By Gayle Norton bio The shortage of qualified nurses in many parts of the country poses hiring issues, especially for medical practices outside of metropolitan areas or those competing for talent with hospitals and/or other institutions such as assisted living facilities. In addition to an increasingly shallow pool of candidates, there is also a growing nursing skills … [Read more...] about Finding and keeping nurses
Managing patients
Health IT safety collaborative releases new safe practices for patient identification
Improving the accuracy of patient identification remains a challenge across all healthcare settings. In fact, the ECRI Institute recently completed its Deep Dive analysis of over 7,600 safety events related to patient identification and found that misidentifications occur during every aspect of care from registration to discharge and beyond. These errors impact patient care, … [Read more...] about Health IT safety collaborative releases new safe practices for patient identification
Machine learning and healthcare: Improving outcomes through predictive analytics
Machine learning is a part of everyday life for most Americans, from navigation apps to Amazon's omniscient purchase recommendations. But in healthcare, the use of machine learning has so far been limited to niche science projects in large and academic health systems—those able to afford the highly skilled data scientists and dedicated teams required to turn their data into … [Read more...] about Machine learning and healthcare: Improving outcomes through predictive analytics
How to reduce patient stress and pain during vaccination
A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics examined the reasons for vaccine delays and found that three-quarters of surveyed doctors said parents postponed shots over concerns about their children's discomfort. For these parents and children, help may be on the way. Virtually calm A recent pilot study done by Sansum Clinic doctors showed that patients who … [Read more...] about How to reduce patient stress and pain during vaccination
Putting patients over profits: Who do consumers see as champions of the healthcare industry?
Harris Poll recently surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18+ to gauge consumers' attitudes toward the healthcare industry. The results are somewhat disheartening. "We are in the midst of a healthcare maelstrom," said Wendy Salomon, vice president of reputation management and public affairs at Nielsen. "Consumers see no safe port, no place where their interests are truly … [Read more...] about Putting patients over profits: Who do consumers see as champions of the healthcare industry?
Notice from CMS: Attest to 2016 Program Requirements by February 28
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Registration and Attestation System is now open. Providers participating in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program must attest to the 2016 program requirements by February 28, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. ET in order to avoid a 2018 payment adjustment. The EHR reporting period was any continuous 90 days between January 1 and December 31, … [Read more...] about Notice from CMS: Attest to 2016 Program Requirements by February 28
4 steps to preventing medical claim denials
By Ricki Ransom bio It's no secret that the relationship between health care providers and insurance companies is complicated. Healthcare providers are spending a significant amount of time and energy with patients just to find out that an insurance company will fight them on paying for the services provided. Preventing claim denials helps ease the complications … [Read more...] about 4 steps to preventing medical claim denials
By following strict procedures, New York office has ‘a stellar year’
A three-physician New York City surgery practice had a stellar year. It attributes its success to the fact that everybody follows strict and detailed procedures. Procedures produce efficiency, says Veronica L. Mogerman, administrator at Manhattan Surgical Associates. And efficiency means the office operates at top capacity and staff give patients top quality service, which … [Read more...] about By following strict procedures, New York office has ‘a stellar year’
Survey: Healthcare professionals say Trump Administration will improve U.S. healthcare system
Aprima Medical Software, a provider of innovative electronic health records (EHR), practice management (PM) and revenue cycle management solutions (RCM) for medical practices, today announced the results of a post-presidential election survey of healthcare professionals, which explored predictions for healthcare under a Trump administration. The majority of the 312 physicians … [Read more...] about Survey: Healthcare professionals say Trump Administration will improve U.S. healthcare system
Should your practice invest in medical billing software?
By Aiden Spencer bio There has been considerable debate among physicians about whether or not it is beneficial to get an EHR (electronic health record). If your practice is having this debate, let's evaluate the benefits and problems associated with an EHR and see if one is right for you. [Full disclosure: I have abundant experience in the field because I am working for a … [Read more...] about Should your practice invest in medical billing software?