Guest guest Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 AARRGGHH! I would indeed like to stay out of jail...and it still seems ludicrous that this is possibledespite having never signed any sort of contract with Medicare. So here's my story so far: 1) I used the resources from postings on the listserve and the article in Family Practice Management, including their template for the opt-out affadivit (attached). I created my opt-out affadavit based on the template in FPM. http://www.aafp.org/fpm/20080600/13howt.html2) I sent it to the NY Medicare A and B carriers.3) I heard back from the Part B carrier that they were no longer the current carrier as of the month before, and they gave me the information for the new carrier. 4) I resent the info to the new carrier. 5) New carrier ignored my affadavit and faxed me their own form (attached), which was exactly the same. I filled it out and sent it back. 6) New carrier ignored the actual information in that form (including my NPI and the MD after my name), decided I was a chiropractor, and informed me that chiropractors can't opt out! (poor souls)6) I called the customer service number listed, and went through the whole rigamarole with 'Gloria' who searched the system and told me that if I had never enrolled with Medicare I didnot have to opt out (WRONG). Falsely reassured, I documented that phone call and went back to working on more urgent things, feeling that at least I had sentout my affadavits and put in a good faith effort. (HAH - like that will keep me out of jail). 7) Panicked by recent postings I revisited the issue and will resend affadavits (and a letter emphasizingthat I am not a chriporactor) and not rest until I have confirmation back from each carrier that I am opted out. Here's the quote from the CMS Manual (entire manual section attached for reference): Oh and the red is their correction of errors that had me slightly confused earlier in the year when Locke posted the same thing (they said the carrier had to provide the physician with their NPI - everything was backwards. Grrr.www.cms.hhs.gov/Transmittals/Downloads/R92BP.pdf-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------40.13 - Physician/Practitioner Who Has Never Enrolled in Medicare(Rev. 92; Issued: 06-27-08; Effective/Implementation Date: 09-29-08)For a physician/practitioner who has never enrolled in the Medicare program and wishesto opt out of Medicare, the physician/practitioner must provide the carrier with aNational Provider Identifier (NPI). The carrier must annotate its in-house provider filethat the physician/practitioner has opted out of the program. The carrier can get the fullname, address, license number, and tax identification number from thephysician’s/practitioner’s opt out affidavit. All other data requirements should bedeveloped from other data sources (e.g., the American Medical Association, StateLicensing Board, etc.). The physician/practitioner must not receive payment during theopt-out period (except in the case of emergency or urgent care services). If the carrierneeds additional data elements and cannot obtain that information from another source, itmay contact the physician/practitioner directly. It must notify the physician orpractitioner that in order to refer or order services for a Medicare patient, the physician orpractitioner must have an NPI.If an opt-out physician/practitioner provides emergency or urgent care service to abeneficiary who has not signed a private contact with the physician or practitioner and thephysician/practitioner submits an assigned claim, the physician or practitioner mustcomplete Form CMS-855 and enroll in the Medicare program before receivingreimbursement. Under a similar circumstance, if the physician or practitioner submits anunassigned claim, the carrier must pay the beneficiary directly without requiring acompleted Form CMS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------So I don't need a UPIN or Medicare provider number, just my NPI (which I gave them and they ignored). Once they finally get it right, I should be considered opted out and will enter into private contracts with each patient so I can stay out of jail. And I already put in my calendar the renewal date two years from now so I don't forget. And I do not have other employment that requires me to be enrolled in Medicare, like Elaine does. My wording was poor in the original email - I wasn't just going to "act opted out" - I had sent in affadavits according to the rules to officially opt out. -jess jessica did someone tell you this-- you have to have a upin number and officially opt out. ANd doit every 2 yrs. YOu can';t "just" do it and "tell" a patietnIts the feds -- nothing is simpleStay out of jail would you please?Love JeanOn Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 8:46 AM, Wayne Coghill <cwayne59verizon (DOT) net>wrote:, you're in NY? Are u in NYC?From: <jdavis13wildblue (DOT) net>To: Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 9:57:19 AMSubject: Medicare Opt Out (was..."Just signed up to host meeting...")Elaine, What do you mean you can't charge patients if you are not taking Medicare? My understanding is that if you are not contracted with Medicare as either a participating or non-participating provider, then you just need to have private contracts with Medicare patients and inform them that you do not take Medicare. I am also in the ambiguous situation of having never contracted with Medicare (coming directly out of residency). I did manage to talk to a live person at the NY Medicare Part B company, who could not find me in their system, and therefore told me I did not need to 'opt-out' since I was never 'opted-in'. I still sent in opt-out letters/affadavits to cover my bases. I plan to act as if I was opted out, and create private contracts just to keep things clear. Do you know something I don't?Nice webpage by the way, I didn't know you had written a book!