Practice Management Alert
Compliance:
Prioritize Website Accessibility to Help Patients and Avoid Litigation
Remember: Doctors' offices are considered public accommodations under Title III of the ADA... Read more
Prioritize Website Accessibility to Help Patients and Avoid Litigation
Remember: Doctors' offices are considered public accommodations under Title III of the ADA... Read more
Clip and Save:
Make These Website Changes ASAP
Think of usability as both a science and an art. Professional website designers can maxim... Read more
Make These Website Changes ASAP
Think of usability as both a science and an art. Professional website designers can maxim... Read more
Documentation:
Pocket These 3 Documentation Cs
Don't forget that documentation also tells a patient's story. Clinical documentation is a... Read more
Pocket These 3 Documentation Cs
Don't forget that documentation also tells a patient's story. Clinical documentation is a... Read more
Technology:
Don’t Worry About CAC Taking Your Coding Job
Hint: Help providers understand how more specific documentation will save everyone time. ... Read more
Don’t Worry About CAC Taking Your Coding Job
Hint: Help providers understand how more specific documentation will save everyone time. ... Read more
Reader Questions:
See Why PAs Don’t Like ‘AAP’ Umbrella
Question: I work at a sizable practice and one of our physician assistants (PAs) comp... Read more
See Why PAs Don’t Like ‘AAP’ Umbrella
Question: I work at a sizable practice and one of our physician assistants (PAs) comp... Read more
Reader Questions:
Note This HIPAA Expiration Technicality
Question: I've noticed that our patient forms pertaining to the Health Insurance Port... Read more
Note This HIPAA Expiration Technicality
Question: I've noticed that our patient forms pertaining to the Health Insurance Port... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Sleep on Medical Record Reviews
Question: How concerned should we be about medical record reviews by the Centers for ... Read more
Don’t Sleep on Medical Record Reviews
Question: How concerned should we be about medical record reviews by the Centers for ... Read more
COVID-19:
Focus on These 3 Areas to Navigate Telehealth Post-PHE
If you've been leaning on telehealth, know what you need to do to remain compliant. COVID... Read more
Focus on These 3 Areas to Navigate Telehealth Post-PHE
If you've been leaning on telehealth, know what you need to do to remain compliant. COVID... Read more
Knowledge Check:
Consider These 5 Hiring Scenarios to Avoid Trouble with the IRS
Explore the differences between an employee and an independent contractor. Practices some... Read more
Consider These 5 Hiring Scenarios to Avoid Trouble with the IRS
Explore the differences between an employee and an independent contractor. Practices some... Read more
Billing:
Push Pause on Substantive Portion Determinations
Find out when CMS now plans to implement this aspect of split/shared billing. Practices h... Read more
Push Pause on Substantive Portion Determinations
Find out when CMS now plans to implement this aspect of split/shared billing. Practices h... Read more
HR Corner:
Avoid Some Basic Tax Headaches for Your Office and Your Workers
Hint: If dress code is involved, you're talking employee, not contractor. How did you far... Read more
Avoid Some Basic Tax Headaches for Your Office and Your Workers
Hint: If dress code is involved, you're talking employee, not contractor. How did you far... Read more
Reader Question:
Distinguish ‘Recommended’ From ‘Required’ for Mask Guidance
Question: Is there any kind of national or state requirement about masks in healthcare set... Read more
Distinguish ‘Recommended’ From ‘Required’ for Mask Guidance
Question: Is there any kind of national or state requirement about masks in healthcare set... Read more
Reader Question:
Know That 60 Days Is the Limit for Medicare Overpayment
Question: If we realize we've received overpayments from CMS, what are the rules for retur... Read more
Know That 60 Days Is the Limit for Medicare Overpayment
Question: If we realize we've received overpayments from CMS, what are the rules for retur... Read more
Reader Question:
Reach Out to MACs for Some NCCI Questions
Question: Which agency is most appropriate to contact if I have questions about an appeal ... Read more
Reach Out to MACs for Some NCCI Questions
Question: Which agency is most appropriate to contact if I have questions about an appeal ... Read more
Protocols and Procedures:
Find Out How to Boost Insurance Verification Efficiency
No surprise: Managing the details is everything. You know that pursuing reimbursement for... Read more
Find Out How to Boost Insurance Verification Efficiency
No surprise: Managing the details is everything. You know that pursuing reimbursement for... Read more
Clip and Save:
Follow These 9 Tips When Determining Patient Eligibility
Hint: Make sure you check whether the plan is active. Pocket these tips to make patient i... Read more
