Cycle Management (2009.05.07) • How to Handle Legal Notices (2009.04.23) • Dealing With Problem Employees (2009.04.16) • E-prescribing for Dummies (2009.02.24) • Coding to Optimize Compliance and Reimbursement (2009.02.18) • How to Attract and Keep the Best Patients (2009.01.28/29)

• Medicare Update 2009 (2009.01.21) • Top 10 Collections Procedures … to Cover Your Assets (2009.01.15)

2008: • Townhall With CMA CEO Joe Dunn (2008.12.04) • Electronic Medical Records (2008.11.20) • Preventing Sexual and Unlawful Harassment in the Workplace (2008.10.15/16) • E-prescribing: Facts and Myths (2008.10.09) • Medicare Transition to Palmetto GBA Seminar (2008.08.21) • Leadership Seminar for Hospital Medical Staff (2008.08.15) • Diversion and the Medical Board of California (2008.06.20) • Best Practices for Disciplinary Procedures and Terminations (2008.05.22) • Helping Your Doctor With Contract Negotiations (2008.04.17) • Maximize Your Reimbursements With Effective Collections (2008.03.20) • Best Practices in Revenue Cycle Management (2008.02.21) • Medical Office OSHA for Dummies, in 60 Minutes (2008.01.29) • Frightening Times, Risky Conversations: Handling Disclosure (2008.01.23/24)

2007: • CMA CEO Presentation to San Diego County Physicians (2007.12.05) • CMA CEO Presentation to San Diego County Physicians (2007.03.23)

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[ Office Manager Advocacy]

Compliance Expertise Is the Future of Healthcare

Become a Certified Medical Compliance Officer in FIVE DAYS! Attention Office Managers: The clock is ticking. Each day that passes without an effective compliance plan in place increases the possibility that your current practices may be unknowingly subjecting the physician/practice to staggering fines, penalties, or even criminal liability.

The First Curriculum Created Specifically for Non-Hospital Care Professionals Who should attend? The Certified Medical Compliance Officer (CMCO) certification, offered exclusively from PMI, is the very first curriculum created specifically for compliance professionals in small to medium-size physician practices, home health agencies, hospices, and DME companies. It is also well suited for those working in community mental health clinics, thirdparty billing companies, and other nonhospital healthcare environments. For those who are currently running

a practice or want to acquire expertise in compliance management, this program will teach tactical skills needed to perform in this role. Equally important, if your organization is audited, it provides concrete proof that your company is endeavoring to comply with applicable billing and coding rules. The CMCO credential provides you with a means to authenticate your compliance expertise.

KEY COURSE OBJECTIVES History and Background of Compliance: • Overview of the seven basic elements included in every compliance plan. • Key role played by HHS-OIG, including the draft compliance program guidance. • Current healthcare fraud enforcement environment and sentencing guidelines. • Federal and state False Claims Act, Stark, and the federal antikickback statute. • Impact of healthcare reform on enforcement statutes and practices.

The Basics: Billing/Coding/Coverage and Reimbursement: • AMA CPT codes, 1995 and 1997 E/M guidelines and ICD-9-CM. • LCDs/NCDs and the applicability to coverage decisions. • Discussion of the drafting and incorporation into your organization’s compliance plan. • Identity theft and electronic security. • Keeping current on changes in the law and policy. ZPICs/Medicare RACs/ Medicaid RACs/MICs: • Zone program integrity contractors. • Medicare and Medicaid recovery audit contractors. • Medicaid integrity contractors. • Role of the compliance officer. • Relationship between the compliance officer, employees, management, board of directors. • Peer review actions and state licensure issues. • Drafting “Enforcement and Discipline” provisions.

Medicare Exclusion and Its Impact on an Organization: • Permissive vs. mandatory exclusion. • Copayments, deductibles, and write-offs. • Federal antikickback implications. • Overpayments — False Claims Act implications. • The role of “fair market value.” • Avoiding allegations of reprisal. • Responding to identified deficiencies. • Voluntary repayments — advantages and disadvantages of making a repayment. Law Enforcement and Investigation Tools: • Subpoenas and search warrants. • How to respond to compulsory process. • Document retention issues. • Medicare/nonfederal: administrative appeals of denied claims. • HIPAA/HITECH and the relationship between privacy and compliance. • Business associates — pitfalls to consider. • Future risks to your organization. Medical office professionals who expand their compliance knowledge now will have the edge in today’s ever-changing healthcare climate.

