The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) has replaced the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. As a result, new guidelines for paying providers for care administered to individuals enrolled in Medicare Part B will come into effect for the following calendar year. Providers that participate in MACRA through the Merit Based…
While the electronic health record (EHR) was originally perceived as a provider-side innovation — a means for healthcare teams to better coordinate and manage patient care — it has become an indispensable tool for driving patient engagement. No longer just a data tracking solution, the EHR is a key launching point for improving patient-provider interaction…
Estimates suggest that practices lose up to 14% of their annual income due to missed appointments, or “patient no-shows,” every year. Patients who fail to arrive at their scheduled appointment reduce practice revenues and place an unneeded burden on admin staff. A patient appointment reminder system can improve no-show rates and increase a practice’s overall…
There is a demand in the healthcare industry for practices to keep up with the on-the-go lifestyles of their patients while simultaneously communicating the importance of making time for their health. Many healthcare organizations have turned to a patient portal, which is a secure online environment that allows patients to access their medical records and…
Medical billing is a crucial part of running any healthcare practice. Providers depend on accurate and efficient billing practices in order to receive reimbursements from payers in a timely manner. With numerous PQRS and meaningful use requirements, running an efficient practice is becoming more difficult. Staff members and healthcare professionals are required to stay up…
After years of heated debate and frustration between the medical community and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the 35-year old diagnoses codes doctors once used to bill for patient care under the CMS system are going by the wayside. Starting October 1, 2015, providers across the U.S. will replace ICD-9 with ICD-10—a…
Healthcare organizations have raised many concerns about the transition to ICD-10, which will introduce thousands of new diagnosis codes, citing that a lack of preparation could result in an increase in claim denials. The compliance date, however, is still set for October 1, 2015, and it is unlikely that the deadline will be pushed back…
Posted by 1st Providers Choice on
Behavioral health organizations differ significantly from traditional medical practices in the ways in which they provide care. Many clinics are equipped to provide both residential and outpatient care and offer a variety of services ranging from one-on-one counseling to group therapy to training programs. As a result of the complexities and differing workflows within the…
