Saturday, December 16, 2006
OmniMD introduces Patient Portal Services with its EMR
Mr. Divan Da’ve, CEO - OmniMD says, “The aim to launch a Practice Portal is to bridge the gap between healthcare service providers and patients, by allowing physicians to offer high level of service and convenience to patients any time, anywhere through a secure medium. More than 60% of Americans use the internet as of source of health information – patient portals will prove to be a great tool for preventive healthcare.”
According to a recent Harris Interactive/Wall Street Journal survey, 74% percent of respondents said they would like the ability to communicate with their physician via e-mail, but only 4% of respondents currently use the technology. 62% of respondents stated that the ability to communicate via e-mail with their physician would impact their physician choice "to some extent" or "a great deal."
The portal allows patients to request for appointments, update or modify their records, obtain personalized medical information and view prescriptions. Portals are also being used refill and lab-tests requests; in addition to automated health alerts and patient-education through email.
By delivering information and services to patients across the continuum of care, a fully functional Patient Portal not only helps maintain a seamless communication flow with his doctor but also improves overall care team efficiency.
Practice portal can be integrated with the OmniMD Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Software to provide a set of pre-defined functionalities for registered patients. These functions not only empower the patient with information available anytime of the day, but also reduce workload on the practice / hospital staff. Many experts believe that Practice Portals or Patient Portals will soon be an integral communication channel between patient and provider. In addition to enhancing online community presence, many clinics having portals have reported savings in man-hours and administrative costs over a period of time.
With the introduction of fully functional Practice Portal services, OmniMD is one of the very few EMR vendors offering such a wide range of healthcare IT solutions and services – Integrated EMR and Practice Management Software, Patient Insurance Eligibility Check, Automated Patient Reminder, Medical Transcription services, Medical Billing System and Scanning and Indexing services.
With the increase in EMR adoption, patient portals will be the next step ahead towards increased revenues, enhanced care and improvement in patient-provider relationship.
How To Succeed As A Medical Transcriptionist
Facts: Medical transcription has evolved into a highly skilled subspecialty of medicine requiring proficiency in the knowledge of medical language and technical skills, and today’s marketplace commands the successful MT to possess a variety of skills, which includes use of the Internet. The difference between a transcriptionist and a good transcriptionist is the extra mile taken to ensure the accuracy of document information and presentation. Job proficiency is the name of the yardstick and you will be measured by it.
Hiring facilities view MT candidates as having a variety of talents, assets and characteristics. Your proficiency in the real world is measured by your proficiency to get the job done accurately and in a timely manner. Your work will be monitored and you will have regular performance reviews wherever you work, so performing your best is always a top priority. It pays to persevere, and learning what you don’t know will only help you in the long run.
Secrets: Repetition is a key factor in mastering listening skills. As much as possible, listen repeatedly whenever encountering an unfamiliar word or phrase. Transcription speed is built on abbreviated keystrokes, which save time and enhance your ability to make more money. Always find ways to improve your knowledge and technical skills, because learning occurs daily. As technology advances, you will be expected to know how to use and integrate these changes into a facility’s system.
Expand your knowledge. Get to know other transcriptionists and network often, if not daily. Reach outside your comfort zone. Choose an area of particular interest and become an “expert” in that area. While the road may be tedious in the beginning, ultimately rewards do come. If you promise 24-hour turnaround, deliver it. Honor and meet whatever commitments you agree to with your client. As you continue in your career, the likelihood of greater demands and expectations made upon you increases, so practice often and keep your knowledge current.
Conclusion: Commitment and determination lead to a successful career. Be willing to take the steps necessary to complete the required learning, to compete in a market that strives for excellence and rewards it, and to invest time, energy and sincere efforts toward excellence.
Friday, December 15, 2006
So What Is The True Salary For Medical Transcriptionist?
I know you’re going to hate this answer, but…it depends. Medical transcription is listed as one of the fastest growing careers and will be for the next several years. That’s good news!
Listen to this, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor‘s May, 2005 statistics regarding medical transcription, the hourly mean wage was $14.36 and the annual mean wage was $29,880. This is up from the previous year, which is good considering some job wages are going down.
The five top paying states in order were Alaska, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Nevada. Now, if you don’t live in one of the top five states, don’t worry!
I live in Georgia and make a lot more than the “average” the DOL has listed and there’s a good chance you will too! The pay starting out at your first job (which may be in a doctor’s office, hospital, or online service) usually is pretty modest.
The good side of that is that many times you get benefits such as paid leave and insurance. If it’s the top salary you are going for, just be patient. Self-employed MTs can earn significantly more than MT employees.