-jessThanks for the support. Definitely need it. I am not taking Medicare, not opted in , not opted out, So can't charge pts either. I still have some stuff i have to grind out w the city regarding my office - thats a stress i don't need. Once that is settled, i need to get brochures made, get an ad in paper, organize some talks w guess speakers (local specialists that i know), show movies. I am only shooting for 500 pts on my panel. Also life would be easier if I could sub lease some of my space to other IMP's. I saw another pt today, he got my name from the Blue shield web site. PS the meeting stuff is good publicityOn Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 5:47 PM, Myria <myriaemenyyahoo (DOT) com> wrote:You are brave Elaine.I'm open 5 months and not touching that meeting stuff. Nows the time to be practical and let the more experienced tackle those politics.And two patients on your first day is a lot!The learning curve stays steep so don't hurry on the HYH.I'm doing the phone calls but still don'e have that yet......... .be very careful of Medicare and do that billing first as I'm still waiting for first payments after 4 returns of forms for foolishness and then a change of company.Feel free to call me if you need encouragement, someone to bemoan being overwhelmed with, etc, etc. I'm sure it gets better. And I'll take this kind of overwhelmed any day over the hamster wheel. Very happy and very tired. --- On Tue, 12/16/08, <jnantonucci@ gmail.com>wrote:From: <jnantonucci@ gmail.com>Subject: Re: [Practiceimprovemen t1] Just signed up to host meeting and check out my new web site!To: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) comDate: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 8:49 AMElaine I congratulate you for holding such a meeting. I do not wanna do one....And at Chrsitmas timeWhen you are running a brand new practiceWay to go babe!! I will help you with howsYourhealth anytimeYou can always call me USing my offcie number below gets you my home and cell also( just call me Dr Access):)On Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 2:10 AM, <elaine2mdgmail (DOT) com> wrote:Thank you everyone. This group is so encouraging. So far I have 4 people RSVP for my health reform meeting. Everyone is off on vacation. Definitely not a good time. Who thought of this time period anyway? Oh well it is a done deal. Should let the local paper know too. Happy Holidays to everyoneOn Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:52 PM, Sharon <docsharoncox (DOT) net>wrote:Elaine,Congratulations on the first day!And the website looks very good. Great picture of you with the green plant in the background….I like the image it creates.You are well on your way!Sharon From: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) com[mailto:Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) com] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 10:50 PMTo: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) comSubject: Re: [Practiceimprovemen t1] Just signed up to host meeting and check out my new web site! Thanks jean. Got to say, I am exhausted trying to get my practice ready. Saw 2 pt on my first day and that was enough. So much to learn. I still need to sign up for how my health but working on AC and billing firstOn Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 8:04 AM, <jnantonucci@ gmail.com> wrote:nice nice website.Jean On Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:28 AM, <elaine2mdgmail (DOT) com> wrote:I just signed up to host Health Care Reform meeting Dec 20th. Also finished my website-finally. Got most of the ideas from Lonna's Website. Thanks LonnaNext step will be to make a You Tube video...Coming soon-- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address.Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax -- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.-- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address.Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax -- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address.Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 I'm upstate - north of Albany about 45 minutes. -jess, you're in NY? Are u in NYC?From: <jdavis13wildblue (DOT) net>To: Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 9:57:19 AMSubject: Medicare Opt Out (was..."Just signed up to host meeting...")Elaine, What do you mean you can't charge patients if you are not taking Medicare? My understanding is that if you are not contracted with Medicare as either a participating or non-participating provider, then you just need to have private contracts with Medicare patients and inform them that you do not take Medicare. I am also in the ambiguous situation of having never contracted with Medicare (coming directly out of residency). I did manage to talk to a live person at the NY Medicare Part B company, who could not find me in their system, and therefore told me I did not need to 'opt-out' since I was never 'opted-in'. I still sent in opt-out letters/affadavits to cover my bases. I plan to act as if I was opted out, and create private contracts just to keep things clear. Do you know something I don't?Nice webpage by the way, I didn't know you had written a book!