What the Persian King Didn’t See Coming — The Power of Exponential Thinking
When the ancient game of chess was invented, the king of Persia (or India, depending on the version) was so impressed that he offered the game’s creator any reward he wished. The inventor’s request seemed modest: “Place one grain of rice on the first square of the chessboard, two on the second, four on the third, and so on—doubling the amount on each of the 64 squares.” The king laughed at the simplicity of the request and granted it immediately. But soon, his court mathematicians realized the true cost: By the 10th square: over 500 grains By the 20th: over 500,000 grains By the 40th: over 550 billion grains By the 64th square: 18.4 quintillion grains of rice That’s more rice than exists on Earth. The king was stunned—and unable to fulfill the promise. The Lesson? Exponential growth always starts quietly—then compounds explosively. In business, we often think linearly: add a client, launch a feature, and fix a workflow. But when systems are designed to scale—when innovation, efficiency, and integration are aligned—the results multiply, not just add. That’s why companies with compounding ecosystems, like ClinicMind, don’t just grow—they accelerate. At ClinicMind, we see this lesson play out across the practices we serve: A provider implements our EHR—they save time. Then they launch Credentialing and PatientHub—their visit volume increases. Then they turn on AI Scribe—their documentation fatigue disappears. Then they add RCM—their cash flow improves. Each solution alone brings value. But together, they create compounding gains across revenue, workflow, and patient retention. Like grains on the chessboard, every new component multiplies the return on the one before it. That’s what makes ClinicMind more than a product. It’s a growth engine—designed to scale with each client’s ambition. Next time you think a small improvement isn’t worth it, remember the chessboard. You might be on square 4 now. But square 64 is coming sooner than you think.
Understanding the AMA CPT Code Licensing Fee on Your ClinicMind Invoice
What Are CPT Codes and Why Are They Essential? Current Procedural Terminology (CPT codes), developed and maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA), serve as the standardized system for reporting medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures. These codes are critical for accurate billing, documentation, and communication between healthcare providers and insurance payers. Why Is There a Licensing Fee for CPT Codes? The AMA owns the copyright to CPT codes, and any EHR, billing system, or practice management platform that integrates them must obtain a license. This ensures: Ongoing maintenance and updates to reflect medical advancements. Compliance with regulatory requirements for accurate coding. Uniformity in medical billing to prevent discrepancies. Any entity that uses, references, or displays CPT content is required to obtain a license from the AMA or an authorized distributor. This includes electronic health record (EHR) systems, practice management software, and other healthcare applications incorporating CPT codes. How Does This Impact ClinicMind Users? ClinicMind integrates CPT codes within its platform to streamline your billing and documentation processes. To comply with AMA licensing requirements, ClinicMind incurs an annual per-provider fee for the use of these codes. Consequently, this cost is reflected in your invoice as the “AMA CPT Code Licensing Fee.” This practice is standard across the industry, as all users of CPT content are expected to obtain the appropriate license for their use case (References below). Starting May 1, ClinicMind invoices will reflect two new AMA CPT licensing fee line items: A one-time charge covering up to three years of past CPT code usage. A monthly charge for the current billing period. Although the AMA charges this fee annually, ClinicMind has structured it into 12 monthly installments for ease of payment. Note: This is a pass-through cost—ClinicMind does not add any markup or service fees on top of the AMA license. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q1: Do all providers need to pay for CPT code licensing? Yes. Any clinician using CPT codes in their practice—whether for insurance billing, out-of-network claims, or clinical documentation—must have a valid AMA license. Q2: Is this fee unique to ClinicMind? No. All EHR, practice management, and billing platforms that include CPT codes must pay licensingfees to the AMA. Q3: How are licensing royalties determined? The AMA applies royalties for the use of CPT codes based on the type of product in which the CPT content is used and the type of user of the product. Q4: Does this fee apply per practice or per clinician? The AMA fee is typically charged annually per practice type, regardless of the number of clinicians yearly, ensuring each provider has access to an up-to-date, compliant CPT code set. Q5: Can I opt out if I don’t use insurance billing? No. Even if you don’t bill insurance, CPT codes are still required for standardized documentation, out of-network claims, and medical record accuracy. Q6: Will my administrative staff be charged the AMA fee? No, the fee applies only to members of your practice who have a clinician role in ClinicMind. Q7: Can I pay the AMA directly instead of through ClinicMind? While you can purchase a CPT license directly