Walbridge Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, P.C.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WHO IS WALBRIDGE? Walbridge is practice which interprets nerve conduction studies. Its principal is Eric M. Lipnack, D.O., FAAPMR, who is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Alabama and Florida. DOES MEDICARE PAY FOR THIS EXAMINAITON? Walbridge has undergone three Medicare audits in the past nine years and have never had the appropriateness of the test of questioned. IS THIS A STARK FRIENDLY SERVICE? Yes, please see the letter from attorney Alice Gosfield which is included on our website. Once you pay the technician for his or her time, the test is part of your practice, and therefore you can bill for the technical component of the test. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL COMPONENTS OF THE TEST? The technical component of the test is what is performed by a technician in your office. The professional component is the interpretation of the data. HOW DO I BILL FOR THE TECHNICAL COMPONENT? Once the test is completed, you can bill for that portion of the test. Walbridge will advise you of the appropriate billing codes. Most tech firms leave you a billing sheet after the session. HOW MANY STUDIES CAN A TECH FIRM PERFORM IN A DAY? Most tech firms work by the one-half day, and are able to test eight patients in a session.	HOW OFTEN IS IT TO APPROPRIATELY PERFORM NERVE CONDUTION STUDIES? We recommend no more than one time per year. The exception is testing for carpal tunnel. If you are aggressively treating carpal tunnel, we recommend you retest in six months to determine the efficacy of the treatment. IS THE NERVE CONDUCITON STUDY APPROPRIATE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF RADICULOPATHY? No, the appropriate study for the evaluation of radiculopathy is an EMG. DOES WALBRIDGE PERFORM THE TECHNICAL COMPONENT? No, you will either have your staff perform the test or hire an outside firm to do the testing. Walbridge works with several tech firms, and will be happy to refer you to a licensed technician. WILL I HAVE A CONTRACT WITH WALBRIDGE? No, once the test is performed you may send the data to anyone you choose. We obviously hope you choose Walbridge, based on our quality and service. If you choose Walbridge to do the interpretation, you can ask the tech firm to send Walbridge the data and patient history. DO I PAY WALBRIDGE? No, Walbridge will bill the insurance company for the professional component. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE REPORT? You will receive a report with an explanation of the examination and diagnosis based on those findings with treatment recommendations. HOW DO I GET THE REPORT? Walbridge will email, fax or send reports to you within four to seven business days.