Practice Management Systems (PMS) offer providers a dynamic solution to coordinate all organizational tasks and processes through improved workflows, added efficiencies and a myriad of other benefits. This article will provide an in-depth examination of some of the key benefits clinics of various sizes and specialties can expect by implementing a robust practice management system.
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When the federal government implemented its meaningful use initiative as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, medical groups finally started to move toward electronic health records en mass. By 2015, nearly 9 in 10 (87%) of office-based physicians had adopted an EHR, and over 3 in 4 (78%) had adopted a certified EHR, according to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT.
However, the dissatisfaction with EHRs continues to rise at an accelerated pace. It has also resulted in physician burnout which in turn can create more patient safety problems. This post addresses the core issue of EHR Optimization and all the facets associated with the process of optimizing an EHR.
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Have you ever been frustrated about your current EHR software and did some or all of the following thoughts cross your mind?
Current EHR systems have been criticized for causing physician burn-out, hurting the relationship with patients, and as recently mentioned by Shawn Martin, AAFP Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy, "really all physicians have a disdain for electronic health records.” Yet, certified Health IT is required to be part of a new framework for reimbursing clinicians who successfully demonstrate value over volume in patient care.
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Far-reaching regulatory shifts at the federal level combined with advancements in technology and a changing patient population are just a few factors contributing to the rapid transformation of the U.S. healthcare system. As the industry evolves, the systems and processes utilized by practices and practitioners must also evolve in order to keep pace with the demands of today’s care continuum.
In such a dynamic healthcare environment, medical practice management software is essential in order to effectively and efficiently coordinate communications, transactions and interactions between patients, providers and systems. Various organizations nationwide have implemented practice management system software and achieved measurable, positive outcomes related to both patient care and the fiscal health of their practice.
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The profitability of physician practices is being squeezed by declining payer reimbursement rates and increasing operating costs. There is also a growing trend towards enhanced patient responsibility both for self-pay and insured patients. This has a direct impact on physician practices which now run a risk of increasing patient account receivable (A/R) balances.
Proactive revenue cycle management processes are key to ensure full and timely reimbursement from payers and minimizing the financial risk due to patient A/R exposure. Even though clearinghouses had a limited function earlier, the scope of functionality delivered by a good medical billing clearinghouse has increased significantly and encompasses entire revenue cycle stretching from insurance verification, claims submission, remittance and all the way to appeals and settlement.
2. Why functions does a good Clearinghouse perform?
3. What is the Clearinghouse Process?
4. What are the benefits of using a great Clearinghouse?
5. Best Practices for choosing a Clearinghouse
6. Which are the top medical billing Clearinghouses?
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The word is out -- ambulatory practices continue to reap the benefits of adopting integrated EHR platforms. According to the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, EHR adoption in the medical practice has doubled since 2008. For the remaining practices failing to seek the benefits of EMR, declining reimbursement tied to MACRA will encourage most of these providers to eventually adopt the technology. One bit of good news for the solo or small practice is that Medicare adoption incentives still exist for the office-based physician practice. But perhaps the best news for physicians reluctant to switch is that there are documented benefits in EHR adoption for both patients and providers.
This article summarizes the top EHR benefits experienced by an ambulatory practice for their patients and practice when deploying the technology.
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There is no doubt that the transition to ICD-10 forced a lot of healthcare organizations to take a long hard look at their claim processing practices. While that transition is in the past, the importance of medical billing audits isn’t.
Every practice should have a strong understanding not only of the nature of billing audits but also what kinds best fit their individual needs. If you don’t you have a strong grasp on the billing practices, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth in your practice, it might be time for a refresher.
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The transition from fee-for-service to value-based reimbursement represents a paradigm shift for the entire healthcare industry but also promises specific opportunities and challenges for individual providers. If you’re considering transitioning to a value-based reimbursement model, it is important to learn as much as possible about the two systems, the changes ahead of you, as well as your strategic options.
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Although the EHR adoption rate has more than doubled over the past decade, significantly bolstered by passage of the HITECH Act in 2009, satisfaction with EHR systems is definitely trending downward. A study published last year by the U.S. National Library of Medicine showed that a shocking 67% of physician respondents were dissatisfied with their EHR and 31% were actively considering switching EMR systems because of their dissatisfaction. Over 30% considered dissatisfaction with their EMR a primary contributor to physician burnout.
That's a lot of unhappiness—and a lot of practices potentially switching EHR vendors this year.
If you're in that situation yourself, there's much to consider before actually making a change, both in terms of challenges and opportunities for enhanced productivity and overall practice performance.
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According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), EMR implementation among pediatric practices lags behind other specialties, with 31% of pediatricians using a basic pediatric EMR and only 14% using a fully functional pediatric EMR solution. This is despite the American Academy of Pediatrics suggestion that EHRs may increase patient safety and standards of care.
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