Guaranteeing accurate, consistent medical codes and patient histories is one of the major challenges for providers and payers today. Medical codes are the starting point for understanding quality of care and making necessary improvements. "Medical codes are the core data used in every aspect of modern health care—every provider, payer, and facility relies on them," says … [Read more...] about Incorrect medical coding corrupts the core data used by health care facilities, has negative consequences throughout health care industry
Managing the office
Less than half of U.S. workers believe their employer supports a healthy lifestyle
Despite the prevalence of workplace wellness efforts, only one-third of American workers say they regularly participate in the health promotion programs provided by their employer, according to a new survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. Additionally, less than … [Read more...] about Less than half of U.S. workers believe their employer supports a healthy lifestyle
Exempt employee salary rules just changed: are you ready?
By Paul Edwards bio Medical practice owners and office managers are about to face a tough transition. The minimum salary at which an employee may qualify as "exempt" from overtime pay has just been changed to $47,476 per year by the Department of Labor—and by December 1, 2016, all businesses must comply. What's changing, and why? Under the old Fair Labor Standards … [Read more...] about Exempt employee salary rules just changed: are you ready?
Retaliation landmine
By Lynne Curry bio Everyone in your office knows she's a problem. She mouths off constantly and prefers chatting with coworkers to doing her job. You regret the day you hired her and when she makes one smart-aleck comment too many about your practice, you say "Look, you're not happy here. I'll have the bookkeeper draw up a final check. I wish you good luck." Big mistake. … [Read more...] about Retaliation landmine
EEOC issues final rules on employer wellness programs
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination, has issued final rules that describe how Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) apply to wellness programs offered by employers that request health information from … [Read more...] about EEOC issues final rules on employer wellness programs
How to keep the cash coming in
When the office is busy but the cash flow is slow and the work isn't translating into net income for the physicians, look first to the billing and collections work. Almost always, that's where the failing lies. To keep the cash flowing, the office has to keep constant tabs on those two operations. Yet most offices don't. They just wait until they run out of cash. Here is how … [Read more...] about How to keep the cash coming in
5 steps to creating a more inclusive workplace for employees with disabilities
Did you know that more than 70 percent of people with disabilities in the United States are unemployed? For a community that represents 20 percent of the entire American population, people with disabilities are far underrepresented in the workplace. According to the Ruderman Family Foundation, a national leader in disability inclusion, these statistics are a reflection of one … [Read more...] about 5 steps to creating a more inclusive workplace for employees with disabilities
Turn staff from ‘critters’ into smart thinkers with ownership in their jobs
The brain has two states. One is the “critter state.” That’s the point at which a person responds like a raccoon or a skunk or any other critter. The focus is survival. It’s fright-freeze-fight-flight thinking. The other is the “smart state.” And that’s the point where a person is a human being: innovative, creative, collaborative, and emotionally engaged. In the critter … [Read more...] about Turn staff from ‘critters’ into smart thinkers with ownership in their jobs
More easy steps to help you fight management battles
By Steve M. Cohen bio I've written before about relatively simple steps to better medical office management. I've also advised against underestimating seemingly trivial tactics for improvement. These types of suggestions can sound low-level or nit-picky. But one reason they are often repeated is because they are valuable and worth remembering. But don't worry, … [Read more...] about More easy steps to help you fight management battles
Growth of Spanish-speaking population creates demand for bilingual health care professionals
The United States now has the world's second-largest population of Spanish speakers, behind only Mexico. Given the growing number of Spanish-speaking patients, clinics and hospitals find themselves facing an immediate and chronic shortage of bilingual physicians. This is a serious problem in a field where lives can depend on an accurate exchange of information between doctor … [Read more...] about Growth of Spanish-speaking population creates demand for bilingual health care professionals