In 2020 and 2021, telehealth and remote patient monitoring changed the healthcare landscape. But this change didn’t happen in a vacuum. The normalization of virtual care over in-person was helped partly by the social distancing […]
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Digital marketing is a must for doctors. Those who invest in marketing tend to thrive, while others who resist tend to fall behind the competition. There are a few reasons for this. First, patients have […]
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Healthcare reimbursement can be a long, complicated, and frustrating process. Traditionally, the medical billing and coding processes that practices need to complete for healthcare reimbursement has involved many steps, any of which can be easily […]
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Let’s admit it. Running a successful medical practice is hard. It’s not just about administering quality care to your patients; it’s also about running a successful practice. Finding the time to balance the two can […]
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The healthcare market is increasingly competitive as patients become more engaged in controlling their healthcare experiences. They no longer feel the need to visit the doctor or medical practice closest to their home and are […]
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An EHR can be a scary purchase for you and your practice. Picking the one that best suits your needs, including your budgetary requirements, can be a daunting task. However, while it can seem costly […]
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Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is an effective way to ensure that patients with chronic conditions are able to receive continuous, personalized care. Not only can patients stay up-to-date and informed of their condition, but RPM […]
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Medical coding and billing involve complex processes that differ depending on the patient, insurer, and procedure. Even the most diligent practices experience claim denials, but knowing the most common mistakes can help you take steps […]
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Remote Patient Monitoring and Chronic-Care Patients According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as much as 60% of American adults live with a chronic disease, and four in 10 adults live with two. […]
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KPIs is short for Key Performance Indicators. Financial KPIs measure the financial health of your practice. They play a crucial role in identifying and reducing inefficiencies. Common financial KPIs for healthcare organizations include accounts receivable […]
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Benefits of Having a Complete Healthcare-at-Home Solution: Telehealth and RPM Are you like millions of people who only go to the doctor when they have to? Going to the doctor’s office keeps its place among […]
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Every healthcare practice’s revenue cycle management is the same. It starts when a patient sets an appointment, and it ends when the practice receives payment. Managing your revenue cycle sounds simple enough, but the reality […]
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Take the “Surprise” out of Medical Bills with Patient Responsibility Estimation More than half of patients say that they delay paying their healthcare bills, according to a survey by West. And right now, patients are […]
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According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there was a 154% increase in telehealth visits during the last week of March 2020, compared with the same period in […]
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The No Surprises Act will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, requiring healthcare providers and practices to comply with new regulations that help protect patients from unexpected medical bills. What is the No Surprises […]
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Physician credentialing and provider enrollment are often used interchangeably, however, there are distinct differences between the two. This article will clarify the differences and help you understand when each is required. Physician credentialing Think of […]
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The widespread adoption of telehealth has led to a new way for providers to connect with their patients. For those patients who are new to conducting visits online, however, it can be a daunting process. […]
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According to the National MS Society nearly 1 million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the United States. MS is a disease of the central nervous system where the body triggers an immune […]
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Telehealth is quickly becoming a mainstay in the medical landscape. More and more often, practices are expected to have it in their toolbox, and have the ability to treat patients outside the office. Dermatology practices […]
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Internal medicine practices are in a unique position as far as being prepared to implement telehealth in how they treat patients. As they see patients for a wide range of concerns, not every visit needs […]
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Endocrinologists see a variety of patients. They understand that patient needs are different today than they once were. With the introduction of technology into the medical industry, patients and practices both require different things from […]
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Webside manner is a whole new skillset doctors needs to add now that telehealth has entered the mainstream. Many of the core principles you practice with good bedside manner will also apply to your webside […]
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As a person who qualified for the COVID-19 vaccine, I underestimated just how complicated the process would be. I was navigating eligibility, where I could get an appointment, and what I needed to bring with […]
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The best EHR for telehealth can be found when looking at factors that are most important to you and your practice. Ease of use, efficiency, and being able to better engage with patients are just […]
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Value-based care is a major step for practices to prove quality of care when it comes to reimbursement. As Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduces new programs for reimbursement, providers using the old […]
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Overcoming misinformation and disinformation is the next big challenge in conquering the Coronavirus. Misinformation, poor communication, and a flawed vaccine rollout has put a damper on the positive outcomes that a COVID vaccine can offer […]
