Both consumers and physicians are eager for increased digital engagement, according to a new nationwide poll released by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) last week at HIMSS18. (HIMSS stands for Healthcare Information Management Systems Society.) More than half (54%) of consumers surveyed indicate a comfort level contacting their physician digitally, and express interest in using … [Read more...] about Future of Health survey finds patients and doctors want more digital interaction
Increasing profits
3 ways you can boost office morale fast
Which would you rather have: an upbeat, engaged staff that contributes to a successful practice or a staff that grudgingly shows up for work each day and plods through required tasks? Obviously, the first choice is preferable. In reality, however, your staff probably includes at least several employees who fit the latter category. Still, if most employees are happy, you … [Read more...] about 3 ways you can boost office morale fast
When a smartphone camera can replace a visit to the doctor
Using smartphone cameras, parents can reliably take high-quality photographs of their child's skin condition to send to a dermatologist for diagnosis. This finding suggests that direct-to-patient dermatology can accurately provide pediatric dermatology care. The results of research conducted by a team from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) were published recently in … [Read more...] about When a smartphone camera can replace a visit to the doctor
5 essential steps to successful strategy implementation
By Nick Hernandez bio Oftentimes physicians and administrators discuss strategies and may even devise a strategic plan, only to see nothing come of it. The most common reason for strategy failure is that the team failed to build execution into their strategic planning process. We often see that budgets are not linked to strategy, staff incentives are not linked to strategy, … [Read more...] about 5 essential steps to successful strategy implementation
Overlooked opportunities within the revenue cycle: The three Ps
By Trent Iden bio If your organization is like most across the healthcare system, stagnant or reduced reimbursement is mangling your margins. When revenue is restricted, it becomes ever more important for physician practices to keep their revenue cycle spinning by collecting the fees due to the organization, and in a cost-effective way. Revenue cycle performance is a … [Read more...] about Overlooked opportunities within the revenue cycle: The three Ps
2018 Medicare Reimbursement: Final Rule
By Elizabeth Woodcock, Guest Contributor bio Just hours within the release of the Final Rule concerning the 2018 revisions to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) on November 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the ruling that governs the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for the coming year. Although overshadowed by the QPP … [Read more...] about 2018 Medicare Reimbursement: Final Rule
Quality Payment Program (QPP) Final Rule Released November 2
By Elizabeth Woodcock, Guest Contributor bio According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), flexibility is the purported theme of the QPP Final Rule, which was issued under its official title, the Medicare Program; CY 2018 Updates to the Quality Payment Program; and Quality Payment Program: Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstance Policy for … [Read more...] about Quality Payment Program (QPP) Final Rule Released November 2
4 common mistakes that lead to high accounts receivables
By Ricki Ransom bio Now more than ever, physicians need to closely monitor the impact health insurance plans have on their revenue cycle management. The hard truth is, high AR is an indicator that RCM performance improvements should be made in your practice immediately. So what are the red flags you should look out for to lower your practice's AR? According to … [Read more...] about 4 common mistakes that lead to high accounts receivables
Concierge Medicine vs. Direct Primary Care
By Nick Hernandez bio The shortage of physicians was already an issue in the United States ... and then came the Affordable Care Act, which exacerbated the problem immensely. In fact, the Association of American Medical Colleges now estimates that there will be a shortage of 91,500 doctors by 2020. This added demand for healthcare means physicians will simply have … [Read more...] about Concierge Medicine vs. Direct Primary Care
How to write a strong collection letter
Increasing patient payments improves the practice's bottom line. But how exactly do you motivate patients to pay? To write an effective collection letter, follow these guidelines. • Make it short. Limit the letter to one page. Limit the paragraphs to two sentences. Limit the sentences to 22 words. And limit the words to three syllables. Do this and the message will be … [Read more...] about How to write a strong collection letter