We live in an increasingly digital world. Instead of picking up the phone, we type out a text. Instead of storing paper copies, we digitize PDFs. Instead of photo albums, we have Instagram feeds. 

The healthcare space is no exception. 

With the rise in popularity of online patient portals, telehealth, and EMR/EHR software, PHI has become increasingly digital (this electronic PHI is also referred to as ePHI – Electronic Protected Health Information). Digitizing comes with a lot of benefits, including making record keeping easier on staff and increasing patient payments by providing online payment portals, but it also puts information at risk of cyberattack and requires up-to-date cybersecurity measures to keep patient information safe. 

Why does security matter? 

In addition to protecting the privacy of your patients, proper cyber security also protects your healthcare organization. Recovering from a cyberattack takes time, and often means shutting down your practice for weeks while the attack is investigated. In addition, the reputational damage your practice can suffer after a cyberattack is immense. 

How can you protect your ePHI? 

Here are some of our favorite tips for protecting your digital PHI. 

  1. Multi-Factor Authentication 

Also known as Two-Factor Authentication, this cybersecurity measure is becoming increasingly popular, and is now required by many websites, email platforms, software and more. Two-Factor Authentication links your accounts to either an email address, cell number, or standalone app. When a login is attempted, accounts with MFA enabled will require not only a password, but also confirmation through one of these other channels. This means that even if your username and password are compromised, you can block a login attempt through one of these confirmation methods. 

  1. Data Loss Detection 

Data loss can occur accidentally or maliciously and involves an employee sharing confidential information with unauthorized individuals or sites. Data loss detection security measures utilize software to log employee computer activity and send alerts when security threats or productivity issues are identified. Data loss detection also helps ensure that employees do not send confidential information outside of their work networks accidentally.  

  1. Cybersecurity Awareness Training 

Make sure your employees understand what the risks are and how to avoid them. Regularly training your employees to recognize phishing emails, unsafe websites, and the latest cyber threats can protect your entire organization.  

  1. Strong, Unique Passwords 

This is one of the simplest tips, but also one that feels very daunting. How many of us use the same password for all our online accounts because we cannot remember a unique password for every account we have? Or if we do create a unique password, how many of us write it on a sticky note and keep it taped to our monitor? 

Creating strong, unique passwords, particularly for accounts used to access ePHI, is vital and can go a long way towards protecting your digital data. Best practices suggest using a different password for each online account you use, with each password containing 14 characters made up of numbers, letters, and special characters. 

Password management tools might be a great fit for your healthcare organization. These tools work on a monthly subscription basis and will automatically generate unique passwords for your online accounts and store them for you. They also allow employers to terminate access across all websites for a specific employee if they are terminated.  Check out an article from the HIPAA Journal on password management apps here.

  1. Penetration Testing 

Penetration testing attempts to defeat security threats and identify if unauthorized access of malicious activity is possible. Essentially, this is a hack attempt conducted by a third party aimed at identifying any potential weaknesses in your current cybersecurity setup. As the penetration tester moves through your system, they try to identify weaknesses and compromise your system’s security. Once they have found any potential vulnerabilities, they can then go into your security system and address any issues they discovered during their test. 

Practice Management understands how important security is to our clients. As a billing company, we work with our client’s ePHI daily, and we are devoted to not just maximizing their revenue, but to doing it safely and securely. 

If you are interested in learning more about our security measures, or getting a quote for billing services, contact us here! 

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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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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

Cybersecurity: How to Protect your Digital PHI 

We live in an increasingly digital world. Instead of picking up the phone, we type out a text. Instead of storing paper copies, we digitize PDFs. Instead of photo albums, we have Instagram feeds. 

The healthcare space is no exception. 

With the rise in popularity of online patient portals, telehealth, and EMR/EHR software, PHI has become increasingly digital (this electronic PHI is also referred to as ePHI – Electronic Protected Health Information). Digitizing comes with a lot of benefits, including making record keeping easier on staff and increasing patient payments by providing online payment portals, but it also puts information at risk of cyberattack and requires up-to-date cybersecurity measures to keep patient information safe. 

Why does security matter? 

In addition to protecting the privacy of your patients, proper cyber security also protects your healthcare organization. Recovering from a cyberattack takes time, and often means shutting down your practice for weeks while the attack is investigated. In addition, the reputational damage your practice can suffer after a cyberattack is immense. 

How can you protect your ePHI? 

Here are some of our favorite tips for protecting your digital PHI. 

  1. Multi-Factor Authentication 

Also known as Two-Factor Authentication, this cybersecurity measure is becoming increasingly popular, and is now required by many websites, email platforms, software and more. Two-Factor Authentication links your accounts to either an email address, cell number, or standalone app. When a login is attempted, accounts with MFA enabled will require not only a password, but also confirmation through one of these other channels. This means that even if your username and password are compromised, you can block a login attempt through one of these confirmation methods. 

