Is it worth it?

 

July 14, 2023 | By Shannon DeConda, CPC, CEMC, CEMA, CPMA, CRTT

This week’s tip is a different type, but one that will still be useful. 

I have been reflecting over the past few weeks- probably more like overthinking a well-lived life. I lost my beautiful mom on June 16 as her heart and kidneys exhausted their battle. As I sat and wrote her obituary, gave her eulogy, and accepted the sentiments of family and friends, I settled on one practical reflection point worth sharing.

Is it worth it?

Is it worth having a work-life imbalance?

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for your overall well-being. Finding the right balance between your work and personal responsibilities is essential. Taking time for self-care, leisure activities, and nurturing relationships can reduce stress levels and improve mental and physical health. Prioritizing your personal life and work responsibilities is the key to long-lasting happiness. While it may be necessary to prioritize work over personal life temporarily to reach professional milestones or financial obligations, remember that balance looks different for everyone. Short-term periods of imbalance may be acceptable or necessary. Finding the right balance that works for you is essential for achieving lasting happiness and success. Prolonged imbalance can lead to decreased job satisfaction and impaired quality of life. 

So, ask yourself, Is it worth it? And assess the costs and benefits, and determine what trade-offs you’re willing to make for long-term well-being and happiness.

Is it worth the compliance risk?

Some of us enjoy taking risks occasionally, perhaps driving fast like Mario Andretti on the highway. The risk here is a speeding ticket; I have paid my fair share. However, there are too many kind people I meet whom I have heard taking that extra smidge of risk or pushing the rules and guidelines to the very limits when the risk is way more than a speeding ticket. It is imperative to carefully consider the potential consequences before taking any risks. Despite the adrenaline rush that comes with speeding on the highway, it poses a significant danger and can result in grave accidents. Ultimately, the level of risk an individual is willing to take is a personal decision, but it is crucial to assess the potential outcomes before taking any action. 

When pondering the outcomes and evaluating their worth, it’s crucial to pause and reflect before deciding. Although it may seem tempting to test the boundaries, it’s important to note that crossing the line unintentionally is possible. In the end, the risk is not worth it. Rest assured that taking a step back and carefully considering all options will lead to a more positive outcome.

Does this imply that there is no value in anything? Absolutely not! Put in the effort, strive for excellence, give it your all, and be the best version of yourself that you can be. Why? Because of remorse. I would wager that if we were to sit down and speak with physicians convicted of fraud, most would express regret. Don’t take unnecessary risks and jeopardize your livelihood, family, job, and security for something you know is wrong.

After over-committing with work and putting in exhaustive hours, neglecting our non-work-related life commitments, we regret not being there. It’s how you handle that regret and what you do about it that matters.

I have been a traveling mom of 3 for almost 20 years now. Post-pandemic travel has slowed, but my kids are now 24, 25, and 26, moved and grown. I missed a lot of ball games and field trips, and I was never a School Room Mom, but I found a way to balance life with my kids, and I tried to make up for what I couldn’t do actively. 

Finding a balance in life is important, although I have yet to achieve it. My mother’s passing has given me a chance to reflect and grow personally. I encourage you to find your balance and decide for yourself if it’s worth the effort.

Your next steps:

1. Become a NAMAS Member to earn those CEUs and take advantage of learning resources, products, and resources!
2. Read more blog posts to stay updated on the 2023 Revisions to the 2021 E&M Guidelines.
3. Subscribe to the NAMAS YouTube channel for more auditing and compliance tips!
4. Subscribe to the NAMAS YouTube channel for more auditing and compliance tips!
5. Check out the agenda for the 15^th Annual NAMAS Auditing & Compliance Conference and register to attend!

NAMAS is a division of DoctorsManagement, LLC, a premier full-service medical consulting firm since 1956.  With a team of experienced auditors and educators boasting a minimum of a CPC and CPMA certification and 10+ years of auditing-specific experience, NAMAS offers a vast range of auditing education, resources, training, and services. As the original creator of the now AAPC-affiliated CPMA credential, NAMAS instructors continue to be the go-to authorities in auditing. From DOJ and RAC auditors to CMS and Medicare Advantage Auditors to physician and hospital-based auditing professionals, our team has educated them all. We are proud to have helped so many grow and excel in the auditing and compliance field.

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