Women's Dermatologic Society

By Dr. Mark Kaufmann There’s been a lot of talk about CMS approving Telederm for reimbursement. I am going to lay out what we know so far. Below are the two G codes that will be available to us starting January 1, 2019. G2010 - Remote evaluation of recorded video and/or images submitted by an established patient (e.g., store and forward), including interpretation with follow-up with the patient within 24 business hours, not originating from a related E/M service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to an E/M service or procedure within the next 24 hours (or soonest available appointment). G2012 - Brief communication technology-based service, e.g. virtual check-in, by a physician or other qualified health care professional who can report evaluation and management services, provided to an established patient, not originating from a related E/M service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to an E/M service or procedure with...

This three part Young Physician Career Corner covers tips and advice on how to build your brand from Young Physician Pearls, an interview with Dr. Deirdre Hooper, and expert marketing advice from the Director of Performance Marketing at Vimeo. >> Read the Full Article Part 1: YP Pearls Set Yourself Apart Building a Career Building a Reputation Part 2: Dr. Deidre Hooper Interview Defining your Brand Get Staff Involved Benefits of Branding Part 3: Pro Marketing Tips Social Media Advice Starting Out Dealing with Negative Posts

Dr. Catherine DiGiorgio is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship trained laser and cosmetic dermatologist who is currently in private practice at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas. Dr. DiGiorgio is active in education and she has authored many peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters. She was selected as a guest editor for the Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Journal special dermatology issue. Dr. DiGiorgio has been an invited speaker at many national meetings and actively participates in dermatology resident education in her hometown of New Orleans where she gives lectures at both Tulane University School of Medicine and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. >> Read the Full Interview

A collection of PAC Pearls from the Women’s Dermatologic Society Managing staff employment is an essential element to a successful private practice. The WDS Practice Advisory Committee (PAC) has put together a list of pearls to help navigate staff hiring and firing in your Dermatology practice.  1. Hire Slowly and Fire Quickly  Consider a prolonged new employee interview after initial screening, where the candidate spends time in the department they will work in. Get feedback from your current employees and make sure that the candidate is someone they can see themselves working with. Have a 90 day trial employment with assessment by the office manager and the physicians at the end of the 3 months. Be clear that if they are not working out after 90 days, they will be let go. This makes everyone re-evaluate the candidate. If someone is not performing, or is a negative energy in your office, let them go. Delaying firing a weak or negative employee, no mat...

The Practice Advisory Committee has put together a list of pearls to help manage angry patients. Anger in some situations is a secondary emotion. I try to identify and address the primary emotion instead of the anger. For example, fear and anxiety are two primary emotions that can result in anger. Reassuring the patient by addressing their fear and anxiety helps dissipate the anger. - Molly Hinshaw, MD Listen, 90% of the time an angry patient just wants to be heard. And often they have a valid point. I always say I hear you, let me take care of your skin, and then I’m going to make sure that your problem gets taken care of. And if it’s my fault, for example running late, I apologize and move on. - Deirdre Hooper, MD Listen with empathy. Let the patient express what they would like to say and acknowledge their frustration to deescalate the situation as much as possible. Even several minutes of letting the patient talk without interruption can really he...

Brian Tawney is a contract lawyer who works with physician clients and their practices throughout the country, helping his clients execute appropriate financial strategies. Read his career pearls about negotiating contracts where he answers questions like: >> Read the Full Interview What questions should I ask when negotiating a contract?  What is the basic structure of a contract?  Do I need a lawyer to review my contract? What general advice do you have before negotiating a contract?

The Practice Advisory Committee has put together a list of pearls to avoid burnout in your practice. Focus on Your Strengths You should spend your day doing what you were trained to do, and minimize the time you spend on regulatory and administrative tasks.  - Dr. Mark Kaufmann, MD Get the Support You Need We hired a coder/biller who reviews our notes after we are finished. She verifies that what we have recorded in the note meets the level of service that we have billed. This has saved me hours of tediously going through notes to make sure I have coded correctly. This has increased my job satisfaction tremendously. Well worth it! - Dr. Sarah Jackson, MD Expand Your Passions Find a passion (or a hobby) outside of medicine. My outside interests in art and design have led me to engage more in my community, travel, and improve the visual state of both my home and office. A happy visual space makes for a place I want to be in. - Dr. Elizabeth...