physical therapy documentation

Obamacare – The Problem it is Trying to Solve

by Nitin Chhoda PT, DPT | Sep 14, 2013 | Electronic Medical Records, Medical Billing, Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software

The goal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act was fourfold: to increase access to healthcare, reduce healthcare costs, institute more consumer benefits and protections, and improve efficiency. As different portions of the Act go into effect, it will have a major impact on virtually every individual in the U.S.

The Act has both a human and financial component.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) more than 45 million people had no type of health insurance in 2012.

Individuals at the lower end of the financial spectrum were the most likely to lack coverage.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Act will reduce the number of uninsured by 27 million between now and 2023, but will still leave approximately 26 million Americans uninsured and financially unable to purchase coverage.

Increasing Access to Healthcare

Obamacare establishes healthcare exchanges and provides subsidies for low income individuals to help them purchase coverage. Millions of Americans can stop living in fear of becoming ill.

They will no longer be turned down for a preexisting condition and children can remain on parental policies through the age of 26.

The downside is an influx of new patients to practices that are already working to capacity. A poll for the Physicians Foundation showed that 40 percent of medical professionals intend to sell their practice or retire early due to Obamacare, resulting in a shortage of available clinicians and longer wait times to obtain an appointment.

Reducing The Cost of Healthcare

One of the tenants of Obamacare was the control and reduction of skyrocketing healthcare costs. The Act reduces the amounts paid by Medicare to practitioners, but allows hospitals to collect more for the same services.

The inequity is prompting many clinicians to stop accepting Medicare patients, further limiting access to care.

Clinicians are under pressure to reduce the number of tests they order and utilize the least expensive modes of treatment whenever possible. Many healthcare professionals fear the drastic reductions in reimbursements will drive potential physicians into other fields.

Healthcare costs also come in the form of copays, premiums and deductibles. Patients are already seeing an increase in all three, as insurance companies raise prices in response to the services the Act forces them to reimburse for.

With insurance companies placing limitations on reimbursements, pharmaceutical firms are reducing or eliminating medications as unprofitable to produce.

The cost of Obamacare comes in other guises. In 2018, a 40 percent tax will be placed on healthcare plans, dependent upon their value, and collected through tax returns. Fines will be assessed on individuals without insurance.

Employers with more than 50 workers must offer insurance or face financial penalties for each person they employ.

Benefits and Protections

Obamacare provides patients with some perks along with coverage. Insurance companies can’t place an annual limit on benefits, nor can they cancel policies for frivolous reasons, but the Act limits the amount individuals can place in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and purchases that can be made with the funds.

Improving Delivery and Efficiency

The Act’s components are intended to increase the overall efficiency and delivery of healthcare services. To accomplish that goal, the Act mandated use of an electronic medical records (EMR) system.

The technology is expected to allow clinicians to treat a greater number of patients per day and eliminate paper records.

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) encourage networks of providers, with financial incentives for clinicians that provide a better level of care.

The focus of healthcare would begin a transition to a system of preventatives measures rather than reacting to treat disease after it occurs.

The Act also creates a panel of individuals to determine and recommend preferred treatment options.

Obamacare has four major goals through the Affordable Healthcare Act. In an effort to solve the glaring problems in the healthcare system, it will change the way clinicians practice their profession and deliver care. Patients will have greater access to clinicians, but only time will tell if Obamacare creates a nation of healthier individuals and more efficient practitioners.

Government Healthcare Programs: Learn Federal and State Run Insurances

by Nitin Chhoda PT, DPT | Sep 5, 2013 | Medical Billing, Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Documentation

There’s a great debate going on in the medical community about the financial viability of treating patients covered by government-backed healthcare insurance.Many providers have said publically that they can’t afford to see those patients and will send them elsewhere for treatment.

In this timely article, Nitin Chhoda examines why it’s imperative for clinicians to learn about state and federally operated healthcare plans.

Incentive Payments

The list of federal health insurance plans is impressive. It includes Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, CHAMPUS, Workman’s Compensation and Medigap plans.

