Vital Signs
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Showing 1–16 of 59 results
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Improve productivity: Employ nonphysician providers
Summer 2013
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 597
Abstract: Physician practices — particularly those in primary care — may want to bring nonphysician providers (NPPs) onboard for several purposes. For example, NPPs can provide less expensive services that are currently performed by physicians. Plus, physicians can delegate lower level tasks to NPPs, which may mean they don’t have to recruit new doctors. This article discusses the function of an NPP, how he or she works in a practice, and how to attract and retain the best NPPs.
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How to protect your practice from employee fraud
Summer 2013
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 683
Abstract: Employee fraud is a risk in every business, and physician practices are no exception. One survey done by the MGMA found that 83% of respondents have been affiliated with a practice that has been victimized by employee theft or embezzlement. This article looks at the kinds of fraud that can occur within a medical practice and how to prevent fraud from occurring.
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The future is now – How to prepare for value-based reimbursement
Summer 2013
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 555
Abstract: Private insurers and the government are increasingly pushing for value-based reimbursement (VBR) of providers, leading to a shift from the traditional physician compensation model toward a new focus on quality outcomes. With VBR becoming less a matter of “if” and more of “when,” savvy physician practices are beginning to familiarize themselves with how it works so they can make the transition more smoothly when the time comes. This article discusses several potential VBR compensation models and how to prepare for them.
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Ensuring compliance with the CMS – The ins and outs of “meaningful use” prepayment audits
Summer 2013
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 726
Abstract: In March, the CMS began conducting prepayment audits of providers who have attested to meeting the meaningful use requirements of the electronic health record (EHR) incentive programs. According to the agency, the audits are being done on a random basis, as well as on the basis of “suspicious or anomalous data.” This article discusses the types of information the CMS considers in a prepayment audit, while a sidebar explains what to expect during the CMS audit process.
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Forging productive relationships with your part-time physicians
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 456
Abstract: Many larger practices have added part-timers to their physician rosters and been pleased with the results. The trend has picked up in smaller practices, where the addition of part-timers can also be mutually beneficial — as long as both parties understand the terms and responsibilities of these employment arrangements. This article notes some of the issues that practices need to address.
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7 ways to build primary care practice revenue
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 598
Abstract: As provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act come into play, they promise to be a lifeline for primary care practices — a vital but endangered area of medicine that appeared to be on its last legs. This article offers seven ways a practice can build its revenue while also offering its patients additional and beneficial health care services.
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Be the best of the best – How to boost your practice’s financial performance
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 687
Abstract: This article discusses some of the many ways a physician practice can boost its financial performance. These include focusing on revenue, new patient inflow, referrals, fee schedules, compensation levels and payor monitoring.
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Do you know where you’re going? Strategic planning can show the way
Spring 2013
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 778
Abstract: Small to midsize medical practices face many pressures and threats, but a well-conceived strategic plan can provide a crucial survival tool and identify a plausible route to greater stability and success. This article discusses how to assess the business environment and then develop an action plan. A sidebar explains why strategic planning has been a long-accepted business methodology.
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The ins and outs of valuing your practice
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 614
Abstract: Physician practices are still being bought and sold — mostly by hospital systems. This gives the hospitals a decided edge when it comes to placing a value on those practices. In most cases, the sale price assigned to a practice is developed by a valuation expert who considers all of the practice’s financials. This article explains which assets are likely to be more highly valued, and which are less so.
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3 key steps to building your practice’s profits
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 498
Abstract: Tracking and improving a practice’s expense trends and payment profile are critical to sustained profitability. But with so much else on a physician’s plate, how can this fundamental process be effectively managed without demanding inordinate time? This article explains that physicians can achieve this through selecting and using appropriate metrics, ensuring billing and coding accuracy, and maintaining a healthy cash balance.
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Preparing for ICD-10 — Now is not the time to sit back and relax
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 802
Abstract: In late 2012, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued its final rules on the implementation of ICD-10 and extended the implementation deadline to Oct. 1, 2014. ICD-10 marks a major change in charge and procedure coding for all providers, including physician practices. This article explains what’s involved and what practices will need to do to prepare. A sidebar lists seven benefits the conversion is expected to provide.
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Do you know the ABCs of ACOs?
Winter 2013
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 918
Abstract: Although occupying only a brief seven pages of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) provision has stimulated much interest and attention. As ACOs proliferate, they carry the potential to make profound changes in physician practices. This article discusses how ACOs work, noting that different models offer different levels of benefits and risks.
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4 relationship-building strategies to boost your bottom line
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 531
Abstract: Higher operating costs, more regulation and less reimbursement — as well as increased time demands on physicians and practice managers — are making it harder for practices to stay in the black. It’s important to focus on things such as how to reduce costs and improve collections — but it’s also necessary to take time to look for ways to build strong relationships with patients, payors and vendors, as well as with employees. This article offers four relationship-building strategies to improve the success of a practice.
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Cash flow 101: Submit clean claims to avoid denials
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 728
Abstract: To ensure a practice’s cash flow keeps flowing, it’s necessary to win more appeals on claim denials and, better yet, reduce denials by submitting clean claims in the first place. This article discusses what accounts for most denials and looks at the importance of having a certified coder working on both the front and the back end of the process. It also lists critical items that should be included in an appeal and suggests creating a team to examine the reasons for denials.
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Is there an M&A in your practice’s future?
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 977
Abstract: Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are fast becoming the route to financial survival for physician practices. Increasing numbers of practices are deciding to do deals to escape the ever-tightening walls of higher operating costs, increased regulation and shrinking reimbursements. But M&As typically involve complex strategic business transactions — so caution is the watchword. This article looks at different types of M&As and the steps to take to plan for one. A sidebar offers four specific tips to help ensure a smooth transition.
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The Court has ruled — How the PPACA may affect your practice
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 567
Abstract: The U.S. Supreme Court issued the most significant ruling of its 2011-12 session by upholding the constitutionality of most of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). This article examines the direct results of the ruling and shows what physicians can expect.