Follow These 9 Tips When Determining Patient Eligibility
Hint: Make sure you check whether the plan is active. Pocket these tips to make patient i... Read more
MIPS:
Be Prepared for What’s Coming Down the Pike With MIPS
Breathe a bit more freely with CMS' acknowledgment of COVID's impact on providers. The C... Read more
Be Prepared for What’s Coming Down the Pike With MIPS
Breathe a bit more freely with CMS' acknowledgment of COVID's impact on providers. The C... Read more
Coding:
Challenge Your Coding Workflow Beliefs
Hint: Downcoding can lead to allegations of fraud. If your practice's claim acceptance ... Read more
Challenge Your Coding Workflow Beliefs
Hint: Downcoding can lead to allegations of fraud. If your practice's claim acceptance ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Supercharge Your Sequela Know-How
Question: How do I determine whether a condition is considered sequela? How do I app... Read more
Supercharge Your Sequela Know-How
Question: How do I determine whether a condition is considered sequela? How do I app... Read more
Reader Questions:
Beware of Passing Costs on to Patients
Question: We use an answering service that charges us a fee per call. Is it OK for us... Read more
Beware of Passing Costs on to Patients
Question: We use an answering service that charges us a fee per call. Is it OK for us... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pay Attention to Voicemail Salutations
Question: Today my colleague called someone to report their COVID test results, left... Read more
Pay Attention to Voicemail Salutations
Question: Today my colleague called someone to report their COVID test results, left... Read more
Emergency Preparedness:
Understand Significance of Psychological First Aid
If you pursue training for your staff, focus on connection. Survivors of a gun violence i... Read more
Understand Significance of Psychological First Aid
If you pursue training for your staff, focus on connection. Survivors of a gun violence i... Read more
Coding Updates:
Explore New Options for Recording Social Determinants of Health
Look to expanded Z code options to capture social circumstances. With the 2023 ICD-10-CM... Read more
Explore New Options for Recording Social Determinants of Health
Look to expanded Z code options to capture social circumstances. With the 2023 ICD-10-CM... Read more
Technology:
AI May be the Future for EHR Ease
Plus, researchers are seeing how the technology can reduce other practice burdens. Patien... Read more
AI May be the Future for EHR Ease
Plus, researchers are seeing how the technology can reduce other practice burdens. Patien... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pocket This Advice for Off-Hours Encounters
Question: I work at a family practice, and the doctor has come across CPT® codes 990... Read more
Pocket This Advice for Off-Hours Encounters
Question: I work at a family practice, and the doctor has come across CPT® codes 990... Read more
Reader Questions:
Paint Patient’s Health Picture With Included Diagnoses
Question: We find the Medicare billing process a bit confusing and aren't sure what t... Read more
Paint Patient’s Health Picture With Included Diagnoses
Question: We find the Medicare billing process a bit confusing and aren't sure what t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Navigate This Specialized Insurance With These Tips
Question: What are any best practices for minimizing denials from Tricare? North Car... Read more
Navigate This Specialized Insurance With These Tips
Question: What are any best practices for minimizing denials from Tricare? North Car... Read more
Emergency Preparedness:
Make Employee Designations for Gun Violence Emergency Now
Plan and train now. If your healthcare facility ever experiences gun violence, your emplo... Read more
Make Employee Designations for Gun Violence Emergency Now
Plan and train now. If your healthcare facility ever experiences gun violence, your emplo... Read more
Billing:
Navigate Locum Tenens With Confidence
Hint: Look for the new name, fee for time compensation. With burnout at a high and mont... Read more
Navigate Locum Tenens With Confidence
Hint: Look for the new name, fee for time compensation. With burnout at a high and mont... Read more
HR Corner:
Know Your Legal Responsibilities Surrounding Employee Speech on Hot-Button Issues
Private or public status may affect how your employees can communicate about their opinio... Read more
Know Your Legal Responsibilities Surrounding Employee Speech on Hot-Button Issues
Private or public status may affect how your employees can communicate about their opinio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Determine Whether Shared Service Billing is ‘Technically True’ Versus ‘True in Practice’
Question: The doctor and the nurse practitioner (NP) both saw a patient during a foll... Read more
Determine Whether Shared Service Billing is ‘Technically True’ Versus ‘True in Practice’
