Consultant Articles

As a consultant, teacher and Medicare Carrier Advisory Member, I am often asked if a chiropractor can refuse to treat a Medicare patient.  This poses not only a legal question but an ethical question as well.  The law is not always specific, but many other factors...

After completing Chiropractic College, most students have the dream of owning a practice of their own. They yearn for a place where they can make their mark and practice the skills that they learned during their years in school. Some chiropractic colleges help prepare...

Question:  Dr. Kotlar, “My recordkeeping, coding, and collection systems are outdated. I’ve been documenting the same way for the last 8 years even though I’ve added more services and products. I am seeing more patients but not collecting more money. Can you share...

Change is in the air in all areas of healthcare reimbursement and this is particularly true when it comes to the workplace. Employers are dealing with rising insurance costs that are taking a big bite out of their bottom line. They are searching for an answer that...

Although multiple segments or regions may be involved in the cause of a patient’s ailment, it is important to identify the main segment or region and report the diagnosis specifically.  Medicare has recently reaffirmed that duplication of diagnoses on the claim form...

Question: Dr. Kotlar, “I want to make sure I’m doing everything right from a compliance standpoint. What do you recommend?” Answer: I am a frequent speaker at many chiropractic conferences nationwide and one of the most common statements I hear attendees say is that...

Recently, Medicare announced they will be beginning a new round of Medicare audits.  Medicare audits continue as part of the contractor’s responsibilities.  While it's true that typically they are just “fishing,” certain information you send in with your claims may...

The field of regenerative medicine includes emerging therapies that have the potential to heal damaged and painful tissues in ways that were unheard of just a few short years ago. Regenerative therapies have the potential to fully heal injuries and damaged tissues...

Question: Dr. Kotlar, “I want to report a radiculopathy ICD-10 code. My patient has neck pain with radiating pain and tingling into the right arm. Do I need to order an MRI? What is the best radiculopathy code to use?” Answer: Radiculopathy is caused by compression or...

Changes in Medicare and Blue Cross continue to batter claims in 2018.  Medicare has instituted changes late last year and in the first quarter of 2018.  It is incumbent upon each chiropractic office to keep up with these changes.  Here is a brief synopsis of the major...

A primary reason for hiring staff is to increase the ability of the practice to deliver more services more efficiently. The staff's role is to make the job of the doctor easier. The most successful practice teams are the most effective at delegating all services and...

Question: Dr. Kotlar, “I just had a patient ask for a refund because he was not getting the results he was expecting. Do I have to return the money and how can I prevent this issue in the future?” Answer: I’m assuming you did not guarantee the patient any type of...