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Running a successful medical practice requires more than skilled staff and a solid patient base—it demands reliable tools and supplies to deliver top-notch care. Selecting the right medical supply company is a critical decision that impacts your practice’s efficiency, budget, and patient outcomes. With countless options available, how do you ensure you’re partnering with a supplier that meets your needs? Here are key factors to consider when making this choice. 1. Assess Product Quality and Range The foundation of any medical supply company is the quality of its products. Your practice depends on equip ment and materials that meet industry standards and ensure patient safety. A good supplier should also provide a broad range of products—from basic disposable items used in daily practice to durable medical equipment. This reduces the need to juggle multiple vendors, streamlining your procurement process. 2. Evaluate Reliability and Delivery Timelines In healthcare, timing can be a matter of life and death. A supplier’s ability to deliver on time is non-negotiable. Research their track record—do they have a reputation for consistent, punctual deliveries? Check their Google reviews and social media reviews. Ask about their inventory management and whether they maintain sufficient stock to avoid backorders. For urgent needs, confirm if they offer expedited shipping options. A company with a robust logistics system and clear communication about delivery schedules will help keep your practice running smoothly. 3. Compare Pricing and Value While cost shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor, it’s a significant consideration for any practice. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true—rock-bottom prices might signal compromised quality. Look beyond the sticker price to assess overall value: Does the supplier offer bulk discounts? Factor in hidden costs like shipping fees or minimum order requirements to get a true picture of affordability. 4. Check Customer Support and Responsiveness When issues arise—whether it’s a defective product or a delayed shipment—you’ll need a supplier that By Matt Synder responds quickly and effectively. Test their customer service before committing: Call or email with questions and note how promptly and professionally they reply. A dedicated account manager can be a bonus, providing personalized support and simplifying reordering. Read reviews or ask colleagues about their experiences to gauge how the company handles complaints or returns. 5. Consider Technology and Ordering Convenience In today’s digital age, a supplier’s online platform can make or break your experience. Look for a company with an intuitive website or app that allows easy browsing, ordering, and tracking. Also, make sure the supply company you are using can adapt to the ordering process of your office. Some practices prefer to call, text or email orders. Make sure the company you partner with is flexible on the ordering process to avoid inventory issues. 6. Seek Recommendations and Test the Partnership Finally, tap into your network. Ask other healthcare professionals which suppliers they trust and why. Once you’ve narrowed your options, start with a small order to evaluate the company firsthand. Assess the quality of the products, the accuracy of the delivery, and the overall experience before fully committing. Choosing the right medical supply company is about finding a partner that aligns with your practice’s goals and values. By prioritizing quality, reliability, and support, you’ll ensure your team has the resources needed to thrive— and your patients receive the care they deserve. Matt Snyder PRESIDENT, JMS MED SUPPLY 13470 Wright Circle, Tampa, FL 33626 (855) 700-5960 www.jmsmedsupply.com

This is the sixth article in a series that lights the way to success under Florida Tort Reform’s Section 768.0427. This article focuses on what may now be the most misunderstood impact of the statute: how a facility’s sale of an account receivable impacts a personal injury case. Based on the plain language of the statute, the sales price is certainly not a cap on damages and should not even be discoverable or admissible. There are two portions of the statute that address sales of bills – Subsection (2)(b)(4) and Subsection (3)(c). These will be addressed in turn.  First, as we know, Section 2 addresses the admissibility of evidence offered to prove the amount of damages for past or future medical treatment. Subsection (2) (b) addresses “evidence offered to prove the amount necessary to satisfy unpaid charges.” Subsection (2) (b)(4) expressly applies to sales of bills and states that the following is admissible:  If the claimant obtains medical treatment or services under a letter of protection and the health care provider subsequently transfers the right to receive payment under the letter of protection to a third party, evidence of the amount the third party paid or agreed to pay the health care provider in exchange for the right to receive payment pursuant to the letter of protection.  