Question: The doctor and the nurse practitioner (NP) both saw a patient during a foll... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use This Code for Long COVID
Question: Which ICD-10 code(s) do I use to describe a patient who has “long COVID�... Read more
Use This Code for Long COVID
Question: Which ICD-10 code(s) do I use to describe a patient who has “long COVID�... Read more
Reader Questions:
Nail Down Your Data Breach Policy if Using RPMs
Question: Our practice is exploring providing remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices... Read more
Nail Down Your Data Breach Policy if Using RPMs
Question: Our practice is exploring providing remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look For Your 2021 MIPS Score Now
Question: When are the 2021 MIPS final scores available to view? Washington, D.C. Su... Read more
Look For Your 2021 MIPS Score Now
Question: When are the 2021 MIPS final scores available to view? Washington, D.C. Su... Read more
Emergency Preparedness:
Medical Offices Aren’t Immune to Active Shooter Scenarios
The recent mass shooting in a Tulsa, Oklahoma, hospital underscores the need to be prepare... Read more
Medical Offices Aren’t Immune to Active Shooter Scenarios
The recent mass shooting in a Tulsa, Oklahoma, hospital underscores the need to be prepare... Read more
Coding Corner:
Don’t Leave E/M Service Dollars on the Table
If you're not capturing behind-the-scenes work, you're missing out. Coding the face-to-... Read more
Don’t Leave E/M Service Dollars on the Table
If you're not capturing behind-the-scenes work, you're missing out. Coding the face-to-... Read more
Compliance:
Beware These No-Nos to Remain Compliant With HIPAA
Hint: Don't reveal PHI in response to a poor Google review. General compliance issues pla... Read more
Beware These No-Nos to Remain Compliant With HIPAA
Hint: Don't reveal PHI in response to a poor Google review. General compliance issues pla... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to UB-04 for Information Targeted in Medical Record Reviews
Question: Do I need to worry about medical record reviews by the Centers for Medicare... Read more
Look to UB-04 for Information Targeted in Medical Record Reviews
Question: Do I need to worry about medical record reviews by the Centers for Medicare... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Underestimate This Dangerous Malware
Question: What is emotet? South Dakota Subscriber Answer: Emotet is considered... Read more
Don’t Underestimate This Dangerous Malware
Question: What is emotet? South Dakota Subscriber Answer: Emotet is considered... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know That the PHE Continues
Question: Does the public health emergency (PHE) related to the COVID-19 pandemic st... Read more
Know That the PHE Continues
Question: Does the public health emergency (PHE) related to the COVID-19 pandemic st... Read more
Billing:
Set Yourself Up for Success to Negotiate Payer Contracts
Carriers are making more money than ever, and now's the time to ask for a raise. If you ... Read more
Set Yourself Up for Success to Negotiate Payer Contracts
Carriers are making more money than ever, and now's the time to ask for a raise. If you ... Read more
Claims and Denials:
Clean Up Your Claims With These Expert Tips
Add these checklists to your resource repertoire. Are you ever shaking your head while lo... Read more
Clean Up Your Claims With These Expert Tips
Add these checklists to your resource repertoire. Are you ever shaking your head while lo... Read more
Back to Basics:
Keep Remote Staff Up to Date with a Shared Drive
Organize information resources so they're accessible to staff, regardless of their locati... Read more
Keep Remote Staff Up to Date with a Shared Drive
Organize information resources so they're accessible to staff, regardless of their locati... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rely on Data When Making Scheduling Decisions
Question: We've been having trouble figuring out how many people to schedule. We're n... Read more
Rely on Data When Making Scheduling Decisions
Question: We've been having trouble figuring out how many people to schedule. We're n... Read more
Reader Questions:
Follow the Time Rules for Prolonged Services
Question: Our provider performed an office evaluation and management (E/M) service fo... Read more
Follow the Time Rules for Prolonged Services
Question: Our provider performed an office evaluation and management (E/M) service fo... Read more
Reader Questions:
Include These Aspects of a Patient’s Health Conditions on Claims
Question: We are a little confused about what to include on our claims pertaining to ... Read more
Include These Aspects of a Patient’s Health Conditions on Claims
Question: We are a little confused about what to include on our claims pertaining to ... Read more
Billing:
Uncover These Shared Billing Truths
Find out what an expert says about some shared billing FAQs. Maryann Palmeter, CPC, CPCO... Read more
Uncover These Shared Billing Truths
