The American Telemedicine Association (ATA), a leading international resource and advocate promoting the use of advanced remote medical technologies, recently released two state policy reports which identify gaps in coverage and reimbursement, and in physician practice standards and licensure. These reports compare state policies on a report card, assigning each state grades … [Read more...] about Reports provide detailed analysis of telemedicine by state
Managing patients
4 big social media mistakes your practice must avoid
The Internet and social media have ushered in new ways of doing business. But as with so many other aspects of running a medical office, health care is different from any other business when it comes to an online presence. The sanctity of the physician-patient relationship can often be at odds with the openness, anonymity, and wide accessibility of the Internet and social … [Read more...] about 4 big social media mistakes your practice must avoid
Creativity helps increase patient payments
If your practice is like most, it regularly struggles with patient payment issues. Churchland Internal Medicine in Chesapeake, VA, has found a solution – actually several – to help resolve payment problems. "In our office, when a patient is asked for a payment on a balance and does not pay, we set up a payment agreement," says Linda Warren, office manager. Then, the office … [Read more...] about Creativity helps increase patient payments
Nurses’ work-related injuries and physical discomfort impact patient care
Findings of an independent survey conducted by Ergotron, a Nortek company that manufactures ergonomic workplace products, highlights many of the day-to-day difficulties nurses face with medical equipment, clinical workflow, electronic health records (EHRs), physical strain or injury and how these factors impact the delivery of quality patient care. Of note, 60 percent of nurses … [Read more...] about Nurses’ work-related injuries and physical discomfort impact patient care
Concierge medicine – coming on strong
– a MOM mini seminar – Direct care, boutique medicine, retainer medicine – by whatever name, concierge medicine is a patient-physician arrangement where the patient pays an annual fee or retainer, the physician reduces the patient population from several thousand to an average of 300 to 600, and patients get personal 24-hour access to the physician and, … [Read more...] about Concierge medicine – coming on strong
Medical center says “no” to tobacco
Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), a leading Maryland hospital, is reinforcing its commitment to wellness and the fight against tobacco usage with an expanded tobacco policy. Effective July 1, 2014, the revised policy prohibits the use of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. One year later, starting July 1, 2015, Anne Arundel Medical Center will take a leadership … [Read more...] about Medical center says “no” to tobacco
Top 10 cities with happiest medical practice patients
Did you make the list? Patients in San Francisco and Oakland appear to be happiest with their doctors, while the least satisfied American health care consumers live in other California cities as well as in New York State locales. This is according to an in-depth evaluation of the ever-contentious online reviews that many physicians denounce. In a nationwide study, Denver-based … [Read more...] about Top 10 cities with happiest medical practice patients
3 technologies that improve patient collections
By Cheryl Toth, MBA bio "Don't worry, you don't need to pay us today…we'll bill you after insurance pays." This is music to patients' ears. It means they can receive services, treatments, and/or tests in your office, and leave without paying for them. Months later when the bill arrives, it will be easy for them to set it aside. Because (probably) no one is going to call and … [Read more...] about 3 technologies that improve patient collections
What you need to know about medical marijuana
With medical marijuana now legal in 20 states and Washington, D.C., and legislation pending in 13 other states*, medicinal use of cannabis has very much become a national issue – and of course it's an issue with numerous implications for medical practices and the people who manage them. Richard F. Comenzo is a Massachusetts attorney specializing in medical marijuana laws. His … [Read more...] about What you need to know about medical marijuana
How the new OIG 2014 Work Plan affects your medical office
The OIG, Office of Inspector General, oversees Medicare and Medicaid enforcement and highlights areas of focus in its enforcement efforts in a Work Plan. The 2014 Work Plan was released at the end of January and contains some items of note for medical practices. Some items are new and others have been on the OIG Work Plan in prior years and are a continuing project. The … [Read more...] about How the new OIG 2014 Work Plan affects your medical office