Is the sales price a cap on Damages? No. As detailed in prior articles, Subsections (2)(a) and (2)(b) are materially different. Subsection (2)(a) does state that the only evidence admissible to prove the amount of damages for past medical treatment that has been satisfied is evidence of the amount actually paid. While the sale by definition “pays” the seller for the bill, that bill still exists in the purchaser’s hands. Thus, from the perspective of the plaintiff/patient, the bill is still owed, i.e. not “satisfied.” This is why the Legislature did not place sales of accounts receivable in Subsection (2)(a). Instead, the sale of accounts receivable is deemed a Subsection (2)(b) “unpaid charge.” Accordingly, the sales price of an account receivable is not a cap on damages. See also Articles #3 and #5 of this series.  Is the sales price admissible? No. Subsection (2) (b)(4) expressly limits admissibility of the sales price to situations where the medical treatment or services were provided “under a letter of protection” and the payment was received “pursuant to the letter of protec tion.” The Legislature has expressly defined “Letter of Protection” as “a promise of payment . . . from any judgment or settlement.” That definition trumps the common law definition. As detailed in a prior article, no medical providers should use written or verbal letters of protection. See Article #3. So long as there is no letter of protection, the defense will not be able to satisfy the critical “if” that begins Subsection (2) (b)(4) and thus will not be permitted to introduce the sales price to the jury.  Is the sales price discoverable. No. The other subsection addressing sales of accounts receivable is Subsection (3)(c). Section 3 governs discoverability, not admissibility. Thus, Subsection (3)(c) has bear ing only on the discoverability of the sales price. But before we even get there, the introductory language of Section 3 itself terminates the right to discover the sales price: “In a personal injury or wrongful death action, as a condition precedent to asserting any claim for medical expenses for treatment rendered under a letter of protection, the claimant must disclose . . . .” Thus, the defense will have to establish the existence of a letter of protection before it can even discover the purchase price. As with admissibility, so long as there is no letter of protection, the defense will have no right to discover the sales price.  The skeptics keep saying: “But the Legislature intended to make sure all of this stuff gets in front of the jury.” So?! Because of the separation of powers that is the bedrock of the United States and Florida Constitutions, the number one rule of statutory construction is that legislative intent does not come into play unless there is an ambiguity in the statute. There is no ambiguity in Subsection (2)(b)(4) or Subsection (3)(c). Yes, some trial judges will fail to apply the plain language of this statute. We saw this in the now-re jectedobtuse trilogy of trial court orders finding tort reform retroactive. But we should not be planning on this failure because the appellate courts are likely to correct the trial courts on so simple an issue.   Aaron Proulx, Esq. THE DOCTOR’S LAWYER, PLLC. (813)486-7321 aaron@doclawfirm.com www.doclawfirm.com

Whether your PIP billing is done by a billing company or handled by your in-house staff, there are certain tasks that you must ensure are done consistently in order to get what you deserve for the services you provide patients with PIP coverage. 1. Verify all PIP information directly with the insurance carrier This is the first and one of the most crucial steps in ensuring proper payment for your services. A good biller would first verify that all the information in the system for each patient is accurate, including data such as carrier name, contact information, claim number, date of accident, coverage limits, deductibles and PIP adjuster’s information. Make sure to keep notes on each account with the verification process and follow up until coverage is confirmed. 2. Notify the carrier of the initiation of treatment within 21 days of the first Date of Service (“DOS”) According to Florida PIP Statutes, medical providers have up to 35 days of each DOS to submit claims to the PIP carrier. However, if you send a notice to the carrier within 21 days of the first DOS, the billing deadline gets extended to 75 days of the DOS. This is especially help ful if you are a new clinic or if you know you might need extra time to finish your first visit reports and docu mentation before you submit your billing. Make sure you keep proof of submission on each file in case there are disputes where the carrier incorrectly denies your claims due to “late filing”. 3. Submit an EMC determination right away Whether you take care of your Emergency Medical Condition (“EMC”) determination in-house by one of your providers, or refer the patient to another office for an evaluation, this should be set up as soon as treatment starts. You want to be proactive about this and not wait until the PIP benefits are capped at $2,500 for lack of an EMC. Do not assume that just because the patient went to the hospital or saw another provider before you, that the carrier has an EMC on file and the full PIP benefits are available. As usual, keep proof of your submission and contact a PIP suit attorney if you don’t get payment for any overdue claims after 10 days of sending the EMC to the carrier. Keep in mind that most carriers automatically apply the $2,500 cap unless the EMC has been submitted. 4. Review all claims and SOAP notes for accuracy before submission I cannot stress how crucial this process is. As perfect as your processes could be, there are always some claims where there are discrepancies between the services performed, the SOAP notes and the charges submit ted. That’s why it is important to implement a process where all these entries are cross-checked to correct any errors and avoid denials for services billed that are not properly documented, or vice-versa. 