Find out what an expert says about some shared billing FAQs. Maryann Palmeter, CPC, CPCO... Read more
Knowledge Boost:
Become Comfortable With These Terms
Understanding ‘substantive portion' is key to billing some E/M services correctly. Begi... Read more
Become Comfortable With These Terms
Understanding ‘substantive portion' is key to billing some E/M services correctly. Begi... Read more
CMS Updates:
Make These Choices With Telehealth in Latest PHE Extension
Some of the perks may remain even beyond the PHE. Many practices have utilized the loos... Read more
Make These Choices With Telehealth in Latest PHE Extension
Some of the perks may remain even beyond the PHE. Many practices have utilized the loos... Read more
Best Practices:
Confront Conflicts Head On
Mastering conflict resolution can make a huge difference in your workplace culture. Prac... Read more
Confront Conflicts Head On
Mastering conflict resolution can make a huge difference in your workplace culture. Prac... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look at All Claims, Not Just a Percentage
Question: Would it be more efficient, in terms of time and money, to review a percentage o... Read more
Look at All Claims, Not Just a Percentage
Question: Would it be more efficient, in terms of time and money, to review a percentage o... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Rely on COVID Comorbidities to Boost E/M Level
Question: Our office sees a lot of patients with multiple comorbidities, and many of these... Read more
Don’t Rely on COVID Comorbidities to Boost E/M Level
Question: Our office sees a lot of patients with multiple comorbidities, and many of these... Read more
Reader Questions:
When Dealing with No-Shows, Look to the Funding Rather Than the Label
Question: Our practice sometimes sees patients as part of an agreement with our county's d... Read more
When Dealing with No-Shows, Look to the Funding Rather Than the Label
Question: Our practice sometimes sees patients as part of an agreement with our county's d... Read more
Billing:
Find Clarity in Surprise Billing Regulations
The NSA may be a headache for physicians. If you're confused about your obligations as a... Read more
Find Clarity in Surprise Billing Regulations
The NSA may be a headache for physicians. If you're confused about your obligations as a... Read more
Communication:
Hone These Communication Skills to Showcase Your Aptitude
Whether you're talking with clients, patients, or the C-Suite, build trust with confidence... Read more
Hone These Communication Skills to Showcase Your Aptitude
Whether you're talking with clients, patients, or the C-Suite, build trust with confidence... Read more
Documentation:
Shore Up Your EHR Accuracy With These Tips
Rely on NCQA guidelines for concrete examples on what to do. Maintaining accurate medical... Read more
Shore Up Your EHR Accuracy With These Tips
Rely on NCQA guidelines for concrete examples on what to do. Maintaining accurate medical... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to Payer for Definition for This Phrase
Question: We have several nurse practitioners in our office who perform minor procedu... Read more
Look to Payer for Definition for This Phrase
Question: We have several nurse practitioners in our office who perform minor procedu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember This Telehealth Billing Option During PHE
Question: Even though the restrictions and mandates are being dropped across the coun... Read more
Remember This Telehealth Billing Option During PHE
Question: Even though the restrictions and mandates are being dropped across the coun... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pocket This Global Period Definition Resource
Question: Our practice accepts Medicare, as well as several commercial carriers, and ... Read more
Pocket This Global Period Definition Resource
Question: Our practice accepts Medicare, as well as several commercial carriers, and ... Read more
Good Management:
Continual Onboarding Sinking Your Practice’s Ship? Try These Interview Hacks
Organizing your interview process around these strategies can save you money. Has your p... Read more
Continual Onboarding Sinking Your Practice’s Ship? Try These Interview Hacks
Organizing your interview process around these strategies can save you money. Has your p... Read more
Management Bonus:
Want to Test an Applicants’ Skills? Keep These Strategies in Mind
Don't land flatfooted with a new hire who's not prepared to do the job. When you're hirin... Read more
Want to Test an Applicants’ Skills? Keep These Strategies in Mind
Don't land flatfooted with a new hire who's not prepared to do the job. When you're hirin... Read more
Clip and Save:
Don’t Use These Abbreviations on Patients’ Records
Avoid these shortcuts or you may muddle the waters. Electronic health records (EHRs) are ... Read more
Don’t Use These Abbreviations on Patients’ Records
