Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

Showing 161–176 of 267 results

  • Practice Notes – How to benchmark NPPs in your practice

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 412

    Abstract: Using nonphysician providers (NPPs) can be an effective way for practices to prepare for the expected influx of 30 million new patients receiving health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s new Health Insurance Marketplaces and expanded Medicaid programs. But, for the use of NPPs to work, it’s important for physicians to benchmark NPP performance by identifying performance metrics that reflect their practice’s critical success factors and then using these metrics to set goals and measure progress toward them. This article looks at five categories into which NPP performance metrics typically fall.

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  • 8 tips to help maximize patient self-payment

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 874

    Abstract: Along with collecting traditional copayments, physician practices must now worry about steadily increasing patient deductibles. One survey reveals that deductibles as a percentage of the contracted rate increased by at least 20% across the country from 2009 to 2011. This is bad news for the physician because any increase in self-pay is hard to collect. But this article offers some tips — involving work processes, technology and communication — for making that task a little easier. A sidebar looks at a survey that spotlights patient attitudes toward their payment obligations.

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  • Clinical comanagement 101 – How to reward physicians and medical groups

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 591

    Abstract: Clinical comanagement is an arrangement designed to recognize and appropriately reward participating medical groups and/or physicians for their efforts in developing, managing and improving their quality and efficiency. The arrangement may cover inpatient, outpatient, ancillary and/or multisite services. But this article notes that there are numerous hurdles to contend with. It describes two forms of comanagement and the tradeoffs involved.

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  • Health Insurance Marketplaces – What you — and your patients — need to know

    Winter 2014
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 713

    Abstract: On Oct. 1, 2013, the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) Health Insurance Marketplaces opened in states that have adopted them and on the federal government’s website healthcare.gov. Physicians may find themselves discussing with their patients how to use these new Marketplaces. This article gives an outline of the mandate and describes how the Marketplaces work. It also notes what the policies must cover and the premium subsidies available.

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  • Practice Notes – Patient kiosks may be the wave of the future

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 420

    Abstract: In the future, patients may never need to check in with a receptionist to begin a physician visit. Instead, they’ll go to a computer station or pick up a tablet, and check in electronically to verify their personal information, identify medication or allergy changes, and determine insurance eligibility. When connected to EHRs and practice management systems, a kiosk can help streamline the front office, enhance clinical accuracy, and reduce billing errors and denied claims. This article lists some specific services that kiosks can offer, although it notes that kiosks won’t completely replace the need for staff.

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  • Beware: Malpractice lawsuits can derail your nest egg

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 611

    Abstract: Lawsuits run rampant in this nation, and that includes those filed against medical practices and physicians. While malpractice insurance is obviously an essential defense, physicians may also want to consider giving away assets via some simple strategies. This article examines three of them: family limited partnerships, the homestead exemption, and offshore trusts.

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  • Billing and collections – Harnessing best practices in claim denial management

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 708

    Abstract: Claim denials are a huge financial drain on physician practices. If nothing is done to reverse a denial, the revenue that it represents is lost to the practice. Fortunately, there are some best practices that can help manage claims denied by payers. This article discusses how to keep a claim “clean” in the first place, how to respond to a claim denial, and how to prevent future denials. A sidebar looks at analyzing data to reveal the root causes of denials.

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  • The business imperatives of high-performing practices

    Fall 2013
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 806

    Abstract: In the face of rapidly changing fiscal and regulatory conditions, physician practices must plan forcefully for the future. They need to focus management attention on the business areas of highest priority and set goals for their improvement. The greatest imperative is to strengthen the practice’s financial competencies, but it’s also essential to engage patients, upgrade clinical systems, improve interconnectivity and enhance data analytics. This article discusses strategies for achieving these goals, while a sidebar looks at a survey in which physicians rank their highest business imperatives.

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  • Practice Notes – Are you ready for “play or pay” under the health care act?

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 429

    Abstract: Beginning on Jan. 1, 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires large employers to offer comprehensive and affordable health care coverage to employees and their dependents or risk a penalty. This article discusses what a “large” employer is and the degree of coverage that’s necessary to avoid penalties.

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  • Reengineering your practice’s revenue cycle

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 610

    Abstract: A medical practice’s financial success depends on how well it manages the revenue cycle. Real-world efficacy points to a few fundamental strategies for reengineering the ways that a practice generates revenues. This article discusses analyzing payer contracts, establishing each patient’s financial responsibility, using EHR systems, and managing and preventing denials. A sidebar lists several metrics to include.

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  • Handle with care – Consider an accountable plan for employee expenses

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 637

    Abstract: There are distinct tax advantages to having a plan for employee expense reimbursements and allowances that’s “accountable” in the eyes of the IRS. But it’s still a decision every practice must make for itself. This article describes the kinds of expenses that are reimbursable and how to document them.

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  • Today’s medical marketplace – 10 ways to maintain your independence

    Summer 2013
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 887

    Abstract: The traditional physician practice model is increasingly unsustainable, yet most doctors would prefer to practice independently. Many are even contemplating leaving the profession. But there are ways to maintain at least some independence before abandoning ship. This article offers 10 alternative arrangements, such as evolving into a large multispecialty group practice, forming an independent practice association, or practicing in a patient-centered medical home.

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  • 8 steps to a new physician compensation plan

    Spring 2013
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 380

    Abstract: Physicians who have completed a merger or acquisition recently, or are experiencing physician turnover, should probably at least consider a new compensation plan. This article lists eight steps that can help them create one.

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  • How to avoid Medicare penalties in 2013

    Spring 2013
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 635

    Abstract: 2013 is going to be a big year for physicians with regard to reporting Medicare quality measures and participating in e-prescribing and EHR incentive programs. Eventually, Medicare payments to physicians will be reduced if they don’t participate in the programs — and Medicare officials will use doctors’ performance in 2013 as a benchmark for future penalties. This article explains what physicians need to do to become compliant.

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  • Safeguarding your practice from Medicare fraud

    Spring 2013
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 656

    Abstract: Fraud in the Medicare system is, unfortunately, an ongoing problem. Medicare regulations are always changing, often leaving physician practices in a quandary as to what the most current policies are and what they need to do in light of them. This article discusses how physicians can ensure their practice stays on the right side of the law. It looks at high-risk areas and what to do if violations occur.

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  • When two become one – Understanding the ins and outs of physician practice consolidation

    Spring 2013
    Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 764

    Abstract: Recently projected trends in health care provider reimbursement and regulation will likely motivate practice consolidations. This is a solution midway between hospital employment and total independence in a small group practice. But it’s best pursued through a strategic planning process that follows a natural sequence of phases. This article discusses how to get started, develop a timetable, and implement the merger. A sidebar looks at alternatives to consolidation.

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