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Let me start by saying I am not a doctor, a nurse, or medical professional. So, what qualifies me to speak about bedside manner and its importance? I’m a patient. I have had the opportunity […]
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eMDs is excited to announce our new, proprietary telehealth solution for Aprima: eMDs Patient Connect! With 83% of patients expecting a blended approach including both in-office and telehealth visits post-pandemic, finding a solution that will […]
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Finding the top EHR for independent doctors and private practices is as important as ever. As more doctors are leaving large health systems – such as hospitals – to return to independent practice, the need […]
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Patients with a wide variety of medical needs, including telehealth in surgical care, are increasingly requesting telemedicine as an option for their care. Primary care is likely the only specialty one might think telehealth can […]
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Electronic Health Records (EHR) software continues to evolve, especially during the pandemic. The best EHR system can adapt to change and be easy enough to use so that you and your practice are as efficient […]
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Patients are increasingly requesting telehealth as an option for their care. If telehealth is offered for OBGYN practices, patients don’t have to worry about traveling, taking time off work, finding a babysitter. It is a […]
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Telehealth is an important part of patient care and is something that is commonly sought after by patients, especially when changing healthcare providers. It allows providers to increase continuity of care, offer care options past […]
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At last, the US is starting to vaccinate against COVID-19. For practices that are, or plan on administering the vaccinations, there are specific codes that will need to be used to receive reimbursement. Equally important is that […]
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Having an electronic health records suite that covers features that bring more efficiency to your practice is one of the keys to success. Just as important is understanding the EHR features that matter most to […]
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Revenue cycle management (RCM) is one of the most important aspects of your practices’ ecosystem. A healthy revenue cycle brings in steady income, minimizes denials, and has mastered the collection of patient payments. The billing […]
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If I were to summarize 2020 in a single word, it would be “change.” 2020 is the year that changed everything. At no other time in history has our nation, our world, experienced so much […]
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Prospective risk scores are trending lower than forecasted because routine medical services have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19. Providers should see an increase in demand for elective and routine care as time goes […]
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HIPAA compliance can help satisfy patients and practices in several ways. By assessing and fixing risks that need to be addressed, you are off to a great start with compliance. It goes further by ensuring […]
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Flu season always presents its own set of struggles. This year, however, with COVID concerns, flu shots are now more important than ever. While some patients see the inoculation as “optional” in the past, it […]
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Controlled substance prescribing is a distinct subject in the world of medicine. Government research shows the rate is approaching one prescription per state resident for specific opioids [1]. This is a staggering number, which indicates […]
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If any patients understand the frustrations of in-person visits with their healthcare providers, it’s the chronically ill population. Unlike those who only come in for sick visits and their annual physical, chronically ill patients are […]
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The unpredictability of the future remains the only thing consistent in today’s world. While restrictions are lifting in some states, other states have chosen a slower approach to lifting restrictions. Through this all there is […]
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If dealing with the pandemic wasn’t bad enough, what’s more alarming is that cyber threats have increased almost six-fold over the past six months with no end in sight. Organizations are forced to operate under […]
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A key performance indicator is a quantifiable measure a company uses to determine how well it’s meeting its operational and strategic goals. Different businesses have different KPIs depending on their individual performance criteria or priorities. That said, […]
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With all of our digital ways of storing data and information, the importance of improving patient safety is at an all-time high. Companies such CompuGroup Medical emphasize this idea, continually working on ways to make […]
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Dr. Jeffrey Hyman, Chief Medical Officer at eMDs, was featured in a recent MGMA podcast about price transparency in EHR solutions and why having conversations about affordability with your patients is critical. Dr Hyman and […]
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Changes to office and outpatient evaluation management (E/M) codes will take effect on Jan. 1, 2021. The old system relied on documentation of a series of bullet points for History, Exam and Medical Decision Making to […]
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Every physician’s office has experienced dramatic changes this year because of COVID-19, from how care is delivered to shifting away from physical waiting rooms. Most notably, visit volumes have yet to regain pre-pandemic levels after […]
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Effective billing is a critical part of keeping your practice operating. Without being paid properly for services rendered, it’s hard to keep the doors open. Having a billing team that understands your needs and can […]
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Orlando Heart & Vascular Institute Case Study Many practices know the stressors that come with billing. There are several options for practices to consider when it comes to the top option for them. Is it […]
