Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1: So You're a Doctor. Now What?
Chapter 2: In the Beginning
Chapter 3: Basic Rules of Survival
Chapter 4: Rule 1—Success Does Not Come Quickly
Chapter 5: Rule 2—Get Yourself in Peak Financial Shape
Chapter 6: Rule 3—Start from Scratch or Buy a Practice?
Buying a Practice
Starting a Practice from Scratch
Chapter 7: Rule 4—Location
Chapter 8: Rule 5—Equipping Your Office
Chapter 9: Staffing Your Office
Chapter 10: Rule 6—Keep a Sense of Humor
Chapter 11: Rule 7—A Successful Cash Practice Is Possible
Chapter 12: Is Cash Your Best Option?
Form: Starting Up a Cash versus Insurance Practice
Chapter 13: How We Decided to Change to Cash
Chapter 14: Maintaining a Cash Practice
Patient Retention
“Free” Advertising
Patient Education
Chapter 15: Office Procedures
Chapter 16: Telephone Calls
New Patients
Recalling Missed Appointments
Rescheduling Appointments
Confirming Appointments
Recalling Patients
Scheduling Appointments
Missed, Cancelled, or Rescheduled Appointments
Chapter 17: Patient Scheduling Patterns
Chapter 18: Preventing Front Desk Back-Up
Chapter 19: Office Layout
Form: New Patient Flow Chart
Chapter 20: Filing (A Necessary Evil)
Labeling
Purging Old Documents
Chapter 21: Posting Charges
Billing Patients
Billing Insurance
Chapter 22: Requests for Medical Records
Chapter 23: Handling Disputes with Patients
Chapter 24: Tax-Related Bookkeeping
Chapter 25: Goals
Chapter 26: Keeping Track of X-Rays
Chapter 27: Ordering Supplies
Chapter 28: Patient Mailings
Thank You Cards
Birthday Cards
Recall
Newsletters
Chapter 29: New Patient Flow Chart
Chapter 30: Overview
Chapter 31: The Future Looks Brighter Than Ever
Glossary
References
Appendix A: Sample Forms
Monthly Profit/Loss Summary
Business Plan Sample Worksheet
Business Plan Worksheet
Estimated Expense Summary
Start-Up Checklist for Scratch Practice
Ledger Card Private Pay
Day Sheet
Superbill
VIP Plans
Treatment Plan
Treatment Card (Green Card)
Office Policy
File Notes
SOAP Notes
Ledger Card
Welcome to Our Office
Symptom Survey
Diagnosis Worksheet
Radiological Examination
X-Ray Release Log
Supplier Information
Supply Log
Flare-Up Report
Adjunctive Therapy Recommendation
Doctor's Instructions
Personal Injury Dismissal Survey
Re-Exam/New Injury Report
Appendix B: Referral List and Sources
Index
