Nationally recognized psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article "Why CPT coding ambiguity harms doctors [https://kevinmd.com/2025/11/why-cpt-coding-ambiguity-harms-doctors.html]." Muhamad analyzes the landmark case of United States v. Ron Elfenbein, where a federal judge acquitted a physician of fraud charges because the underlying CPT rules were "unquestionably ambiguous." He explains the 2021 changes to Evaluation and Management (E/M) codes and how prosecutors attempted to criminalize reasonable clinical judgment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation explores the damaging practice of insurance downcoding, where payers automatically reduce reimbursements without reviewing charts, effectively stealing physician labor. Muhamad outlines urgent policy reforms needed to distinguish between actual fraud and coding disagreements to protect the integrity of medical practice. Learn how this legal ruling provides a critical shield for doctors navigating a complex and often hostile billing system.

Partner with me on the KevinMD platform [https://kevinmd.com/kevinmd-influencer-opportunities]. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Let's work together to tell your story.

PARTNER WITH KEVINMD → https://kevinmd.com/influencer

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RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Ambiguous billing rules threaten every doctor in practice

Board-certified pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article "Why doctors must stop waiting and reclaim their lives [https://kevinmd.com/2026/01/why-doctors-must-stop-waiting-and-reclaim-their-lives.html]." Jessie explains how medical training conditions doctors to view endurance as a virtue and delay their own basic needs for the sake of the profession. She argues that the health care system exploits this willingness to wait, using physician silence to maintain the status quo. The conversation highlights the heavy personal cost of this resignation, from eroded relationships to lost joy. Jessie shares her own terrifying yet clarifying experience of leaving a job after eighteen years to choose alignment over approval. Discover how reclaiming your agency today can unlock a life of fulfillment before it is too late.

https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign

True team-based care starts with you. When you join ChenMed, you'll feel seen, heard, and valued. That's because ChenMed practices transformative, physician-led care, focusing on prevention and empowering providers to have a lasting impact on their patients and communities.

So, whether you're applying for a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, cardiologist, or medical director position, you'll feel supported and fulfilled in every aspect of your career. Find a job that feels right. Visit ChenMed.com/Physicians [https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign] to learn more.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://chenmed.com/Physicians

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Waiting for the system to change causes burnout

Physician, author, and health care reform advocate David K. Cundiff discusses his article "Accountable care cooperatives: a community-owned health care fix [https://kevinmd.com/2025/12/accountable-care-cooperatives-a-community-owned-health-care-fix.html]." David outlines a transformative plan to replace the fragmented U.S. insurance system with member-owned, nonprofit cooperatives that integrate medical treatment with housing, nutrition, and social support. The conversation explores how shifting to a bottom-up, locally governed model with global budgets can freeze government spending while significantly improving patient outcomes through smaller physician caseloads and direct primary care. David argues that by addressing social determinants of health and cutting administrative waste, we can save trillions of dollars and restore trust in medicine. Discover how a democratic approach to wellness can build a society grounded in solidarity and shared prosperity.

https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign

True team-based care starts with you. When you join ChenMed, you'll feel seen, heard, and valued. That's because ChenMed practices transformative, physician-led care, focusing on prevention and empowering providers to have a lasting impact on their patients and communities.

So, whether you're applying for a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, cardiologist, or medical director position, you'll feel supported and fulfilled in every aspect of your career. Find a job that feels right. Visit ChenMed.com/Physicians [https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign] to learn more.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://chenmed.com/Physicians

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Community ownership transforms the broken health care system

Palliative care physician and certified physician development coach Christie Mulholland discusses her article "Why every physician needs a sabbatical (and how to take one) [https://kevinmd.com/2026/01/why-every-physician-needs-a-sabbatical-and-how-to-take-one.html]." Christie reveals the harsh reality that while sabbaticals exist on paper, unwritten rules often prevent doctors from accessing this critical recovery tool until it is too late. She shares her personal journey of taking an unsanctioned, unpaid break to combat burnout and how that decision allowed her to return to medicine with renewed purpose. The conversation explores why elite athletes and tech companies prioritize strategic rest while health care treats it as a luxury, offering practical steps for financial planning and reentry. Discover how stepping away from the grind might actually be the only way to stay in the profession you love.

https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign

True team-based care starts with you. When you join ChenMed, you'll feel seen, heard, and valued. That's because ChenMed practices transformative, physician-led care, focusing on prevention and empowering providers to have a lasting impact on their patients and communities.

