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From ophthalmology documentation pitfalls to outdated CPT codes, and from billing inefficiencies to ignored payer contracts, Jennifer and Maya shine a light on the risks of clinging to old habits.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• How outdated CPT codes and robotic billing processes drain revenue silently over years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• 💸 Outdated CPT codes still being billed years later—and the thousands lost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!