Convenience is the name of the game in modern days. Whether it’s the meals we prepare for our families or the shows we stream online, the ability to do things with relatively less effort has gained appeal worldwide. In the world of health and medicine, convenience’s appeal is no different, and telemedicine is answering the call for a more streamlined and efficient industry.

What is Telemedicine?

What began as a concept that was more sci-fi than medical, telemedicine has evolved since its original beginning during the 1950s. The original intent of the practice was to reach patients in rural areas who did not have access to medical services nearby. While telemedicine still serves the same purpose for people in said locations, the practice has grown beyond strictly lengthy commuting purposes primarily due to its general efficiency. The ability to stay home and contact a health professional without having to worry about driving to the nearest office is having a serious effect on the healthcare industry as a whole.

Effect on Patients

Mobile health apps – one aspect of telemedicine – have had a rolling effect on future patients, changing their behaviors and attitudes toward their own health. The convenience of medical websites and tracking apps has inadvertently made patients more proactive when it comes to their own health. More patient engagement means better communication between doctors and patients, allowing for better care and follow-up when necessary. Telemedicine also helps smaller hospitals that may not have access to a specific set of specialists on staff – with consultations just a video call away, there is always someone who can address a patient’s needs.

Although it seems like telemedicine is a no-brainer solution to the health industry’s problems in the future, it is not without its faults. Not all service providers have the same policies regarding reimbursement and other fees, so its best to check benefits beforehand.

Effect on the Industry

Telemedicine is having a huge effect on the overall industry, and everything from consultations to apps are playing a unique part. For instance, iBlueButton allows a patient’s medical records to be stored into one single app, which simplifies the process of filling out extensive paperwork at the doctor’s office since its readily available. Another app, MyChart, connects patients directly with their doctor and service providers to schedule appointments and set reminders for not only them, but their whole family. A move toward scheduling automation will surely change the nature of medical office staff’s role in the appointment process.

Telemedicine is having a major effect on healthcare costs as well; whether it’s a decrease in ER visits or more self-discipline concerning medications, the industry can take comfort in knowing that unnecessary costs are dropping. While unnecessary costs may drop, it does not mean all costs will follow suit. The technology needed for telemedicine can range from a simple web cam to a large dedicated server or system – which will require training to use. It will be up to healthcare facilities to decide whether these costs will outweigh the benefits already evidenced by telemedicine’s growth in popularity.

For more information about telemedicine services, see:

https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/downloads/telehealthsrvcsfctsht.pdf

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As we near the end of the year, many of the healthcare organizations we work with are beginning to look forward and plan for 2024. Part of this planning is updating, or even creating, a strategic plan. Strategic planning can be defined as “a process used by organizations to identify their goals, the str
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Title

As we near the end of the year, many of the healthcare organizations we work with are beginning to look forward and plan for 2024. Part of this planning is updating, or even creating, a strategic plan. Strategic planning can be defined as “a process used by organizations to identify their goals, the str
Continue Readiing

The Rise of Telemedicine

Convenience is the name of the game in modern days. Whether it’s the meals we prepare for our families or the shows we stream online, the ability to do things with relatively less effort has gained appeal worldwide. In the world of health and medicine, convenience’s appeal is no different, and telemedicine is answering the call for a more streamlined and efficient industry.

What is Telemedicine?

What began as a concept that was more sci-fi than medical, telemedicine has evolved since its original beginning during the 1950s. The original intent of the practice was to reach patients in rural areas who did not have access to medical services nearby. While telemedicine still serves the same purpose for people in said locations, the practice has grown beyond strictly lengthy commuting purposes primarily due to its general efficiency. The ability to stay home and contact a health professional without having to worry about driving to the nearest office is having a serious effect on the healthcare industry as a whole.

Effect on Patients

Mobile health apps – one aspect of telemedicine – have had a rolling effect on future patients, changing their behaviors and attitudes toward their own health. The convenience of medical websites and tracking apps has inadvertently made patients more proactive when it comes to their own health. More patient engagement means better communication between doctors and patients, allowing for better care and follow-up when necessary. Telemedicine also helps smaller hospitals that may not have access to a specific set of specialists on staff – with consultations just a video call away, there is always someone who can address a patient’s needs.

Although it seems like telemedicine is a no-brainer solution to the health industry’s problems in the future, it is not without its faults. Not all service providers have the same policies regarding reimbursement and other fees, so its best to check benefits beforehand.