5. Update your Fee Schedule regularly Perform a periodic review of your fees to ensure that what you are charging for a service is reasonable, at least on an annual basis. There are a few factors that you should consider when reviewing your fee schedule, such as your expenses, the prices charged by peers in your area for similar services and the fee schedule allowed by PIP. Before you add any new service to your practice, have your biller research the most up to date fee schedule allowable by PIP to use as a reference before deciding your prices on each service. 6. Review your files for PIP suit regularly Don’t get picky about this. Leverage your relation ships with efficient PIP attorneys to have them review every file to ensure you were properly paid. If you have them come to your office for an audit, set up a follow up review at least every 3 months so that they have a continuous flow of pre-suit demands going out for you and you have a regular inflow of PIP suit checks coming in your office. If you prefer to handle the PIP suit referrals yourself, then use a system to keep track that every file has been sent for review. And no, you do not have to wait for the patient to finish treatment to have a file reviewed by a PIP attorney. Keep in mind that our favorite attorneys’ fees for collecting on demands and lawsuits might have drastically changed since the Tort Reform became effective on March 2023, so request an updated PIP Attorney Retainer so that you understand the legal fees that you’d be charged for these services. Angely C. Maria Senior Biller & Consultant, AMB Group amaria@ambgroupcorp.com (786) 881-9311 www.AmbGroupCorp.com

The “Tort Reform” ushered in by the passage of House Bill 837 (HB 837) on March 24, 2023, marked a significant shift in Florida tort law, particularly in the realm of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) lawsuits. Among the most impactful changes introduced by the bill was the elimination of one-way attorney’s fees for plaintiffs, a provision that had long been a cornerstone of Florida’s PIP litigation framework. The removal of this benefit has altered the strategies of personal injury attorneys, medical providers, and insurance companies, reshaping the way PIP claims are handled and litigated. Before HB 837, Florida’s one-way attorney’s fee provision allowed plaintiffs who prevailed in PIP lawsuits to recover their legal fees from the defend ant insurance companies. This provision, governed by Florida Statutes §627.428, incentivized attorneys to take on PIP claims since they could litigate cases with out worrying about their clients’ ability to pay. The law was designed to level the playing field, ensuring that individuals and medical providers had access to legal recourse against insurance companies that underpaid or denied legitimate claims. However, insurance companies and lawmakers argued that the one-way attorney’s fee rule contributed to excessive litigation and inflated claims. HB 837’s enactment removed this provision, fundamentally changing the dynamics of PIP lawsuits. With the elimination of one-way attorney’s fees, plaintiffs, including medical providers pursuing unpaid claims, must now shoulder the cost of their own legal representation, regardless of whether they win or lose. This creates significant challenges as many claim ants are unable to afford legal fees, discouraging them from pursuing litigation. Smaller medical practices that previously relied on PIP lawsuits to recover unpaid bills are now struggling to take legal action against insurers. In addition, attorneys have become extremely selective in the PIP cases they accept, focusing only on those with high-value claims and clear-cut liability. Previously, insurers faced strong financial incentives to settle PIP claims quickly to avoid paying the plaintiff’s attorney’s fees. Without this pressure, insurers are now more inclined to delay or deny claims, knowing that claimants now bear the full cost of litigation. Disputes over medical bills and coverage are taking longer (if ever) to resolve, leading to increased financial strain on healthcare providers. In addition, policyholders injured in car accidents are finding it more difficult to obtain fair compensation for their medical expenses.  Without the safety net of one-way attorney’s fees, Florida has seen a sharp decline in PIP lawsuits. This has had several ramifications. Fewer legal challenges have emboldened insurers to take a stricter approach to claims processing. The volume of PIP-related court cases have decreased precipitously, limiting claimants’ ability to fight unfair denials. While the overall cost of PIP litigation declined, it has come at the expense of injured parties and medical providers who lack the resources to litigate.  The elimination of one-way attorney’s fees under HB 837 has dramatically altered Florida’s PIP litigation landscape, shifting financial risks onto plaintiffs and reducing the pressure on insurers to settle claims expediently. While this change was intended to curb excessive litigation, it also presents new challenges for injured parties, medical providers, PIP attorneys, and personal injury attorneys. Stakeholders must adopt proactive strategies, from improving documentation to strengthening negotiations with insurers. Understanding these shifts is essential for ensuring fair outcomes for those affected by motor vehicle acci dents in Florida.   Christopher M. Tuccitto,Esq. FLORIDA ADVOCATES PA. Florida Advocates 45 East Sheridan Street Dania Beach, FL 33004 (754) 263-4252 chris@fladvocates.com https://www.fladvocates.com/