So, whether you're applying for a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, cardiologist, or medical director position, you'll feel supported and fulfilled in every aspect of your career. Find a job that feels right. Visit ChenMed.com/Physicians [https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign] to learn more.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://chenmed.com/Physicians

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Sabbaticals provide a critical lifeline for sustainable medical careers

Otolaryngologist Alan P. Feren discusses his article "How system strain contributes to medical gaslighting in health care [https://kevinmd.com/2026/01/how-system-strain-contributes-to-medical-gaslighting-in-health-care.html]." Alan explores why encounters that patients experience as dismissive or manipulative often stem from communication breakdowns driven by productivity pressures rather than clinician malice. He examines the cognitive reality of modern practice where heuristic shortcuts and a discomfort with uncertainty lead well-intentioned providers to offer premature reassurance that feels like invalidation. The conversation highlights critical inflection points like early interruptions and reliance on "normal" test results that erode trust and delay diagnosis. Alan argues that resolving this crisis requires moving beyond blame toward a partnership model where uncertainty is explicitly named and shared. Learn how shifting the focus from transactional care to collaborative sense-making can restore safety and humanity to the exam room.

https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign

True team-based care starts with you. When you join ChenMed, you'll feel seen, heard, and valued. That's because ChenMed practices transformative, physician-led care, focusing on prevention and empowering providers to have a lasting impact on their patients and communities.

So, whether you're applying for a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, cardiologist, or medical director position, you'll feel supported and fulfilled in every aspect of your career. Find a job that feels right. Visit ChenMed.com/Physicians [https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign] to learn more.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://chenmed.com/Physicians

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Systemic strain creates the perfect environment for medical gaslighting

Board-certified internist with a long-standing focus on public health, tobacco control, and preventive care Edward Anselm discusses his article "The economic case for investing in tobacco cessation [https://kevinmd.com/2025/12/the-economic-case-for-investing-in-tobacco-cessation.html]." Edward reveals that while smoking rates have hit historic lows, 19.5 percent of adults still use tobacco, with significant disparities persisting across race, ethnicity, and income levels. He analyzes why only 6.4 percent of patients receive optimal treatment involving both counseling and medication despite 80 percent of users being advised to quit. The conversation highlights the financial argument for cessation, noting that Medicare reimburses $15.50 for brief counseling, yet systems bill this for less than 2 percent of visits. Edward outlines how a systems-change approach can create a net reduction in costs and generate substantial revenue for accountable care organizations. Discover how treating tobacco use aggressively is both good medicine and smart business strategy.

https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign

True team-based care starts with you. When you join ChenMed, you'll feel seen, heard, and valued. That's because ChenMed practices transformative, physician-led care, focusing on prevention and empowering providers to have a lasting impact on their patients and communities.

So, whether you're applying for a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, cardiologist, or medical director position, you'll feel supported and fulfilled in every aspect of your career. Find a job that feels right. Visit ChenMed.com/Physicians [https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign] to learn more.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://chenmed.com/Physicians

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Tobacco cessation offers untapped revenue for medical practices

Family physician Kelly Bain discusses her article "Why physician business literacy matters [https://kevinmd.com/2025/12/why-physician-business-literacy-matters.html]." Kelly explains that while doctors are trained to diagnose and treat patients, they are rarely prepared to navigate the complex financial realities of the modern health care industry. She argues that bridging this educational gap is essential for health systems to survive the shift from fee-for-service to value-based care models like WISeR and TEAM. The conversation highlights how understanding coding, risk adjustment factors, and operational efficiency empowers clinicians to become active stewards of resources rather than passive participants. Kelly emphasizes that when physicians master the business side of medicine, they protect patient access and ensure the long-term sustainability of care for vulnerable populations. Learn why the future of medical leadership requires a seat at the financial decision-making table.

https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign

True team-based care starts with you. When you join ChenMed, you'll feel seen, heard, and valued. That's because ChenMed practices transformative, physician-led care, focusing on prevention and empowering providers to have a lasting impact on their patients and communities.

