NSCHBC News

Reporting SDoH G0136 in compliance

2024 brought new HCPCS codes that Medicare, Medicare Advantage and some 3rd-party Commercial plans that they will now pay for. One of those codes is the G0136; that is the Social Determinate of Health (SDoH) assessment. It is not an add on code, but a stand-alone assessment.

Collecting the Patient’s Responsibility - At the Appointment or After?

Medical and dental professionals who own their practice are faced with many questions about the best way to conduct business. One of the more common areas of concern is whether or not collecting patient responsibility, or copays and deductibles, is most appropriate at the scheduled appointment or after.

2024 Healthcare Industry Outlook

Nearly one year removed from the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the healthcare industry expects a number of new opportunities in 2024, despite lingering challenges from the pandemic. Healthcare organizations anticipate workforce shortages and legislative challenges; however, the industry also expects that opportunities emanating from technological advancements will allow them to grow and transform.

Importance of Process Rigor in Revenue Cycle Transformation

Revenue cycle management (RCM) is a critical component of any healthcare organization’s financial health. Effective RCM can lead to improved cash flow, reduced denied claims, increased productivity, and enhanced patient experience. However, managing the revenue cycle can be a complex and challenging task. In this article, we will discuss best practices for RCM operations leaders to manage the revenue cycle processes and achieve positive outcomes.

5 Simple Ways To Improve Medical and Dental Practice Cash Flow

If you’re like most practitioners, you entered the medical and dental field to help people and make a difference. While you spent endless hours studying and dreaming about your future practice, cash flow management probably wasn’t in the picture.  Unfortunately, cash flow management determines the success of your organization, with over 60% of businesses struggling to make ends meet due to lagging procedures and policies. The good news is that there are ways you can improve your practice’s cash flow.

Superlative Customer Service = Successful Practice

Many physicians believe that staff should inherently know customer service principles. They don’t, unless they have had training from another organization such as hotel or call center employment. Just as a physician must keep up with continuing education, it is imperative to regularly train your staff in customer service techniques as well as making this an essential part of their job description.

Best Practices in Patient Eligibility and Benefits Verification

With rising consumerism, patients have increasing responsibility for payments. The growth of high deductible health plans (HDHPs) is a clear indicator of this trend. It is, therefore, important to clearly understand the patient's responsibility for payments upfront and determine coverage.

The Evolution of MIPS and Understanding the Upcoming Changes

In the world of healthcare, the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) plays an instrumental role in incentivizing providers to deliver high-quality, efficient patient care. However, staying up-to-date with MIPS can be a challenge as the program is subject to continuous changes and updates. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of MIPS, discuss its current impact, and delve into upcoming changes announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Dermatology Management Company Pays Millions for Self-Reported FCA Liability

Vasilios (“Bill”) J. Kalogredis has been exclusively practicing Health Law and Health Care consulting for over 45 years, representing physicians, dentists, veterinarians, chiropractors, podiatrists, group practices, other health care professionals and health care-related entities.

OCR Issues Guidance on HIPAA protected Telehealth Platforms once the PHE ends May 11th 2023

Under the PHE (Public Health Emergency), non-HIPAA compliant platforms (like smart phone applications FaceTime and Skype) were allowed as long as they were not public facing (i.e. TikTok, Vimeo etc). But with the PHE winding down in less than a month, the OCR (Office of Civil Rights) originally state that this flexibility would expire with the PHE. Meaning that the platform used for all Telehealth encounters have to be HIPAA protected.

Make Sure You Have A HIPAA Compliant Relationship with Your Medical and Dental Practices Marketing Agency

Many healthcare providers outsource some or all of their marketing to marketing agencies. We find that few of those healthcare providers set up a HIPAA compliant relationship before sharing PHI. Are you compliant?

White House announces the end date of the (PHE) Public Health Emergency to end on May 11th 2023

An announcement on Monday, January 30th, by the White House, OMB (Office of Management and Budget), stated that they plan to end the COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency on May 11th. Read further to determine the impact to your medical and/or dental practices.

HHS PRF Audits - The top 10 things to prepare

PRF (Provider Relief Funding) recipients that expended a total of $750,000 or more in federal funds, including PRF payments and other federal financial assistance, during their fiscal year(s) are subject to Single Audit requirements. Read our article on what the requirements are, and to find out if you are compliant.

NSCHBC News Articles 7-12

NSCHBC News Articles 1-6