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Perfect in the face of great is a common theme when it comes to improving RCM as a provider. Revenue Cycle Management is a significant aspect of every provider’s business model as you work to […]
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Revenue Cycle Management Case Study: Family Practice Sees Dramatic Improvement in Account Receivables with eMDs RCM Services Money Left on the Table La Joya’s Neighborhood Doctor – both the name of the practice and a well-earned moniker […]
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Managing your practice’s revenue cycle can be one of the most time-consuming and complex parts of running your business. If you are spending more time managing revenue then you are managing your patient’s health, it’s […]
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My EHR Sucks! How many times have you or your staff made this statement? Turns out you are not alone. According to a Medical Economics study conducted in October 2019, most physicians are dissatisfied with […]
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As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, it is likely that practices across the country will implement a mix of in-person and telehealth visits for the foreseeable future. Proven as a crucial resource throughout the […]
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When it comes to investing in technology, it’s sometimes difficult to know if you’re making the most of your investment. It seems like software can always do something more than you’re aware of. Without knowing […]
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Today’s healthcare environment presents many unique challenges that can get in the way of independent practices’ ability to remain profitable without making sacrifices to care quality or work/life balance. Billing tops the list as one […]
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Conducting patient satisfaction surveys may not be at the top of your priority list – but they should be. Satisfaction surveys provide your practice with valuable insights on patient experience and practice operations. By leveraging […]
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How frequently do you think about your practice’s online reputation? Do you know if your online reputation is positive or negative? Do you have a process to capture and manage reviews from your patients? Often, […]
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Electronic health records have disrupted the healthcare market with its immense benefits and ability to engage your patients’ in their treatment process. An EHR system enables your practice to take charge of your patients’ health […]
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We are experiencing widespread outrage, anger, sadness and fear across our country and in our world. The senseless killing of George Floyd and others and the ensuing protests and riots have overwhelmed our nation. As […]
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Patient engagement is key to achieving a sustainable and effective healthcare system focused on providing patients with the knowledge to make more informed decisions. The goal is to involve patients in their own healthcare plan […]
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On June 5, 2020, the President signed into law the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020. The new legislation provides additional assistance to small businesses and relax regulations related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Notable […]
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In the Healthcare industry, a patient’s medical history is of prime importance as treatment depends largely on medical records. The previous ailments, diagnosis, medication, and appointments are recorded by healthcare professionals to streamline care coordination […]
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During a pandemic, patients are understandably scared. Conflicting news reports and differing opinions from federal and state officials makes this a stressful and confusing time. To help them navigate this new way of life, patients […]
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Revenue Cycle Management Case Study: Family Practice Sees Dramatic Improvement in Account Receivables with eMDs RCM Services Money Left on the Table La Joya’s Neighborhood Doctor – both the name of the practice and a well-earned moniker […]
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Research has found that a patients’ engagement in their treatment can drive results and improve overall health outcomes. This involves encouraging patients to first understand their health conditions and then work with your staff to […]
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Telehealth availability has played a crucial role in care plans for providers and their patients since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. eMDs has been monitoring adoption amongst our clients closely. In early April, eMDs […]
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For providers, patient no-shows are a constant, costly source of frustration and something that could be avoided with a strong patient engagement strategy. According to a Wallace & Hughes study, about 3.6 million people in […]
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Patients are understandably nervous about the idea of venturing out of their home during these uncertain times. Doctor’s offices and hospitals have felt the effect of patients deciding to skip non-COVID related treatment. While providers […]
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The COVID-19 Pandemic has caused a surge in Telemedicine visits for practices. For many, it’s a new revenue stream as well as a lifeline for their businesses as the pandemic dramatically reduces office visits. Once […]
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Like most folks, I am spending a lot more time online these days, scrolling through my Facebook feeds looking at dog and cat videos, trying to escape the 24-hour COVID-19 news cycle. The other day, […]
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A report recently released by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) provides insight into the mindset around the financial impact COVID-19 will likely have on group practice stability. The study, conducted in early April, consisted […]
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On April 30, 2020, CMS announced a second round of sweeping changes designed to assist healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amongst other items, the directive includes the expansion of telehealth services to additional provider […]
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A recent survey from Premier, Inc. reveals that post-acute facilities will likely see shortages in the near future. The COVID-19 response has limited availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) to many facilities, including post-acute care […]
