What does the Meaningful Use Stage 2 Requirement for Data Exchange offer to physicians? CureMD 13:53

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced its plans to reduce the 2015 Meaningful Use (MU) reporting period requirement from 365 to just 90 days. Many healthcare experts are of the view that the federal agency is taking this step (in addition to others) to lighten the burden on care providers.

The announcement

The announcement was made towards the end of January, and gave much needed relief to eligible hospitals (EHs) and professionals (EPs) who had faced immense difficulty in meeting the MU Stage 2 transition-of-care requirements.

The options

Through this requirement, an EP would need to exchange a care summary with a minimum of one other provider or third party possessing a certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) system; moreover, the receiver’s system must be different from that of the senders. As a secondary option, the EP could instead carry out a successful care summary exchange test with an EHR selected by CMS.

The challenge

However, for the secondary test, the provider needs an EHR which can directly transmit messages to a different EHR; and that too via a DirectTrust recognized health information service provider (HISP). The challenge for the provider would be that of his EHR’s compatibility with the accredited HISPs.

The solution

A CMS FAQ file in response to this query highlights that if the provider faces such an issue, they could be given leniency to perform the required test outside of the EHR reporting bracket, provided that they perform the test before the reporting year ends.

The finalization of the 90 day reporting period for MU would be vital in providing physicians the added time to meet this challenge.

Other options

Practices will also be able to use other methods of care summary exchange between different EHRs. There is also the option of using a health information exchange organization (HIO) for this process; however, many regional RHIOs are not fully functional at the moment.

That is why federal health agencies have continued to reiterate that interoperability is an important target, and one they are committed to achieve. 

Why most behavior health physicians are excluded from Meaningful Use? CureMD 06:52

Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems have transformed medical health records from the traditional paper-based version to an electronic version which allows easy, safe and instant access, recovery and transfer of this data for prescribed users.

With the entire patient information including demographics, social history, medication, diagnosis, treatment and results in the system, doctors are able to provide results faster and with lesser chance of error.

However, one hurdle has persistently dampened the growth of EHRs. Yes I’m talking about data privacy and security. Providers and patients alike are extremely worried about the safekeeping of vulnerable patient data that ranges from patient health information to their credit card numbers.

Behavioral health is a specialty that is no stranger to privacy concerns. Ethical concerns are often associated with the use of EHRs for this specialty, with many worried about the online transfer of patient health information and the use of this information for data mining.

For behavioral health patients, confidentiality of their records is often an integral component of the effectiveness of this treatment. Take a celebrity suffering from substance abuse for example. His fans finding out about his condition prior to the completion of the recovery process could, in fact, adversely affect the process and he could relapse during treatment. 

When confidentiality is breached, stress, fatigue and tension are three of the factors that patients commonly suffer from; the factors resulting from changes in social, employment and family relationships.

And finally, there’s the issue of data mining. While using this information for R&D purposes is extremely important, and could have significant long-term benefits; there are ethical hurdles. Respecting patient rights (terms of data sharing after consent) must always be a strict condition followed by all those using this data. In reality, meeting this condition and working for the welfare of the many (who will benefit from R&D) makes the whole process extremely tricky.

This is the reason why most behavior health physicians were excluded from the Meaningful Use program. And the solution to this does lie in a comprehensive and well thought out campaign, and government intervention is key in making sure this happens. 

Selecting a Dermatology EMR in 2014 CureMD 06:56

For a new Dermatology practice seeking an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system or an existing one looking to switch their current EMR, 2014 is the ideal time to do so. This is because unlike several other specialty-specific clinical encounter documentation systems which lack behind in several specialty-specific features, there have been tremendous improvements in Dermatology-specific systems over the past several years.

A survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) validated this rise in Electronic Health Record (EHR) adoption trend for dermatologists and found that the total acquisition rate of EHRs for Dermatologists rose from 51% to 55% between 2011 and 2012.

Now coming to the topic on hand, here’s what a dermatologist must look for in an EMR system:

Customizable Dermatology templates

There must be customizable templates for different processes such as Botox, laser surgery, liposuction and other cosmetic procedures, face lifts and fillers.

For example, a template for acne/pimples will improve the care delivery process when a patient walks in with this problem and you simply tick options from the sub-headings on the template. The sub-headings for this one in particular would include location (with options face, scalp, neck, back, chest, etc), severity (including mild, moderate, severe), timing (continuous, intermittent, seasonal), and so on.

You can subsequently assess the potential benefits of such software at your practice.

Full Body Charts

You system must have both full body charts in addition to separate ones for different areas (head, eyes, ears, neck, hands, nose, feet) and lateral charts to further specify problem areas and their respective billing codes.

Workflow Editor and Auto Notes

The process and workflow editor should be configurable so that you can organize them according to your practice’s preferences and needs so that you can maximize your operational efficiency.

The option to automatically generate notes via the templates will save you a lot of time as this feature automatically converts words entered during clinical encounters into paragraphs and sentences.

These are a few of the most important features that you must consider while selecting a Dermatology EMR in this year and on-wards. 

CureMD Electronic Health Records from CureMD

EMR A Link Between Practice And Patient Satisfaction CureMD 07:28

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are known to improve practice efficiency and provide quality care to patients, giving them a satisfying experience. The health technology gives physicians speedier access to patient data, clinical notes and lab tests that increases confidence of patients in their doctor and understand their health conditions.

No matter how efficient the technology is and how perfect it makes the practice workflow, patients will only be satisfied with it if the physicians are able to deliver better care while utilizing EMRs. Healthcare providers need to demonstrate that EMRs are for their benefit, safety and quality care. Failure to provide such a service will end it patients’ resentment towards technology and strain in Patient Physician Relationship.