See reverse for registration form August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICIA N. o rg

[ Office Manager Advocacy]

Become a Certified Medical Compliance Officer in FIVE DAYS! The San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS) will host the Practice Management Institute (PMI) Certified Medical Compliance Office (CMCO) program at our offices at 5575 Ruffin Road, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92123. The class will meet Sept. 22 and 23, and Oct. 19, 20, and 21, 2011. The certification test will be offered the last day of class on Oct. 21, 2011. Registration for this SDCMS-hosted CMCO program is limited to 40 participants. SDCMS members and their staff may attend for the discounted rate of $1,435 each [further discounted to $1,275 for those members who have had previous certification through PMI (CMC, CMIS, CMOM)]; cost for nonmembers is $1,595, which includes the certification exam. For more information on this course, contact Sonia Gonzales, your SDCMS office manager advocate, at (858) 300-2782 or at Sonia.Gonzales@SDCMS.org. To register today, simply fill in the information requested below and fax this form to SDCMS at (858) 569-1334.

participant Information • FAX COMPLETED FORM TO SDCMS AT (858) 569-1334 Attendee Name

Member Physician Name

Address city / state / zip

Telephone

Fax

Payment Information

o Visa

o MasterCard

o AmEx

o Check

(Make check payable to “Practice Management Institute” and mail to: SDCMS, Attn., Sonia Gonzales, 5575 Ruffin Road, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92123.)

Credit Card #

Exp Date

Total Amount

Cardholder Name

Cardholder Signature

Billing Address ZIP Code

S AN D I E G O P HY S I CI A N. or g A u gu st 2011

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August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICIA N. o rg

[ Office Manager Advocacy]

Your Fulltime SDCMS Office Manager Advocate Sonia Is Here to Help!

SDCMS Member Office Managers/ Staff: Don’t forget that you have a full-time medical office manager advocate at SDCMS ready to help with any questions you may have, free of charge. Contact Sonia Gonzales at (858) 300-2782 or at SGonzales@SDCMS.org. SDCMS Benefits Available to SDCMS Member Physician Office Staff: • Seminars & Webinars: Invaluable, Free Training From Experts in Their Fields • Access Archived Webinars and Members-only Content Online at SDCMS.org • One-on-one Assistance With Economic Advocacy • Coding Hotline • Lists/Labels for Marketing Your Physician’s Practice • Access to Endorsed Partner Expertise and Discounts to Save Your Physicians Time and Money • Discounted Certification Courses: CMOM, CMC, CMIS, and — Most Recently — CMCO • Networking Opportunities at Training Events • Free “Help Wanted” Job Postings in San Diego Physician and Online at SDCMS.org • “One-stop Shop” for Office Manager/Practice Administrator Assistance for Anything Related to Managing Your Physician’s Practice

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San Diego County

Physician Directory 2010 –2011 “Physicians United

San Diego County Medical Society San Diego” “Physicians United for a Healthy

Pictorial Membership Directory. This directory lists complete contact information and specialties for every SDCMS member physician. It is mailed to all members. San Diego County Physician Directory. This pocket-sized directory lists contact information for every physician in the county. It is mailed to all 8,500 San Diego County physicians.

The deadline to participate is NOW! Space is limited. Contact Dari Pebdani today: 858-231-1231 or DPebdani@SDCMS.org

for a Healthy San

Diego”

Are You Getting Your Reimbursement Issues Resolved? Have a question? Don’t know where to begin? Contact your full-time, SDCMS physician advocate, Marisol Gonzalez, free of charge, to get the answers to all your questions, at (858) 300-2783 or at MGonzalez@SDCMS.org.

S AN D I E G O P HY S I CI A N. or g A u gu st 2011

SDCMS Will Soon Publish the 2011–12 Directory of San Diego County Physicians An Easily Portable 5.375” x 8.375” Book That Lists ALL Practicing San Diego County Physicians For physicians who are not SDCMS-CMA members, we will use the address published by the Medical Board of California (MBC). Please check the MBC website at www.mbc.ca.gov to make sure that the address listed is acceptable to you. If you prefer NOT to be listed in SDCMS’ 2011–12 San Diego County Physician Directory, or if you wish us to use a different address, please email your complete name, address (if you desire a different address), and specialty to Janet.Lockett@SDCMS.org.

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San Diego County

Physician Directory 2010 –2011

San Diego County Medical So ciety “Physicians United for a Healt hy San Diego”

5575 Ruffin Road, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92123 • Telephone: (858) 565-8888 Fax: (858) 569-1334 Email: SDCMS@SDCMS.org Website: SDCMS.org

S AN D I E G O P HY S I CI A N. or g July A u gu 2011 st 2011

August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICIA N. o rg

Looking for a way to give back to the community? The San Diego County Medical Society Foundation’s (SDCMSF) mission is to address the unmet San Diego healthcare needs of all patients and physicians through innovation, education, and service. SDCMSF is proud to partner with volunteer specialty physicians and nearly 100 community clinics in the county who provide primary care services for the medically uninsured and underserved. These clinics have little to no access to specialty care for their patients and need your help!

