When most of us as providers think about success in primary care, we focus on patient volume, quality of care, or time management. But in my opinion, there is a less glamorous (yet absolutely vital) area that can determine both our income and our liability: billing accuracy.
Billing is not just about codes and claims. It is the foundation of our financial health and a critical layer of legal protection. When documentation and coding are inaccurate, we as providers are exposed to two major risks:
- Revenue loss: Under-coding is common in primary care. Providers often undervalue their services out of habit or fear, leaving thousands of dollars on the table every month.
- Litigation and audits: Over-coding or incomplete documentation can raise red flags during audits and expose providers to penalties, repayment demands, or worse, legal consequences.
Getting billing wrong is not just an administrative mistake. It is a threat to both financial stability and professional credibility.
My own experience
I have experienced firsthand how learning proper billing strategies completely changed my professional life. By mastering accurate coding and valuing my services correctly, I was able to increase my revenue significantly while seeing only sixteen patients a day and working just three days a week. This not only allowed me to thrive financially but also gave me the work-life balance I always wanted. I now enjoy more free time for my family and myself, while feeling confident that my practice is both profitable and compliant.
Why every provider needs this knowledge
No one teaches us this in medical school or residency. We are trained to care for patients (and that should always be our focus), but without the right billing knowledge, we risk burnout, financial instability, or worse, legal trouble. That is why I believe investing in understanding billing is one of the most powerful things a provider can do. It safeguards our career, improves our income, and allows us to practice medicine with less stress.
A strong recommendation
To my colleagues reading this: Do not overlook billing education. It is not optional; it is essential. By learning how to properly code, document, and bill, you protect yourself and build a sustainable, rewarding career in primary care.
Jerina Gani graduated with high honors from medical school in Albania, Europe, in 1992. She later earned a Master of Science degree in Health Services Management from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the United Kingdom. In 1995, she relocated to the United States and completed her residency training in internal medicine in Brooklyn, New York. Since then, she has practiced as a primary care physician in Boston, Massachusetts. With decades of experience in the medical field, Dr. Gani is deeply committed to transforming primary care into a model of success and balance. Her professional focus emphasizes improving health care delivery while maintaining physician well-being. Dr. Gani shares her insights and strategies for achieving these goals through her platform at Dr. Gani Secrets, where she engages with health care professionals and the broader community.
