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December 14, 2016

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December 14, 2016

Insights For Early Career Professionals

How to Transition Into a New Job

By Andrew J. P. Klein, MD, FACC, an interventional cardiologist in vascular and endovascular medicine at Piedmont Heart Institute.

Although most of us remember the Head and Shoulders™ ad for its cautionary slogan of "you never get a second chance to make a first impression," no one knows who exactly coined this wisely used phrase. Be it Oscar Wilde or Will Rogers (thank you, Google), no advice is more appropriate when it comes to starting a new job. I recently had the pleasure of taking a new position and hope I can provide you with some unique insights to help guide you through the process. Read more on ACC.org.

Rising Interest Rates – Why the Fuss?

By Marshall Weintraub, CFP, and Michael Merrill, CFP, CLU, ChFC.

If you have tuned into the financial news recently, you may have heard about the Federal Reserve possibly raising interest rates in the near future. The Federal Reserve is the U.S.' central bank and is mandated with using monetary policy to control price stability (inflation) and achieve full employment (which does not mean unemployment is 0 percent), two measures of a healthy, stable economy. One of the main tools the Fed has at its disposal is the ability to influence the interest rate environment by directly setting the discount rate and influencing the federal funds rate (rates at which the Fed charges member banks for overnight loans and at which banks charge each other, respectively). These rates are important because they serve as a baseline for other interest rates, from mortgages to bond yields. This article will review how we got to our current low interest rates and how a rise in rates may affect your finances. Read more on ACC.org.

My Early Career Interest in Women's Cardiovascular Health

By Ifeoma Onuorah-Ezenekwe, MD, FACC.

As the only female cardiologist at my veterans' (VA) hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, my situation is very unique compared to other cardiologists practicing in non-veteran settings. The overall perception nationwide is that the VA hospital system is male-dominated. My current VA hospital and surrounding clinics see about one million veterans annually. Female veterans make up roughly 5 percent of that number and a large majority still seek care outside of the VA. Nationwide, women make up 15 percent of active military and 20 percent of new military recruits. Female veterans are one of the fastest growing users of the VA health care system and as gender equality continues to improve, that number is predicted to grow even more. Read more on ACC.org.

10 Things to Know About Coding and Billing

Errors in billing can be caused by many factors such as human error, coding errors, out-of-date management software and unverified patient information. Take time to verify insurance information each time the patient comes into the office. Train all staff to verify patient's name, address and policy numbers in order to avoid denied claims. Remember providers and office staff need to work together as a team. Read more on ACC.org.

Email Kristin West, kwest@acc.org, for more information on how to get involved in the Early Career Section.

The Buzz

What's Trending on #ACCEarlyCareer

Upcoming Events and Deadlines

  • 1/14/17 – 1/18/17
    Cardiovascular Conference at Snowmass
    Snowmass, CO
  • 1/26/17 – 1/28/17
    CV Summit and Leadership Forum
    Orlando, FL
  • 2/17/17 – 2/18/17
    Advancing Cardiovascular Care of the Oncology Patient
    Washington, DC
  • 3/17/17 – 3/19/17
    ACC's 66th Annual Scientific Session and Expo
    Washington, DC