Effect on the Industry

Telemedicine is having a huge effect on the overall industry, and everything from consultations to apps are playing a unique part. For instance, iBlueButton allows a patient’s medical records to be stored into one single app, which simplifies the process of filling out extensive paperwork at the doctor’s office since its readily available. Another app, MyChart, connects patients directly with their doctor and service providers to schedule appointments and set reminders for not only them, but their whole family. A move toward scheduling automation will surely change the nature of medical office staff’s role in the appointment process.

Telemedicine is having a major effect on healthcare costs as well; whether it’s a decrease in ER visits or more self-discipline concerning medications, the industry can take comfort in knowing that unnecessary costs are dropping. While unnecessary costs may drop, it does not mean all costs will follow suit. The technology needed for telemedicine can range from a simple web cam to a large dedicated server or system – which will require training to use. It will be up to healthcare facilities to decide whether these costs will outweigh the benefits already evidenced by telemedicine’s growth in popularity.

For more information about telemedicine services, see:

https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/downloads/telehealthsrvcsfctsht.pdf

image

Title

As we near the end of the year, many of the healthcare organizations we work with are beginning to look forward and plan for 2024. Part of this planning is updating, or even creating, a strategic plan. Strategic planning can be defined as “a process used by organizations to identify their goals, the str
Continue Readiing
image

Title

As we near the end of the year, many of the healthcare organizations we work with are beginning to look forward and plan for 2024. Part of this planning is updating, or even creating, a strategic plan. Strategic planning can be defined as “a process used by organizations to identify their goals, the str
Continue Readiing

RCM Tip of the Day: Consider Revenue Cycle Outsourcing

Guest Post by Kelly Gooch

Outsourcing the revenue cycle management process can prove beneficial for healthcare organizations, according to Joel Gleason, senior vice president and global market head of the provider segment at Cognizant.

Mr. Gleason shared the following tip with Becker’s Hospital Review.

“For hospitals and standalone healthcare providers, it’s all about delivering top-quality care, not necessarily managing the revenue cycle. Collecting payment is crucial to success. But chances are it’s not a core competency.

“In fact, 57 percent of businesses outsource because it allows them to concentrate on what they’re good at, according to Deloitte. Focusing on the core business is the second most popular reason to outsource, just two percentage points behind cost-cutting. Outsourcing revenue cycle management to an organization that understands the process often is an excellent choice.

“While most companies outsource to save money, I’d argue it’s equally important to get outside help because it allows a healthcare organization to focus on what it does best, which is providing patient care.

“By outsourcing the revenue cycle management process, healthcare businesses can reallocate human and financial resources to use them in other parts of the business, and utilize the most up-to-date services.”

 

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Title

As we near the end of the year, many of the healthcare organizations we work with are beginning to look forward and plan for 2024. Part of this planning is updating, or even creating, a strategic plan. Strategic planning can be defined as “a process used by organizations to identify their goals, the str
Continue Readiing
image

Title

As we near the end of the year, many of the healthcare organizations we work with are beginning to look forward and plan for 2024. Part of this planning is updating, or even creating, a strategic plan. Strategic planning can be defined as “a process used by organizations to identify their goals, the str
Continue Readiing

5 Keys to Following Medicare Reimbursement Rules

Medicare Reimbursement is the practice in which Medicare beneficiaries are not billed directly for services, but instead utilize Medicare to pay physicians or hospitals who offered the service. In some events, you may have to pay the bill up front, and file for reimbursement afterwards. This can be tricky, and there is a lot to take into consideration when filing for reimbursement. Here are a few basics can help keep healthcare providers in compliance with Medicare rules.

  1. Go directly to the source.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS) and its Medicare contractors publish detailed information related to most any question or concern. Assume that the answer is out there, you just have to find it. The sheer volume of information available can present its own challenges to answering a precise question but odds are that you will find what you need. When you do find the documentation, save it along with the original question as reference for any future inquires.

  1. Only seek documents or references from CMS.

Unsubstantiated advice is not a compliance plan. This type of advice usually comes in the form of free advice, be wary. Having said that, sometimes advice may be useful in the search for the source reference material.

  1. Avoid payment-based advice.

The question “Can I get paid for that?” is a loaded one. Medicare claim processing is built on the premise that providers know the rules. This is the most dangerous kind of advice. The ability to get paid is not equivalent to following the law. A quick search of “Medicare fraud arrest” will detail the practices of thousands of people that got paid.

