For any patients on a payment plan, having a credit card on file is just good business, says a New Jersey practice administrator. Automatic card payments are the only way an office can be assured of getting the agreed-upon amount at the agreed-upon time. The practice administrator uses that approach for a dermatology practice and also for a second practice she manages as a … [Read more...] about For payment plans, credit cards on file mean payments on time
Billing and collections
Practices recognize that health care compliance management must be addressed, despite challenges
A nationwide survey finds health care organizations and businesses, including medical practices, confront time and staffing challenges when it comes to health care compliance management. Expertise is also an issue, as is keeping up with changes. Nevertheless, medical practices and other health care providers recognize the importance of health care compliance management. The … [Read more...] about Practices recognize that health care compliance management must be addressed, despite challenges
Medical biller sentenced to 45 months in prison for role in $4 million health care fraud scheme
The medical biller of a Chicago-area visiting physician practice was recently sentenced to 45 months in prison for her role in a $4 million health care fraud scheme. Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Fardon of the Northern District of Illinois, Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the … [Read more...] about Medical biller sentenced to 45 months in prison for role in $4 million health care fraud scheme
These resources help with ICD-10 compliance
If you missed Medical Office Manager's webinar, "10 Things You Must Know About ICD-10," you definitely want to review the webinar recording and slides, available here. Coding expert Judy Monestime shared information during the presentation that will help your practice meet the October 1, 2015 deadline, and provide assistance as you continue to transition from ICD-9 to … [Read more...] about These resources help with ICD-10 compliance
Three electronic conveniences also help with EHR requirements
A Columbus, MS, pediatrics practice has added three electronic items that not only provide convenience for patients but give the office EHR meaningful use credit. First is online bill paying. That's provided through the office's billing service, says Sabrina McDow, CEO of Children's Health Center of Columbus. The invoices give a website for the online payments, but because the … [Read more...] about Three electronic conveniences also help with EHR requirements
Survey finds support for the Affordable Care Act among physician leaders
Results of a comprehensive survey show widespread support for the U.S. Affordable Care Act (ACA) among physicians nationwide. Fifty-five (55) percent of survey respondents say they agree or strongly agree that the controversial law passed in 2010 has "more good than bad" in it. The survey was conducted in spring 2015 by the American Association for Physician Leadership, a … [Read more...] about Survey finds support for the Affordable Care Act among physician leaders
HIPAA and records hiding somewhere in the hospital
Question: One of our physicians took patient charts to the hospital. Two of those charts were lost. They contained personal information such as Social Security numbers as well as the clinical notes. What information should I send to the patients? (Submitted by a New York manager – name withheld by request.) Answer: Respond first with common sense, advises health … [Read more...] about HIPAA and records hiding somewhere in the hospital
Coding tips for respiratory diseases
By Judy Monestime bio ICD-10-CM Chapter 10, "Diseases of the Respiratory System (J00–J99)," identifies codes for a wide variety of pulmonary conditions, ranging from acute upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, influenza, asthma, as well as diseases of the lower respiratory tract including chronic lung diseases and diseases acquired from exposure to external substances. … [Read more...] about Coding tips for respiratory diseases
The balance between kindness and good business: getting your patients to pay their bills
A 2014 survey conducted by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) finds that collecting balances due from patients is the seventh most "intense and applicable challenge" for the members surveyed. And no wonder. According to a 2014 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average yearly deductible in the United States has more than doubled in the last eight years, … [Read more...] about The balance between kindness and good business: getting your patients to pay their bills
How to get paid for filling out patient forms
To charge or not to charge? Medical offices don't value their time as much as they ought, according to the office manager for a family practice in Pennsylvania. And one area that's woefully undervalued is the time spent filling out patient forms for things such as disability verification and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). That's time consuming for both doctors and … [Read more...] about How to get paid for filling out patient forms