from the AMA, it won’t cover ClinicMind’s use of CPT codes within our EHR. Why This Matters Understanding the AMA CPT licensing fee helps providers ensure compliance, maintain billing accuracy, and contribute to the ongoing development of the healthcare industry’s standard coding system. If you have any questions about how this applies to your ClinicMind account, please reach out to our support team. Summary of Key Points: CPT codes are AMA-owned and require a paid license for use in EHRs. ClinicMind, like other platforms, must pass this cost through to providers. The AMA charges annually, but ClinicMind offers monthly payments. This fee applies per clinician and is a mandatory compliance cost. No service fees or markups are added—ClinicMind only passes the direct AMA cost. By structuring the AMA CPT licensing fee transparently and fairly, ClinicMind ensures that our users stay compliant without unnecessary financial burden. References 1. simplepractice.com AMA fee FAQs https://support.simplepractice.com/hc/en-us/articles/28804985196173-AMA-fee-FAQs 2.Therapybrands.com FAQ Regarding Recent CPT Code Licensing Fees (Fusion Enterprise) https://support.therapybrands.com/s/article/4409539675028-FAQ-Regarding-Recent-CPT-Code-Licensing-Fees-Fusion-Enterprise 3.Practicefusion.com CPT License FAQ https://help.practicefusion.com/s/article/CPT-License-FAQ 4.en.wikipedia.org Current Procedural Terminology April 10, 2024 — The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set is a procedural code set developed by the American Medical Association (AMA). It is maintained by the CPT Editorial Panel. The CPT code set describes… 5.ama-assn.org Licensing CPT for AI FAQs – American Medical Association March 6, 2025 — Find out the answers to frequently asked questions about licensing CPT for augmented intelligence (AI). 6.ama-assn.org CPT® licensing frequently asked questions (FAQs) October 10, 2024 — Any entity using CPT content anywhere worldwide must have a license authorizing the use of CPT code set from the AMA or an authorized distributor. 7.AMA Compliance Internal End User License Agreement Royalty Rates for 2025, 2026 … July 22, 2024 — A minimum royalty of $100.00 applies for each annual release of the CPT Standard Data File in Covered Products licensed under the Health Plan Model. 8.AMA Compliance Notice: Standard CPT Distribution Pricing Schedule 2024 June 20, 2024 — AMA’s Version of Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, Level II ; January 1, 2024 ; $19.00 for each User. 9.ama-assn.org CPT® Royalties & Licenses – American Medical Association CPT royalties and licensing ensure you are compliant with the correct uses of CPT code data. Get the latest on CPT codes from the AMA. 10.ama-assn.org CPT® Codes – American Medical Association Here you’ll find the AMA’s latest updates on new CPT codes, code proposals and revisions, CPT code reimbursement and more. 11.ama-assn.org [PDF] CPT Licensing Categories for Licensees Imposing Fees on Physicians WHEREAS, The AMA owns intellectual rights to the CPT code and is legally authorized to. 8 charge just and fair fees for the use of its intellectual property; … 12.ama-assn.org FAQ: Editorial Panel & CPT® overview – American Medical Association For information on the license process, proper use, fees and applications, please visit our
Chiropractic Credentialing Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide
Credentialing is a critical process for chiropractors looking to accept insurance and expand their patient base. Without proper credentialing, chiropractors risk delays in reimbursement or outright claim denials. Whether you’re a new chiropractor or updating your credentials, following a structured checklist can help ensure a smooth process. Why Credentialing Matters for Chiropractors Credentialing verifies your qualifications and allows you to bill insurance companies for your services. It’s different from payer enrollment, which is the process of getting linked to specific insurance networks. (For more on this distinction, check out How Is Insurance Payer Enrollment Different From Credentialing for Chiropractors?) Proper credentialing also helps avoid common issues like network rejections, which can occur if your paperwork is incomplete or outdated (5 Reasons Chiropractors Can Be Rejected by Insurance Company Networks During the Credentialing Process). The Chiropractic Credentialing Checklist 1. Gather Essential Documents State Chiropractic License (must be current and in good standing) National Provider Identifier (NPI) Malpractice Insurance Certificate Chiropractic School Diploma Continuing Education Credits (if applicable) Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) 2. Get Your CAQH Profile in Order Most insurance companies use the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) for credentialing verification. Ensure your CAQH profile is: ✅ Updated with the latest practice information ✅ Complete with all required documentation ✅ Re-attested every 120 days to stay active Learn more about why credentialing in medical billing systems matters: Credentialing in Medical Billing Systems. 3. Apply to Insurance Networks Once you’ve completed your CAQH profile, you’ll need to apply to individual insurance companies and government payers like Medicare and Medicaid (Medicare and Medicaid Credentialing). Each payer has its own credentialing process and timelines, so be prepared for some variability. 