Healthcare
Showing 273–288 of 454 results
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Practice Notes — Rewarding physicians for reducing spending
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 428
Abstract: One of the most talked-about new ideas in health care is rewarding providers for reducing medical spending by giving them a share of the net cost savings. The concept is currently being tested by many payor and provider organizations across the United States. The early results are so promising that providers — including physicians — may see contracts offering this arrangement in the near future. This article discusses the characteristics of the demonstration projects testing the new concept.
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Office staff overworked? — Take the load off by outsourcing certain tasks
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 777
Abstract: With the passage of health care reform come many new rules and regulations. If clinical and office staff are having some trouble getting all the work done — right and on time — perhaps the practice should consider outsourcing certain tasks to outside vendors. This article discusses the kinds of tasks (and not just administrative) that may be suitable for outsourcing and lists three factors that can help determine initial feasibility.
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Why patients change doctors … and what you can do about it
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 779
Abstract: While it’s somewhat common for doctors to “fire” uncooperative or nonpaying patients, the reverse can happen, too: Patients can become dissatisfied with their current doctors and switch to new ones. Obviously, this isn’t good for a physician’s pocketbook or reputation. This article lists seven reasons why patients switch to a new doctor and offers suggestions for fixing these problems.
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It’s time to start thinking about Stage 2 Meaningful Use
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 813
Abstract: In August 2012, CMS released new “meaningful use” specifications that physicians must implement in their EHR systems to qualify for financial incentives. Meaningful use of certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) is to be achieved in three stages. Providers that fail to do so by 2015 will see downward Medicare payment adjustments. This article explains what providers must do to meet core and menu objectives and abide by the deadlines. A sidebar shows how physicians should prepare their practices for Stage 2 compliance.
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How social media can change the way you do business
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 728
Abstract: Countless medical institutions have started using live surgical Twitter-casts, Facebook and YouTube to get the word out about their facilities. Indeed, this popular form of communication can change the way hospitals do business, serving as powerful medicine for hospitals seeking to directly communicate with interested parties as well as gather and disperse critical information. This article describes steps to take when setting up a presence on social media, looking specifically at YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
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IRS proposes new requirements for tax-exempt hospitals
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 912
Abstract: The IRS has released proposed regulations clarifying a nonprofit hospital’s responsibilities under a provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Under the new regs, a tax-exempt hospital must establish a written financial assistance plan (FAP) that clearly describes five elements. This article lists those elements and discusses what hospitals need to do to comply. A sidebar lists five steps the IRS regs say a charitable hospital must take to widely publicize its FAP.
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Beyond the rate increase — Final rule issued on Medicare IPPS payment policies
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 632
Abstract: CMS recently issued its final rule updating the fiscal year 2013 Medicare payment policies and rates under the Inpatient Prospective Payment System. This 1,100-page rule implements key elements of two new programs under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) Program, among other things. Hospitals can lose part of their operating payments if they fail to meet these programs’ standards. This article discusses provisions of the rule that affect readmissions, value-based purchasing and IQR.
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Prescription for profit — Latest technology can reduce costs, enhance patient care
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 647
Abstract: E-prescribing has been gaining in popularity with physicians, patients and hospitals, for it can boost profitability by reducing both costs and the likelihood of litigation. And it’s likely that it will eventually become mandatory for hospitals. This article shows how e-prescribing improves both accuracy and efficiency. But it also describes a couple of issues that hospitals need to consider before choosing an e-prescribing system.
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The future is now — Aligning value-based reimbursement with physician compensation
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 822
Abstract: Governmental and third-party payors are quickly moving to value-based reimbursement, leading to a shift from the traditional physician compensation model toward a new focus on quality outcomes. This article looks at a few of the value-based compensation models that have been gaining attention and describes three keys to successful implementation.
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If you build it, they will come — How hospitals can build brand loyalty
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: Brand loyalty isn’t just for cereals and electronic devices. It’s also an integral part of marketing health care services in a competitive marketplace. This article explains the strategic importance of branding. It involves a health care provider’s determining what it wants to say about itself and then determining target markets and the best ways to reach them. Branding efforts should be targeted internally, too, to create “brand ambassadors.” A sidebar lists some brand elements that hospitals have used to set themselves apart.
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How your board can ensure top-notch patient care
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 763
Abstract: How does a governing board go about meeting its fiduciary responsibilities in ensuring top-notch care and patient safety? This article looks at some of the recommendations promulgated by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, which advocates setting specific measurable targets for reducing harm each year.
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EHR and your hospital — Are you ready to show “meaningful use”?
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Healthcare Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 902
Abstract: Back in 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) created new programs designed to encourage health care providers to use electronic health record (EHR) technology. The programs, known as the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, provide payments to eligible hospitals that adopt and demonstrate “meaningful use” of certified EHR technology. This article explains the basics of the program, along with the various criteria for meaningful use. A sidebar lists the 14 core objectives hospitals must meet in order to qualify for incentive payments.
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Is your practice ready? — CMS Stage 2 requirements are drawing nigh
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 585
Abstract: Last February, CMS published a proposed rule defining the “meaningful use” requirements for Stage 2 of its Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program. It’s expected to issue a final version of the rule in late 2012. Although there will be revisions in response to those comments, enough is known now for physician practices to begin preparing for the changes. This article reviews Stage 1 objectives and discusses Stage 2 proposals, and notes when penalties for noncompliance may apply.
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Don kid gloves when tackling partnership disputes
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 728
Abstract: When partners can’t get along — whether it’s because of personality issues or divvying up responsibilities — running a truly successful practice becomes even more difficult. There are ways to knock out many conflicts but, to do so, it’s necessary to put on kid gloves. This article explains how to share responsibilities, establish a practice vision, resolve issues arising from age differences, and implement a clear, amenable compensation model for physician partners.
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Keeping your head above water — How to breathe easier in tough times
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 798
Abstract: With no clear end to this economic uncertainty in sight, some practices may find themselves gasping for air when it comes to maintaining a strong bottom line. What can they do now to keep their head above water? This article discusses how to implement sound business practices that will make life easier. It shows how to review financial statements, assess employee benefits, and market the practice to gain more patients.
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7 strategies for improving self-pay patient collections
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 664
Abstract: With the increase in health plans requiring members to pay all or part of their office visits, practices are faced with the challenge of asking patients for full payment. This can be upsetting for the patients and uncomfortable for the staff who deal with them. This article offers seven strategies for improving collections from self-pay patients, including preparing for time-of-service collections, setting up prompt-pay discounts, and showing staff how to interact with patients about payment issues.