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Repeat ICD-10 training to offset productivity loss during switch to new code set

07/03/2013

Start preparing now with training and plans to address ICD-10’s expected negative impact on productivity for billing staff, coders and even physicians — all of which can drag down your practice’s bottom line.

MACs, auditors crack down on signature requirements for ordered DME, tests

07/03/2013

by: Scott Kraft

Now’s the time to make sure physician orders for things such as durable medical equipment (DME) and diagnostic tests are accompanied by a doctor’s signature. Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) and auditors are taking a hard look at claims involving physician orders.

Watch rates, train staff to make credit card on file program work

07/03/2013

by: Roy Edroso

If you’ve decided to transition your practice to a credit card on file (CCOF) patient payment system, do some serious shopping for the technical components and make sure you staff is thoroughly trained.

Sample Q-and-A for credit card on file (CCOF) program

07/03/2013

Use these questions and answers to prepare staff to field questions about a new credit card on file (CCOF) program. Staff training is key to the program’s acceptance by patients and success for your practice.

Benchmark: Some practices have no financial backup plans for ICD-10 issues

07/03/2013

More than a third of practices have no backup plans to protect their businesses in case of cash-flow disruptions during the 2014 ICD-10 coding transition, according to a recent Part B News survey of 100 responden

MACs may not test ICD-10 with providers; experts say make other plans

07/01/2013

by: Roy Edroso

CMS has been signaling that it would not authorize contractors to do end-to-end ICD-10 testing with providers. They may relent — but you should take advantage of other testing opportunities before the Oct. 1, 2014, deadline.

Save money, avoid claims headaches with a proper pre-authorization process

07/01/2013

by: Karen Long

Set up your practice’s workflow to obtain prior authorization for all codes that you might bill for a certain service to avoid retro-authorizations and more work on the back end. That can reduce the up to 14% of revenue the average practice spends just to get paid.

OIG nixes lab service arrangement — but lets podiatrist sell to footsore employees

07/01/2013

by: Roy Edroso

Two recent Advisory Opinions from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) show that if physicians hope to make money with ancillary businesses, the usual regulatory hurdles regarding intent and structure haven’t gotten any lower — but, with proper planning, it can be done.

Top 5 meaningful use myths that could cost you, lead to reimbursement cuts

07/01/2013

by: Karen Long

Whether you successfully attested for the electronic health records (EHR) meaningful use program or plan to in the future, several common misunderstandings could mean you lose out on incentive payments or become subject to penalties.

Keep track of your claims during MAC transitions to ensure payment

07/01/2013

by: Jennifer Clampet

Don’t let your Medicare claims get lost in the shuffle of a Medicare administrative contractor (MAC) transition.

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