4. Follow Up on Your Applications Most insurance companies take 60-120 days to process credentialing applications. Contact payers regularly to check your application status. Be prepared to submit additional documentation or clarifications if needed. Want to streamline your applications? Read 6 Steps to Credentialing with Insurance Companies for Chiropractors. 5. Get Linked to Your Practice Credentialing isn’t just about getting approved—it’s about ensuring you are properly linked to your practice so that your reimbursement claims aren’t denied. This is a common mistake that can lead to months of lost revenue if not handled correctly. For more details on potential pitfalls, check out Traversing the Credentialing Maze. 6. Maintain and Renew Your Credentials Credentialing isn’t a one-time process. Insurance companies require ongoing verification, including: License renewals Malpractice insurance updates CAQH re-attestation Keeping your practice details up to date Staying on top of renewals ensures staff efficiency and fewer reimbursement delays (The Impact of Credentialing on Staff Efficiency). Make Chiropractic Credentialing Hassle-Free with CredEdge Credentialing can be time-consuming and complicated, but CredEdge by ClinicMind simplifies the process. We handle everything from initial credentialing to ongoing renewals, document management, and payer follow-ups—so you can focus on patient care instead of paperwork. ✅ Flat-rate pricing—no hidden fees ✅ Full credentialing lifecycle management ✅ Stay linked, updated, and always in good standing Don’t let credentialing delays impact your practice. Get started with CredEdge today. Take the hassel out of credentialing off your plate! Book a consultation to learn more Book a Consultation
Finding Purpose in Private Practice: A Four-Part Exploration – (Part 1: Uncovering the Role of Purpose and Mission)
Introduction In healthcare, success often gets measured by external markers: the number of patients seen, the caliber of equipment purchased, or the efficiency of billing systems. While these are important, focusing on them in isolation can lead to a nagging sense that something more fundamental is missing. This something—often described as purpose or mission—is what unifies all those daily decisions into a coherent, meaningful path (Collins & Porras, 1994; Sinek, 2009). In this first post, we’ll unpack why purpose and mission are crucial in private practice. We’ll also introduce you to Joseph and Bonnie, two physical therapy clinic owners facing a crisis that can teach us a lot about how quickly things unravel when purpose drifts out of sight. 1. More Than a Collection of “Right” Decisions Healthcare professionals pride themselves on making “right” decisions: Hiring the right people and firing those who prove to be a poor fit Investing in top-tier equipment for diagnostics or therapy Seeking expert consultants to streamline operations Emphasizing personal well-being with exercise, nutrition, and adequate rest All of these actions are vital. However, purpose (or “mission” in a business context) weaves these separate initiatives into a bigger picture that resonates with patients, staff, and owners alike (Osterwalder & Pigneur, 2010). Without a unifying purpose, each “right” decision stands alone—like puzzle pieces without a completed image to guide you. Healthcare’s Missing Word In business, it’s “mission statement.” In personal development, it’s “purpose” or “calling.” In healthcare, we often assume our altruistic drive to help patients is enough. But a clearly articulated purpose transcends assumptions, serving as a daily reminder of why we do what we do (Schwartz, Simon, & Bessen, 2018). 2. Purpose as the “Hidden Substance” The text draws a parallel between “empty space” and purpose. Even when things appear empty, something profound exists beneath the surface. In healthcare, this intangible element is your guiding mission—the principle that tells you and your team, “This is why we opened our doors; this is what makes every patient interaction matter” (Kotter, 2012). Patient Engagement: When you say to a patient, “We’re on a mission together,” you invite them into a collaborative relationship, boosting compliance and trust. Team Cohesion: A mission grounds staff members, offering them a sense of belonging and direction (DeCelles, 2020). 3. Introducing Joseph and Bonnie Joseph and Bonnie own a physical therapy clinic in Utah. Their once-thriving practice now struggles under financial strain and personal stress. They’ve let their health slip, gained weight, and even their children are showing signs of distress. Despite being clinically competent, they’ve lost the spark that made their work meaningful. Why Their Story Matters Real-Life Consequences: It’s not just about losing money—patients suffer, staff morale dips, and personal relationships fray. Relatable Crisis: Many healthcare professionals eventually face a moment where their why feels blurred, replaced by endless to-do lists. Conclusion Healthcare practice ownership involves countless “right” decisions, but those choices need a compass to ensure they lead somewhere fulfilling. Purpose acts as that compass, anchoring each decision to a larger mission that resonates on both professional and personal levels (Sinek, 2009). In the next part, we’ll delve deeper into Joseph and Bonnie’s story, illustrating what happens when survival mode replaces purposeful practice.
