Dr. Becca asks:   “Hey Dr. Tom, you’re great. Thanks for all the great info. What’s your favorite risk code to look for as an incidental finding?”     Thrombocytopenia D69.6 It’s not uncommon, rarely reflects pathology, requires a simple, inexpensive treatment plan to address (lack of physical findings, no history of easy bruising or bleeding, f/u labs), yet the boost to your capitation is very significant.   Look for it on the blood...

  Dr. Roberta asks:   What’s the best way to connect professionally with a new Medicare Advantage patient?   Call them personally the first month after they join your patient panel and invite them to come in for a visit.   They’ll be shocked.   And if you follow through with a good visit, they will be yours for life.  

Dr. Dave inquires:   Should I be seeing my patient panel list every month? What do I do with it if I do?     Yes   Call every new patient personally and invite them in. Ask them why they signed up with you—send referral sources a personal thank you note.     Call every patient that disenrolls:   Make sure they disenrolled intentionally. Find out why. See if you can address the why.    ...

Lonette K. asks:   “I tried what you suggested but my boss won’t take “no” for an answer when it comes to limiting my workload. What (should I) do?”     Go part-time, either there or somewhere else, and make up the difference with a telemedicine practice, an expert witness practice, moonlighting, or some other sideline.     Part-time practice is a significant drag on the financial performance of your employer, that’s why they will...