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…
Healthcare providers can breathe a sigh of relief. Implementation of ICD-10 code sets has been delayed another year thanks to a bill passed in the Senate on March 31. The controversial Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014, which passed with a vote of 64 to 35, has pushed the compliance deadline to October 1,…
The selection process to find the ideal EMR software takes time, but choosing the right system can result in improved patient care, increased efficiency and reduced costs. This is why it is important to define your practice’s needs before starting your search, to research vendors thoroughly, and to understand how an EMR might benefit you…
