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…
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As we approach the close of 2015, it’s important look ahead and prepare for 2016. There are a lot of changes to look out for with regards to meaningful use and PQRS standards. The best strategy to get a head start on the new year is to be prepared. So, we’ve assembled a list of…
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…
The ICD-10 compliance date is less than three months away, and many healthcare organizations are still struggling to complete key steps in the implementation process. Software vendors, like 1st Providers Choice, are prepared to help by providing ICD-10 ready practice management software and assistance with ICD-10 claims testing. ICD-10, the 10th revision of the International…