Opportunities for Physicians 1

Volunteer for Project Access San Diego:

If you are a specialist in private practice in San Diego, please consider joining more than 180 specialists in the county by seeing a limited number of uninsured adult community clinic patients in your office for free. Project Access coordinates all aspects of care so your volunteerism is hassle-free for you and your office staff.

Volunteer for eConsultSD:

eConsultSD allows primary care physicians from the community clinics in San Diego to articulate a clinical question to a specialist and receive a timely response in a HIPAA-compliant, web-based portal. eConsultSD is an easy way for busy specialist physicians to give back to the community who are not able to provide direct patient care.

Obtain a Volunteer or Paid Position at a Local Community Clinic: SDCMSF is happy to connect specialist physicians with a community clinic that needs your services on site. This opportunity involves traveling to a clinic within San Diego County as your schedule permits.

Make a Contribution:

SDCMSF needs your support to care for the medically underserved in our community. Please consider making a contribution of any size to support the Foundation’s efforts. Contributions can be made online at SDCMSF.org or sent to the San Diego County Medical Society Foundation at 5575 Ruffin Road, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92123. Thank you for your support!

Thank you for your dedication to the medically underserved. If you are interested in any of the opportunities above, please contact Lauren Radano, program manager, at (858) 565-7930 or at Lauren.Radano@SDCMS.org. The San Diego County Medical Society Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization (Tax ID # 95-2568714). Please visit SDCMSF.org for more information. Telephone: (858) 565-8888 or Fax: (858) 569-1334

SDCMSF was formed as a separate 501(c)3 in 2004 by the San Diego County Medical Society.

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classifieds PHYSICIAN POSITION WANTED SEEKS PERMANENT, PART-TIME POSITION: Physician experienced in primary care (no obstetrics) relocating to San Diego. BC in preventive medicine (occupational medicine subspecialty). 25 years experience in Cleveland VAMC, ambulatory care. Good patient rapport. Formerly chief, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Louis Stokes-Cleveland VAMC (3,000 employees), 1987–2002. Experience includes minor surgery, office orthopedics, internal medicine, administration of wellness program. Subsequently followed by nine years clinical experience in correctional medicine, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Dept. (current). Seeks permanent, part-time position. Benefits not necessary. Available July 18 or later. For CV/ references, contact me at (216) 321-4273 or at dtinman@ sbcglobal.net. [941] PHYSICIAN POSITIONS AVAILABLE MEDICAL DIRECTOR — MD/DO — CARLSBAD CLINIC: Seeking board-certified or board-eligible MDs or DOs in California. Previous experience in occupational, emergency, internal, or general practice medicine is preferred. U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group, the leading provider of occupational medicine in CA with close to 70clinics, specializes in early return-to-work programs, injury prevention, and wellness programs. U.S. HealthWorks offers our employees a competitive salary and an array of benefits, including sign-on bonus, quarterly incentive program, flexible hours and excellent work environment, health, dental, and vision coverage, 401k, paid vacations, and much more! Apply today! Email providerrecruitment@ushworks.com. Visit www.ushealthworks. com. EOE [959]PHYSICIANS: Retired with license? Want to cut back to one or two days a week? Alternative care office in Carlsbad looking for California licensed MD for consultative work. Part time, excellent compensation. Contact James at (760) 703-3767. [957] EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY IN ESTABLISHED INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PRACTICE: Infinite Vitality of California is seeking a board-certified internal medicine or family practice physician to lead a busy integrative medicine, healthy aging, and aesthetics practice in beautiful North San Diego County. The ideal candidate is also A4M fellowship trained or eligible. Must be proficient and experienced in bio-identical hormone treatment, healthy-aging medicine, and primary care. Knowledge of aesthetic medicine is a plus. The practice has an established 16-year track record of success and quality care. The physician will be responsible for all clinical aspects and have autonomy to direct plan of care. Infinite Vitality will manage the practice administration and marketing so that you can focus on practicing medicine. Outstanding compensation opportunities, including base salary, attractive benefits, and profit sharing. Please email current CV to howard@infinite-vialtiy.com or call (949) 2808411 for more information. [955] SENIOR PHYSICIAN: Are you looking for a rewarding career giving care and hope to those who need encouragement? An exciting and challenging career as a senior physician awaits you at the County of San Diego. As the head of the HIV/STD/Hepatitis clinic, you would manage a team responsible for planning and directing clinic services. We are looking for a candidate who has the drive to excel and can work collaboratively on a team to improve the lives of San Diego County residents. We require a license to practice medicine in the State of California and at least three years of recent post-internship training or experience in internal medicine or as a general practitioner. For further information, visit http://sdcms.org/classifieds/physician-positions-available. [953] Internal Medicine: SHARP Rees-Stealy Medical Group, a 400+ physician multi-specialty group in San Diego, is seeking a part-time BC/BE internal medicine physician to join our staff. We offer a first-year competitive compensation guarantee and excellent benefits package. Please send CV to SRSMG, Physician Services, 2001 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. Fax (619) 233-4730. Email lori.miller@sharp.com. [951] Dermatology: SHARP Rees-Stealy Medical Group, a 400+ physician multi-specialty group in San Diego, is

