Frequently Asked Questions

[more] QUESTION #911: I received a letter from Health Net stating that my billing pattern for E&M services differs significantly from that of my "specialty-matched peers in the network". They want me to send a written response providing clarification, insight, or justification for this unique billing pattern within the next 30 days. I've never had this request before. Could someone assist me by reviewing my response to this letter?

[more] QUESTION #902: We are opening up a new office next month. Do we need to notify Medicare of our additional office if we are going to be seeing Medicare patients there?

[more] QUESTION #900: I am in the process of renegotiating all of my contracts. I was told by Blue Cross and Blue Shield that they are nonprofits and that they do not negotiate rates. Is this true?

[more] QUESTION #897: We are having a lot of issues with Medi-Cal. They were mixing up our NPI numbers. They had our practice name incorrect. And they were refusing to forward any mail to us. We changed our address with them, but they are not recognizing it. Can SDCMS help us?

[more] QUESTION #929: We saw a patient who had Healthy Families. We treated them for asthma and spent over an hour with them, giving them a full exam and going over their medication with them. We received an urgent authorization from the community clinic that the patient came from. We billed the code for a prolonged visit, and the head of the community clinic denied the prolonged visit code. What should we do? Are we using the code correctly?

[more] QUESTION #928: Sometimes we will give a patient a comprehensive history over the phone. Can we bill them for an office visit if they are not physically in our office?

[more] QUESTION #927: I received a contract from Anthem Blue Cross for their EPO-Healthy Families product. I do have their PPO product and have no desire to contract with them on anything else. Why did they send this to me, and can I just throw it away?

[more] QUESTION #273: Is there anyone at SDCMS that can help me code for a service?

[more] QUESTION #187: I need ICD9 and CPT code books. Do you know where I can purchase them?

[more] QUESTION #132: How do I get an NPI?

[more] QUESTION #121: If a physician is treating family members, can they still bill the insurance company?

[more] QUESTION #113: Medi-Cal has not sent a reimbursement check in three months.

[more] QUESTION #94: Do I have to have an NPI?

[more] QUESTION #46: If I opt out of Medicare and I am on emergency on-call, what is my obligation? Can I collect for a Medicare patient?

[more] QUESTION #37: Are there any consequences with HMOs if internally we are not applying monies to patients' accounts right away?

[more] QUESTION #728: It was communicated to me that CMA has created a new silent PPO action guide. Could you provide this to me?

[more] QUESTION #666: I sent a certified letter to cancel a contract with Leeann Lynch at Interplan, but it came back as “Moved Left No Address, Unable to Forward.” How can I contact them?

[more] QUESTION #604: I submitted a claim form to Blue Cross for a patient that was seen by a chiropractor that we often send our patients to. Our group is in network, but the chiropractor isn’t. Why are they reimbursing at the in-network rate?

[more] QUESTION #603: Is there a zero charge CPT code?

[more] QUESTION #696: I am trying to log onto the 2007 results for PQRI on Medicare’s website, and I am having a very difficult time. Can you help me?

[more] QUESTION #694: My staff and I are unclear of the billing requirements between non-participating and participating status for Medicare. Could you provide me with this information?

[more] QUESTION #693: Blue Cross is denying my claim and sending me a questionnaire for a possible pre-existing illness. I don’t understand how diahrrea, abdominal pain, and fever are pre-existing illnesses. Can you help me?

[more] QUESTION #688: I had a patient come in who didn’t have any money for the copayment. They have lab result to pick up, and I want to hold onto the results until they pay the copay that is owed. Can I do this?

[more] QUESTION #852: Where can we find specific information on the PQRI measures and reporting codes to receive the CMS incentive?

[more] QUESTION #851: What is the time limit that third-party payors and Medicare have to request a refund from payments that we received?

[more] QUESTION #850: Can we bill the patient separately for the supplies from a minor surgical procedure due to the fact that Blue Cross, which with we are contracted, does not pay for them?

