eTHOMAS v 9.2+

Whoo-hooo!  We love a challenge and we love to add new accessories as much as you do, so I am pleased to give you a glimpse of the shiny, new, upcoming eTHOMAS v 9.2 release.  Now at the outset I can see your faces drooping saying “yeah, sure, new because you have to for the 5010 electronic format”.  However, we’re not just any software vendor, if we’re going to have a number change it’s because we want to give something more to our clients—YOU!  And did I mention?  We’re Genius.

UB-04

UB-04, also casually referred to as institutional or hospital billing, may be in your present or near future.  Many of you may work as outpatient facilities such as rehab or physical therapy facilities, etc. that may need to use this format.   At Genius we have been fielding an increasing number of calls regarding UB-04 billing:  Can eTHOMAS do it? Can we teach you UB-04 billing? Are there resources available for you “out there”?  So, here we go.

Changes this month…. New National Coordinator at the ONCHIT

Dr. David Blumenthal stepped down as the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology this month, replacing him is Farzad Mostashari, MD, ScM . Dr. Mostashari is not new to the ONCHIT office, he has been working with them and the previous National Coordinator since 2009. He was the Deputy National Coordinator for Programs and Policy when I was reviewing the big ONC HIT 2009 review at the end of last year.

CMS Offers Anti-RAC Tool, Based on RAC Findings

Don’t the RACs work for CMS? Is it possible? Did the RACs spawn something useful?

Indeed it appears they have, if you can a) find it, b) use it wisely. The RACs have created a new CMS Learning Resource that you are probably not aware of: the Medicare Quarterly Provider Compliance Newsletter. If you go by its tagline (and you can) the newsletter’s purpose is to help you with "Guidance to Address Billing Errors". As the RAC information is beginning to rack up, CMS has found a useful way to help you use the information that they are getting back from the RACs (Recovery Audit Contractors).

Use WritePad to qualify for up to $44,000 in EHR Stimulus Reimbursements

Let us show you how with WritePad’s 5-Part Meaningful Use Webinar Series which highlights the following areas:

• Introduction to Meaningful Use
• As it applies to Demographics & Diagnosis
• As it applies to Lab Work
• As it applies to Medications
• As it applies to Communication

 Click here for more information or to register.

Certify in 2011 with the NACC's 1-day Super CA Chiropractic Coding & Certification Seminar

Don't miss out become a CCC (Certified Chiropractic Coder) today!   

You can still sign up to attend the upcoming session in Saginaw, MI, April 7th and we've also just added a date for Des Moines/Urbandale, IA, May 19th.

You can literally go back to your office and change your office life after attending this seminar.  This seminar can pay for itself and you, the same week you attend, go back to your office, and use it. 

My favorite NACC quote of the day?

"Come on, what are we waiting for?  Let's start a Chiropractic Revolution!"

ICD-10 Coding is Coming – Run NOW!

I had the opportunity to sit in on some preliminary ICD-10 training being given by the Practice Management Institute (www.pmiMD.com) last week.  It was their goal to inspire confidence and a “we can do this” attitude, but honestly, the reactions I witnessed (or had myself), looked more like despair that would soon be mixed with alcohol and anti-anxiety meds.  I was a bit disheartened.  I came out of that meeting thinking “ICD-10 coding is coming- Run NOW!”

Chicken Little
I do so hate to sound like Chicken Little shouting that “the sky is falling”.  I was also seeing some benefits to updating the codes and coding.  I mean, yeah, with new technology, new procedures, and new techniques, there needed to be new codes and new code availability to cover them.  It also simplifies some things to have one CPT code, rather than a CPT code plus some DX codes.  The specificity of the codes will also make the data more valuable because you are giving more information.  Disease and treatment patterns can be studied more accurately.   The spread of disease can be studied and possibly better contained.  However, this is a beast with many tentacles, on par with the biggest of government programs and endeavors ever conceived.  Have no doubt, it is going to change the way you document patient encounters and bill out, forever.

Let’s start with the easy stuff and work our way along the ICD-10 trail.

Genius Presents WritePad webinars, by WritePad

Click the Banner for the Schedule.

  

We wanted to make sure that all of our WritePad clients and users were aware of the upcoming webinars being provided by WritePad.  If you have any additional questions regarding these webinars, please e-mail denzler@@writepad.com

Free Stimulus Webinar!

Correct Coding to Boost Your Stimulus Funds

You've invested in a certified EHR system to enhance your documentation and you qualify for healthcare stimulus funds. What if your coding is not correct?

Correct Coding is the answer not only to ensure that you receive the maximum stimulus funds being offered, but it also helps you to maximize your insurance revenues for the work you perform. This webinar will highlight the most common coding errors that results in revenue leaks from your office.


Sign Up Here:

Monday, March 14th, 12:15-1:45pm EDT

Electronic Patient Data: The Future e-Wave Comes Crashing Down

Four quick, current looks at patient information: Need, Care, Exploitation, and Change 

NEED

Now that hospitals and offices are getting on the EHR bandwagon and they are discovering the pearls, perils, and pitfalls of it, it is coming to light that physicians aren’t the only people who need to be educated about electronic health records and using them. According to a new study by PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP) and some general “noticing” of things, it is being discovered that patients aren’t quite on the e-records band wagon yet either. PwC surveyed 1000 consumers and found that only 14% of them had gotten their records electronically from their physician (I didn’t see a note that indicated any connection between desiring to get their records electronically, and being able to get them because of the office not being able to issue it.) Setting aside that potential problem- 14% get e-record, 30% said they don’t know why they would ever need them, and 50% requested paper records. When consumers were asked how they would like to interact with their doctors electronically the top three answers were to: follow-up from their doctors, make appointments, learn about treatment information.

EHR- Got one?

Dr. Blumenthal Discusses Registration for EHR Incentive Programs (video +)

In the Blumenthal video above, he gave some statistics:

• About 80% of the hospitals plan to implement EHRs and work on complying with the stimulus fund program over the next two years.
• 40% of private practice physicians plan on doing the same, and 80% of them plan on implementing and working their EHR over the next two years.
• 18% of private practice physicians said they will not participate at all.

We know that the magic stimulus dollar amount an individual physician can get over the five years is $44,000. I was also reading that hospitals can get reimbursements and aid of up to $2 million.

Are you ready? What tools are you going to use this year?

In case you've missed it or haven't noticed.... we have some great tools in the form of upcoming seminars and webinars to help you make the most out of your office (and your bank account) this year.

First Up Seminars

NACC 1-day Super CA Training and Certification class for CAs, Office Manager, and even you Chiropractors who work on your own coding. We've also got some documentation specials for you doctors.

It's not just a nice thing to have a certified coder, it also pays in correct coding, protects you in an audit, and will become a vital necessity in the near future as rules, regulations, and documentation tighten (not to mention the introduction of ICD-10, coming to your office soon). Don't just be on the cutting edge, be on the leading edge of payment.