  1. Data Loss Detection 

Data loss can occur accidentally or maliciously and involves an employee sharing confidential information with unauthorized individuals or sites. Data loss detection security measures utilize software to log employee computer activity and send alerts when security threats or productivity issues are identified. Data loss detection also helps ensure that employees do not send confidential information outside of their work networks accidentally.  

  1. Cybersecurity Awareness Training 

Make sure your employees understand what the risks are and how to avoid them. Regularly training your employees to recognize phishing emails, unsafe websites, and the latest cyber threats can protect your entire organization.  

  1. Strong, Unique Passwords 

This is one of the simplest tips, but also one that feels very daunting. How many of us use the same password for all our online accounts because we cannot remember a unique password for every account we have? Or if we do create a unique password, how many of us write it on a sticky note and keep it taped to our monitor? 

Creating strong, unique passwords, particularly for accounts used to access ePHI, is vital and can go a long way towards protecting your digital data. Best practices suggest using a different password for each online account you use, with each password containing 14 characters made up of numbers, letters, and special characters. 

Password management tools might be a great fit for your healthcare organization. These tools work on a monthly subscription basis and will automatically generate unique passwords for your online accounts and store them for you. They also allow employers to terminate access across all websites for a specific employee if they are terminated.  Check out an article from the HIPAA Journal on password management apps here.

  1. Penetration Testing 

Penetration testing attempts to defeat security threats and identify if unauthorized access of malicious activity is possible. Essentially, this is a hack attempt conducted by a third party aimed at identifying any potential weaknesses in your current cybersecurity setup. As the penetration tester moves through your system, they try to identify weaknesses and compromise your system’s security. Once they have found any potential vulnerabilities, they can then go into your security system and address any issues they discovered during their test. 

Practice Management understands how important security is to our clients. As a billing company, we work with our client’s ePHI daily, and we are devoted to not just maximizing their revenue, but to doing it safely and securely. 

If you are interested in learning more about our security measures, or getting a quote for billing services, contact us here! 

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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

Top 3 Reasons to Outsource your Medical Billing

When a health center or group practice decides to outsource their medical billing, they move their billing from something they do in-house with their own staff, to something handled by a third-party company. Making this shift may feel like a risk, but it actually provides a host of benefits to your health center, whether you’re an FQHC, CHC, group practice, or specialist.  

So, why do so many healthcare organizations decide to outsource their medical billing? 

You’re facing staffing changes 

Medical billing is time-consuming for your staff, and as we see the globe navigating staffing challenges across nearly all areas of healthcare, you may find yourself facing these same challenges within your own practice. Losing a dedicated biller from your staff could leave your practice without the ability to complete your billing in a timely manner. 

Or, your health center could be adding staff, which comes with its own growing pains. Bringing on a new physician or specialist could open up new areas of billing that your current billing department isn’t familiar with, or it could lead to an overwhelming amount of work and, ultimately, burnout. 

Outsourcing your medical billing can help address these challenges and protect your staff. 

You could be leaving lots of money on the table 

Medical billing companies are experts in what they do. Their teams understand all the moving parts of insurance billing and its major and minor complexities. Staying on top of the latest billing standards is what they do, which means they know how to get you the revenue you deserve, and your staff won’t have to spend valuable hours researching the latest rules and regulations.  

Poor revenue cycle management can contribute to massive loss of income. 

According to a 2018 study, more than three-quarters of hospitals surveyed said denials are the biggest challenge within their RCM, and some other studies suggest that over a third of practices face bad debts over $10 million. Working with a revenue cycle management company means you will have eyes on your revenue cycle regularly, and they will work to optimize your procedures and follow up on claims thoroughly, ensuring you collect more of the money you are owed. 

You’re ready to grow your practice 

One of the biggest benefits of outsourcing your billing is increasing your revenue. With more revenue, you are able to grow your practice. Outsourcing your billing means your team will have more time to focus on their everyday tasks, and get traction on their projects. You will have the financial freedom to hire more physicians, onboard stellar administrators, invest in new technologies, and grow your client base at a rate that is sustainable and built around providing the best care possible instead of trying to bring in more patients to make up for revenue shortages.  

This type of growth is sustainable, helps avoid staff burnout, and helps you focus on the important work of keeping your community healthy. 

If you are ready to outsource your billing to a trusted revenue cycle management company, consider Practice Management. We have been focused on maximizing revenue for our clients since 1995 and we would love to discuss your unique needs with you and build a plan that fits your organization. Contact us here to learn more!