In the digital age of healthcare, the power of information is shifting— firmly placing patients at the center. Thanks to advancements in Electronic Health Record (EHR) integration and evolving individual access laws, patients are no longer passive recipients of care but empowered advocates for their own health data.  At the core of this transformation is medical record aggregation, a process that consolidates patient data from multiple providers into a single, unified view. EHR systems are increasingly interoperable, enabling patients to access everything from lab results and imaging to specialist notes and hospital discharge summaries— regardless of where that care occurred. This is particularly critical for individuals involved in complex care journeys, such as those managing chronic conditions, recovering from serious injuries, or navigating legal claims related to personal injury. Driving this capability is the legal foundation established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), further strengthened by the 21st Century Cures Act. Under these regulations, patients have the right to obtain an electronic copy of their medical records without delay or unreasonable cost. The Information Blocking Rule, effective as of April 2021, prohibits healthcare providers, developers, and health information networks from interfering with a patient’s access to their own health data. This shift is more than regulatory—it’s transforma tive. Patients now have the legal and technical ability By Tiffanny J. Anghel, MHA to aggregate their own health data to support second opinions, better treatment planning, care coordina tion, and even legal advocacy in the case of injuries or malpractice. The future lies in deeper EHR integration with personal health apps, digital wallets, and APIs that allow seamless, secure data sharing. Tools like FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) enable developers to build platforms that connect directly to provider systems—bridging the gap between clinical silos and patient empowerment. But challenges remain. Many patients are still unaware of their rights, and some providers remain reluctant to fully cooperate due to operational burden or fear of liability. That’s why education, enforcement, and continued innovation in user-friendly interfaces are key to fulfilling the promise of patient-directed data access. In a healthcare landscape where information is power, enabling patients to own and access their medi cal records isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a cornerstone of truly patient-centered care. Tiffanny J. Anghel, MHA HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS YOCIERGE & YC API. ta@ycapi.health 862-209-0195 yocierge.com cal.read.ai/tiffanny-a5xwi/

1. Improved Patient Care and Outcomes Orthopedic braces are designed to support and stabilize injured or weakened joints, ligaments, and muscles. By dispensing bracing products directly within your practice, you can ensure that patients receive immediate and appropriate care. Braces can prevent further injury, reduce pain, and speed up the recovery process. Custom-fitted braces also improve comfort and function, encouraging patients to adhere to prescribed treatments. By offering a wide range of orthopedic braces, such as knee, wrist, ankle, or back supports, you allow patients to receive personalized care tailored to their specific needs. This approach often results in better clinical outcomes, as patients are more likely to follow the doctor’s recommendations and wear the brace consistently 2. Convenience for Patients Having a wide selection of orthopedic braces available at the point of care offers unparalleled convenience for patients. Instead of requiring patients to visit a medical supply store or wait for a prescription to be filled, your practice can immediately provide the required brace. This eliminates delays in treatment and gives patients the confidence that their injury is being addressed promptly. Moreover, patients are more likely to comply with a recommended brace when they can receive it during their visit, as they can begin the healing process right away. The convenience factor also builds patient satisfaction, contributing to improved retention and referrals. 3. Increased Revenue and Practice Efficiency Dispensing orthopedic braces in your practice can also provide a revenue stream. Medical practices can purchase braces in bulk and sell them to patients, marking them up at a reasonable price to cover costs and generate a profit. With proper coding and insurance billing practices, bracing can be reimbursed by insurance providers, ensuring financial sustainability for the practice. Additionally, having braces available in-house streamlines operations. Practices can better manage inventory, ensuring they have the right products on hand without having to rely on external suppliers. This results in less waiting time for patients and reduces the need for additional administrative tasks related to outside orders and deliveries. 