The transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10, which took effect October 1, 2015, has significantly impacted health care providers. An entirely new set of codes as well as expansion of codes for greater specificity are now required. ICD-10 is a completely different system. The code set has been expanded from five positions (first one alphanumeric, others numeric) to seven positions. … [Read more...] about ICD-10: from transition to full implementation—and the first round of updates
Technology
How to use influencers for marketing in health care
By Melanie Herron bio One of the greatest marketing tools a business can have is an effective spokesperson. There is no denying the power and influence a spokesperson can have on building a brand. Influencers are people who are comfortable talking about the brands they believe in. They are trusted as reliable sources for information and recommendations. And yes, … [Read more...] about How to use influencers for marketing in health care
Smartphones sapping productivity at work
Technology helps workers stay connected while away from the office, but in many cases it is causing them to disconnect while in the office, leading to a negative impact on productivity. According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder, a global leader in human capital solutions, 19 percent of employers think workers are productive less than … [Read more...] about Smartphones sapping productivity at work
Your personal social media posts: are they really personal?
A Vermont State Police trooper was recently forced to resign as a result of comments he posted to his personal Facebook page. Could this happen to you or a member of your staff? The story in Vermont An unidentified concerned citizen notified the Vermont State Police about the trooper's Facebook posts, according to the Rutland Herald, and the agency proceeded to … [Read more...] about Your personal social media posts: are they really personal?
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
More easy steps to help you fight management battles
By Steve M. Cohen bio I've written before about relatively simple steps to better medical office management. I've also advised against underestimating seemingly trivial tactics for improvement. These types of suggestions can sound low-level or nit-picky. But one reason they are often repeated is because they are valuable and worth remembering. But don't worry, … [Read more...] about More easy steps to help you fight management battles
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
Increased adoption of HIPAA electronic claims-related processes can save more than $8 billion annually
The U.S. health care system is unnecessarily spending billions of dollars each year by continuing to use manual administrative processes for basic transactions, according to the 2015 CAQH Index®, a report from CAQH, a non-profit alliance and leader in creating shared initiatives to streamline the business of health care. Despite steady increases in industry adoption of … [Read more...] about Increased adoption of HIPAA electronic claims-related processes can save more than $8 billion annually
Changes to watch for in disability and absence management
Employee leave continues to undergo change and become increasingly complex. Although several regulations, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments Act (ADA/AA), have been in place for several years, legal interpretation and application are subject to ongoing clarification. Meanwhile, regulatory initiatives under the … [Read more...] about Changes to watch for in disability and absence management
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