seeking a full-time BC/BE dermatologist to join our staff. We offer a first-year competitive compensation guarantee and excellent benefits package. Please send CV to SRSMG, Physician Services, 2001 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. Fax (619) 233-4730. Email lori.miller@ sharp.com. [950] MD OR NURSE PRACTITIONER: Dr. Parmela Sawhney is looking to fill an MD or nurse practitioner position at her Imperial Beach office, located at 705 Palm Ave., Imperial Beach CA 91932. Please fax resume to (619) 435-4489 or email to ayurvedicintegrated@yahoo.com. [944] PHYSICIAN WANTED: ENT practice looking for boardcertified/eligible otolaryngologist to join office and quickly achieve ownership. Located in central San Diego County. Full office with typical ENT equipment, including endoscopy. Position to be filled by Sept 2011. Terms available. Email KLewis@SDCMS.org. [936] PHYSICIAN RESEARCH (206507): Seeking a research physician to work with the DoD’s Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program (IDCRP) at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA. IDCRP is a collaborative program among the Uniformed Services University (USU), NIH-NIAID, the U.S. Military, and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF). Applicant will be responsible development, direction, and execution of clinical research protocols related to infectious diseases including HIV/sexually transmitted infections, respiratory infections, travel/deployment-related infections, trauma infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and other infectious disease threats to the military population. Must have thorough knowledge of clinical medicine and knowledge of research tasks; knowledge of medical science and development of clinical research programs; experience in design of clinical research trials; excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Must have an MD or DO degree and ID Fellowship training, plus two years each of clinical research and ID specialty patient care. Must have licensure to practice medicine within the continental United States; Board certified or board eligible for certification in the specialty associated with the clinical research program. Please apply online at www.hjf.org/careers/search.html Job No: 206507. HJF offers a competitive salary and generous benefits package. AA/EEO [935] PSYCHIATRIST, WEEKEND, AND PER DIEM:Palomar Pomerado Health is seeking board-eligible / boardcertified psychiatrists to take weekend call or per diem weekday work at Palomar Medical Center and Pomerado Hospital. Weekend duties include pager call from home, rounding at both inpatient units, and performing consultation to the medical surgical floors. $3,000 / weekend. Contact Jason Keri MD, at (619) 299-4374. [934] SAN DIEGO, NORTH COUNTY:Our busy urgent care is in need of locum tenens family practice physicians for evenings and weekends. Hours are 5–9 pm, Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm on Saturdays, and 10am–4pm on Sundays. Malpractice coverage is provided. Please send your CV to judy@cassidymg.com or call (760) 6305487 for additional information. You may also fax your CV to (760) 630-2558, attention Judy. [929] FAMILY MEDICINE: SHARP Rees-Stealy Medical Group, a 400+ physician multi-specialty group in San Diego, is seeking full-time BC/BE family medicine physicians to join our staff. We offer a first-year competitive compensation guarantee and excellent benefits package. Please send CV to SRSMG, Physician Services, 2001 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. Fax: (619) 233-4730. Email: lori.miller@sharp.com. [928] FAMILY PRACTICE PHYSICIANS NEEDED: Full-time and part-time. Days, nights, weekends available. Fax CV to La Costa Urgent Care and Family Practice at (760) 603-7719. [925] SEEKING BOARD-CERTIFIED PEDIATRICIAN FOR PERMANENT FOUR-DAYS-PER-WEEK POSITION: Private practice in La Mesa seeks pediatrician four days per week on partnership track. Modern office setting with a reputation for outstanding patient satisfaction and retention for over 15 years. A dedicated triage

