Dialing for doctors: new phone counseling services offer immediate access to physicians

Article Abstract:

New telephone counseling services are giving callers willing to pay $2-3 a minute immediate and personal access to physicians. Critics believe that such services raise basic questions concerning the physician-patient relationship. For example, it may be difficult for telephone doctors to give suitable advice to callers whom they can not see and do not know. But DocTalk founder Brent Blue believes that his service gives people access to high-quality, unbiased, confidential medical counseling.

All Other Information Services, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Audiotext Services, Innovations, Services, Health care industry, Online services, Internet services, Pay-per-call services, Pay per call services, DocTalk

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Doctors face new restrictions on billing for supplies

Article Abstract:

Physicians are now classified as equipment suppliers, thanks to new Medicare rules scheduled to go into effect beginning Oct 1. Those who bill Medicare for even the most trivial items might be required to apply for a supplier number and bill equipment separately from services. Some physicians complain that the rules do not adequately define what supplies consist of. The rules are designed to combat fraud among conventional equipment suppliers.

Surgical appliances and supplies, Laws, regulations and rules, Medical equipment and supplies industry, Medical equipment industry, Medicare

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Doctors may have to amend deductions for home offices

Article Abstract:

A recent Supreme Court ruling has disallowed the home office deduction for doctors who see patients or do work in their homes. Nader E. Soliman, an anesthesiologist who worked 30 to 35 hours a week at home, had his $2,500 annual deduction for his home office disallowed. The Internal Revenue Service ruled that while Soliman's home office was essential, it did not serve as his primary place of business.

Taxation, Cases, Home offices, Soliman, Nader E.

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