Federal healthcare programs are in operation that provides incentives for clinicians in areas where a shortage of healthcare providers has been demonstrated.

The programs provide payments to recruit and retain practitioners, and awards incentive payments to providers who are already established in those areas. Some states have their own incentive healthcare programs.

Quality healthcare is at a premium in rural areas and patients are often woefully underserved. Clients tend to be older, poorer and have more health problems than their urban counterparts. Medicare maintains supplemental reimbursement healthcare programs for practitioners and clinics in rural areas.

Federal Health Programs Advantages

Each healthcare program has its own set of advantages and federal healthcare plans provide clinicians with a significant patient pool from which to draw. There are 9.64 million patients enrolled in the Tricare program alone.

Medicare pays 80 percent of patient costs and payment for practitioners participating in the Medicare healthcare programs receive reimbursements that are 5 percent higher than non-participating clinicians. Ninety percent of clean claims are processed within 15 days and payments are made within 30 days. Providers can join the Medicare network or accept patients on a case-by-case basis.

State Healthcare Programs

A majority of states operate their own healthcare programs for women and infants, along with children up to a specific age. Plans may offer prenatal and obstetric care for women and infants, along with a myriad of services for children and teens.

Coverage typically includes well child visits, dental and vision care, vaccines, prescriptions and medical supplies, mental health and substance abuse coverage, surgery and hospitalization, and diagnostic tests.

Participating in state run healthcare programs increases a clinic’s client base and many of the services can be accomplished quickly, giving simpler physical therapy documentation process, allowing practitioners to see more patients.

Many practices are choosing to employ nurse practitioners to see this particular demographic. Even after salaries, clinics can double the number of patients being treated and revenues.

Practitioners participating in state and federal healthcare programs increase their patient base and their overall revenues.

Providers practicing in rural areas can further stimulate income through supplemental and incentive programs. Government-operated healthcare programs serve millions of individuals throughout the nation, providing practitioners with a steady stream of revenue.

Proven Tips on EMR Implementation Provides Physical Therapy Clinics with an Advantage

by Nitin Chhoda PT, DPT | Aug 14, 2013 | Electronic Medical Records, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software

Physical therapy clinics will gain an advantage by utilizing the proven tips on the implementation of the EMR for physical therapy services which Nitin Chhoda keeps on sharing to the practitioners.

The decision to integrate EMR for physical therapy services is the best choice due to the remarkable shift in the management of the patient files and the workflow.

The EMR system was specifically created in order to improve the accuracy for better patient care and management.

The implementation of the EMR system is important as well as the type of EMR system that was selected.

Certain aspects that range from the government standards up to the training of personnel must be carefully planned out during the implementation of the EMR so that the best results can be achieved.

EMRs Main Purpose

With the main objective of the EMR systems to reform the health care system as well as improve quality of health care, patient safety and efficiency, practitioners can achieve a better workflow and even provide the best patient care.

Today, physical therapy clinics that concentrated on providing superior care to their clients while at the same time managing the daily practice efficiently with the help of the EMR system, has a better stand in gaining monetary incentives in the long run.

Physical Therapy Staff Involvement

The involvement of the personnel in the implementation process will result in a highly efficient and effective EMR system that can greatly improve the workflow. During the implementation of the new EMR for physical therapy services, important personnel can voice out their own perspectives, which can help improve the patient care.

Staff should also receive training on operating the EMR system in order to make the implementation successful and highly effective.

Creating Plans for Implementing EMR

Implementing EMR for physical therapy service should require a plan B just to be prepared for unexpected surprises during the implementation process.

Doing so will help save a lot of hassle in the future. Even opting for a secondary electronic medical records system can help maintain the functionality while certain issues are dealt with to recover the main system.

Proper implementation of EMR for physical therapy services can greatly help out the practice in achieving better management, workflow and even the patient care they provided.

There should be adequate planning as well as working with the personnel involved to achieve a successful implementation.