[more] QUESTION #845: Is Vantage Medical Group and okay group to contract with?

[more] QUESTION #838: At the Palmetto Seminar (January 2009), we were told Box 11 of the 1500 Claim Form needs to say NONE and not blank. We sent in claims electronically, and they were rejected. A representative said that you only put NONE in Box 11 on paper claims. Is this correct?

[more] QUESTION #835: How can we see the data that we have reported for PQRI as well as the money that we should be receiving for 2008? To date we have received nothing.

[more] QUESTION #834: I have a coding question. Is there anyone I can ask about my specific question?

[more] QUESTION #832: I am currently only a workers’ compensation physician. I am interested in contracting with private insurace companies and PPOs. Can I get assistance with this?

[more] QUESTION #823: I want to send a complaint letter to someone regarding Palmetto. Since they have taken over, I have been receiving an increased amount of denials, and I am not being paid correctly. Who should I complain to?

[more] QUESTION #819: My group and I take non-emergency call at a local hospital. We sometimes assist patients who are insured through IPAs with which we are not contracted. Can they pay us whatever they want to?

[more] QUESTION #818: I am currently a partner at a big medical group here in town, and I am planning to leave the state. In regards to my Medicare number, do you know if I take this with me or do I have to re-enroll?

[more] QUESTION #796: If a silent PPO like Beech Street is offering (for example) 14 percent of 2007 Medicare rates, why would it be bad to take it? If for most of our patients, we rarely get better than 110 percent of Medicare rates, how could it hurt us to take on a silent PPO like this?

[more] QUESTION #768: Someone who says they are from Medicare Part B called our office today wanting to come out and meet with us to ask us some general questions about Medicare Part B. Do they generally send someone out like this?

[more] QUESTION #813: Could I have more information on e-prescribing selection, vendors, and the CMS 2 percent incentive in 2009? Does SDCMS endorse any vendors?

[more] QUESTION #866: I had a patient give me a check for an elective cosmetic procedure I performed on her. When I deposited it two days later, she had placed a stop payment on it. Now she won’t return my calls. Is this considered theft?

[more] QUESTION #865: I just received a message from a person identifying himself as a DEA agent. He wants to meet with me to ask about a former patient and show me a “photo line-up.” I’m concerned about violating patient confidentiality. In addition to checking with my malpractice carrier, is there a resource you know of that can address this issue?

[more] QUESTION #859: I received a contract from Employee Health Systems Medical Group that contains a clause about “reciprocity” that concerns me. I believe this group may function as a silent PPO. Can someone take a look at the clause and doublecheck my suspicion?

[more] QUESTION #857: I want to take advantage of the CMA benefit for the contract analysis service that they offer to members. What do I need to do?

[more] QUESTION #561: How do we check Medicare eligibility for patients?

[more] QUESTION #727: Will our programmer need to reprogram our customized Microsoft Access module so that we can continue to electronically bill Medicare? If so, who can our programmer contact at CMS to get information on the parameters, and, if not, what is our solution?

[more] QUESTION #672: I am a solo proprietor, but I have “a medical corporation” after my name. NHIC has notified me that I need a Type 2 NPI, but none of my other collegues has a Type 2. I have turned in my application for a Type 2, but my paperwork has been “lost.” Can you help?

[more] QUESTION #854: Recently, I overheard a conversation about UnitedHealthcare’s losing a battle over a progressive fee schedule. Could you give me the details on that?

[more] QUESTION #847: For a UnitedHealthcare patient, I performed a physical 99396 and also addressed several medical issues and therefore used 99214. My biller added a 25 to the 99396 code, which ended up being paid, but they denied the 99214. What’s the problem?

[more] QUESTION #843: I have sent three appeals to Palmetto that have been denied. The explanation of their decision states that there are “acceptable methods of signing records/test orders and findings.” I have sent operative reports to them. What does this mean?

[more] QUESTION #842: I am a brand-new physician to Medicare; how do I enroll?