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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

Hire and Keep Great Healthcare Workers

When healthcare workers leave their positions, it can often lead to a domino effect of coworkers following suit. Healthcare professionals may also become burnt out and frustrated with their office, or the healthcare system as a whole. It is important that healthcare employers find more creative ways to retain healthcare employees and a better process for hiring new ones as needed. That means healthcare employers must offer work that is both rewarding and meaningful to workers, as well as continue to offer employees opportunities for career advancement.

But most importantly, you want to hire the right people for the job. Here are a few tips in helping you make the right hiring decisions.

  • Think about healthcare professionals you already have on staff. Who are the most prolific performers? What skills do these workers have in common? Finding successful commonalities can greatly assist in your hiring process. And save you money.
  • Invest in the hiring process. Spending money now may save you down the road. Not only in your hard-earned revenue but also with work.
  • Do not ignore employee referrals. A lot of healthcare professionals who refer their healthcare colleagues can also provide first-hand insight into how well those healthcare professionals will fit within the company’s culture and if they are the right candidate to remain in their position long term.
  • Offer more than just a salary. Stipends, bonuses, healthcare benefits, flexible work schedules – these perks won’t only attract higher quality workers but also will entice them to stay.
  • Invest in your employees. Offering programs that pay for certifications and continued education will make your employees feel appreciated. Help provide them a way forward to a better career. It will do wonders for retention and your reputation as an employer.

Finally, consider outsourcing some of your tasks so you can focus more on the hiring process. Don’t bog yourself down with the mundane, or with activities, you lack the expertise in performing at an optimal level. Contact us to learn how we can help free up your time so you can work on vital tasks like hiring and maintaining an engaged workforce. Everyone wins.

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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

Is your staff cybersecurity trained?

With medical cybersecurity threats on the rise, it’s vital you train all of your employees on security protocols.

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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

Improve Your Health Center with Better Communication

Communication is crucial in any profession, but its importance magnifies in the medical field. Without open and free lines of communication between doctors and patients, doctors and staff, and between doctors themselves, health care delivery hampers dramatically. Do you feel as if you need some work in this area? You’ve decided to research the topic, so you have part of the equation solved. Now let’s investigate ways you can become a more effective communicator in your health center.  

Become a better listener

Listening seems like a simple enough concept in theory, but in practice, it can be elusive. When your mind is racing through different scenarios preparing your word choice, often you forget to listen. How can you avoid making this communication misstep? Understand you are building trust with your patient. If they feel as if they are being ignored, trust cannot be established. Acknowledge their words with proper responses and follow up with pertinent questions. Actually, show you care not just in your words but by your actions as well.

Watch your body language

Communicating goes beyond words alone. Your body language also tells a story. A story that either reveals you are actively listening or just playing the part. According to smarp, an amazing 55% of communication is body language. So, the importance of this practice cannot be overstated. But what can you do to improve this crucial part of communication?  Be aware of your tone, posture, and other body movements while you converse. Also, maintain eye contact and monitor your facial expressions. Looking away or scowling does not convey interest. Remain open, friendly, and responsive. Finally, stay away from postures that express a closed attitude. These include crossing your arms, angling your body toward an exit, and focusing your eyes down or away from your conversation partner.

Express empathy

Obviously in the medical field much of your communication centers around health issues. A topic your profession deals with daily. However, a patient is not familiar with partaking in conversations regarding such impactful information. While listening, and talking, keep an attitude of empathy throughout your conversation. This naturally expresses through your word choice, body language, and facial expressions. The right mindset will assist you greatly in maintaining the right communication method.

Working in the medical profession involves many difficult choices and the use of myriad life-saving tools. While these are important aspects, remember, communication is also just as vital.

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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 Ways to Improve your Health Center

Even if your health center is running like a well-oiled machine, there are still areas you most likely can improve. The smallest changes can add up to become impactful forward movements, transforming your health center from good to downright great. But where do you start? First, take an honest look at your operations and see where you can make minor tweaks. Next, if those minor tweaks are not enough, commit to making the necessary major changes. And no worries, we’ve done some of the work for you by listing five areas you can start improving right now.

Improve patient access

Your patients’ time is precious, so keep that in mind when considering options like telemedicine. Giving your customers, your patients, an easier way to access your expertise is not only a win for them but a win for you as well.


Add a splash of color to your waiting room.

The smallest details can really make a difference. Beautifying your waiting room can improve employee and patient morale. In addition to refining your health center’s overall aesthetic.

Ensure your staff is properly trained

Considering your staff will be dealing with people battling myriad illnesses, it makes sense your workers should be well trained and always friendly. Professional, courteous staff can instill confidence in patients and create an overall more positive atmosphere.