-jessThanks for the support. Definitely need it. I am not taking Medicare, not opted in , not opted out, So can't charge pts either. I still have some stuff i have to grind out w the city regarding my office - thats a stress i don't need. Once that is settled, i need to get brochures made, get an ad in paper, organize some talks w guess speakers (local specialists that i know), show movies. I am only shooting for 500 pts on my panel. Also life would be easier if I could sub lease some of my space to other IMP's. I saw another pt today, he got my name from the Blue shield web site. PS the meeting stuff is good publicityOn Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 5:47 PM, Myria <myriaemenyyahoo (DOT) com> wrote:You are brave Elaine.I'm open 5 months and not touching that meeting stuff. Nows the time to be practical and let the more experienced tackle those politics.And two patients on your first day is a lot!The learning curve stays steep so don't hurry on the HYH.I'm doing the phone calls but still don'e have that yet......... .be very careful of Medicare and do that billing first as I'm still waiting for first payments after 4 returns of forms for foolishness and then a change of company.Feel free to call me if you need encouragement, someone to bemoan being overwhelmed with, etc, etc. I'm sure it gets better. And I'll take this kind of overwhelmed any day over the hamster wheel. Very happy and very tired. --- On Tue, 12/16/08, <jnantonucci@ gmail.com>wrote:From: <jnantonucci@ gmail.com>Subject: Re: [Practiceimprovemen t1] Just signed up to host meeting and check out my new web site!To: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) comDate: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 8:49 AMElaine I congratulate you for holding such a meeting. I do not wanna do one....And at Chrsitmas timeWhen you are running a brand new practiceWay to go babe!! I will help you with howsYourhealth anytimeYou can always call me USing my offcie number below gets you my home and cell also( just call me Dr Access):)On Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 2:10 AM, <elaine2mdgmail (DOT) com> wrote:Thank you everyone. This group is so encouraging. So far I have 4 people RSVP for my health reform meeting. Everyone is off on vacation. Definitely not a good time. Who thought of this time period anyway? Oh well it is a done deal. Should let the local paper know too. Happy Holidays to everyoneOn Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:52 PM, Sharon <docsharoncox (DOT) net>wrote:Elaine,Congratulations on the first day!And the website looks very good. Great picture of you with the green plant in the background….I like the image it creates.You are well on your way!Sharon From: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) com[mailto:Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) com] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 10:50 PMTo: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) comSubject: Re: [Practiceimprovemen t1] Just signed up to host meeting and check out my new web site! Thanks jean. Got to say, I am exhausted trying to get my practice ready. Saw 2 pt on my first day and that was enough. So much to learn. I still need to sign up for how my health but working on AC and billing firstOn Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 8:04 AM, <jnantonucci@ gmail.com> wrote:nice nice website.Jean On Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:28 AM, <elaine2mdgmail (DOT) com> wrote:I just signed up to host Health Care Reform meeting Dec 20th. Also finished my website-finally. Got most of the ideas from Lonna's Website. Thanks LonnaNext step will be to make a You Tube video...Coming soon-- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address.Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax -- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.-- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address.Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax -- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 1. you fascinate me All your emails go t o my spam file2 I am so sorry about this messMy info about the upin not the NPI was from the residency administrator here butcertainly you are now an expert How sad that doctors must go through this due to " well intentioned " efforts on behalf of the country's seniors I am so sorryTell a reporter Tell a Senator AARRGGHH! I would indeed like to stay out of jail...and it still seems ludicrous that this is possibledespite having never signed any sort of contract with Medicare. So here's my story so far: 1) I used the resources from postings on the listserve and the article in Family Practice Management, including their template for the opt-out affadivit (attached). I created my opt-out affadavit based on the template in FPM. http://www.aafp.org/fpm/20080600/13howt.html2) I sent it to the NY Medicare A and B carriers.3) I heard back from the Part B carrier that they were no longer the current carrier as of the month before, and they gave me the information for the new carrier. 4) I resent the info to the new carrier. 5) New carrier ignored my affadavit and faxed me their own form (attached), which was exactly the same. I filled it out and sent it back. 6) New carrier ignored the actual information in that form (including my NPI and the MD after my name), decided I was a chiropractor, and informed me that chiropractors can't opt out! (poor souls) 6) I called the customer service number listed, and went through the whole rigamarole with 'Gloria' who searched the system and told me that if I had never enrolled with Medicare I did not have to opt out (WRONG). Falsely reassured, I documented that phone call and went back to working on more urgent things, feeling that at least I had sentout my affadavits and put in a good faith effort. (HAH - like that will keep me out of jail). 