Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: One of our physicians wants to stop billing under the group's tax ID and start billing under his own tax ID. I'm concerned that doing so will confuse the insurance companies and slow down his income, even though he has personally called some to notify them of the change and the effective date. Some payers are now asking for new W9 forms. Is there an easy way to do it?Answer: If your physician is leaving the group practice to establish his own solo practice (i.e., change his tax ID), all of your payers will need to be notified, in addition completing new paperwork and contracts for the solo practice.Downside: Yes, the physician's income will be slowed. You also run the risk that the payer's enrollment department does not handle the paperwork properly and although he participates, he will be treated as a non-participating physician. Other billers have reported instances [...]