Of course, they have to take out taxes and get their own insurance either privately or through their spouse’s company but the rewards are many!
Most MTs are paid by the line, for example if you earn $0.10 per line and you type 1000 lines, you earn $100.
You can either then let the word processing program (Word or Word Perfect) tell you how many lines there are or, in some older programs, you may need to get the word count, then divide by 11 to get the line count. Most line counts are made by dividing the number of words by 11 since a line has an average of 11 words in it). The going rate is anywhere from as low as $0.05 per line (for beginners) to $0.14 per line and even more. In my area the average is $0.08 to $0.12 per line.
Try not to take a job where you are paid by the hour.
You will make less money and you will be tempted to hurry and may make careless errors, thereby not delivering good quality.
Also, ONE WORD OF WARNING!!!!! OK, two words, Be Patient!
When you first start out, you will feel like you are making $2.00 per hour once you add your lines and multiply by your rate, then divide by how much time you spent typing.
I remember sitting at the computer one night in tears because I had just worked for 4 HOURS transcribing one tape and had earned a whopping $4.50 per hour! I thought, “I can’t do this! It’s not worth it!” It was sooooo frustrating!
But do you know what was causing me to be so “slow”? It wasn’t my typing speed (which by the way you can go to www.careerstep.com, click the top link for “free typing test” and it will time you for one minute and give you feedback regarding your accuracy and score)… it was having to stop and look up words every 30 seconds.
The faster you learn the medical terms, the faster you will do your work and the more you will get paid. At first it is hard because you aren’t sure what the doctor is saying and if it’s really unclear, you have to try looking up a word you can’t even begin to spell.
Some Tips In Promoting Your Medical Transcription Business
The first is one of the most effective way of promotion, sending out Promotion Letters. Advertisers do this by sending out a promotion letter describing the services being offered to any reachable medical offices within an area. To be very effective, follow up your advertising by telephone after a few days of sending it out.
Another favorite advertising gimmick which is proven to work is giving away Freebies or any kind of Giveaway. Freebies are not necessarily small items like pen and such. You may also giveway a service for free, perhaps a sample transcription job or a discount for the initial transcripts would also work fine.
Distributing flyers is another well known technique of reaching more customers. Distributing flyers to hospital, doctor's office or clinics is a cost effective way of advertising.
In addition to flyers, your business card is another tool, in fact the most utilized tool by any business person. As long as you follow the proper business card promotion etiquette, instant connection with a prospect can be achieved. When you needed to share your business card to a prospect, always ask for your prospects business card in return. And please, don't just stick inside the other persons card in your wallet. Be sure to glance and read the card for a few seconds to show your interest.
A newer version which is gaining some popularity are magnetic signs. This is a rehashed version of the famous bumper sticker which is up to now is one of the favorites of advertisers. You can place a bumper sticker or magnetic signage to your vehicle and instantly turn your car into a traveling salesman. Add your website and other contact details prominently on those ads to obtain maximum exposure.
All time giveaway favorites such as pens, coffee mugs, T-shirts and other cheap priced items with your business name and contact details printed on them is another effective marketing technique. This things work very well in medical transcription field.
Supporting a local charity to gain exposure is a feel good way of advertising your medical transcription business. Choose a charity that is related to medical awareness such as cancer, diabetes or heart and stroke charitable institutions. Raising funds for charities not only help your advertising objectives, you will also feel good knowing that you are able to extend help to someone in need.
Ask for referrals from your present customers, don't be shy about it. If your customers liked your service, they will gladly oblige to tell their other collegues about you. Leave a few business cards with them, and ask in a pleasant way to pass out your business card to their contacts.
Network! Make genuine friends with other medical transcription business owners and network with them. Extend your help to them in anyway you can and you will be treated the same way.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Tips For An Effective Billing Invoice
Being a freelancer you need to take very good care of billing invoices. In order to collect my money on time I do file my billing invoices regularly using the standard form for that. I prefer collecting payments by means of PayPal and e-mail. I chose those two because the first one guarantees that I can receive my money quick enough and the second one apart from being quite a timely type of communication, keeps record of everything, including delivery confirmations for the product and the billing invoice too.
In the past my life was much easier as I only had one standard invoice form for everything. It was easier to keep track of things and was cutting down the extra paper work too. I was filing those forms on the computer first and when I had them there I used to print them out on paper to save a copy too. And there was the problem; there were always customers that did not want to use my form but theirs. In addition those who agreed to fill in my forms were often missing to fill them properly. Due to that I dont even know how many different types of billing forms I have in the moment, what I know is that I have them all over the place and its all one big mess without a standard billing form.