and education nurse takes routine patient calls off your hands, and team of eight staff provides attentive support allowing you to focus on direct, quality patient care. Clinic is 24–28 patients per eight-hour day, 1-in-3 call is minimal, rounding on newborns, and occasional admission, NO delivery standby or rushing out in the night. Benefits include tail-covered liability insurance, paid holidays/vacation/sick time, professional dues, health and dental insurance, uniforms, CME, budgets, disability and life insurance. Please contact Venk at (619) 504-5830 or at venk@gpeds.sdcoxmail.com. Salary $ 102–108,000 annually (equal to $130–135,000 full-time). [778] PRIMARY CARE JOB OPPORTUNITY: Home Physicians (www.thehousecalldocs.com) is a fast-growing group of house-call doctors. Great pay ($140–$200+K), flexible hours, choose your own days (full or part time). No ER call or inpatient duties required. Transportation and personal assistant provided. Call Chris Hunt, MD, at (858) 279-1212 or email CV to hpmg11@yahoo.com. [801] PRACTICE FOR SALE INTERNAL MEDICINE PRACTICE FOR SALE IN NATIONAL CITY: $318,000 yearly average gross earnings for the past three years. Office-based busy practice of 31 years on the busiest street of the city. Option to add hospital practice to the office practice, with the nearest hospital 1.6 miles close. Two other nearby hospitals are less than 7 miles. Easily accessible location right between two freeways, I-5 and I-805. $89,000–$99,000. Terms negotiable. Financing if needed. Call (619) 948-4946 anytime or (619) 449-4318 7pm–2am. [945] INTERNAL MEDICINE PRACTICE FOR SALE: Beautiful beach weather, established 27 years with excellent reputation. Two exam rooms. Free-standing building. Main street corner location. Great visibility. Office shared with another physician. Patient parking. 2010 gross: $483K. Asking $225K. 100% financing available. Please contact ProMed at (888) 277-6633 or at info@promed-financial. com, or visit www.promed-financial.com. [906] OFFICE SPACE / REAL ESTATE SCRIPPS RANCH/POWAY MEDICAL/OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE — PINNACLE MEDICAL PLAZA: Suites available from 1,000 to 9,105 sq. ft. in shell condition for custom build-out with a generous tenant improvement allowance from landlord. Convenient access to I-15, adjacent to Sharp Rees-Stealy medical offices with close proximity to numerous retail amenities. Lease rate: $2.50–$2.75 NNN. Parking: 5.0/1,000 sq. ft. For more information, contact Bob Kuzman at (858) 546-5439 or at rkuzman@breb.com, or Eric Vann at (858) 546-5407 or at evann@breb.com. [956] FOR LEASE: Medical office space (1,116 square feet) located at 300 South Pierce Street, Suite 103, El Cajon, CA 92020. Newly built suite includes: 4 exam rooms; 2 MD offices; reception and lobby area; ample parking (no charge); storage. If interested, please feel free to call Debbie at (619) 668-4700 or email Debbie@zavaromd.com. [952] HILLCREST GENERAL OFFICE SUITES AND MEDICAL OFFICE WITH SURGICAL CENTER: Prime location in the medical community near Scripps Mercy/UC Medical Center. Offices for general business use such as accountant, lawyer, internet company, etc. Office for medical use is near move-in ready with exam rooms, reception/waiting room, offices, and storage. Patient parking available. T1 line for large voice and data communication needs. Property manager onsite. Contact Dottie Surdi at (858) 349-2007. [948] OFFICE SPACE POWAY/RANCHO BERNARDO: Medical office space for lease, all or part. Up to 1,100 sq. ft. Great location in medical/dental complex in Poway, next to Pomerado Hospital (borders Rancho Bernardo). Open treatment areas and private treatment rooms, two bathrooms, waiting room/lobby, front office. Second floor. Elevator/stair access. Beautiful view of the hills. Ideal for medical, complementary/alternative medicine, physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage/body work, etc. Patients/clients from Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Carmel Mountain, 4-S Ranch, Scripps Ranch, Escondido, Ra-

To submit a classified ad, email Kyle Lewis at KLewis@SDCMS.org. SDCMS members place classified ads free of charge (excepting “Services Offered” ads). Nonmembers pay $150 (100-word limit) per ad per month of insertion.