This demonstration begins from the front desk of the practice. Patients should be facilitated in every manner while making an appointment. In order to save their time, practice staff can take necessary details over the phone and verify it with the help of their EMR. Patients can also be sent registration forms through emails, so that they don’t have to wait long at the practice.

However, the real interaction begins in the exam room where physicians interact and connect with patients. In order to demonstrate how EMRs facilitate physicians’ work and improve patient care, physicians should try to forge a connection between patients and the electronic system.

The first selling point would be accessibility to patient charts, history, records and lab results on a click. This creates the image of physician’s efficient services and his/her seriousness towards patient’s health. Another approach would be to maintaining eye contact with the patient. One on one communication with patients is necessary to ensure your interest and concern in your patients’ healthcare.

Last, but one of the most important points is to inform your patient clearly about their payment balance. The communication should be clear and polite, so that they don’t have to deal with any issues. 

CureMD Electronic Health Records from CureMD

Specialty EHR drives growth in Community Oncology practices CureMD 07:02

Oncologists have been trying to keep their practices afloat in face of myriad of challenges, including new government regulations, change in payment options, shift to ACOs and implementation of  Electronic Health Records (EHRs).

Therefore, community Oncologists are struggling to improve their practice efficiency and financial health by increasing reimbursement rate, while focusing on value-care of patients. This calls for innovation in healthcare technology, which is the most essential tool in enabling physicians to provide quality and cost-effective care to patients. EHRs are one of the most important components of healthcare technology that can help Oncologists meet their financial goals and operate efficiently.

While moving from paper-based system to EHR or replacing your existing electronic system, Oncologists should ensure certain facts while adopting the software:

Needs of your practice

Oncology is a specialty practice that has its unique demands and needs in terms of medical treatment of patients and practice workflow. Therefore, it will be wise and beneficial for Oncologists to adopt a specialty EHR that has been developed keeping in view the diagnosis, procedures and treatment of cancer patients; and functions of clinical and billing operations of the practice.

The Oncology specific EHR will have the accurate codes necessary for cancer diagnosis and procedures. Moreover, the charts and diagrams, provider note templates, and case history module will be customized according to the medical requirements of cancer patients.

In case of multiple physicians, Oncologists will be able to have access to patient records created by other physicians. This coordination will allow every physician to avoid medication or treatment mistakes that may prove to be fatal for the patient.

Oncology is one of the busiest specialties in medicine. The unpredictable nature of their patient’s disease and condition requires Oncologists to be available at all times. Therefore, EHRs should be compatible with various operating software and gadgets so that Oncologists have access to complete patient records outside their practices.

How to make a right Medical Billing Team for your Practice? CureMD 07:17

Staff is the backbone of any business, particularly service-based business like a medical practice. It is necessary that there is an adequate number of staff with proper skills required by the medical practice.

Like the clinical staff, the medical billing staff should also be trained in their duties to bring efficiency in their performance that effect directly on the medical billing services.

Your practice should have right number of medical billing staff

There are several ways to determine the right number of staff for the billing department. This may depend on the number of patient visits, volume of claims to be processed, and number of accounts that each biller has.

However, the best practice is to have an established standard to determine the accurate number of employees you will need to run your medical billing department. The standard may vary between specialties, depending on their workflow and patient visits.

According to the benchmark set by American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives (AAOE) for ophthalmology practices, cost of billing staff should be approximately 5% of your income.

Make sure your billing staff has the right skills

While advertising the position of medical biller, be very particular about SOP of the billing services and specific requirements of your specialty along with the general responsibilities.

Billing is a complex department. In order to deal effectively with insurance payers and patients, the medical biller need to be self-motivated, has an eye for details and creative enough to find problems to issues.

It is ideal to hire billers who have experience or knowledge of medical terminology and medical coding system. However, in-house training provided to the billers can be more beneficial. Well-trained billers will understand the specific workings of your practice, the patientflow and mechanism to deal with the issues faced with payers.

Make Patient-Practice Communication part of your Medical Billing Process CureMD 09:29

Communication is the key to a strong relationship. In a patient-practice relationship, effective communication of financial responsibilities of patients can result in increased payments.

Patient payment is crucial part of the medical billing procedure. Taking care of your patients means that you are taking care of your business, ensuring that the patients’ cooperation in paying bills.

Let’s find out how communication improves your medical billing practices.

Listen to your patient

Listen to understand is the first rule of effective communication. While taking down information from patients, listen to them carefully. Train your staff in standards of clear and comprehensive communication of financial details and responsibilities of patients. This includes practice’s payment policy.

This way, patients are left with no ambiguity regarding their payment plans and responsibilities towards the practice.

Make the message simple

Patients are not financial analysts. While drafting medical billing policy of your practice, keep in mind that it should be in a language which is comprehensible by the patients. Refrain from using too many billing and insurance jargons. Keep it simple and concise.

However, patients should be informed about necessary insurance plans and procedures, like deductibles, co-insurance in a simple language.

Be transparent in your dealings

A medical billing process of a practice should be fair and transparent. When a new patient makes an appointment, communicate to them about your insurance eligibility policies. Discuss with them what is included and what isn’t in their health insurance plan and whether your practice can assist them in this regard.

Do not make promises that you cannot deliver in future. It is better that the patients are communicated about their responsibilities, and procedures and services allowed in their insurance plan.

Medical billing process is a complicated segment of practice. To make things relatively simple, practitioners should try to develop a strong relationship with theirpatients for timely patient collections.