Even with ICD-10 creating challenges, the rules governing "meaningful use" of EHRs in a state of flux, and the shift in reimbursement from volume to value, U.S. physicians are still happy in their careers. That's according to the 2015 Great American Physician Survey, sponsored by medical billing software provider Kareo and conducted by Physicians Practice, a publication of … [Read more...] about Despite health care changes, physicians remain happy
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Frequently coded conditions in Chapter 4 of ICD-10 CM
By Judy Monestime bio Chapter 4 in ICD-10 CM contains codes for endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E89). The chapter includes frequently coded conditions such as disorders of the thyroid gland, obesity, dehydration, and diabetes mellitus. This chapter contains the following blocks: E00-E07 Disorders of thyroid gland E08-E13 Diabetes mellitus … [Read more...] about Frequently coded conditions in Chapter 4 of ICD-10 CM
Survey finds support for the Affordable Care Act among physician leaders
Results of a comprehensive survey show widespread support for the U.S. Affordable Care Act (ACA) among physicians nationwide. Fifty-five (55) percent of survey respondents say they agree or strongly agree that the controversial law passed in 2010 has "more good than bad" in it. The survey was conducted in spring 2015 by the American Association for Physician Leadership, a … [Read more...] about Survey finds support for the Affordable Care Act among physician leaders
Three more people issues, some of them legal and some not easily answered
For a manager, the people questions never stop coming. Here are three of them – the staffer who criticizes the office or the manager, the legal issues of layoffs, and how to handle a smoker’s halitosis. They are answered by attorney Shari L. Lane of Northwest Employment Law in Portland, OR. Protected vs. snippy remarks Can the office discipline a staffer for … [Read more...] about Three more people issues, some of them legal and some not easily answered
Multiple coding now required for nervous system diseases
By Judy Monestime bio ICD-10 CM's Chapter 6 Diseases of the Nervous System (G00-G99) includes diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as epilepsy, migraine, and other headache syndromes. Many codes include a combination of conditions, such as persistent migraine aura with cerebral infarction, intractable (G43.61-). The following conditions have been … [Read more...] about Multiple coding now required for nervous system diseases
Fear in termination: the sympathetic plaintiff
By Steve M. Cohen bio I recently saw a story about an employee who was terminated by her (small-business) employer. This employee had numerous experiences of personal tragedy in her family. In the previous year, she had lost one of her parents, another relative passed away, and then her son developed kidney failure. She found out that she was a viable donor and … [Read more...] about Fear in termination: the sympathetic plaintiff
Patient self-scheduling offers advantages for busy medical practices
Demand for greater convenience will change the way patients schedule appointments in the near future. Approximately two-in-three patients (64 percent) are expected to book medical appointments online by the end of 2019, according to research conducted by Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services, and outsourcing company. "Just as consumers use online … [Read more...] about Patient self-scheduling offers advantages for busy medical practices
How to respond when a staffer is suspected of drug or alcohol abuse
When the manager suspects a staffer of drug or alcohol abuse, a lot of factors come into play. Yes, a medical office can require drug testing and terminate the staffer. But the manager needs to be aware of all the issues that can enter into that picture, says attorney Jeffrey M. Schlossberg of Ruskin Moscou Faltischek in Uniondale, NY. Approach the staffer in the wrong way … [Read more...] about How to respond when a staffer is suspected of drug or alcohol abuse
Coding tips for respiratory diseases
By Judy Monestime bio ICD-10-CM Chapter 10, "Diseases of the Respiratory System (J00–J99)," identifies codes for a wide variety of pulmonary conditions, ranging from acute upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, influenza, asthma, as well as diseases of the lower respiratory tract including chronic lung diseases and diseases acquired from exposure to external substances. … [Read more...] about Coding tips for respiratory diseases
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