4. Enhancing the Doctor-Patient Relationship Dispensing orthopedic bracing in your practice fosters a deeper level of trust between you and your patients. By offering a solution that directly addresses their pain or injury, you are demonstrating a commitment to their well-being. Patients value personalized care and providing a custom-fit or carefully chosen brace strengthens your credibility as their healthcare provider. In addition, patients often have questions or concerns about the proper use of orthopedic braces. By providing them with the brace directly, you have the opportunity to educate them on how to wear, adjust, and maintain the brace. This added layer of care reinforces patient confidence in your expertise. 5. Better Control Over Treatment Plans When bracing is dispensed in-house, the healthcare provider has better control over the quality of the products used in patient care. This allows for more consistent outcomes and reduces the chances of patients receiving subpar products from third-party retailers. Additionally, the provider can monitor the progress of treatment closely and recommend adjustments or modifications to the brace as needed. This also opens opportunities for follow-up appointments, where patients can be re-evaluated and provided with new or adjusted braces if necessary. 6. Education and Patient Empowerment Dispensing orthopedic bracing provides an ideal opportunity for patient education. By offering the right products and guidance, you empower patients to take an active role in their recovery process. Understanding how a brace supports the healing process gives patients confidence in their treatment plan, promoting long-term health benefits. Matt Snyder PRESIDENT, JMS MED SUPPLY 13470 Wright Circle, Tampa, FL 33626 (855) 700-5960 www.jmsmedsupply.com

In today’s fast-paced, data-driven world, law firms face increasing risks associated with identity fraud. Handling vast amounts of sensitive client information, including protected health information (PHI), puts legal practices at the forefront of cybersecurity challenges. As healthcare data grows exponentially, accounting for approximately 30% of the world’s total data as of 2023, it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 36% by 2025, far surpassing sectors like manufacturing, financial services, and media. This rapid growth highlights the urgent need for law firms to implement robust identity protection measures to safeguard sensitive data and enhance operational efficiency. The Growing Threat of Fraud and Cyberattacks Data breaches and cyberattacks have become more sophisticated, targeting vulnerabilities in identity verification systems. According to a 2023 study by Cybersecurity Ventures, global fraud losses are projected to exceed $40 billion annually, emphasizing the importance of proactive security measures. Law firms, particularly those managing personal injury, malpractice, or other cases involving medical records, are prime targets for cybercriminals. A single breach can expose sensitive client data, leading to legal, ethical, and financial repercussions. The 2024 Change Healthcare ransomware attack is an example of this vulnerability. The attack compromised the PHI of 100 million individuals, making it the largest healthcare-related breach reported in the United States. This incident prompted heightened scrutiny from federal and state regulators, who have imposed stricter requirements on organizations handling sensitive data. Noncompliance with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can result in significant penalties, extending beyond healthcare providers to include law firms. Legal professionals have already faced disciplinary action for lapses in identity verification. For example: 1. Robert Kaufman (New Jersey, 2006): In this case, the attorney failed to verify the legitimacy of client-provided documents, facilitating a real estate fraud scheme. The court ruled that Kaufman’s lack of diligence violated professional conduct rules, highlighting the importance of identity checks to prevent fraud. By Tiffanny J. Anghel, MHA 2. McQueen v. State of New York: A federal case where an attorney overlooked suspicious identifications provided by clients involved in a wire fraud scheme. Although McQueen was not criminally prosecuted for accepting fake IDs, his failure to adhere to due diligence practices subjected him to scrutiny (DOJ Case Report). 3. Robert Perez v. State of New York: This disciplinary case involved an attorney who failed to verify the identity of clients using fake IDs in real estate closings, which were part of a mortgage fraud scheme. Perez’s negligence in conducting due diligence led to identity theft and mortgage fraud, resulting in professional discipline. These cases illustrate the significant legal and ethical risks law firms face when they neglect identity management. Health Data and Its Importance in Future Growth Health data’s increasing volume and value make it a prime target for fraud. With the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and other digital health technologies, the need for robust identity verification systems has never been greater. For law firms handling medical cases, mishandling or failing to protect health data exposes them to heightened risks of fraud and regulatory violations. Identity verification is critical in ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive health information. Without strong identity management protocols, law firms remain vulnerable to schemes exploiting gaps in their systems. Effective measures not only protect against breaches but also ensure compliance with evolving regulations, safeguarding client trust and firm reputation.  Tiffanny J. Anghel, MHA HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS YOCIERGE & YC API. ta@ycapi.health 862-209-0195 yocierge.com cal.read.ai/tiffanny-a5xwi/