[more] QUESTION #841: Could you provide me with the website for the Realative Value Units (RVUs) for different codes?

[more] QUESTION #798: We keep getting denials from Palmetto for code 87077. We are sending tests to be done at an outside laboratory, so we are using the modifier TC. Is this correct?

[more] QUESTION #751: If we purchase the e-prescribing module, will we really be paid 2 percent more on all Medicare claims from our local intermediary in 2009?

[more] QUESTION #764: I no longer want to take TRICARE patients. What do I need to do to terminate my contract?

[more] QUESTION #761: I treat patients from my home state, and I have a patient stuck paying for medical bills because the out-of-state insurance company will not pay for it. The patient verbally consented to pay for the bills, but is mad at me. What can I do?

[more] QUESTION #758: Can we limit the number of Medi-Cal patients we see in our practice if we choose to stay contracted with Medi-Cal? We also see patients in the emergency room.

[more] QUESTION #757: If my practice drops Medi-Cal, but we still see Medi-Cal patients under emergency conditions (ER patients), can we bill our full rate or are we limited to Medi-Cal rates?

[more] QUESTION #792: With NHIC, I billed the flu vaccine (90658) with the administrative fee of 90471. Palmetto is now denying this combination. Should I be using a different code with the vaccine?

[more] QUESTION #791: I keep getting denied on claims with the diagnosis code of 413.9 with the HCPCS code of G0166. NHIC always paid this, and Palmetto is denying it.

[more] QUESTION #787: I am trying to send an appeal to Palmetto. What address should I use?

[more] QUESTION #786: I have a patient who happens to be a physician who is on Medicare. Can I extend a “professional courtesy” discount to this physician?

[more] QUESTION #523: Does the Blue Cross Freedom Blue Plan follow the Medicare Fee-for-Service fee schedule?

[more] QUESTION #435: Is there a list of medical insurance companies for the state of California?

[more] QUESTION #112: I recently changed my address, and I have not been reimbursed by Medi-Cal for the last six months. I haven’t been able to get a hold of anyone there either. Can you assist?

[more] QUESTION #100: My patient is having a problem with their insurance company. Who can they complain to if the insurance company won’t listen?

[more] QUESTION #45: If there is one change on a Medicare application — for example an address change — can I just make one change, or is it absolutely neccessary to fill out the entire application?

[more] QUESTION #30: We have submitted the necessary paperwork for our physician to become a participating provider under Medi-Cal four times, and no response.

[more] QUESTION #25: How many NPI numbers do I need for our practice?

[more] QUESTION #11: Does SDCMS have any information regarding private fee-for-service plans?

[more] QUESTION #263: Where can I find the required posters that employers need to have visible to their employees regarding wages, OSHA, voting, etc.?

[more] QUESTION #222: I was wondering if you had information on any open positions for physician assistants?

[more] QUESTION #145: Is there a staffing company that you recommend for specific billing tasks?

[more] QUESTION #134: I need to find another physician for my practice. Do you have any recommendations on how I should go about doing this?

[more] QUESTION #39: What are the differences in salary and scope of practice between nurse practitioners and physician assistants?

[more] QUESTION #29: We are hiring a new physician for our practice. Do you have any salary information by physician specialty?

[more] QUESTION #12: I'm looking for salary data for different positions in my office. Does SDCMS offer any salary resources?

[more] QUESTION #803: I am looking for the district director for the ZIP code 92130. My physician is applying to become a Civil Surgeon, and we have been unable to locate our city’s district director.

[more] QUESTION #223: I want to place a classified ad for an open position in my practice. How do I go about doing this?

[more] QUESTION #203: Who issues licenses to physician assistants?

[more] QUESTION #131: Do you know how I can get a hold of the insurance commissioner for California?

[more] QUESTION #822: Who does SDCMS endorse for ACLS recertification? Do you know who provides this service in our county?

[more] QUESTION #799: Do you know if SDCMS has any deals for getting the “blue books” or “yellow books” of MDs phone/fax numbers?