Physical Therapy Software Benefits to Physical Therapy Practices

by Nitin Chhoda PT, DPT | Aug 11, 2013 | Electronic Medical Records, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Management, Physical Therapy Software

The management of healthcare can be a tedious task due to the various divisions involved. Nitin Chhoda shares how using physical therapy software or EMR (electronic medical record) can provide several benefits to any healthcare facility, especially in physical therapy businesses all over the world.

Both large-scale and small-scale physical therapy centers will gain an advantage if a physical therapy software is utilized. Physical therapy software offers a number of features that can comply with the different aspects on physical therapy practice.

Reporting Capabilities of the Physical Therapy Software

Proper physical therapy software management is not considered complete without the reporting capabilities offered by the physical therapy EMR. As long as the reporting feature is utilized optimally, the average number of visits for each patient can be monitored easily.

This figure can be linked with referral indicators. Any problems or inadequacies can be recognized in which patients are more likely to self-discharge. Previously, this kind of exhaustive reporting takes a lot of time to gather. With the help of the physical therapy software, needed reports are made in just a matter of minutes.

It is a known fact that medical billing can be a burden together with insurance companies who pay approximately half on all the claims that were submitted. With the help of the EMR physical therapy software, submissions are improved.

Additionally, it eliminate errors, boost the efficiency of the overall process, as well as make the identification process on claims a lot easier. The physical therapy software allows the medical billing staff to access all the required tools to track the insurance companies that deny or reject claims on a regular basis.

Physical Therapy Scheduling Process

Inefficient therapy scheduling process in any physical therapy practice also causes money loss. There are instances that one of the patients might cancel without notice. Some cancelled appointments can be rearranged. But there are patients who do not show up, incurring losses.

Physical therapy software can also provide solutions that deal with physical therapy scheduling issues.

With the benefits offered by an EMR, physical therapy practices will become more efficient in terms of providing services as well as with its management.

A private practice that utilizes physical therapy software is considered more efficient, has an improved insurance claim acceptance rates and can deal with problems that might arise easily.

EMR – Electronic Data Interchange 101

by Nitin Chhoda PT, DPT | Aug 8, 2013 | Electronic Medical Records, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software

When the Affordable Health Care Act goes into effect, electronic data exchange (EDI) will be the standard for submitting billing, communicating with medical facilities, and staying in contact with patients.

In this informative article, electronic medical record (EMR) expert, Nitin Chhoda, explains the basics and how an EMR can be used to accomplish all those tasks.

Reimbursement Claims

Perhaps the most important facet of an EMR for physicians is its ability to let billers submit claims to clearinghouses in real time.

Billers receive confirmation of the claim’s arrival and can track any reimbursement request as it makes its way through the payment system.

The communication is conducted in real time, eliminating long waits and allowing clinicians to collect payments in as little as 10 days.

Another advantage of an EMR is its ability to identify potential problems with claims. Any inconsistencies can be remedied quickly before reimbursement requests are sent. Clean claims are processed quickly and practitioners collect their funds quicker.

Security

Patient information is confidential. Data transmitted electronically through an EMR meets HIPAA’s stringent security requirements.

Communication

Practitioners have the ability to communicate with other physicians, medical facilities, labs and pharmacies. Referrals can be made, medications ordered and tests scheduled right from the office.

Electronic medical records provide enhanced communication with patients to remind them of appointments and any debt they owe. With an integrated EMR, medical providers can post test results in a client’s secure account and communicate with them through mail, phone, email, and text and voice messages.

Patient Care

EDI benefits patients by providing continuity of care. Client records can be accessed by authorized personnel from virtually anywhere in the world through EMR. In the event that an individual is unable to supply needed data, medical providers can access records through EDI to avoid treatment errors, learn about any health issues or allergies, and eliminate redundant testing.

