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The importance of collections: Avoid writing off copays
Heidi Jannenga Healthcare AdministrationWhile it's obvious that increased copays and deductibles put a burden on patients, they also burden physical therapy practices. How? Many practices don't have the procedures in place for effective fee collection from patients — especially not in person. Instead, they're willing to simply write off cash collections when the patient doesn't pay.
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Who left the window open? XP users cast out into the cold
Ross Lancaster Science & TechnologyIt's a near-certainty that no matter where you're reading this from, Windows XP was at one time or another your main operating system at home, work or both. Released to retail in October 2001, the OS remained the most popular in operation until August 2012, when fellow Microsoft product Windows 7 overtook it.
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In surprise move, CMS announces Medicare Advantage pay increase
Pamela Lewis Dolan Healthcare AdministrationAfter proposing in February a 1.9 percent cut in reimbursement to insurers in the Medicare Advantage program, Medicare made a surprise announcement and said there would, instead, be a 0.4 percent increase.
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Overcoming communication challenges of EHRs
Jessica Taylor Healthcare AdministrationThe transition to electronic health records can bring some concerns for healthcare providers, including workflow, training, privacy and security. But one of the most important issues is communication, and many clinicians are concerned that using a computer with a patient will hinder communication.
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Study: Meaningful use email criteria challenging for specialists
Pamela Lewis Dolan Healthcare AdministrationAs the meaningful use incentive program moves into its second stage, there have been concerns among physicians over their ability to meet the patient engagement requirements. Satisfying the Stage 2 criteria will rely not only on physicians adopting the right technology, but also on their patients' willingness to use it.
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ICD-10: Fact or fiction
Charlotte Bohnett Healthcare AdministrationAs with any major change, the rumor mill churns at a mighty pace. With all the hearsay, telephone games and disbursement of misinformation, it's easy for the myths to swallow the truth. No worries, though; we're here to sort the fact from the fiction when it comes to the latest information on ICD-10.
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Exchange enrollment exceeds expectations, but too early to determine impact
Pamela Lewis Dolan Healthcare AdministrationThe Obama administration's last-ditch efforts to get people to sign up for insurance through the insurance exchanges paid off as the total enrollment numbers exceeded 7 million by the March 31 open enrollment deadline. But while proponents of the Affordable Care Act had reason to celebrate, there are still many unknowns that will determine the long-term success of the law.
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Good news and bad news for proponents of ICD-10 delay
Pamela Lewis Dolan Healthcare AdministrationWith the passing of H.R. 4302, known as the Protecting Access to Medicare Act, on March 31, Congress delayed a permanent fix to the sustainable growth rate (SGR) payment formula for a 17th time. And ICD-10 was delayed for a fourth time. The only step needed to make both delays a reality is a signature from President Barack Obama.
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Affordable Care Act’s deadline day arrives — now what?
Ross Lancaster Healthcare AdministrationMarch 31 marks the last day of open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama's controversial and signature domestic policy achievement. Despite the well-publicized deadline, the White House has announced that those who have started the application process on HealthCare.gov will be granted an extension to complete the process.
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As health system complexities rise, a new industry emerges
Pamela Lewis Dolan Healthcare AdministrationIf you want to learn about the complexities of the modern healthcare delivery system, there's no better person to ask than a physician. Their familiarity with the bureaucracy and tough patient choices associated with medical care is driving many out of clinical practice. And now it's causing some to look into a developing industry that has emerged.
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