Medical Briefs
New Medicare ZIP Code Requirement
Starting October 1, 2007, physicians in 32 states must use a nine-digit ZIP
Code (rather than a five-digit code) on their Medicare claim forms to
indicate the geographic location where service was performed. Medicare
reimbursement is based on postal ZIP Codes, and use of the nine-digit ZIP
code will help ensure that physicians receive timely and accurate payment
for their services. You can get all the details on the
CMS web site.
Meeting and Greeting Patients
Researchers at Northwestern University asked patients nationwide whether a
doctor should shake their hand when an office visit begins and how they want
to be addressed. The results: 78% of the respondents prefer a handshake, and
50.4% like to be called by their first names. A majority want the physicians
to introduce themselves using their first and last names.
National Patient Satisfaction Survey
A recent national survey by Consumer Reports magazine found that a majority
of patients were “highly satisfied” with their primary care physicians.
However, 24% reported having to wait for 30 minutes or longer to see their
physician, and 19% could
not get an appointment within less than a week. Only 9% believed they did
not get enough time with their doctors.
Health Care Commentaries is
provided by Somerset’s
Health Care Team
for our clients and other interested persons upon request. Since
technical information is presented in generalized fashion, no final
conclusion on these topics should be made without further review. For
additional information on the issues discussed, please contact a member
of our Health Care Team. This
document is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for
the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the
taxpayer.
Somerset CPAs,
P.C.
3925 River Crossing Parkway, Third Floor
Indianapolis, Indiana 46240
317.472.2200 • 800.469.7206 • FAX 317.208.1200
www.somersetcpas.com
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