Both chiropractors and orthopedic surgeons alike will perform manual muscle testing billed under either CPT codes 95851 or 95832 along with a 99205, 99204 or 99203 office visits. Insurance companies regularly deny manual muscle testing CPT codes on the grounds that the manual muscle testing is bundled into office visits and therefore is not a separate billable medical service. For both CPT codes, there must be a separate manual muscle testing report that specifically sets forth the results of each manual muscle test, the need for the muscle test and the signature of the physician. There is an appellate opinion from the Fourth District Court of Appeal that interprets manual muscle testing billed under CPT code 95832 and the Court required a separate manual muscle test report consisting of specifying each measurement of the muscle testing, the need for a muscle testing and a signature of the physician. The District Court of Appeal frowned on an office visit report that specifically referred to manual muscle testing. The District Court of Appeal found that under those facts, the manual muscle testing was part of the initial office visit report and therefore could not be separately billed. For CPT code 99851, I have seen that some insurance companies claim that the Medicare guidelines requires a manual muscle testing to take place and to be billed on a separate day from office visits. I have read the Medicare guidelines and it is ambiguous as to whether the manual muscle testing is required to take place and to be billed on a separate day from office visits. Although the Fourth District Court of Appeal opinion involves CPT code 95832 instead of CPT code 95851, both codes are manual muscle testing and the Fourth District Court of Appeal opinion should apply to CPT code 95851 and CPT code 95832. As a belt and braces tactic to avoid denials of manual muscle testing on the grounds of improper bundling, a medical provider should perform and bill manual muscle testing on different dates that there is an office visit. However, it is not mandatory. The long and short of it is that if an insurance company declines paying manual muscle testing CPT codes for not being billed on the same day as an office visit, there is an opinion from the District Court of Appeal that does not make that requirement. As a PIP suit lawyer, I have run across this issue on various occasions and have been successful in getting medical providers paid for their services. George A. David, Esq. 500 South Dixie Hwy, Ste. 220 Coral Gables, FL. 33146 305-569-9980 gadeservice@gmail.com

Recent changes in the PI industry have emphasized the importance of ensuring your billing practices are more efficient than ever. As the PIP suit attorneys still struggle to find the best way to continue helping medical providers collect balances owed on their behalf, making sure you bill PIP claims correctly from the start plays a key role in ensuring you maximize your PIP recovery on every PI patient. Here’s some of the best strategies that all medical practices should train their Front Desk and intake staff on to help increase PIP collections in 2025: 1. Collecting all accident information prior to the patient’s first visit This includes date of accident, whether the patient has received treatment by any other provider (including paramedics) within 14 days, and the correct PIP carrier and claim number that covers the patient. If you wait too long to get all these details, you might find yourself with hundreds if not thousands of dollars’ worth of treatment only to find out later that the patient has no insurance coverage to pay your bills. Try to discuss all these details during your first interaction with the patient while setting up the initial appointment to ensure that by the time they come to your office for the first visit, they have all the information needed and have already discussed with their attorney any questions they may have. 2. Track the status of required tasks for every new patient This is one of the toughest strategies for clinics to implement if they’re not used to it, but it is by far one of the most efficient if you want to increase your collections. Take advantage of tools such as spreadsheets or EMR software to keep track of missing information or processes that will impact your ability to get paid. As soon as a new patient starts treatment, make sure to add them to your list and keep track of items such as data entry, PIP coverage verification, BI limits, Notice of Initiation submission, 14-day treatment confirmation, EMC determination, and PIP suit status. You can customize it according to your office requirements 3. Ensure your patient signs all required paperwork It is crucial to get all required paperwork properly filled out before the patient leaves your office. Forms such as the Assignment of Benefits, Standard Disclosure & Acknowledgement and an Automobile Insurance Questionnaire are specially important for all your PIP files. Do a thorough review to confirm that every page was filled out properly and completely before scanning them into your EMR or putting them on the file. 4. Promptly enter all data into the EMR/billing system Part of your closing tasks before the end of each shift should include entering all data for every new patient file as much as possible. This will help all the other processes by the rest of the team to be completed smoothly and avoid mistakes. If your patient filled out their intake electronically, make sure to review all information entered is correct, particularly the data related to the accident and insurance information. 