So you’re considering a feasibility study, or even a full blown business plan for a proposed healthcare facility. Congratulations-it means that you’re contemplating some kind of new business venture-maybe an…
EHR Installation and Training – keeping up requires focus!
If you thought the selection process for EHR systems was intense, wait till you get to implementation! EHR vendors will drive the implementation process, but you must be prepared to…
Nursing Homes and MDS 3.0 – the Winds of Change are Upon Us
Well, it’s here. MDS 3.0. A couple of years in the making, about 6 months of training made available to SNF providers, and with the tears and fears of MDS…
An Operational Analysis of Your Medical Practice is a Logical Step in the EHR Selection Process
I’m often surprised by how some medical practices are so casual in their approach to selecting an EHR system. As if the EHR selection process itself is inconsequential. And I’m bordering…
EHR Systems, Meaningful Use Certification, and HITECH Incentives … Where do YOU stand?
On January 5, 2011 a two physician medical group, as announced by eMDs in Austin, TX received $42,500 under the Medicaid HITECH incentive program for meeting the Meaningful Use Criteria…
How do I Maximize the ROI on an EHR System? Hint: “Invest in training”
One of the most important activities during implementation of your EHR selection process. It’s important to pay attention to what the vendor says about the amount of time each staff…
Skilled Nursing Facility Design Concepts: The Effective Use of Natural Light
Skilled nursing facility design incorporates the effective use of natural light, which is an essential feature in nursing homes. As an architect who specializes in designing healthcare projects, namely acute care,…
The Red Flags Rule Doesn’t Apply to Physician and Healthcare Organizations. “Really?”
Has your medical billing consultant told you that the Red Flags Rule has been repealed for physician practices and other healthcare organizations? Now that Congress has passed and sent to…
Is it Time for your Medical Practice to Opt out of Medicare?
“I opposed the budget deal in 1997 because it brought in a $115 billion cut in Medicare that created greater pressure for providers not to participate.” ~ David Obey, U.S….
Hospice, Palliative Care and Death – Why is it so tough to accept?
A few weeks ago, I received word from a very good friend, whom I have known for nearly 30 years that she was dying of cancer. The doctors believed it…
Using Best Practices in Medical Billing – the Key to Surviving Economic Conditions
With the existing economic hard times, it is very critical that medical practices and facilities keep an eye on their accounts receivable. A continuous flow of claims payment will determine…
In Healthcare, “Exposure is the New Privacy.” Your Online Presence has Arrived.
We are entering, actually, we already are deep into the digital medical world without a clear and proven guide to ensure privacy. Patients themselves disclose ePHI about them on social…
Physicians Already Seeing Early Impact of Healthcare Reform – Are You Prepared?
Even though many provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act are implemented in 2014, some are active right now. Many of these changes will affect what the covered…
“Health Reform Bill” & New Rules About Medical Compliance
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148), also referred to as the “Health Insurance Reform Bill”, is a federal statute that was signed into law by President Barack…
Efficient Operations in Your Medical Practice … Be Serious About It!
With EHR technology being implemented, Health Reform just around the corner, and Meaningful Use criteria mandated, what else can there be? How about many more coding and billing auditing agencies…
A Nursing Home Administrator, a Healthcare Consultant…but I never knew I was a ‘Middle Boomer’!
Well, I sure didn’t until I read an article the other day which said that “middle boomers” are those individuals who were born between 1952 and 1958. I quickly realized…
Due Diligence in EHR Selection, can it help you Preserve Physician Productivity?
There are many commentaries, and anecdotal examples, of what happens to EHR Meaningful Use criteria will outweigh the incentive payments that are available. So maybe it’s time to take a…
Beyond Benchmarks … Efficiency & Performance in Your Medical Practice
Just about a year ago I contacted the Managing Director of Health Care in the Government Accountability Office. Being a Partner in a healthcare consulting firm and spending every day…
Who to Follow on Twitter Within Your Medical Specialty
So you have finally created a Twitter account for your medical practice and are ready to take on the world of healthcare social media, but what’s the next step? Creating…
EHR/EMR: Financial & Operational Impact & Consequences
Meaningful Use of EHR and Certification Criteria are set for 2011 & 2012. Will compliance with these Final Rules hinder productivity? Is there a difference in effect between specialists and…