[more] QUESTION #870: Do you have a phone number for the San Diego chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation?

[more] QUESTION #497: Can you suggest a few temp agencies for medical assistants?

[more] QUESTION #174: I’m inquiring about any shredding companies you can recommend.

[more] QUESTION #26: What is the phone number for the San Diego Dermatology Association?

[more] My partners and I are closing our outpatient practice to focus entirely on inpatient medicine. What are our obligations to patients, particularly concerning: (1) notification (wording of letter, timing) (2) arranging ongoing follow-up care (are we obligated to arrange follow-up for patients other than providing lists of other physicians?) (3) medical records (what is our obligation to keeping the records?) Thank you!

[more] QUESTION #918: If a patient is coming in for repeat non-invasive procedures such as Botox injections, do they need to fill out a consent from each time?

[more] QUESTION #916: I share a practice with one other physician, and I will be moving to another area in San Diego. Is it necessary for me to send out a letter to my patients, or would it be okay for my patients to continue to contact my old office and have them notify my patients that I have moved to a different office?

[more] QUESTION #901: I will be opening up an additional office where I will be prescribing controlled substances. Do I need to register my second office or get a second license with the DEA?

[more] QUESTION #6: If one of my patients threatens to cause harm to another person, do I have an obligation to warn that person?

[more] QUESTION #5: My patient does not speak English, and they usually bring in a family member to translate. Is this sufficient?

[more] QUESTION #933: Does a cabinet containing medication in the office need to be locked?

[more] Can whoever gets this let me know? Thanks. Kyle

[more] QUESTION #278: Is a nurse practitioner allowed to perform immunizations in the absence of the practicing physician?

[more] QUESTION #275: I received a request from a copy company for one my of my patient's records who is now deceased. Am I obligated to release these records?

[more] QUESTION #274: I am closing my practice. What should I do with expired medication?

[more] QUESTION #215: How do I know if a physician-patient relationship has been established?

[more] QUESTION #210: There were unauthorized drug prescriptions given out from my office. Someone is stealing prescription pads from my office. Should I report this?

[more] QUESTION #155: I need an Advance Health Care Directive Kit. Do you know where I can get one?

[more] QUESTION #125: What are physician assistants allowed to do in a medical office?

[more] QUESTION #120: Who is allowed to put someone under a 5150 Hold or 72-hour detention?

[more] QUESTION #118: Can an office refuse to see a patient because they were sent to collections?

[more] QUESTION #117: Can a subpoena for medical records come from an attorney or must they come directly from a judge?

[more] QUESTION #111: How do I report child abuse?

[more] QUESTION #104: Where can I get sample HIPAA forms in Spanish?

[more] QUESTION #88: We are scanning our old medical records; can I shred the records once they are scanned?

[more] QUESTION #78: How do I terminate a patient? Do you have any sample termination letters I can use?

[more] QUESTION #71: Where can I find labor law posters?

[more] QUESTION #42: If I have retired from my private practice, what are my obligations in keeping medical records as well as an active office number where I can be reached?

[more] QUESTION #22: What are my OSHA requirements?

[more] QUESTION #17: Can I terminate a patient because they filed for bankruptcy?

[more] QUESTION #16: What are the new OSHA requirements?

[more] QUESTION #15: What are the guidelines for "incident-to" services?

[more] QUESTION #652: I am thinking about contacting my old patients to tell them about some new techniques and procedures we are doing. The method I plan on using is paying someone a percentage in relation to the patients that come in. Is there anything unethical about this?

[more] QUESTION #649: When a patient obtains a second opinion, whose responsiblity is it to notify the patient of the results, the physician that saw the patient first or the physician that gave the second opinion?

[more] QUESTION #648: I treated a patient who was vacationing in San Diego. One of my office staff recognized the patient’s husband and went home and told her husband that they were back in town. Is this a PHI HIPAA violation?

