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Physician groups ask for Open Payments extension

08/11/2014

The AMA and 110 other state and specialty physician organizations have asked CMS to extend the deadline for physicians to register in the Open Payments system and review and dispute data before the information is made available to the public.

Part B News survey: Meaningful users more likely to use EHRs efficiently

08/11/2014

by: Ben Hartman

The higher the level of meaningful use that a practice has achieved, the more likely it is that the practice uses its electronic health records (EHRs) efficently, according to a Part B News survey of 57 respondents.

Breaking news: CPT 2015 will contain numerous revisions to many common services

08/06/2014

by: Julia Kyles and Laura Evans

Medical practices should prepare for major changes to orthopedic, gastroenterology and cardiology procedures as well as drug testing codes, according to DecisionHealth's review of the CPT 2015 dataset and Appendix B for 2015 released Aug. 5.

Look to automation for easier solutions as CMS confirms PQRS getting tougher

07/31/2014

by: Roy Edroso

As physician quality reporting system (PQRS) requirements become more stringent for practices, automated alternatives may be your best bet to report properly and avoid a 4% negative payment adjustment, CMS told providers during a call July 24.

Pilot project launches to reduce massive appeals backlog at ALJ level

07/31/2014

by: Josh Poltilove

If your practice has 20 or more claims — or at least $10,000 in claims —at the administrative law judge (ALJ) level of appeal, look at participating in a new pilot project to reduce the wait time to resolve denials.

Follow these tips to find qualified, affordable medical interpreters

07/31/2014

by: Ben Hartman

Seek out interpreters who have received at least 40 hours of training and are considered “qualified” medical interpreters for your deaf and non-English-speaking patients or risk violating your patients’ civil rights and subjecting your practice to federal penalties and civil lawsuits.

3 key features to examine before making decision to purchase, switch PMS

07/31/2014

by: Scott Kraft

Upgrading the technology at your practice, usually by adding or changing an electronic health record (EHR), is often accompanied by a change to technology you’ve had for a longer period of time – the practice management system (PMS).

Primary care denial rates for observation down for initial, up for subsequent

07/31/2014

Primary care providers saw upticks in denials of all three subsequent observation codes (99224-99226) from 2011 to 2012, according to the latest Medicare data available.

Save money, gain business with 17 low-cost, ‘face-to-face’ marketing strategies

07/28/2014

by: Roy Edroso

Experts say you can inexpensively draw new patients to your practice by going out to press the flesh at community events, at health fairs and maybe even in your own waiting room.

CMS limits use of observation codes to providers who order observation services

07/28/2014

by: Scott Kraft

Only the provider who orders outpatient services for a patient who is on observation status is allowed to bill Medicare for the initial (99218-99220) and subsequent (99224-99226) codes.

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