Avoid these shortcuts or you may muddle the waters. Electronic health records (EHRs) are ... Read more
HIPAA:
Abide by HIPAA Privacy Rule Right of Access
Some organizations are paying the price for noncompliance; make sure you're not next. Do... Read more
Abide by HIPAA Privacy Rule Right of Access
Some organizations are paying the price for noncompliance; make sure you're not next. Do... Read more
Reader Questions:
Utilize These Options for COVID-19 Vaccination Status
Question: Is there a way to officially document someone's vaccination status? Some of our ... Read more
Utilize These Options for COVID-19 Vaccination Status
Question: Is there a way to officially document someone's vaccination status? Some of our ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Nail Down Locum Services Rules During PHE
Question: What's a good resource that gives some kind of answer as to how long you ca... Read more
Nail Down Locum Services Rules During PHE
Question: What's a good resource that gives some kind of answer as to how long you ca... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ensure Your Patient Condition List is Inclusive
Question: When preparing a claim, should you enter the diagnosis code only for the co... Read more
Ensure Your Patient Condition List is Inclusive
Question: When preparing a claim, should you enter the diagnosis code only for the co... Read more
Telehealth:
Take Note Now of These OIG Work Plans Surrounding Telehealth
Add ‘telefraud' to your compliance lingo dictionary. Telehealth expansion grew at such... Read more
Take Note Now of These OIG Work Plans Surrounding Telehealth
Add ‘telefraud' to your compliance lingo dictionary. Telehealth expansion grew at such... Read more
Administration:
Why a Virtual Scribe May Work for Your Practice
Weigh the pros of thorough documentation against potential exposure or patient embarrassm... Read more
Why a Virtual Scribe May Work for Your Practice
Weigh the pros of thorough documentation against potential exposure or patient embarrassm... Read more
Audits:
Shore Up Your E/M Coding With These Best Practices
Bonus: Your reimbursement may get a boost, too. Evaluation and management (E/M) service ... Read more
Shore Up Your E/M Coding With These Best Practices
Bonus: Your reimbursement may get a boost, too. Evaluation and management (E/M) service ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Worry About Vaccine Brand Name
Question: I am looking for a CPT® code for the Fluarix flu shot but can only fi... Read more
Don’t Worry About Vaccine Brand Name
Question: I am looking for a CPT® code for the Fluarix flu shot but can only fi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Prepopulating Encounter Notes Is Always a No-No
Question: One of the certified medical assistants (CMAs) at my practice sometimes hel... Read more
Prepopulating Encounter Notes Is Always a No-No
Question: One of the certified medical assistants (CMAs) at my practice sometimes hel... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use This Simple Note to Boost Evidence of MDM
Question: The providers I work with frequently refill patients' medications. I'll se... Read more
Use This Simple Note to Boost Evidence of MDM
Question: The providers I work with frequently refill patients' medications. I'll se... Read more
COVID-19:
Stay on Top of Vaccination Compliance
Make sure your organization stays on legal footing with vaccination mandates. Are you man... Read more
Stay on Top of Vaccination Compliance
Make sure your organization stays on legal footing with vaccination mandates. Are you man... Read more
Administration:
Follow These Tips for Credentialing Providers
First question: Is credentialing worth the effort and cost, business-wise? Hiring new cl... Read more
Follow These Tips for Credentialing Providers
First question: Is credentialing worth the effort and cost, business-wise? Hiring new cl... Read more
Audit:
Leave no Stone Unturned — Within Defined Scope
And never forget to ask this simple question up front. Auditing your organization isn't i... Read more
Leave no Stone Unturned — Within Defined Scope
And never forget to ask this simple question up front. Auditing your organization isn't i... Read more
Reader Questions:
Beware Timely Filing Requirements
Question: At our practice, we are very careful to submit our Medicare fee-for-service... Read more
Beware Timely Filing Requirements
Question: At our practice, we are very careful to submit our Medicare fee-for-service... Read more
Reader Questions:
Templates Are Your Friend
Question: How do I make sure my front desk staff accurately record a referring physic... Read more
Templates Are Your Friend
Question: How do I make sure my front desk staff accurately record a referring physic... Read more
Reader Questions:
Depend on Date of Service
Question: I have some patients whose diagnoses use codes that received updates on Oct. 1. ... Read more
Depend on Date of Service
Question: I have some patients whose diagnoses use codes that received updates on Oct. 1. ... Read more