Part B News | Part B News

Try high tech, high touch to urge slow-paying patients into the fast lane

05/06/2019

A recent survey shows that providers are having serious trouble getting timely payments from patients — and while high-deductible plans are, as usual, a suspected culprit, experts suggest that a more high-touch, high-tech approach from providers could help take up some of the slack.

Button down your infection control as measles, HAV outbreaks spread

05/06/2019

by: Roy Edroso

Recent measles outbreaks in the United States are a grim reminder that infection control is a matter of practice policy and should be reinforced at intervals to keep it effective.

Sharpen your CPT and ICD-10-CM coding for prostate cancer, PSA testing

05/06/2019

by: Shelley C. Safian, PhD, RHIA, CCS-P, CPC-I

Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in American men, according to the American Cancer Society. The organization estimates that in 2019 more than 174,000 Americans will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 30,000 will die from it.

Focus on opioid review regardless of history, prescriber when reporting AWVs

05/06/2019

by: Richard Scott

Question: Regarding the recent updates from CMS, do we need to document “opioid review” in the wellness visit note if the patient has not recently been on opioids? We have a general “drug use” question on our wellness forms but nothing specific to opioids. Secondly, if the patient is on opioids prescribed by another provider, do we need to document opioid review? When our providers prescribe opioids, we always document review, alternative treatment, failed treatment, etc., so that is not a concern.

Most patients prefer electronic bill-paying — but practices aren’t encouraging it

05/06/2019

by: Roy Edroso

It’s a common joke that medical offices are all that’s keeping the fax machine industry alive. But clinging to that particular outmoded telecommunications tool is not the only way the medical practice business is behind the curve electronically. InstaMed’s 2018 Trends in Healthcare Payments report, which surveyed providers, payers and patients, suggests that patients want to pay their physician practice bills online but some may not be doing so because the practices aren’t pushing it.

Login

User Name:
Password:
Remember me Forgot password
Welcome to the new Part B News Online. If you are a returning user having trouble logging in, please click here.