[more] QUESTION #647: What is the scope of practice for an aesthetician?

[more] QUESTION #645: I am a specialist, and there is a physician office that constantly sends me patient referrals. These patients do not show up to their appointments and I am losing money when they do not show up. Do I have to take these referrals?

[more] QUESTION #644: How long do I need to keep insurance EOBs, patient sign-in sheets, message books, copies of superbills, and financial patient daysheets?

[more] QUESTION #643: I had terminated a bad patient, and this patient is now asking for a copy of their record. I had terminated the patient because I believe they were mentally unstable, and I am a little hesitant to provide the copy to them. Do I have to comply with their request?

[more] QUESTION #616: We just received a letter from an attorney representing one of our patients. This letter is requesting a copy of the medical record for this patient for a criminal case. How do we proceed?

[more] QUESTION #613: I am looking to be at a semi-retired status. Will I still need to carry full-time professional liability carrier coverage?

[more] QUESTION #612: I was named in a malpractice case several years ago, and I was dropped from the case with no responsibility. Do I need to report this for credentialing purposes?

[more] QUESTION #610: One of our patients whom we have not seen for about a year is on vacation in another state. This patient called us to refill a prescription. Because we haven’t seen them in a year, we advised them to go to urgent care. Was this correct?

[more] QUESTION #609: If we have not seen a patient for two to three years, what is our obligation to that patient?

[more] QUESTION #608: A private attorney representing one of our patients is requesting a copy of the patient’s medical record for a Social Security benefits trial. Can this attorney get these records free of charge?

[more] QUESTION #691: How long should we keep medical records?

[more] QUESTION #690: A patient of ours gets dropped off at our office for appoinments by someone he knows. Our patient and that person are now suing each other. That person wants information on the patient. Can I release this to them?

[more] QUESTION #689: My physician has a physicial therapy practice, and we were told that we needed to have a disclosure form for our patients. This form is to have information about referral and ownership of the physical therapy practice. Do you have this?

[more] QUESTION #687: Blue Shield of California sent a letter to me regarding the DOI access and availability regulations. They stated that this is a “legally required amendment to my Blue Shield agreement.” What do I need to do?

[more] QUESTION #686: Liberty Mutual has sent me a letter asking me to fill out a form for one of my patients regarding disability. The letter states that I should fill out the form at “no expense to me.” I do charge for form completion. Can I charge them?

[more] QUESTION #873: I was working with an answering service that provided bad service. They leaked my password to one of my patients, and I tried to keep the number they provided me, but they want me to pay an additional fee, and they won’t do this until I pay the final bill. I don’t want to pay them because of the poor service. Is there anyone I can file a complaint with regarding this company?

[more] QUESTION #872: I am curious if one physician can be spread over five different clinics? One of my patients told me that a clinic that dispenses diet pills and gives vitamin injections is looking to hire one additional physician, but they would be spread over five different clinics. Is this legal?

[more] QUESTION #855: If we have email communications with our patients, are those emails a part of the medical record?

[more] QUESTION #846: Can we charge a patient interest on a medical bill that the patient is making over a period of time?

[more] QUESTION #833: Over a year ago the CDC came out with recommendations regarding HIV testing. Has California law changed to now allow implementation of all these CDC recommendations?

[more] QUESTION #830: In the employee contract, a physician will pay a percentage of collections as overhead to the practice with adjustments for malpractice insurance, individual expenses, etc. Is it legal to include as an adjustment from “net collections” the employer-paid payroll taxes?

[more] QUESTION #825: I run an ophthalmology office. Is it mandatory for my staff to be trained in CPR?

[more] QUESTION #777: Are we required to disclose that we are seeing a patient if an attorney calls and wants to inquire about their medical record?

[more] QUESTION #817: Our physician wants to have our new patients sign an arbitration agreement. Do you have a copy of one or a resource to get one?

[more] QUESTION #795: What information does a medical records release form need to have for patient authorization? If I am transferring records over to a physician for treatment, does the patient need to be notified, or may I use my discretion?