  1. Don’t trust Medicare customer service staff.

The customer service staff at the Medicare carriers are line level staff that do not have extensive knowledge to answer your specific question. In fact, there is no person that could possess all of the information possible to respond to general incoming calls. Any advice you may receive from a customer service representative is a guess based on limited information at best.

  1. If all else fails, hire a consultant.

Hiring a consultant who can locate the definitive answer and provide documentation from CMS is the best place to turn when you hit a roadblock. Consultants come in many varieties and costs. Just remember that you are looking for the “gold standard,” which is CMS documentation.

When filing for reimbursement, it’s essential to stay informed and have confidence in your decisions. Always assume the answer is out there and never hesitate to seek outside assistance. Don’t rely solely on Medicare representatives for answers. Doing a little research beforehand may seem tedious but can save you time and money in the long run.

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Title

As we near the end of the year, many of the healthcare organizations we work with are beginning to look forward and plan for 2024. Part of this planning is updating, or even creating, a strategic plan. Strategic planning can be defined as “a process used by organizations to identify their goals, the str
Continue Readiing
image

Title

As we near the end of the year, many of the healthcare organizations we work with are beginning to look forward and plan for 2024. Part of this planning is updating, or even creating, a strategic plan. Strategic planning can be defined as “a process used by organizations to identify their goals, the str
Continue Readiing

ACA Preventive Services to Promote Wellness: A Bust?

Popular media talks about “free” preventive exams or physicals offered through the Affordable Care Act (Hey reporters! They aren’t free). Millions dutifully head to their doctor each year to receive their preventive exam. But are these exams truly effective in preventing future health issues?

Did the ACA create a “wellness culture” across society as hoped with these preventive programs? Unfortunately not. It seems the ACA created more healthcare services that otherwise would not have been necessary or utilized. There may be isolated exceptions, but the U.S. healthcare system still focuses on sickness rather than wellness. Preventive care exams are mostly to detect sickness, not to promote wellness.

Annual visits may be described as preventive but seem to be merely annual physicals that create a record of basic measures and perhaps catch illness earlier. Sometimes the incentives for preventive or wellness exams are the sole reason for a patient to attend them. Many large employers offer bonuses, gift cards, and other rewards for completing a wellness exam.

The ACA disappointment is that wellness seems to be missing. Do we need to pay a doctor to tell us annually that we eat too much, drink too much, or smoke too much? Yes, many of us do. Maybe we need a doctor to translate the effects of habits into disease process, pain, and death to help us understand the importance. Instruction on how to change habits would be a powerful method to promote wellness.

We live in a time where a high percentage of U.S. medical care, disease processes, and healthcare costs are caused by lifestyle choices. Do preventive exams address lifestyle factors such as a taxing career, mental stress, family dynamics, and more? Does the ACA overall address these lifestyle choices? In most cases they do not and require extra effort on the part of the patient to address said issues.

Let’s face it, traditional medicine is not designed to promote good lifestyles. Medicine can, however, keep you living a long time despite your lifestyle. Many see medicine as the solution and forego any attempt at living a healthier life.

The cost of preventing future sickness will no doubt be less than those incurred once an illness or condition is diagnosed. We tend to think of costs in purely financial terms, but there are costs to our health if we do not live a healthy life. It can be more expensive to join a gym, eat more natural foods, and live an active life, but those costs are preferential to the result of not engaging in these practices. It’s time we start focusing on wellness from the start and commit to good habits before a physician or medical professional advises so.

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Title

As we near the end of the year, many of the healthcare organizations we work with are beginning to look forward and plan for 2024. Part of this planning is updating, or even creating, a strategic plan. Strategic planning can be defined as “a process used by organizations to identify their goals, the str
Continue Readiing
image

Title

As we near the end of the year, many of the healthcare organizations we work with are beginning to look forward and plan for 2024. Part of this planning is updating, or even creating, a strategic plan. Strategic planning can be defined as “a process used by organizations to identify their goals, the str
Continue Readiing

AMA News – EHR uses half the primary care workday

Primary care physicians spend more than half of their workday at a computer screen performing data entry and other tasks with electronic medical records (EHRs), according to new research from experts at the University of Wisconsin and the American Medical Association (AMA).

Based on data from EHR event logs and confirmed by direct observation data, researchers found that during a typical 11.4-hour workday, primary care physicians spent nearly six hours on data entry and other tasks with EHR systems during and after clinical hours. The study was published today in the Annals of Family Medicine.

Click here to read the full AMA article.