So, whether you're applying for a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, cardiologist, or medical director position, you'll feel supported and fulfilled in every aspect of your career. Find a job that feels right. Visit ChenMed.com/Physicians [https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign] to learn more.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://chenmed.com/Physicians

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Business literacy empowers physicians to lead sustainable health systems

Psychiatrist Sarah Hollander, clinical psychologist Kelly D. Holder, and physician advocate and physical therapist Kim Downey discuss their article "Joy in medicine: a new culture [https://kevinmd.com/2025/12/joy-in-medicine-a-new-culture.html]." Sarah, Kelly, and Kim explore how the culture of medicine must evolve from a system of endurance to one of meaningful well-being. They examine the critical role of medical education in shaping the next generation, arguing that joy is not just an emotion but an alignment of purpose that can be taught and modeled. The conversation highlights the power of shared vulnerability and how caring for each other through heartbreak fosters a deeper, more resilient professional community. Discover how integrating humanity into the curriculum can help physicians avoid burnout and rediscover the soul of their practice.

https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign

True team-based care starts with you. When you join ChenMed, you'll feel seen, heard, and valued. That's because ChenMed practices transformative, physician-led care, focusing on prevention and empowering providers to have a lasting impact on their patients and communities.

So, whether you're applying for a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, cardiologist, or medical director position, you'll feel supported and fulfilled in every aspect of your career. Find a job that feels right. Visit ChenMed.com/Physicians [https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign] to learn more.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://chenmed.com/Physicians

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Teaching joy transforms the future of medical practice

Board-certified pediatrician, certified coach, and mindfulness and yoga teacher Jessie Mahoney discusses her article "Pediatrician vs. grandmother: Choosing love over medical advice [https://kevinmd.com/2025/12/pediatrician-vs-grandmother-choosing-love-over-medical-advice.html]." Jessie explores the internal conflict she faced between her medical training and her role as a grandmother when her twin granddaughters were born at home. She examines how the physician's impulse to offer risk assessments and warnings can often feel like rejection to loved ones who simply want support. The conversation highlights the transformative power of asking "What would love do?" to navigate complex family dynamics without alienating those we care about most. Jessie shares insights on how to replace the need for control with the gift of presence and trust. Learn how to let go of the need to be right to preserve the relationships that matter most.

https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign

True team-based care starts with you. When you join ChenMed, you'll feel seen, heard, and valued. That's because ChenMed practices transformative, physician-led care, focusing on prevention and empowering providers to have a lasting impact on their patients and communities.

So, whether you're applying for a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, cardiologist, or medical director position, you'll feel supported and fulfilled in every aspect of your career. Find a job that feels right. Visit ChenMed.com/Physicians [https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign] to learn more.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://chenmed.com/Physicians

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Doctors often struggle to separate professional advice from family love

Internal medicine physician Shirisha Kamidi discusses her article "Small habits, big impact on health [https://kevinmd.com/2025/11/small-habits-big-impact-on-health.html]." Shirisha explains why prevention is often more powerful than treatment when addressing conditions like diabetes and hypertension. She shares a real-world example of a patient who normalized high blood pressure through simple lifestyle adjustments rather than medication. The conversation emphasizes the cumulative power of small habits such as evening walks, balanced eating, and stress management. Shirisha also highlights the importance of shifting from a reactive medical model to a proactive partnership between doctor and patient. Learn how individual wellness choices can create a ripple effect that strengthens the health of entire communities.

https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign

True team-based care starts with you. When you join ChenMed, you'll feel seen, heard, and valued. That's because ChenMed practices transformative, physician-led care, focusing on prevention and empowering providers to have a lasting impact on their patients and communities.

So, whether you're applying for a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, cardiologist, or medical director position, you'll feel supported and fulfilled in every aspect of your career. Find a job that feels right. Visit ChenMed.com/Physicians [https://www.chenmed.com/physicians-bayard?utm_source=Kevin+MD+Podcast&utm_medium=Pre+roll&utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_id=ChenMed+Physician+Campaign] to learn more.

VISIT SPONSOR → https://chenmed.com/Physicians

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Simple choices prevent chronic disease

Social media's leading physician voice, Kevin Pho, MD, shares the stories of the
many who intersect with our health care system but are rarely heard from. 15
minutes a day. 7 days a week. Welcome to The Podcast by KevinMD.

Kevin Pho

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