[more] QUESTION #776: Are there any set standards for medical record documentation? Does the Medical Board of California have these standards?

[more] QUESTION #775: We are a pediatric office, and we want to put our medical records release form directly onto our website so that parents can download the form, fill it out, and fax it to us. Is a faxed copy of their signature adequate documentation and compliant for medical record releases?

[more] QUESTION #774: Am I violating HIPPA by using a computer at home to do billing for my physician? There is no Internet, and I transfer the data on a flash drive.

[more] QUESTION #773: We received a document stating that all medical assistants need to have a certificate in phlebotomy? Is this true?

[more] QUESTION #770: I often go out and do lectures for physicians as well as patients. Do I need professional liability coverage for these lectures that I give?

[more] QUESTION #868: We have a patient who is a diabetic and losing her eyesight due to the diabetes. She is convinced that her eye sight is deteriorating due to an eye surgery she recently had but does not want to understand that it is due to the disease. I want to terminate the patient because she does not want to understand the disease, and she does not accept that even if she has surgery, this may not repair her eye damage. I consulted with my professional liability carrier, and they advised me to give the patient a termination letter at her next appointment. Is there anything else I should be doing?

[more] QUESTION #864: I remember reading about a law requiring us to give patients a handout at the time of their annual gynecology exam. Do you know which law this is or what handout is required?

[more] QUESTION #862: I have been called in for federal jury duty. I sent a letter in already pleading hardship because I can’t afford to be away from my practice for four weeks. Is there anything else I can do?

[more] QUESTION #861: We received a request from a lawyer for one of our patient’s medical record. They also want all of the previous records from previous physicians that we have because the patient provided them to us. Do we have to provide these as well?

[more] QUESTION #860: I have a brand-new patient that came to me for care. I wanted to take a look at the record the previous psychiatrist had on this patient so that I could see what type of medications were prescribed, but the previous physician refuses to release it. What can I do?

[more] Can whoever gets this please let me know? Thanks. Kyle

[more] QUESTION #853: I am part of the medical staff at a local hospital, and I need assistance with the conflict management policy portion of our medical policy. Can someone assist me?

[more] QUESTION #745: If a receptionist is trained by the physician they work for, and the physican’s medical assistant is not present but the physician has the receptionist (who is trained) continue the duties of the medical assisatnt, is there anything wrong with this from a professional liability standpoint?

[more] QUESTION #744: I have been told that medical assistants cannot perform blood draws or injections in the office unless a physician is in the office. This is for a medical assistant that does not have a phlebotomy certification.

[more] QUESTION #815 (12/18/08): I recieved a subpoena from a public defender for one of my patients. My patient does not want me to release their records. What do I do?

[more] QUESTION #814: There is a new regulation that goes into effect January 2009 regarding language interpreters for patients. What is the new law and how will it affect physicians?

[more] QUESTION #807: Is it legal and ethical to recommend a Canadian pharmacy to patients who can’t afford to purchase their medication here in the United States?

[more] QUESTION #767: I have an elderly patient that has been estranged from his family for 15 years. He is back in the hospital, and his daughter (his legal representative) is requesting a copy of his medical records. Our consent form was filled out incorrectly, and it doesn’t seem right.

[more] QUESTION #759: We are a fairly large pediatric group and, in the past, have given across-the-board 20 percent professional discounts for the children or relatives of physicians but have given 100 percent discounts to a small grop of physicians who routinely refer to our practice. Is this OK?

[more] QUESTION #755: I need to access CMA’s ON-CALL documents. What do I need to get onto their website?

[more] QUESTION #778: I have a patient who may be a threat to his family because he has stopped taking his medication. I want to warn his family of this, but the patient has not allowed me to discuss this with his family. What can I do?

[more] QUESTION #457: A patient wants her medical records back but refuses to pay her balance or a copying fee? What rights does she have?