7) Panicked by recent postings I revisited the issue and will resend affadavits (and a letter emphasizingthat I am not a chriporactor) and not rest until I have confirmation back from each carrier that I am opted out. Here's the quote from the CMS Manual (entire manual section attached for reference): Oh and the red is their correction of errors that had me slightly confused earlier in the year when Locke posted the same thing (they said the carrier had to provide the physician with their NPI - everything was backwards. Grrr.www.cms.hhs.gov/Transmittals/Downloads/R92BP.pdf------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40.13 - Physician/Practitioner Who Has Never Enrolled in Medicare (Rev. 92; Issued: 06-27-08; Effective/Implementation Date: 09-29-08) For a physician/practitioner who has never enrolled in the Medicare program and wishes to opt out of Medicare, the physician/practitioner must provide the carrier with a National Provider Identifier (NPI). The carrier must annotate its in-house provider file that the physician/practitioner has opted out of the program. The carrier can get the full name, address, license number, and tax identification number from the physician's/practitioner's opt out affidavit. All other data requirements should be developed from other data sources (e.g., the American Medical Association, State Licensing Board, etc.). The physician/practitioner must not receive payment during the opt-out period (except in the case of emergency or urgent care services). If the carrier needs additional data elements and cannot obtain that information from another source, it may contact the physician/practitioner directly. It must notify the physician or practitioner that in order to refer or order services for a Medicare patient, the physician or practitioner must have an NPI. If an opt-out physician/practitioner provides emergency or urgent care service to a beneficiary who has not signed a private contact with the physician or practitioner and the physician/practitioner submits an assigned claim, the physician or practitioner must complete Form CMS-855 and enroll in the Medicare program before receiving reimbursement. Under a similar circumstance, if the physician or practitioner submits an unassigned claim, the carrier must pay the beneficiary directly without requiring a completed Form CMS- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------So I don't need a UPIN or Medicare provider number, just my NPI (which I gave them and they ignored). Once they finally get it right, I should be considered opted out and will enter into private contracts with each patient so I can stay out of jail. And I already put in my calendar the renewal date two years from now so I don't forget. And I do not have other employment that requires me to be enrolled in Medicare, like Elaine does. My wording was poor in the original email - I wasn't just going to " act opted out " - I had sent in affadavits according to the rules to officially opt out. -jess jessica did someone tell you this-- you have to have a upin number and officially opt out. ANd doit every 2 yrs. YOu can';t " just " do it and " tell " a patietn Its the feds -- nothing is simpleStay out of jail would you please?Love Jean On Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 8:46 AM, Wayne Coghill wrote: , you're in NY? Are u in NYC? To: Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 9:57:19 AM Subject: Medicare Opt Out (was... " Just signed up to host meeting... " ) Elaine, What do you mean you can't charge patients if you are not taking Medicare? My understanding is that if you are not contracted with Medicare as either a participating or non-participating provider, then you just need to have private contracts with Medicare patients and inform them that you do not take Medicare. I am also in the ambiguous situation of having never contracted with Medicare (coming directly out of residency). I did manage to talk to a live person at the NY Medicare Part B company, who could not find me in their system, and therefore told me I did not need to 'opt-out' since I was never 'opted-in'. I still sent in opt-out letters/affadavits to cover my bases. I plan to act as if I was opted out, and create private contracts just to keep things clear. Do you know something I don't?Nice webpage by the way, I didn't know you had written a book! -jess Thanks for the support. Definitely need it. I am not taking Medicare, not opted in , not opted out, So can't charge pts either. I still have some stuff i have to grind out w the city regarding my office - thats a stress i don't need. Once that is settled, i need to get brochures made, get an ad in paper, organize some talks w guess speakers (local specialists that i know), show movies. I am only shooting for 500 pts on my panel. Also life would be easier if I could sub lease some of my space to other IMP's. I saw another pt today, he got my name from the Blue shield web site. PS the meeting stuff is good publicity On Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 5:47 PM, Myria <myriaemenyyahoo (DOT) com> wrote: You are brave Elaine.I'm open 5 months and not touching that meeting stuff. Nows the time to be practical and let the more experienced tackle those