It is natural for physicians to discuss practice issues with each other, including billing practices. However, exercise caution about informal, word-of-mouth billing advice because it can lead to poor results. 

Inaccurate or inapplicable advice can lead to errors, claims rejections, audits and potentially significant repayments to Manitoba Health. The service you provide and how to bill for it may be unique in many ways. In the spirit of helpfulness, a colleague may advise you but may not appreciate your circumstances or may themselves be utilizing an inaccurate billing practice. 

You are financially and professionally responsible for your billing practices and the use of your billing number. If you adopt a billing practice suggested by a colleague that turns out to be wrong or inapplicable, you are responsible, not your colleague. 

The best way to bill correctly is to read the Physician’s Manual yourself and contact Doctors Manitoba for advice. Otherwise, there are no assurances that what you are doing is correct. If audited, the honest belief that what you were doing was correct may not be a satisfactory answer. 

The Physician’s Manual is a complicated document and a product of negotiations between Doctors Manitoba and Manitoba Health. If you are ever uncertain about a billing practice or would like billing advice, please contact Doctors Manitoba for confidential, correct advice.