[more] QUESTION #444: At our orthopaedic office, we see patients who receive workers’ compensation benefits. In the patient history section of our medical records, we have a space for “adult illnesses.” Would it be correct to note that a patient is HIV positive in that section?

[more] QUESTION #443: We just had a CLIA audit done, and the auditor notified us that we need to go back 10 years and enter an opt note in the patient’s file with cytology records. Do we have to comply to this?

[more] QUESTION #441: Does SDCMS have any information on sole propreiterships, incorporation, partnerships, practice management, legal contracts, and business licenses?

[more] QUESTION #441: Does SDCMS have any information on sole propreiterships, incorporation, partnerships, practice management, legal contracts, and business licenses

[more] QUESTION #438: I have a physician that I work with who does not have the best reputation. He is intimidating the staff, he is not professional, and I do not want him admitting or servicing patients. What can I do legally?

[more] QUESTION #437: I am inquiring if our county has a fax system to notify pharmacies regarding physician reports of fraudulent/stolen prescriptions and prescription pads?

[more] QUESTION #376: Does the practice have to provide records to a patient that has an outstanding balance?

[more] QUESTION #367: A patient paid for their office visit with a credit card. The police contacted us requesting the patient’s name because the card was stolen. Can we provide this information?

[more] QUESTION #307: Is it legal to have “dail 911” on a voicemail as a back-up or for an on-call physician?

[more] QUESTION #251: A patient is coming to us for follow-up care from the hospital, and they are deaf. The patient’s sign language interpreter called us and told us that we would have to pay for the interpreter’s services. Is this true?

[more] QUESTION #54: Does the office have a legal responsibility to remain open until all patients leave?

[more] QUESTION #32: Do paramedics accept copies of DNR forms? Do DNR forms expire?

[more] QUESTION #20: How much can I charge for copies of medical records?

[more] QUESTION #7: I have a new patient who has had seizures in the past. She has stopped taking her medication, and I warned her not to drive. Do I have an obligation to report this to someone?

[more] QUESTION #4: What are the rules for breaks or rest periods?

[more] QUESTION #3: We have a patient who has a bad history with checkwriting. She still has outstanding bills, and she is trying to see a new physician. Can our physician tell the future physician about the bad payment history?

[more] QUESTION #926: I am opening up my new practice in a couple of days. Do I need a business license? My office is in La Jolla.

[more] QUESTION #769: My medical license has expired, and I never recieved a notice. What can I do?

[more] QUESTION #848: My DME license got pulled for recertification. I paid my fees and they sent me a letter stating that they no longer have to come to my office for an inspection and refunded the money I paid. What do I do now?

[more] QUESTION #754: Do medical assistants have to be licensed or certified? We want to hire a medical assistant with four years of training with no certification, but we wanted to make sure that she did not need a certificate.

[more] QUESTION #68: We have the required CMEs. Who do we provide them to?

[more] QUESTION #60: If I have not yet completed all CME units for the year, how should I note this when I renew my medical license?

[more] QUESTION #917: Do you know of any insurance companies that offer affordable Key Man life insurance?

[more] QUESTION #906: Who can I contact for a practice valuation?

[more] QUESTION #896: I have an employee that was to go out on maternity leave (we have a staff under 10). She left a month early and was scheduled to return six weeks from her delivery date. She texted me to tell me that she was having knee problems and couldn't stand or walk without extreme pain. I told her that she could not return to work until she was able to stand and walk normally. She promised to keep me posted on her progress. I have not heard from her since she texted me several months ago. May I terminate her due to job abandonment, or do I still need to keep her job open for her?

[more] QUESTION #931: Do you know of someone that can come in and do a practice acquisition or practice valuation?

[more] QUESTION #267: I need information for any practices for sale. Do you have this information?

[more] QUESTION #123: I need assistance with selling my practice. How can SDCMS help me?

[more] QUESTION #110: Who should I call to haul away hazardous waste?

[more] QUESTION #103: How do I get a discount on Epocrates, and how to I renew my Epocrates subscription?