politics. And two patients on your first day is a lot!The learning curve stays steep so don't hurry on the HYH.I'm doing the phone calls but still don'e have that yet......... .be very careful of Medicare and do that billing first as I'm still waiting for first payments after 4 returns of forms for foolishness and then a change of company. Feel free to call me if you need encouragement, someone to bemoan being overwhelmed with, etc, etc. I'm sure it gets better. And I'll take this kind of overwhelmed any day over the hamster wheel. Very happy and very tired. I just signed up to host Health Care Reform meeting Dec 20th. Also finished my website-finally. Got most of the ideas from Lonna's Website. Thanks Lonna Next step will be to make a You Tube video...Coming soon-- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined. -- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address.Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax -- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined. -- M.D.www.elainemd. com Office: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined. -- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address. Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax -- M.D.www.elainemd. com Office: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined. -- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address. Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax -- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address. Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 And you have a cash only practice? Can I ask you a couple questions? To: Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:43:48 AMSubject: Re: Medicare Opt OutI'm upstate - north of Albany about 45 minutes. -jess , you're in NY? Are u in NYC? From: <jdavis13wildblue (DOT) net>To: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) comSent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 9:57:19 AMSubject: [Practiceimprovemen t1] Medicare Opt Out (was..."Just signed up to host meeting...")Elaine, What do you mean you can't charge patients if you are not taking Medicare? My understanding is that if you are not contracted with Medicare as either a participating or non-participating provider, then you just need to have private contracts with Medicare patients and inform them that you do not take Medicare. I am also in the ambiguous situation of having never contracted with Medicare (coming directly out of residency). I did manage to talk to a live person at the NY Medicare Part B company, who could not find me in their system, and therefore told me I did not need to 'opt-out' since I was never 'opted-in'. I still sent in opt-out letters/affadavits to cover my bases. I plan to act as if I was opted out, and create private contracts just to keep things clear. Do you know something I don't? Nice webpage by the way, I didn't know you had written a book! -jess Thanks for the support. Definitely need it. I am not taking Medicare, not opted in , not opted out, So can't charge pts either. I still have some stuff i have to grind out w the city regarding my office - thats a stress i don't need. Once that is settled, i need to get brochures made, get an ad in paper, organize some talks w guess speakers (local specialists that i know), show movies. I am only shooting for 500 pts on my panel. Also life would be easier if I could sub lease some of my space to other IMP's. I saw another pt today, he got my name from the Blue shield web site. PS the meeting stuff is good publicity On Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 5:47 PM, Myria <myriaemenyyahoo (DOT) com> wrote: You are brave Elaine. I'm open 5 months and not touching that meeting stuff. Nows the time to be practical and let the more experienced tackle those politics. And two patients on your first day is a lot! The learning curve stays steep so don't hurry on the HYH. I'm doing the phone calls but still don'e have that yet......... .be very careful of Medicare and do that billing first as I'm still waiting for first payments after 4 returns of forms for foolishness and then a change of company. Feel free to call me if you need encouragement, someone to bemoan being overwhelmed with, etc, etc. I'm sure it gets better. And I'll take this kind of overwhelmed any day over the hamster wheel. Very happy and very tired. I just signed up to host Health Care Reform meeting Dec 20th. Also finished my website-finally. Got most of the ideas from Lonna's Website. Thanks Lonna Next step will be to make a You Tube video...Coming soon-- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined. -- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address.Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax -- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined. -- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined. -- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address.Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax -- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 You're welcome to ask, but I am still sort of in the question asking phase myself. I do plan to have a cash practice, but I don't plan to open until late January or early February, and I'm coming right out of residency.If you throw questions out though, I bet smarter, more experienced people like , Marty, Sharon, Lonna, Chad, Elaine might have better answers. And maybe I'll learn some morehelpful tips too -jessAnd you have a cash only practice? Can I ask you a couple questions?From: <jdavis13wildblue (DOT) net>To: Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:43:48 AMSubject: Re: Medicare Opt OutI'm upstate - north of Albany about 45 minutes. -jess, you're in NY? Are u in NYC?From: <jdavis13wildblue (DOT) net>To: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) comSent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 9:57:19 AMSubject: [Practiceimprovemen t1] Medicare Opt Out (was..."Just signed up to host meeting...")Elaine, What do you mean you can't charge patients if you are not taking Medicare? My understanding is that if you are not contracted with Medicare as either a participating or non-participating provider, then you just need to have private contracts with Medicare patients and inform them that you do not take Medicare. I am also in the ambiguous situation of having never contracted with Medicare (coming directly out of residency). I did manage to talk to a live person at the NY Medicare Part B company, who could not find me in their system, and therefore told me I did not need to 'opt-out' since I was never 'opted-in'. I still sent in opt-out letters/affadavits to cover my bases. I plan to act as if I was opted out, and create private contracts just to keep things clear. Do you know something I don't?Nice webpage by the way, I didn't know you had written a book!-jessThanks for the support. Definitely need it. I am not taking Medicare, not opted in , not opted out, So can't charge pts either. I still have some stuff i have to grind out w the city regarding my office - thats a stress i don't need. Once that is settled, i need to get brochures made, get an ad in paper, organize some talks w guess speakers (local specialists that i know), show movies. I am only shooting for 500 pts on my panel. Also life would be easier if I could sub lease some of my space to other IMP's. I saw another pt today, he got my name from the Blue shield web site. PS the meeting stuff is good publicityOn Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 5:47 PM, Myria <myriaemenyyahoo (DOT) com> wrote:You are brave Elaine.I'm open 5 months and not touching that meeting stuff. Nows the time to be practical and let the more experienced tackle those politics.And two patients on your first day is a lot!The learning curve stays steep so don't hurry on the HYH.I'm doing the phone calls but still don'e have that yet......... .be very careful of Medicare and do that billing first as I'm still waiting for first payments after 4 returns of forms for foolishness and then a change of company.Feel free to call me if you need encouragement, someone to bemoan being overwhelmed with, etc, etc. I'm sure it gets better. And I'll take this kind of overwhelmed any day over the hamster wheel. Very happy and very tired. --- On Tue, 12/16/08, <jnantonucci@ gmail.com>wrote:From: <jnantonucci@ gmail.com>Subject: Re: [Practiceimprovemen t1] Just signed up to host meeting and check out my new web site!To: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) comDate: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 8:49 AMElaine I congratulate you for holding such a meeting. I do not wanna do one....And at Chrsitmas timeWhen you are running a brand new practiceWay to go babe!! I will help you with howsYourhealth anytimeYou can always call me USing my offcie number below gets you my home and cell also( just call me Dr Access):)On Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 2:10 AM, <elaine2mdgmail (DOT) com> wrote:Thank you everyone. This group is so encouraging. So far I have 4 people RSVP for my health reform meeting. Everyone is off on vacation. Definitely not a good time. Who thought of this time period anyway? Oh well it is a done deal. Should let the local paper know too. Happy Holidays to everyoneOn Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:52 PM, Sharon <docsharoncox (DOT) net>wrote:Elaine,Congratulations on the first day!And the website looks very good. Great picture of you with the green plant in the background….I like the image it creates.You are well on your way!Sharon From: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) com[mailto:Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) com] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 10:50 PMTo: Practiceimprovement 1yahoogroups (DOT) comSubject: Re: [Practiceimprovemen t1] Just signed up to host meeting and check out my new web site! Thanks jean. Got to say, I am exhausted trying to get my practice ready. Saw 2 pt on my first day and that was enough. So much to learn. I still need to sign up for how my health but working on AC and billing firstOn Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 8:04 AM, <jnantonucci@ gmail.com> wrote:nice nice website.Jean On Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 10:28 AM, <elaine2mdgmail (DOT) com> wrote:I just signed up to host Health Care Reform meeting Dec 20th. Also finished my website-finally. Got most of the ideas from Lonna's Website. Thanks LonnaNext step will be to make a You Tube video...Coming soon-- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address.Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax -- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.-- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined.-- If you are a patient please allow up to 24 hours for a reply by email/please note the new email address.Remember that e-mail may not be entirely secure/ MD ph fax -- M.D.www.elainemd. comOffice: Go in the directions of your dreams and live the life you've imagined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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