Healthcare
Showing 385–400 of 454 results
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Electronic dashboards – The latest gadget for measuring practice performance
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 818
Abstract: There’s a new tool that many physicians are finding superior to traditional financial statements — the electronic dashboard. Why are dashboards important? They’re designed to make financial indicators more comprehensible to physicians. In fact, they can be effective tools for engaging all staff members in reducing overhead and increasing profits. This article describes how electronic dashboards work, how to get started employing one, and what features to include. A sidebar looks at the costs of implementing a dashboard, whether in-house or through a third party.
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Are you up to speed on sample medication management?
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 746
Abstract: Physician practices that distribute sample medication need to have policies and procedures that guarantee medication safety to its patients and staff. Insurance carriers and auditing entities will review practice manuals and logs to determine whether an office is following appropriate medical management procedures. There are a number of specific policies a practice should implement to meet this challenge, and some pharmaceutical companies also offer programs that can help.
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The process of partnering with a health system
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1018
Abstract: Throughout the country, hospitals are looking at ways to partner with physicians in order to create comprehensive health systems that will serve the needs of their service community as well as the physicians with whom they partner. But, to meet the requirements that are necessary to perform a comprehensive review and meet all Stark requirements, health systems must perform due diligence in regard to productivity, compensation, profitability, overhead and staffing. The overwhelming nature of the requests for documentation may foster fear or resentment among some practices, but they should think of it as merely a way for the health system to be introduced to the practice and how it operates, not as an intimidating or judgmental process.
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Increasing revenue by managing denials in a rough economy
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 985
Abstract: Hard economic times are causing medical practices to increasingly write off accounts because of bad debt. Thus, cash flow is more important than ever for providers. One of the biggest factors in improving cash flow is reducing the frequency and occurrence of denials and ensuring clean claims on the first submission. To effectively manage denials, physicians must identify the type of denial, educate staff, know how to edit claims and prepare appeals, and monitor progress.
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Patient complaints — Turning negatives into positives
Fall 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 825
Abstract: With the advent of online doctor reviews, patients can anonymously spread the word about the good, bad and ugly of their experiences with a particular office. And the impact of a negative online review to a practice could be significant, without the doctor having any control or say. But there are ways to prevent a patient’s negative opinion or turn it into a positive one. It involves various methods of listening to the patient. And, if he or she does request to transfer records to another practice, an exit interview may be able to resolve the problem — and help physicians understand where their practice might need improvement.
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Practice builders – Building a brand image
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 499
Abstract: Building a positive brand image starts with deciding which types of patients your practice wants to entice and then learning about their needs and expectations. You’ll need to size up your target market, and then decide what image you wish to convey to the wider world.
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Vital Stats – HIPAA expands under HITECH
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 374
Abstract: The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) applies to certain “covered entities,” including physician practices and their “business associates” that do work for any entity that involves “protected health information,” or PHI. This short article describes the details, including significant monetary penalties for noncompliance.
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More complicated than you think – Valuing a medical practice
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 679
Abstract: A new wave of purchases of physician practices, mostly by hospitals, is taking place around the country. Because of their numbers, size and purchasing power, hospitals are currently defining the standards for valuing the practices they buy. A practice’s sale price is typically based on the value assigned to it by a professional appraiser when there’s a strategic buyer. The value is made up of the practice’s tangible assets, cash, accounts receivable and goodwill.
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Following the rules for CMS enrollment
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 621
Abstract: The procedure for physicians needing to enroll in Medicare has become both easier and tougher. It’s easier because the process now can be completed almost entirely online. At the same time, CMS is monitoring physician enrollment data more closely to cut back on the potential for fraud and abuse. Practices must file more frequently, but Medicare’s “PECOS” system makes the process easier. This article discusses the procedures involved.
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Don’t take it sitting down – Fight back in troubled economic times
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 826
Abstract: The economic downturn is affecting the financial fortunes of many physician practices. A practice can cut expenses, but to improve its long-term financial position it must improve efficiency. This includes improvements in scheduling, better handling of no-shows, cross training, and more efficient management of physician time and office space. A sidebar offers additional tips.
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The $65,000 question — Will your practice get all it can from Medicare/Medicaid incentives?
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1252
Abstract: The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) has significantly increased the potential return physicians may receive from either Medicare or Medicaid, depending on their payor mix. But to get the most from this opportunity, practice leaders will need to stay on top of the details. This article discusses participation criteria, along with details concerning Medicare incentives, HIPAA privacy rules, and penalties on physicians who don’t meet the “meaningful user” criteria. Medicare and Medicaid payment schedules for the coming years are provided.
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8 key elements to an effective EHR system action plan
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1039
Abstract: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (also known as the stimulus bill) includes a section known as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) that devotes $17 billion to the implementation of electronic health records (EHR). The good news is that funding for implementation is finally available to physicians and health systems. The bad news is that the funding is the easy part — the hard part is the implementation of an EHR system. An outline of eight key elements points the way.
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Marketing your practice in a difficult economy
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 769
Abstract: No matter what changes come to the medical profession, a basic reality is that all medical practices will need patients to exist. Great opportunities exist in this time of change. Marketing your practice is a crucial way of keeping up your patient base. It doesn’t always have to cost money, but it does require energy and focus. This article offers tips involving networking, getting your name into the marketplace, and maintaining high standards of service.
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Practice builders – A brave new world: Finding your way
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 573
Abstract: Consumer-driven health care is here to stay. So it’s critical that your practice understand how the various health plans work and the impact they’ll have on your patients — and your practice. This article delves into the issues surrounding high-deductible health plans, Health Savings Accounts and your billing process.
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Vital Signs – Pay-for-performance can help improve productivity
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 164
Abstract: This issue’s “Vital Stats” offers information from the MGMA Physician Compensation and Production Survey, 2008 Report Based on 2007 Data indicating that appropriately aligned compensation can make a difference in productivity.
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Good staff are hard to find – Tips for recruiting and retaining the best
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 710
Abstract: Physician practices are in competition with other practices, hospitals, and even third-party payors — not just for patients but also for staff. High-performing practices work hard to recruit the best staff candidates and then work even harder to retain them once they’re hired. This article explores the secrets of finding and keeping good staff members.