Making the Move to Private Practice: Using Your Sense To Make Cents
Abstract Making the move to private practice can be an exciting and challenging proposition. There are many practical, professional, and personnel issues to consider. This tutorial provides practical suggestions for transitioning into a private practice including considerations for referral base, office space, personnel, and practice management. In addition, two major health-care coding systems are described, and the relationship of these systems to clinical documentation (Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and equitable reimbursement) is explained. Information about the use of coding edits and coding modifiers is provided. Also included in this tutorial is a brief discussion of the impact that Public Law 110-275: Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 has had on the valuation of speech-language pathology procedure codes, particularly for assessment and treatment of individuals with voice disorders.