S AN D I E G O P HY S I CI A N. or g A u gu st 2011

mona, and surrounding areas. Contact Debbie Summers at (858) 382-8127 or at debjsummers1@yahoo.com. [946] SHARE OFFICE SPACE IN LA MESA: Available immediately. 1,400 square feet available to an additional doctor on Grossmont Hospital Campus. Separate receptionist area, physician’s own private office, three exam rooms, and administrative area. Ideal for a practice compatible with OB/GYN. Call (619) 463-7775 or fax letter of interest to La Mesa OB/GYN at (619) 463-4181. [648] DOWNTOWN OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE: Family practice physician in downtown San Diego has office space available. Preferably a primary care physician, but open to any healthcare provider. If interested, please call (858) 270-7633. [938] SCRIPPS ENCINITAS CONSULTATION ROOM/EXAM ROOMS: Available consultation room with two examination rooms on the campus of Scripps Encinitas. Will be available a total of 10 half days per week. Located next to the Surgery Center. Receptionist help provided if needed. Contact Stephanie at (760) 753-8413. [703] OFFICE SPACE TO SHARE IN EASTLAKE AREA: Currently occupied by owner, family physician. Great location close to Sharp Chula Vista Hospital. Beautiful new building with ample parking. Procedure and exam room available. If interested please call Norma (office manager) at (619) 946-4073. [931] MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE PART TIME TO SHARE IN SOLANA BEACH: Excellent location off I-5 by coast. Space includes three fully equipped exam rooms, waiting room, lunchroom, two bathrooms. Available all day Thursdays and other half days — flexible schedule. Great opportunity for a start-up practice that can’t fill a full-time schedule. Affordable rent and flexible arrangements. Call (858) 259-9708 or email solanabeachmed@sbcglobal.net for more information. [878] SCRIPPS/XIMED BUILDING, LA JOLLA, OFFICE SPACE TO SUBLEASE: Occupied by vascular and general surgeons. One room office available, with one or two exam rooms, to a physician or team. Located on the campus of Scripps Memorial Hospital, Ximed Building is the office space location of choice for anyone doing surgeries at the hospital or for anyone seeking a presence in the La Jolla area. Reception and staff available if needed. Full ultrasound lab on site in office for anyone interested in this service. For more information, call Irene at (619) 840-2400 or at (858) 452-0306. [921] NORTH COAST HEALTH CENTER, ENCINITAS, OFFICE SPACE TO SUBLEASE: Newly remodeled and beautiful office space available at the 477 Building. Occupied by seasoned vascular and general surgeons. One office and two exam room available. Great window views and location with all new equipment and furniture. Full ultrasound lab and tech on site for extra convenience. New hardwood floors and exam tables. Staff available for an add-in if needed. Plenty of free parking. For more information, call Irene at (619) 840-2400 or at (858)452-0306. [922] LUXURIOUS / BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED DOCTOR’S OFFICE NEXT TO SHARP HOSPITAL FOR SUB-LEASE OR FULL LEASE: The office is conveniently located just at the opening of Highway 163 and Genesee Avenue. Lease price is very reasonable and appropriate for ENT, plastic surgeons, OB/GYN, psychologists, research laboratories, etc. Please contact Mia at (858) 279-8111 or at (619) 823-8111. Thank you. [836] SUBLET ~ 2 EXAM ROOMS AND PHYSICIAN OFFICE: Beautiful new spacious medical office suite located at 501 Washington St., San Diego 92130, contiguous to Vibra Hospital and across from Scripps Mercy Medical Campus in a Class A office building. Shared waiting room, break room, receptionist area included. Currently office suite is occupied by seasoned primary and specialty physicians. Ample parking, freeway access to interstates 5/163/8, ancillary services are in close proximity for patient convenience. Please contact Ms. Betterton or Dr. Carla Fox at (619) 299-2570. [914] 3998 VISTA WAY IN OCEANSIDE: Two medical office spaces approximately 2,000ft2 available for lease. Close proximity to Tri-City Hospital with pedestrian walkway connected to parking lot of hospital, and ground floor

