HEALTH CARE

Rx for Money Woes: Speaking of calling . . .

An accountants’ trade group has established a telephone number doctors can call for answers on the confusing financial paperwork that goes along with running even the smallest of medical practices.

It’s called the Physician’s Hotline, a referral program created by the Chicago offices of the National CPA Health Care Advisors Assn. The nonprofit organization is made up of accounting firms that specialize in helping physicians keep their bottom lines in the black.

Ron Elliott, an association vice president and a partner in the Santa Ana accounting firm Elliott, Kearns & Co. Inc., said the 2-year-old group devised the idea after members saw a commercial that advertised a referral service for dentists.

“Physicians have (financial) questions from time to time and we can direct them to someone who can give them answers,” Elliott said.

Doctors who are stymied over such financial issues as fees, reimbursement plans, income tax law, mergers and acquisitions can call 1 (800) 869-0491.