In this episode of the Practice Perfect Podcast, Jennifer McNamara and Maya Turner tackle one of the most dangerous phrases in healthcare operations: “But that’s how we’ve always done it.”

From ophthalmology documentation pitfalls to outdated CPT codes, and from billing inefficiencies to ignored payer contracts, Jennifer and Maya shine a light on the risks of clinging to old habits. Along the way, they weave in stories from real-world compliance challenges, including patient safety, revenue loss, and the dangers of relying on AI tools without human oversight.

This candid discussion highlights why every compliance and revenue cycle professional should question “the way it’s always been done” and instead build a culture of accountability, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

• Why tradition in compliance and coding often creates risk rather than safety

• A real-world case where poor documentation and unchecked templates led to denied claims and even patient harm

• How outdated CPT codes and robotic billing processes drain revenue silently over years

• Why documentation is the backbone of both compliance and AI effectiveness

• Contract review essentials—why rates, payer requirements, and responsibilities can’t be ignored

• How common “we’ve always done it” attitudes in billing, collections, and claims management create avoidable losses

• 🚫 The ophthalmology case that exposed the danger of “unspecified” documentation

• 💸 Outdated CPT codes still being billed years later—and the thousands lost

• 🤖 The limits of AI in coding: garbage in, garbage out

• 📄 The compliance risks buried in payer contracts not reviewed for 8+ years

• 🧾 Copay and deductible collection myths that delay payment unnecessarily

• Jennifer’s Substack – Insights on payer contracts, compliance, and healthcare operations

• AMA CPT® Code Book – the official “source of truth” for coding

• CMS Medicare Coverage Database – LCDs, NCDs, and coverage policies

• McVey Seminars – National healthcare training programs (Jennifer presents quarterly ENT updates)

• Healthcare Inspired – Learn more about our services in coding, compliance, and practice efficiency

👉 Coming soon: a special episode on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule for 2026 (dropping Monday the 18th). Don’t miss it!

The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Proposed Rule is here — and it’s packed with changes that will impact providers, coders, billers, and compliance teams across the country.

In this special episode, Jennifer McNamara and Maya Turner break down the proposal, cut through the legal language, and highlight exactly what practices need to know to stay ahead.

From reimbursement shifts to compliance updates, this episode goes beyond the surface to answer the real question: What does this mean for your practice, your patients, and your bottom line?

• Key highlights from the 2026 MPFS Proposed Rule

• How reimbursement changes could affect different specialties

• Compliance implications you can’t afford to overlook

• The role of documentation and medical necessity in the new environment

• Action steps for practices to prepare before the rule is finalized

Medicare rules don’t just affect Medicare patients — they set the tone for payers across the board. Ignoring the proposed rule until it becomes final can leave your practice scrambling. Jennifer and Maya explain what to watch now, how to get your voice heard during the comment period, and what proactive steps can protect your revenue and compliance moving into 2026.

• CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

• Healthcare Inspired – Learn more about coding, compliance, and practice efficiency services

• Jennifer’s Substack – Articles and insights on compliance and payer policy

• AMA CPT® Code Book – Official source of truth for CPT coding

👉 Don’t miss this breakdown of the MPFS Proposed Rule 2026 — because knowing what’s coming is the first step to protecting your practice.

Seasonal Slowdown or Silent Revenue Leak?

Every practice expects a dip in revenue during certain times of the year—but what if it’s not seasonal at all? In this episode, Jennifer McNamara and Maya Turner dive into how to tell the difference between predictable slowdowns and silent revenue leaks that quietly drain your bottom line.

They’ll explore how patterns in claims, scheduling, and payer response times can either confirm seasonal trends or expose deeper operational issues. From front desk to back office, you’ll hear practical strategies from two industry pros to keep revenue steady year-round.

• Spotting the difference between natural seasonal fluctuations and revenue leaks

• Key data metrics to track during slow periods

• How to pinpoint operational bottlenecks that impact cash flow

• Ways to keep your revenue cycle healthy even during patient volume dips

• Why payer behavior might be a bigger factor than you think

When every dip in revenue gets chalked up to “seasonality,” practices risk ignoring the underlying issues that could be costing thousands—sometimes for years. By understanding your patterns and knowing what to look for, you can prevent these leaks before they become permanent losses.

• Learn more about Healthcare Inspired’s auditing and business intelligence services: healthcareinspiredllc.com

• Follow Jennifer McNamara on LinkedIn: Jennifer McNamara

• Follow Maya Turner on LinkedIn: Maya Turner

• Book a complimentary billing and coding assessment

Episode Summary

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00:00 - Intros

04:15 - Revenue Leaks - Is Vacation the culprit?

10:53 - What is the solution?

14:28 - Another Critical Element

21:30 - The Hard Truth

26:21 - Wrapping up