access. Lease price: $2.20 +NNN. Tenant improvement allowance. For further information, please contact Lucia Shamshoian at (760) 931-1134 or at shamshoian@coveycommercial.com. [834] BUILD TO SUIT: Up to 1,900ft2 office space on University Avenue in vibrant La Mesa/East San Diego, across from the Joan Kroc Center. Next door to busy pediatrics practice, ideal for medical, dental, optometry, lab, radiology, or ancillary services. Comes with 12 assigned, gated parking spaces, dual restrooms, server room, lighted tower sign. Build-out allowance to $20,000 for 4–5 year lease. $3,700 per month gross (no extras), negotiable. Contact venk@cox.net or (619) 504-5830. [835] SHARE OFFICE SPACE IN LA MESA JUST OFF OF LA MESA BLVD: 2 exam rooms and one minor OR room with potential to share other exam rooms in building. Medicare certified ambulatory surgery center next door. Minutes from Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Very reasonable rent. Please email KLewis@SDCMS.org for more information. [867] OFFICE SPACE IN UTC: Full- and part-time office in 8th floor suite with established psychologists, marriage and family therapist, and psychiatrist in Class A office building. Features include private entrance, staff room with kitchen facilities, active professional collegiality and informal consultation, private restroom, spacious penthouse exercise gym, storage closet with private lock in each office, soundproofing, common waiting room, and abundant parking. Contact Christine Saroian, MD, at (619) 682-6912. [862] OFFICE SPACE TO SHARE: Currently occupied by orthopedic surgeon. Great location close to Scripps/Mercy and UCSD Hospital. Looking to share with part-time or full time physician. Fully furnished, fully equipped with fluoro machine and 4 exam rooms and staff. (NEGOTIABLE) Please contact Rowena at (619) 299-3950. [804] NONPHYSICIAN POSITIONS AVAILABLE CONTRACT BILLER: Project Access San Diego (PASD) seeks a part-time, independent contractor biller to enter patient billing information into our case management system. This position is for approximately 10 hours a week, and the consultant must be able to work from home. Responsibilities include: data entering approximately $100,000 worth of donated services every month, communicating with healthcare volunteers to correct billing errors on behalf of our patients, submitting accounts payable to SDCMS Foundation bookkeeper for prompt payment to volunteers, estimating values for donated services when bills are not submitted promptly by volunteers, and generating reports on donated services for the PASD leadership team and executive director as needed. Must have experience with medical and ancillary services billing. If you interested, please apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to Lauren Radano, Healthcare Access Manager, at Lauren.Radano@SDCMS. org. NO CALLS PLEASE. [958] EXPERIENCED NURSE PRACTITIONER: We are a high-volume family practice office. We are urgently seeking an experienced NP to share in patient care duties. Minimum two years experience. Credentials must be up to date. The position is available part time. Flexible hours and competitive pay. If interested, please send your resume to primaryhealthpartners1@gmail.com. We will be in touch. [954] PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT • PART TIME • ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY: Well-established, high-volume orthopaedic practice in Chula Vista has an opportunity for a part-time (16–24 hours) physician assistant who has a strong interest in orthopaedic medicine. We strive to provide the best orthopaedic care possible for all patients, and to treat each patient the way we would treat a family member. JOB SUMMARY: Provide a full range of physician assistant services and orthopaedic procedures within the scope of practice, which include, but not limited to, obtaining medical histories, performing physical examinations, requesting and evaluating diagnostic tests, rendering a diagnosis, formulating appropriate treatment plans and follow-up instructions autonomously or in collaboration with the supervising physician, prescribing medications as indicated, providing patient education, performing diagnostic ultrasound, aspirations, and injections under ultrasound guidance, application

and removal of all types of traction, casts, splints, and other immobilization devices and equipment, providing wound care, functioning as first assist in the operating room, running and overseeing the injection clinics. REQUIREMENTS: current BLS — ACLS certification recommended; previous full-time experience working as a physician assistant in orthopedic surgery, with first assist experience preferred; new graduate applicants are welcomed; board certification under the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants; graduate from PA training program accredited by the Commission of Physician Assistants; must have current DEA licensure or otherwise be eligible to obtain a license; must be able to provide two letters of recommendation written within the last two years. Please email CV and two letters of recommendation to hkay@williamevesmd.com. [949] MEDICAL PRACTICE ADMINISTRATOR FOR A BUSY SAN DIEGO OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE: Candidate must possess a minimum of five years of medical administration experience. This is a full-time position requiring travel to two practice locations. Strong skill set required in delegation and structure of staff and policies. Experience needs to include financial reporting, good working knowledge of Quickbooks, payroll functions, and total human resource management. Duties will include: 1) Hiring, terminating, and training as well as responsibility for full management of the employees at two practice locations; 2) Credentialing, contract negotiations, financial reporting, and analysis of the practice on a monthly basis; 3) Oversight of the annual operating budget and development of business goals; 4) Assisting physicians in marketing and expansion related issues; 5) Submitting accurate and timely payroll information and processing all accounts payable information in a timely manner; 6) Performance of administrative duties to ensure the efficiency of the practice; 7) Oversight of quality assurance and compliance within the office practice in keeping with state, federal, and hospital policies and procedures. Fulltime position. Excellent benefits and compensation. EXPERIENCED CANDIDATES ONLY PLEASE. Respond with resume to hr.sdra@gmail.com. [947] FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER OR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT: Part-time to full-time position (4–5 days per week) available in the North region: Escondido and Temecula. The FNP or PA provides healthcare services to patients under direction and responsibility of physician. Candidates must have a current California PA or FNP license, DEA and CPR certifications. Please send CVs to Dr. Jim Schultz via email at JimS@nhcare.org or fax to (760) 796-4021, Attn: FNP/PA — North. [942] FULL OR PART-TIME NURSE PRACTITIONER OR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT: Busy family practice with strong geriatric population located in downtown is seeking full- or part-time nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Experience in EMR preferred. Must be fluent in Spanish and English. Please fax resume to (858) 2707633. [939] FULL-TIME OFFICE MANAGER/BILLER: Dr. Marc Kramer has a full-time office manager/biller position open. The ideal candidate would need to be a strong leader with great communication skills and a strong background in billing. Practice location is in La Jolla. Please fax resumes to (858) 457-0049. [933] SAN DIEGO, NORTH COUNTY: Our busy urgent care is in need of per diem physician assistants for evenings and weekends. Hours are 5–9 pm, Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm on Saturdays, and 10am–4pm on Sundays. Malpractice coverage is provided. DEA certificate is necessary. Please send your CV to judy@cassidymg.com or call (760) 630-5487 for additional information. You may also fax your CV to (760) 630-2558, attention Judy. [930] MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CHART RACKS FOR SALE: Three free-standing metal chart racks for sale in very good condition. Each rack has nine shelves with four metal dividers per shelf. Dimensions are 36” wide by 92” tall by 13” deep. Each chart rack can hold approximately 575–625 charts, depending on size. These chart racks cost over $600 each brand new. Asking $375 or best offer. Email KLewis@ SDCMS.org. [879]

