Furthering the goals of focusing on patients, coordinate health care delivery, and making health information more accessible, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new challenge for all stakeholders in health care—designing a better medical bill that is easier for patients to understand. The HHS press release regarding the challenge notes … [Read more...] about Industry challenged to create more patient-friendly medical billing
Managing patients
Incorrect medical coding corrupts the core data used by health care facilities, has negative consequences throughout health care industry
Guaranteeing accurate, consistent medical codes and patient histories is one of the major challenges for providers and payers today. Medical codes are the starting point for understanding quality of care and making necessary improvements. "Medical codes are the core data used in every aspect of modern health care—every provider, payer, and facility relies on them," says … [Read more...] about Incorrect medical coding corrupts the core data used by health care facilities, has negative consequences throughout health care industry
Growth of Spanish-speaking population creates demand for bilingual health care professionals
The United States now has the world's second-largest population of Spanish speakers, behind only Mexico. Given the growing number of Spanish-speaking patients, clinics and hospitals find themselves facing an immediate and chronic shortage of bilingual physicians. This is a serious problem in a field where lives can depend on an accurate exchange of information between doctor … [Read more...] about Growth of Spanish-speaking population creates demand for bilingual health care professionals
Study finds 96 percent of online complaints about doctors fault customer service, not quality of care
An analysis of nearly 35,000 online reviews of doctors nationwide finds that customer service—not physicians' medical expertise and clinical skill—is the overwhelming reason patients complain about their health care experiences on the Internet. The study, published in the Journal of Medical Practice Management (JMPM), finds that only 1 in 25 patients rating their health care … [Read more...] about Study finds 96 percent of online complaints about doctors fault customer service, not quality of care
CMS launches largest-ever multi-payer initiative to improve primary health care
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced its largest-ever initiative to transform and improve how primary care is delivered and paid for in America. The new Affordable Care Act (ACA) initiative is designed to improve quality and cost, and give doctors and patients more control over health care delivery. The effort, known as the Comprehensive … [Read more...] about CMS launches largest-ever multi-payer initiative to improve primary health care
When patients can’t get into the doctor’s office, but need medical attention
Telehealth offers options for patients who seek medical attention for common ailments but can't get in to see a doctor. Recognizing the need, and the opportunity, health care providers are increasingly embracing telehealth. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' members can now use their smartphone, tablet or computer for a real-time, secure telehealth visit with a doctor or … [Read more...] about When patients can’t get into the doctor’s office, but need medical attention
Research assesses health care costs and utilization
The Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI), which promotes independent, nonpartisan research and analysis on the causes of the rise in U.S. health spending, has released a set of six policy briefs assessing the impact of a range of national and state policies on health care costs and utilization. The briefs were developed by independent researchers using HCCI's repository of … [Read more...] about Research assesses health care costs and utilization
There are no easy steps to better office management
By Steve M. Cohen bio I always enjoy it when people publish articles entitled something like, "Ten Easy Steps to Medical Office Management." I enjoy this, but I definitely don't agree with it. The word "easy" is usually so far removed from office management that headlines like this are good for a laugh. But the information that follows may or may not help. … [Read more...] about There are no easy steps to better office management
Michigan office uses online payments to increase revenue
A Michigan medical practice that added online bill payments to its website is seeing a substantial increase in revenue. To introduce the new process, the office put signs in the waiting room and a notice in statements. The company's practice administration said it took awhile to catch on but it worked because patients are already comfortable with online payments. They … [Read more...] about Michigan office uses online payments to increase revenue
Telemedicine expected to grow at faster rate than previously projected
According to a new market research report available at Market Research Store, a source for industry reports, telemedicine and telehealth programs will become a $45.4 billion industry by 2021. In 2014, it was estimated to be a $1.5 billion dollar industry. There are a number of reasons why such exponential growth is projected. First and foremost, individuals are taking a more … [Read more...] about Telemedicine expected to grow at faster rate than previously projected