Embracing telemedicine into your otolaryngology practice amid the COVID-19 crisis: An invited commentary.

The COVID-19 pandemic has quickly and radically altered how Otolaryngologists provide patient care in the outpatient setting. Continuity of care with established patients as well as establishment of a professional relationship with new patients is challenging during this Public Health Emergency (PHE). Many geographic areas are under "stay at home" or "shelter in place" directives from state and local governments to avoid COVID-19 exposure risks. Medicare has recently allowed "broad flexibilities to furnish services using remote communications technology to avoid exposure risks to health care providers, patients, and the community." [1] The implementation of telemedicine, or virtual, services, will help the Otolaryngologists provide needed care to patients while mitigating the clinical and financial impact of the pandemic. The significant coding and billing issues related to implementing telemedicine services are discussed to promote acceptance of this technology by the practicing Otolaryngologist. Of particular importance, outpatient visit Current Procedural Terminology® codes (99201-99215) may be used for telehealth visits performed in real-time audio and video.

COVID-19 and rhinology: A look at the future.

The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has created a deadly pandemic that is now significantly impacting the United States. Otolaryngologists are considered high risk for contracting disease, as the virus resides in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and oropharynx. While valuable work has been publicized regarding several topics in Rhinology, we discuss other aspects of our specialty in further detail. There are several issues regarding Rhinologic practice that need to be clarified both for the current epidemic as well as for future expected "waves." In addition, as the pandemic dies down, guidelines are needed to optimize safe practices as we start seeing more patients again. These include protocols pertinent to safety, in-office Rhinologic procedures, the substitution of imaging for endoscopy, and understanding the appropriate role of telemedicine. We discuss these aspects of Rhinology as well as practical concerns relating to telemedicine and billing, as these issues take on increasing importance for Rhinologists both in the present and the future.

The revenue engine that could: "think you can" by refining the revenue cycle with the right people, processes, and tools.

Many physicians continue to wrestle with an economy-in-recovery and declining reimbursements. In this business climate, practices can't afford reimbursement process mistakes and inefficiencies; they're simply too expensive. Just a few denied surgical claims can cost a practice thousands of dollars. That's the cost of the annual electronic health records license or the T1 line. Uncovering any and all opportunities to improve the speed and efficiency of getting paid can positively contribute to the bottom line. This article reiterates the basics and "best" practices for efficient revenue cycle operations. The goal is to have the right tasks performed by the right number of people at the right time and with the right tools to optimize revenue.

A penny saved is ten dollars earned: fifteen ways to lower overhead and boost the bottom line.

As expenses rise and reimbursements remain flat or decline, it's more important than ever to scrutinize practice expenditures on a regular basis. This article provides tips for evaluating individual line items on the profit and loss statement and identifying expenses that can be reduced without sacrificing quality of care or patient satisfaction. When aggregated, even seemingly small reductions add up to big annual savings.

Practice management: billing for nurse practitioner services.

Utilization of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in otolaryngology practices is increasing. Otolaryngologists now employ NPs to assist with patient care responsibilities in a variety of settings, from solo practice to large academic groups. This article addresses the appropriate third-party billing methods for NP services.