Records are also available in the cloud in the event of a natural disaster

Portability

EMR technology can be employed on laptops and tablets, providing practice owners with new opportunities for revenues. The systems can be accessed anywhere there’s an Internet connection, allowing clinicians to offer services away from the office. Corporate wellness programs, senior centers, home care programs and spas are just some of the opportunities available with a portable system.

Savings

An electronic data exchange system saves practices time and money. There’s no need to maintain a room of file cabinets full of folders filled with paper records.

Patient information is maintained in the cloud for convenience and quick retrieval. Vendors are responsible for maintaining HIPAA compliance and security, and EMR systems can quickly notify other medical providers if there’s ever a security issue.

Before purchasing any EMR, clinicians should conduct sufficient research and examine several systems. All EMRs aren’t the same – practitioners should choose one specifically designed for the type of practice they have.

Selected EMR systems have low monthly fees, 24/7 support from vendors and updates, along functionalities to assist in marketing. Electronic data interchange represents the future of how those in the medical field communicate with clearinghouses, medical facilities and providers to offer a superior level of patient care.

Web-Based Billing and EMR – The Cutting Edge

by Nitin Chhoda PT, DPT | Aug 5, 2013 | Electronic Medical Records, Medical Billing, Physical Therapy Billing

Electronic medical record (EMR) systems have changed billing standards with cutting edge technology. EMR systems allow for cloud-based billing that’s quick, efficient and clinicians can receive payment in as little as 10 days.

In this insightful article, Nitin Chhoda explains how an EMR facilitates the reimbursement process.

The use of an EMR allows practices to conduct business in the cloud, also known as web-based billing. It eliminates the need for files full of paperwork and the space to maintain them.

With web-based billing software, claims can be filed, payments delivered and records accessed any time of the day or night for greater productivity. It’s an environmentally friendly solution.

Identifying Problems and ICD-10 Codes

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of a web-based billing EMR is its ability to identify mistakes and potential problems. It’s a simple matter to make the appropriate corrections, ensuring clean claims that progress quickly through the system. An EMR can assist providers with up to a 91 percent payment rate the first time claims are submitted.

When a claim is questioned, an EMR makes it easy to address the problem online. The transition to ICD-10 codes can cause significant problems for practices that aren’t using an EMR. The web-based billing software system is capable of handling all the new codes with clarity and ease.

Equipment Costs and Savings

Practitioners save money and eliminate costs associated with web-based billing software, equipment and the need for upgrades. There are excellent EMR programs available for free that provide medical practices with a full service billing and management system. They keep monthly fees low, offer 24/7 customer support and online training for staff.

The vendor is responsible for all facets of the infrastructure.

Digital Delivery

Every medical practice is familiar with clearinghouses. They check claims for errors and forward them to the patient’s healthcare insurance carrier. A web-based billing EMRs transmit reimbursement claims electronically in real time and maintain an ongoing record of each claim, its details and current status in the chain of reimbursement.

An EMR is crucial for medical providers who want to work with government-sponsored healthcare insurance plans. They require claims to be submitted electronically and prefer to pay via electronic fund transfer. Submissions can be sent individually or as a batch. Real time adjudication and notice of denials or acceptance are received in moments when a web-based billing system is at hand.

Portability and New Venues

Integrated and web-based billing EMR software can be implemented on laptops and tablets. It provides practitioners with portability and the opportunity to forge trails into new venues for new revenue streams. Web-based billing software can be submitted from any location an Internet connection is available and remain in compliance with HIPAA security standards.

Other Services

Electronic medical records facilitate the payment process with cloud-based billing, but they offer a comprehensive variety of other advantages. They store information in a secure environment and allow staff to verify insurance coverage prior to treatment.

Electronic patient statements can be sent, payments made and clients can complete a variety of essential information online. Patients can be contacted by multiple methods, test results can be posted for clients and medications can be requested.

Web-based billing offers clinicians the ability to receive payments quicker, opportunities to extend their circle of revenues and submit bills in real time.

The web-based billing software systems represent the future for medical practices and billing procedures. Practitioners without an EMR face a loss of efficiency, productivity and revenues.