When your medical office establishes a website, be sure to set some boundaries and limits for individuals using that website, and give careful attention to the individuals referenced at the site. To set boundaries for individuals using the site, you should have a terms-of-use policy available on the website which includes disclaimers about the purpose of the site and what … [Read more...] about Important guidelines for your medical practice website
Managing patients
Health care providers optimistic but losing confidence in ACA according to study
While more than three-quarters of health care providers express optimism about the future of U.S. health care overall, support for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has lessened according to a new study by Mortenson, one of the leading health care contractors in the United States. The number of health care providers who feel positive about the ACA has fallen significantly in … [Read more...] about Health care providers optimistic but losing confidence in ACA according to study
Do your patients need medication reminders?
When prescribing medication, physicians provide patients with dosage information. Pharmacies also provide this information when filling prescriptions. Nevertheless, patients often have a difficult time remembering what and how much medication to take when. The situation can be especially problematic when a patient takes multiple prescription drugs. With this mind, your … [Read more...] about Do your patients need medication reminders?
HHS announces $685 million to support clinicians delivering high quality, patient-centered care
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell recently announced $685 million in awards to 39 national and regional health care networks and supporting organizations to help equip more than 140,000 clinicians with the tools and support needed to improve quality of care, increase patients' access to information, and reduce costs. The Transforming Clinical Practice … [Read more...] about HHS announces $685 million to support clinicians delivering high quality, patient-centered care
Model Policy: Catastrophic leave program
Why you need this policy: A leave-sharing program appears to be a win-win-win solution for employer, donating employee, and receiving employee. But employers need to be careful when implementing a program like this to avoid some potential administrative, managerial, and tax problems. How this policy helps you: Rules regarding an employee's right to various types of leave … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Catastrophic leave program
Three electronic conveniences also help with EHR requirements
A Columbus, MS, pediatrics practice has added three electronic items that not only provide convenience for patients but give the office EHR meaningful use credit. First is online bill paying. That's provided through the office's billing service, says Sabrina McDow, CEO of Children's Health Center of Columbus. The invoices give a website for the online payments, but because the … [Read more...] about Three electronic conveniences also help with EHR requirements
Use rating sites to improve your medical practice
Many people rely on rating sites for hotels, restaurants, and other vacation and leisure activities. But consulting a rating site before making an appointment with a physician, and allowing that site to influence a health care decision? It's more common than you might think. A survey conducted by the University of Michigan finds among people using physician-rating sites, 35 … [Read more...] about Use rating sites to improve your medical practice
CMS changes will bridge old and new models of chronic care management
New approach can mean substantial revenue increases for health care providers The prevalence of chronic conditions presents one of the greatest risks to the U.S in terms of population health and well-being. However, many serious conditions such as hypertension or hyperlipidemia can be successfully managed if the patient follows a clearly documented treatment plan. To that … [Read more...] about CMS changes will bridge old and new models of chronic care management
Children’s health care spending increases, focus changes
Spending on health care for children (ages 0-18) covered by employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) grew an annual average of 5.7 percent per year between 2010 and 2013, compared to 3.9 percent for the total population (ages 0-64) with ESI, finds a new report from the Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI). Per capita spending on children reached $2,574 in 2013, a $391 increase from … [Read more...] about Children’s health care spending increases, focus changes
The balance between kindness and good business: getting your patients to pay their bills
A 2014 survey conducted by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) finds that collecting balances due from patients is the seventh most "intense and applicable challenge" for the members surveyed. And no wonder. According to a 2014 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average yearly deductible in the United States has more than doubled in the last eight years, … [Read more...] about The balance between kindness and good business: getting your patients to pay their bills