I suppose that its just the way it is and I dont worry too much as I am a well organized person and can always put my stuff together even if its all in different shapes and sizes. Some people find the way I do it a bit too complicated by thats my way to keep track of it all and Im happy with it. I keep a ledger with all the details of what has been billed, been paid and still requires being paid. And naturally I have backups too; I keep a paper copy, an electronic copy and a second electronic one thats off site too of all my writing jobs.
It is absolutely crucial, especially for a freelancer to keep backup copies of all his work and billing invoices too. First of all you may always need to add something more, and what is more important you have to prove the work youve done if for example youre being checked by the IRS or just a client doesnt want to pay you. In case you have to revise an old project, no matter is it just for you or is it requested by the client it always makes a good and professional impression if you can have it right in front of you in the very moment. In addition to that it will also keep for your resume if you have copies of all your work as youll always have something suitable to show to a future customer that asks you about previous projects youve worked on, samples or anything else that can convince him to give you a job.
Online Billing: Save a Call
National statistics show that 60% of all calls to a call center are billing related. Questions such as, "Can you send me another copy of the bill?" "Why did my bill increase?" "I didn't get my bill" can send your customer service reps over the edge; however, when you use an electronic bill or online bill solution you will save not only your customer service rep, but also you will save your customers the pain of having to call and ask. You can also use your call center personnel for other more pressing issues. Overall online billing saves you money.
A recent study found, "Between now and 2010, the number of users who pay their bills electronically will grow, by 75 percent, to about 47 million households, says Forrester Research Inc., an independent research company that analyzes and forecasts technology's impact on business and consumers." With this information you are armed to take advantage of the cost savings that comes from online billing.
A clarification may be in order...what is an online bill? You may say paying my bill online. You are 50% right! The other part of the equation is the ability to view the bill online. In order to save on customer calls online presentment of the bill is key. Now for the good stuff...
Implementing an online bill solution will take anywhere from 30 to 60 days depending on how complicated your bill is. Consumers will adopt an online billing solution on average about 2-5% a month. Calls related to bills will start to drop and will fall off dramatically about 6 to 8 months after the solution is implemented. This means you start realizing a return on investment inside of a year just on call reduction. You can save even more money by suppressing paper (A topic for another paper). For any business looking for a great cost savings you found it in online billing or EBPP.
One last word...Don't get discouraged if your call volume climbs slightly in the two months after you have implemented a solution. Your customers are getting used to the new solution and need reassurance that their payment has made it through to you. Once the customer has successfully used the system and payments are flowing...bada-boom bada-bing your call volume drops like a large rock off a short cliff.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Beware Medical Billing Scams
Beware Medical Billing Scams By Shelley Lockwood
It's almost impossible to avoid the many online advertisements of Work from home opportunities.
We're bombarded with variations constantly. When I first began my online journey, I was intrigued by many of them.
They appeared to be simple enough, and such sure things. After making a few minor investments, it didn't take long to realize that most of them weren't quite what they appeared to be.
For instance, I'm sure you've seen advertisements for starting your own business in Medical Billing.
For a small investment they say you get it all, and a sure winner no less.
They start the sales pitch by telling you there's a crisis in the health care system. That doctors and dentists are faced with the difficulties in handling their paper claim processing.
The opportunity they try to sell you is to establish a business in processing these medial claims electronically. The customer base doctors and dentists.
They make it sound like there's a giant waiting list of these Professionals just waiting for you to come along and offer this service. In fact they'll even supply you with a list of eager potential customers. Better yet, their professional sales force will generate lists of leads on your behalf.
You won't have to sell a thing. You don't need any experience at all.
What's even more amazing is they'll supply you with a complete turnkey billing operation for a one time "small" investment.
That small investment, usually turns out to be a price tag that Runs anywhere from $2000.00 to $8000.00. This is supposed to Include everything that you'll need. Software, training, technical support and a list of clients.
Rarely do you get a list of eager customers, or a reliable supply of leads. Like it or not, you will have to sell.
They fail to mention that the competition in the medical billing market is fierce. That you'll have to compete with several large companies who are already well established in the market.
They may provide you with references. Don't be fooled, they may be people who are simply paid to say the right things.
They also won't tell you that most people who purchase this type of business rarely get off the ground. The initial investment is usually a loss.
Beware this online scam and many others. If you want to earn extra income by working from home, or if you want to start your own home business, proceed with caution.
Always, look before you leap. Invest time up front learning as much as you can about the opportunity and the company offering it.
Medical Billing Scams
It's almost impossible to avoid the many online advertisements of work
from home opportunities.
