I wouldn't doubt that any of us could be audited and be caught in enough inadvertent errors and differences in interpretation to get us into serious financial and legal trouble. The idea of trying to get rich by defrauding the government seems poorly based to me. The latest in the fraud and abuse regulation is in some language in the September 8 Federal Register under Proposed Rulemaking. The deadline for direct input on this will have passed by the time this column hits print, but keep your eyes open for this and related information. Don't be afraid to take a few minutes to dictate a letter to your congressman.
Every input helps.
We must do our part to protect our profession. You can be sure no-one else is going to look out for us. Starting in 1998, the conversion factor which is multiplied by the relative value to obtain the dollar amounts for payments, will be increased for primary care. The 1998 Black Hills Winter Ski Seminar is coming up February 5-7. Come to the Hills for good CME, good skiing, and camaraderie.