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The current COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a dramatic increase in remote patient visits conducted via teleconferencing or phone calls. Since paper scripts can no longer physically be handed to patients, providers have an immediate need […]
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Telehealth as a long-term solution is key to success. Telehealth can play a key role in maintaining your revenue flow as a permanent fixture in your practice’s business plan. With patients turning to virtual options for […]
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A survey conducted by the Medical Group Management Association (“MGMA”) found that 60% of medical practices have experienced a decrease in patient volume and a 55% decrease in revenue since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. The […]
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Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the New York chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness has reported a 60% rise in calls to its help line, demonstrating high mental health risk. Domestic abuse calls have […]
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The Provider Relief Fund is a $100 billion infusion of cash to hospitals and healthcare providers on the front lines of the Coronavirus pandemic. The fund is part of the $2 trillion-dollar CARES Act signed […]
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The proliferation of COVID-19 in the United States has created challenges for the health sectors and therefore has created changes in compliance with telemedicine. With the rising cases of the novel coronavirus being reported every […]
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In uncertain times with many unable to leave their homes, revenue is likely a top concern. Many patients are pushing back or outright canceling appointments in the office. Luckily, there are revenue options in the […]
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In our recent COVID-19 CMO Briefing, Dr. Jeffrey Hyman from the Office of the CMO shared insight into how his practice is working during the pandemic. With many asking questions such as how to best […]
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The CARES Act infused an additional two trillion dollars of aid into the economy to help stem the economic impact of COVID-19. Part of the CARES Act was the allocation of $350 billion dollars for […]
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There have been security concerns with telehealth since its introduction. However, these concerns have become magnified more than ever with the loosened regulations around HIPAA and other privacy laws. Regardless of regulations in place, it […]
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Recently, there have been several changes to help practices with billing for telemedicine . From changes in rates to privacy regulations, there are benefits in place for billers and practices during these stressful times. Various […]
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Self-Care Tools During Times of Stress During the COVID-19 crisis, stress and anxiety is at an all-time high. With so much uncertainty, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and scared of what the future holds. […]
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COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan COVID-19 is threatening to overwhelm practices and hospitals all over the world. Developing an emergency response plan to the virus can make a critical difference. Taking proactive steps can minimize exposure […]
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The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) has relaxed MIPS reporting requirements during the current coronavirus pandemic. Exceptions and extensions have been outlined for providers participating in Medicare quality reporting programs. Changes to MIPS […]
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Patients now more than ever rely on telehealth to reach out to their practices for medical care. This need has developed a necessity for doctors and staff to make telemedicine work more than ever before. […]
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This communication is to inform you of eMDs’ current position as related to the developing COVID-19 situation. We recognize that as a global organization in the Health IT and RCM industry, it is important that […]
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Last week, Congress passed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Appropriations Act. This provides both authority and supplemental funding to help combat the COVID-19 outbreak. $8.3 billion in emergency funding has been allocated for efforts that […]
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A Country in Crisis According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 128 people in the US die every day from an opioid overdose. Accidental overdoses of prescription substances are rising at an alarming rate. […]
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Not All EHR Systems are Created Equal According to a study by Perspectives in Health Information Management, 67% of healthcare providers aren’t satisfied with their current EHR system. In fact, many plan to switch to […]
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If you’re a primary care practice and you aren’t already part of the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) program from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) then it’s probably time you were financially rewarded […]
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The US Government laid out a plan for an interoperable EHR IT Infrastructure with its Federal Health IT Strategic Plan 2015-2020 that, likely, won’t be achieved but that doesn’t mean providers can’t have EHR interoperability! […]
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What is an NCQA Certified CVO? The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) offers a CVO Certification that assists with improving and streamlining Credentials Verification Organization (CVO) operations. The purpose is to protect consumers, by […]
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In today’s day and age, physicians are tasked with large amounts of data entry, participation in quality programs like MACRA, and operating a profitable business- not to mention providing high quality outcomes that allows focus […]
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eMDs’ Clinical Decision Support (CDS) offers real-time, patient-specific alerts at the point of care to help providers deliver the highest quality of care while simultaneously meeting requirements for Quality Programs, like MIPS requirements, and providing […]