Set goals

Goal setting is vital when you want solid improvement. One thing to keep in mind when crafting goals, make them measurable. Sure, you can have qualitative goals as well, but an entire set of unmeasurable goals makes it nearly impossible to track progress.

Optimize revenue

The goalposts are always moving when it comes to the rules and regulations regarding health centers. That’s why optimizing revenue can be a challenge. Try enlisting the help of experts who can make your revenue goals a real possibility.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ways you can improve your health center. Take a moment to sit down and think about the areas you want to shore up. You’ll thank yourself later.

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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

Heathcare: A Target for Hackers

According to Beazley, attacks on healthcare account for 41% of total incidents that occurred in 2018. What does this mean? You need to make cybersecurity a top priority for your healthcare operation.

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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

From humble beginnings to explosive growth: FQHCs are on the rise

In total, these health centers offer services to over 25 million people annually. A huge impact on areas that desperately need medical care.

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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
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

Five Ways Your Health Center or Practice Can Save Money

Almost all business owners are continually searching for new ways to save money, and health centers are no different. Trimming areas of excess spending, or finding new efficient ways to complete tasks, not only cut unnecessary expenses, but it also pads your bottom line. Even the smallest changes can multiply to impactful saving. So, where do you start? How can you begin reducing expenses and improve profitability? Check out these five tips that will assist you on your quest to reduce costs.   

More efficient technology, more savings

Investing in newer, more efficient technology now, can pay off for years to come. Including robust software programs that can help automate tasks. Computers that run faster, thereby increasing completion times of projects. To even replacing the old refrigerator you use in the breakroom, with an energy-efficient model. Combined, each one of these changes can add up.

Implement an intern program

An intern program not only benefits your practice, but it also helps students learn real-world skills. These skills can lead to landing jobs in their chosen field of study. Beyond giving a career boost to students, an internship program can reduce your payroll costs. You can utilize your interns for a myriad of tasks, from managing your social media accounts to helping with patient contact. Additionally, a standout intern may eventually become a standout full-time employee.

Hire the right people and use their skillsets

The search for new employees can be costly. Not only in money but in time as well. Finding the right fit for your health center is vital for production and work culture. So, invest in your hiring process and ensure you make an offer to the right person. Because trying again is expensive and stressful. Also, if you put forth a good effort in hiring a great employee, make sure you use their skillset.  When you fail to leverage your employees’ talents, it hurts your bottom line and can also slow their career growth.

Outsource

In some cases, you can avoid the hiring process altogether, by outsourcing. A talented and experienced outsourcing partner can help you finish complicated tasks that many of your employees may find too time-consuming. Additionally, they can offer expertise in intricate areas for a fraction of the cost when compared to hiring a full-time employee to complete the same project.

Be frugal with office supplies

Just because the local office supply store is offering a good price on pens, it doesn’t mean you have to buy them by the cases. Become efficient when purchasing items for your office. Furthermore, consider finding new sources that will provide better prices and free shipping. So, remember, stocking up on paperclips isn’t necessary. Because rarely is there a shortage of office supplies.

Admit it. You’re now inspired to save some cash.  It’s time to start becoming more efficient and cut your expenses. Your bottom line will improve and so will our revenue outlook.

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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

Is Your Practice Prepared for Modern Generations?

Today, we have an abundance of technological advantages that put people ahead. The modern generations are raised with the internet and mini computers in their hands, with access to thousands upon thousands of research and data. How many times have you seen a patient that has one issue, but worsened by something else because “the internet said they had such and such a disease?” It happens. As more and more technological advances make their way into society, it’s important to ask yourself if you and your practice are ready to adapt? Are you ready to answer questions backed by self-interpreted online research? How can you adapt? What can you do with all this new technology? There are many things, such as…

Patient portals. These are probably one of the biggest steps an office can take when adopting technology into their workspaces. These portals give the patients one-hundred percent (100%) access to their medical files the moment they are logged into the shared system. This cuts out the need for a patient to look up a symptom and make conclusions of their own, because they can e-mail the doctor directly with questions or to set up an appointment.

Telemedicine. This one is more beneficial for patients who aren’t able to get to the doctor in person. Telemedicine is when a doctor can call or video chat a patient and make evaluations, diagnoses, and offer treatments at a distance.

Shared networks. Something as simple as a prescription used to take extra time before there was a way to digitally send it to the pharmacy. Most doctors now have the ability to sit in the same room with a patient, talk about a medication, and send in a request to your chosen pharmacy in a flash. There’s no more gripping onto the piece of paper, trying to read the notorious “doctor handwriting”. Having a shared network is also easy when making referrals; they can also be done in a second, rather than burdening an administrator with phone calls that took away precious time from other patients.

Technology’s advancements don’t have to be a burden for medical professionals; utilize it to make your practice run more smoothly and efficiently!