August 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICIA N. o rg

officemanageradvocacy

SDCMS’ 3rd Annual

“Outstanding Medical Office Manager”

Contest Is Now Under Way Physicians: Nominate Your Office Manager Today!

SDCMS wants to recognize San Diego County’s most outstanding medical office manager: someone who goes above and beyond their job description, who anticipates problems before they arise, who works efficiently with the practice’s time and resources, who strikes the right balance between control and morale while supervising staff, and who gives the physician(s) the support needed to do what they do best … see patients! Does your physician (or physicians) think you’re the BEST office manager in San Diego County? If so, we want to hear all about it! SDCMS member physicians can nominate their office managers by explaining in writing (up to approximately 600 words) why their office manager is the best in San Diego County. We’re sorry, but staff cannot nominate their office managers … only letters written by SDCMS member physicians will be accepted. Send nominations to SDCMS, Attn.: Sonia Gonzales, 5575 Ruffin Road, Suite 250, San Diego, CA 92123, or email them to Sonia.Gonzales@ SDCMS.org. The winner will receive a $250 gift card and recognition as SDCMS’ “Outstanding Medical Office Manager” for 2011. Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 30, 2011, and contest results will be published in the December 2011 issue of San Diego Physician magazine. Contact Sonia with any questions at (858) 300-2782 or at Sonia.Gonzales@SDCMS.org.

Left to right: 2009 Winner: Anne Billeter, Nominated by John A. LaFata, MD, SDCMS-CMA Member Since 1981. 2010 Winner: Sue Rose, Nominated by David Bodkin, MD, SDCMS-CMA Member Since 1990

S AN D I E G O P HY S I CI A N. or g A u gu st 2011

We Celebrate Excellence – Theodore M. Mazer, MD CAP member and tireless champion for access to quality health care, for those in need

800-252-7706 www.CAPphysicians.com San Diego orange LoS angeLeS PaLo aLTo SacramenTo

For over 30 years, the Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. (CAP) has provided California’s finest physicians, like San Diego otolaryngologist Theodore Mazer, MD, with superior medical professional liability protection through its Mutual Protection Trust (MPT). Physician owned and physician governed, CAP rewards excellence with remarkably low rates on medical professional liability coverage – up to 40 percent less than our competitors. CAP members also enjoy a number of other valuable benefits, including comprehensive risk management programs, best-in-class legal defense, and a 24-hour CAP Cares physician hotline. And MPT is the nation’s only physician-owned medical professional liability provider rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best. We invite you to join the more than 11,000 preferred California physicians already enjoying the benefits of CAP membership.

Superior Physicians. Superior Protection. may 2011 SAN DIEGO P HY SICIA N. o rg

$5.95 | www.SANDIEGOPHYSICIAN.org PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENVER, CO PERMIT NO. 5377

San diego County Medical Society 5575 RUFFIN ROAD, SUITE 250 SAN DIEGO, CA 92123 [ RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED ]

National power. Local clout. No compromises. The Doctors Company protects California members with both. What does uncompromising protection look like? With nearly 55,000 member physicians nationwide, we constantly monitor emerging trends and quickly respond with innovative solutions, like incorporating coverage for privacy breach and Medicare reviews into our core medical liability coverage. In addition, our 20,000 California members benefit from the significant local clout provided by our long-standing relationships with the state’s leading attorneys and expert witnesses, plus litigation training tailored to California’s legal environment. When it comes to your defense, don’t take half measures. Get protection on every front with The Doctors Company. This uncompromising approach, combined with our Tribute® Plan that has already earmarked over $105 million to California physicians, has made us the nation’s largest insurer of physician and surgeon medical liability. The San Diego County Medical Society has exclusively endorsed our medical professional liability program since 2005. To learn more about our benefits for SDCMS members, call (800) 852-8872 or visit us at www.thedoctors.com.

Robert D. Francis Chief Operating Officer, The Doctors Company

Exclusively Endorsed by

S AN D I E G O P HY S I CI A N. or g au A u gu st 2010 2011

We relentlessly defend, protect, and reward the practice of good medicine.