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Population Health can have very different meanings to individual providers and practices and Aprima has you covered. Long before MACRA/MIPS, Meaningful Use, or PQRS, Aprima was created with the functional underpinnings of population health management […]
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When practices and providers buy-in to customized EHR workflow, it can provide the avenues to reduced physician burnout, increased patient satisfaction, and streamlined billing workflows that enable faster reimbursements. We look here at how customizing […]
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Practice improves patient communication, provider satisfaction with Aprima EHR for neurology adoption As part of that mission, CNN realized it needed to enhance patient communication and boost provider satisfaction – and looked to their […]
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Are EHR Headaches Really That Stressful? May I simply say “Nay” to the “Nay-sayers” on the topic of EHR systems stressing clinicians into the burnout tail spin. Sure, there are EHR headaches, but we can […]
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CMS released the 2019 Quality Payment Program Final Rule on November 1, 2018. Below are highlights of some of the key changes for Year 3 of the QPP MIPS program. eMDs 2019 MIPS Report Guide […]
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Nothing throws a wrench in your revenue cycle quite like a growing list of claims denials. For your office, denials mean less money in the door, more work for your staff, and less consistency in […]
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From patient portals and personal health records to wearable tech and medical devices, all these innovations are aimed at providing patient engagement solutions. But, how do patients and providers view the impact of this technology […]
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Revenue cycle outsourcing is becoming a new norm for practices of all specialties and sizes. We understand that the term “outsourcing” is one that carries some fear for many small practices. It implies a loss […]
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The most recent OCR publication stresses the importance of a contingency plan for your organization to return to its daily operations as quickly as possible after an unforeseen event. The contingency plan protects resources, minimizes […]
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What good is data if you can’t trust it? Can that trust be held the same for medication adherence data? Medication adherence data is the least trusted type of medication information among physicians. Why? Because […]
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Precision medicine at the point of care is as important as ever. In the clinical setting every patient is unique, no one patient is truly an “average patient.” Up until now, our healthcare system has […]
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Since 2016, there has been a major surge in ransomware targeted directly at healthcare organizations, as we saw with the international “WannaCry” ransomware attack that struck 150 countries and crippled thousands of healthcare organizations, including […]
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According to Becker’s Healthcare, the average physician practice writes off over $30,000 in unpaid medical bills each year. Even more surprising is that 28% of physician practices have no idea how much they are or […]
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You know how it goes. You send a prescription, but you can’t always count on it being dispensed without some extra work. You often get calls from the pharmacy to clarify your intent, or to […]
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Is your practice still doing manual patient insurance eligibility verification? Do you know how much time and money it is costing you? According to an MGMA analysis, the average practice spends approximately 12.64 minutes manually […]
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Prescribing controlled substances is as easy or difficult as YOU want to make it. Three years ago, when my group of nine family doctors considered starting electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS), a healthy debate […]
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The end of the month serves as a great time to take stock of your practice’s overall performance, identify problems, and track improvement in key areas since the end of the previous month. While it […]
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Avoiding common credentialing pitfalls isn’t as hard as you may think. Medical credentialing is a simple process, at least on paper. You send information about a provider’s qualifications – work history, education, certifications, licensure, and […]
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Automating patient collections is something that should be front and center for medical practices of all specialties. One of the fastest growing payers in the physician community right now is patients themselves. The rise of […]
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A clinical coding edit solution can be very helpful when it comes to claims denials. We have talked about the reasons for claims denials before. Let’s now talk about their impact. Due to either incorrect […]
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A streamlined revenue cycle can lead to many strong benefits for your practice. With both reimbursement requirements and the solutions to manage them growing more complex, many practices may laugh at the notion of “streamlined” […]
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Small physician practices have begun to dread the first financial quarter of the year. It’s the time when many large bills come due, like medical malpractice insurance. Meanwhile, it’s become an incredibly lean time for […]
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It is as important as ever to make your practice more efficient. The practice of medicine is changing at an unforeseen pace. With fee-for-service reimbursements declining, practices need to make sure they are maximizing productivity, […]
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With a population of over 80 million, Millennials as healthcare consumers have now surpassed Baby Boomers as the largest generation of said consumers. And just as each generation expresses its own unique preferences for fashion […]
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Managing your practice’s revenue cycle can be one of the most time-consuming and complex parts of running your business. If you are spending more time managing revenue then you are managing your patient’s health, it’s […]
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