5. Schedule the patient in advance to comply with their treatment plan Having all the prior steps done properly can only go so far in helping increase PIP collections. Once the file has been properly processed and the insurance coverage confirmed, all your Front Desk staff has to do is make sure your patient is scheduled according to the doctor’s prescription. Do not allow anyone to deviate from the prescribed treatment plan without scheduling the patient for a re-eval or consult with the doctor. Use your scheduling system to set up appointments for 2-4 weeks at a time and you’ll see your patient compliance and collections significantly improve! Don’t miss our article in the next magazine issue where we’ll discuss the top ways in which your billing staff can help improve PIP collections for your medical practice. Angely C. Maria Senior Biller & Consultant, AMB Group amaria@ambgroupcorp.com (786) 881-9311 www.AmbGroupCorp.com

As a Florida medical provider, the work often involves treating patients injured in car accidents and submitting bills to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurers. When insurers fail to pay claims in full or act unfairly, providers might find themselves drawn into class action lawsuits. These lawsuits aim to address widespread insurer misconduct, but they aren’t always the best path for every provider. Let’s examine the pros and cons of participating in and opting out of class actions involving PIP claims.  The Pros of Participating in PIP Class Actions Strength in Numbers A key advantage of a class action is the collective power it provides. When numerous medical providers join forces, the sheer volume of claims strengthens the case against the insurer. This collective pressure often leads to settlements that may not be achievable through individual lawsuits. Minimal Time Investment By joining a class action, you delegate much of the legal work to the class attorneys. You won’t need to appear in court or handle extensive documentation. This is particularly appealing for busy providers who lack the resources to manage a prolonged legal battle. Access to Experienced Counsel PIP Class actions are handled by attorneys with significant experience in PIP litigation and insurance law. This ensures the case is in capable hands, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. The Cons of Participating in PIP Class Actions Limited Control As a class member, you have little say in how the case is managed. Decisions about settlements, legal strategy, and court filings are made by the lead plaintiffs and their attorneys. If the provider is dissatisfied with these decisions, there is limited recourse. Potentially Lower Recovery Class actions aim to distribute settlements equitably among all members, which can result in lower payouts compared to pursuing an individual lawsuit. For providers with substantial claims, this might be a significant disadvantage. Lengthy Process Class actions often take years to resolve. If a provider is seeking a quick resolution to their PIP disputes, this route may test their patience. Release of Claims Settling a class action typically requires the provider to release the insurer from liability for all related claims, even those not fully compensated by the settlement. This may bar the provider from seeking additional remedies in the future. The Pros of Opting Out of PIP Class Actions Greater Control By opting out, the provider retains complete control over the case. The provider and their attorney can decide on legal strategies, whether to settle or litigate, and what recovery amount is acceptable. Potential for Higher Recovery Individual lawsuits often yield higher payouts, especially for providers with substantial claims. The case won’t be diluted by the need to share a settlement with numerous other providers. Tailored Representation Opting out allows the provider to hire an attorney who’s fully focused on the case and specific concerns. This personalized approach often leads to better outcomes. The Cons of Opting Out of PIP Class Actions Time-Consuming Unlike class actions, individual lawsuits require active involvement. The provider may need to provide extensive documentation, attend court hearings, and spend significant time on your case. Weaker Bargaining Position Standing alone, the provider lacks the collective weight of a class. Insurers may be less inclined to settle or offer favorable terms when negotiating with individual providers. Final Thoughts Whether to participate in or opt out of a PIP class action depends on the provider’s specific circumstances. If the provider’s PIP claims are relatively small and they are looking for a low-risk, low-effort resolution, joining a class action might be the best option. On the other hand, if the claims are substantial and the provider is willing to invest time and resources, opting out and pursuing an individual case may yield a better outcome. Christopher M. Tuccitto,Esq. FLORIDA ADVOCATES PA. Florida Advocates 45 East Sheridan Street Dania Beach, FL 33004 (754) 263-4252 chris@fladvocates.com https://www.fladvocates.com/