The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced its largest-ever initiative to transform and improve how primary care is delivered and paid for in America. The new Affordable Care Act (ACA) initiative is designed to improve quality and cost, and give doctors and patients more control over health care delivery. The effort, known as the Comprehensive … [Read more...] about CMS launches largest-ever multi-payer initiative to improve primary health care
Managing patients
When patients can’t get into the doctor’s office, but need medical attention
Telehealth offers options for patients who seek medical attention for common ailments but can't get in to see a doctor. Recognizing the need, and the opportunity, health care providers are increasingly embracing telehealth. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' members can now use their smartphone, tablet or computer for a real-time, secure telehealth visit with a doctor or … [Read more...] about When patients can’t get into the doctor’s office, but need medical attention
Research assesses health care costs and utilization
The Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI), which promotes independent, nonpartisan research and analysis on the causes of the rise in U.S. health spending, has released a set of six policy briefs assessing the impact of a range of national and state policies on health care costs and utilization. The briefs were developed by independent researchers using HCCI's repository of … [Read more...] about Research assesses health care costs and utilization
There are no easy steps to better office management
By Steve M. Cohen bio I always enjoy it when people publish articles entitled something like, "Ten Easy Steps to Medical Office Management." I enjoy this, but I definitely don't agree with it. The word "easy" is usually so far removed from office management that headlines like this are good for a laugh. But the information that follows may or may not help. … [Read more...] about There are no easy steps to better office management
Michigan office uses online payments to increase revenue
A Michigan medical practice that added online bill payments to its website is seeing a substantial increase in revenue. To introduce the new process, the office put signs in the waiting room and a notice in statements. The company's practice administration said it took awhile to catch on but it worked because patients are already comfortable with online payments. They … [Read more...] about Michigan office uses online payments to increase revenue
Telemedicine expected to grow at faster rate than previously projected
According to a new market research report available at Market Research Store, a source for industry reports, telemedicine and telehealth programs will become a $45.4 billion industry by 2021. In 2014, it was estimated to be a $1.5 billion dollar industry. There are a number of reasons why such exponential growth is projected. First and foremost, individuals are taking a more … [Read more...] about Telemedicine expected to grow at faster rate than previously projected
Race and religion are tough. Don’t make them tougher
By Steve M. Cohen bio Let's face it: Race and religion can be difficult topics. Next to gender and sexuality, they often comprise a big part of how we see ourselves and, not surprisingly, how others see us. That's obviously true today. Disagreements, even violent confrontations, are occurring around the world every day over these very topics. Not surprisingly, … [Read more...] about Race and religion are tough. Don’t make them tougher
CMS provides more quality metrics for health care professionals and group practices
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently updated both the Physician Compare and Hospital Compare websites to provide current quality performance data for health care professionals and group practices in order to improve online tools that help consumers choose health care providers. New quality measures have been added to Physician Compare for group … [Read more...] about CMS provides more quality metrics for health care professionals and group practices
Model Tool: Sample patient letters – missed appointment
Why you need this model tool: Missed patient appointments affect scheduling and negatively impact practice revenue. Therefore, you want to let patients know that the practice takes missed appointments seriously – and you want to put it in writing. How this model tool helps you: Here are two sample letters that will help you communicate with patients; the first is for a first … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Sample patient letters – missed appointment
Big issues faced by medical office managers
By Steve M. Cohen bio Although medical office managers face many unique issues, some of the most challenging are those shared with managers of other types of organizations. Take the difficulties of hiring and retaining good staff. Although the professional demands of a medical office are certainly unique, workforce strategies such as developing talent from within … [Read more...] about Big issues faced by medical office managers