[more] QUESTION #95: Where can I get information on opening a new practice?

[more] QUESTION #69: Where can I get security prescription pads?

[more] QUESTION #61: Can CMA's Physician Confidential Line be utilized by medical students as well?

[more] QUESTION #50: Where can I get discounted magazines for waiting rooms?

[more] QUESTION #47: Is there anyone that can do website set up for our practice?

[more] QUESTION #642: I am looking for a new medical malpractice professional liability carrier. Does SDCMS have any suggestions?

[more] QUESTION #607: I would like to place a classified ad in San Diego Physician magazine as well as on SDCMS’ website. What is the cost, and how do I do this?

[more] QUESTION #692: I need a bank. Who should I use?

[more] QUESTION #871: I am looking to learn Spanish so that I can communicate with my patients better. Do you know of any instructors that will come out to my home to teach a few hours a week?

[more] QUESTION #849: Do you know of a consultant that could come to our office and give us a series of in services on people skills, communication, team building skills, etc.?

[more] QUESTION #844: Where can I find more information on the Risk Management Patient Safety Exam for The Doctors Company and documents to help prepare for it?

[more] QUESTION #840: Does SDCMS recommend any IT companies that would could hire for our practice?

[more] QUESTION #837: We are setting up an EMR, and we need to install a T1 line. Is there someone you can refer us to?

[more] QUESTION #836: MBC has pamphlets entitled, “A Women’s Guide to Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.” I need these pamphlets by Friday, and I can’t wait for them to be sent to me. Does SDCMS have any of these?

[more] QUESTION #827: I need help in restructuring my practice. Does SDCMS have anyone to refer me to?

[more] QUESTION #826: Who should I use for credit card processing?

[more] QUESTION #824: I am looking for a good information technology (IT) referral for my office. Does SDCMS have any recommendations?

[more] QUESTION #820: I need life insurance. Who do I call?

[more] QUESTION #797: I am looking for sample agreements for charts, assets, and the medical practice. Does SDCMS have any samples for these items?

[more] QUESTION #771: I need personal health insurance. Any suggestions?

[more] QUESTION #537: Does SDCMS have anyone we can call for workers’ compensation insurance?

[more] QUESTION #529: How do I obtain an official physician vehicle emblem for my car when I am called in for an emergency?

[more] QUESTION #812: How can I take advantage of the free assessment of network and hardware member benefit?

[more] QUESTION #801: What bank do you recommend for members?

[more] QUESTION #782: Does SDCMS know of anyone who can offer insurance to physicians?

[more] QUESTION #779: I am looking for an attorney that knows about contracting for specialty physician IPAs and partnerships. Does SDCMS have a referral for me?

[more] QUESTION #490: I need some information regarding billing service providers. Does SDCMS recommend anyone?

[more] QUESTION #489: Does SDCMS or CMA have a discounted auto insurance benefit?

[more] QUESTION #294: We are a small medical group looking for a malpratice insurance carrier. Do you have any suggestions?

[more] QUESTION #201: Can I have proof of membership?

[more] QUESTION #195: I need a practice evaluation. Does SDCMS recommend anyone?

[more] QUESTION #124: I need a workers’ compensation plan.

[more] QUESTION #63: Does SDCMS have a job board?

[more] QUESTION #44: Who do I speak to about opening up an health savings account (HSA) account?

[more] QUESTION #41: Do I have to buy a new billing book each year? How do I find out the new ICD-9 codes?

[more] QUESTION #36: I need an attorney for corporate structure.

[more] QUESTION #31: Do you have information on billing fee contract negotiations either through literature suggestions or professionals to speak with that do insurance contract negotiations? We are specifically looking at HMO capitation.

[more] QUESTION #28: Who would you recommend for collections services?

[more] QUESTION #14: Does SDCMS have a webpage design person that can be referred to members?

[more] QUESTION #10: What is the name of a good moving company for medical supplies?