We're bombarded with variations constantly. When I first began my
online journey, I was intrigued by many of them.
They appeared to be simple enough, and such sure things. After making
a few minor investments, it didn't take long to realize that most of them
weren't quite what they appeared to be.
For instance, I'm sure you've seen advertisements for starting your own
business in Medical Billing.
For a small investment they say you get it all, and a sure winner no less.
They start the sales pitch by telling you there's a crisis in the health
care system. That doctors and dentists are faced with the difficulties in
handling their paper claim processing.
The opportunity they try to sell you is to establish a business in
processing these medial claims electronically. The customer base
doctors and dentists.
They make it sound like there's a giant waiting list of these professionals
just waiting for you to come along and offer this service. In fact they'll
supply you with a list of eager potential customers. Better yet, their
professional sales force will generate lists of leads on your behalf.
You won't have to sell a thing. You don't need any experience at all.
What's even more amazing is they'll supply you with a complete
turnkey billing operation for a one time "small" investment.
That small investment, usually turns out to be a price tag that runs
anywhere from $2000.00 to $8000.00. This is supposed to include
everything that you'll need. Software, training, technical support and
a list of clients.
Rarely do you get a list of eager customers, or a reliable supply of
leads. Like it or not, you will have to sell.
They fail to mention that the competition in the medical billing market
is fierce. That you'll have to compete with several large companies
who are already well established in the market.
They may provide you with references. Don't be fooled, they may be
people who are simply paid to say the right things.
They also won't tell you that most people who purchase this type of
business rarely get off the ground. The initial investment is usually a
loss.
Beware this online scam and many others. If you want to earn extra
income by working from home, or if you want to start your own home
business, proceed with caution.
Always, look before you leap. Invest time up front learning as much
as you can about the opportunity and the company offering it.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Count the Ways Medical Billing Software Helps You Save
Wouldnt you want the newest billing software that meets all the needs of your business? Your clients will be more satisfied with the service you give them. Your staff will stay on top of details and be more efficient. You will be able to manage your practices with less worries and stress. Medical billing software is the easy, simple solution that will help you treat your patients right, make life on your staff less complicated, and help you stay in control of your business.
Now lets count the ways medical billing software can help save you time and money.
1. Easy-to-use and maintain
2. Efficient and accurate in data entry process
3. Customizable to your office
4. Can work efficiently and effectively with multiple clinics
5. Doctors can schedule and manage patients from their office
6. Entry screens are easy to handle
7. Save on data entry time
8. Costs less than old software
9. User friendly
10. New employees will learn how to use it quickly
11. Tracking reports are ever changing to fit practices needs
12. Stay connected and updated with all your offices
13. Work anywhere with an Internet connection
14. Its secureHIPPA-compliant servers back it up 24x7
15. Technical Remote Service always available for your needs
16. Tier 1 data center facility ensures system upkeep
17. Reduce IT costs across the boardno extra servers, log-ins, or installations needed
18. Synchronize data
19. Pay-as-you-goupgrade or keep it simple depending on your practice needs
20. Updates installed often (usually weekly) and major upgrades as you go along
21. Guided setup makes it easy on staff and you for use
22. Professionals train staff and offer continuous help
23. Organize and retrieve client folders without hassle
24. Multiple locations can work on the same real-time data all day
25. Reports are always up-to-date no matter where you are
26. Can archive, download and run reports day or night
27. System speed is quick
28. Pre-configured defaults
29. Have option for patient and appointment data imports
30. Its web-based and easier to handle for your office than the old software
What do all of these mean for you? They mean better accuracy, more efficiency, and greater benefits for all involved. Not only will you save in time and money, but you will also reduce the amount of stress dealing with outdated software that doesnt meet your needs. Medical billing software meets and takes care of your clients needs, your staff needs, and your needs. It will change the way you manage and keep up on all your office affairs for the greater good.
Medical Practice Software Simplifies the EMR Process
The Electronic Medical Record, or EMR, has blossomed as the 21st centurys medical record management model. EMR databases consolidate and organize important medical records electronically, including the electronic medical claim. Medical practices have been able to effectively and quickly manage the electronic medical record, greatly benefiting not only the practice but also the client.
Almost any EMR system has been able to assist medical practices to reach a higher level of organization, but new medical practice software takes a practice even further. Though an EMR consolidates medical records, the medical records are still on separate databases, depending on the categories the EMR belongs to. Billing records, medical histories, etc., are all located on different databases, requiring multiple logins and often heavy and expensive security and IT infrastructure. Medical software streamlines the costs, both economic and time.
The market has picked up on the need for medical practice software that simplifies the EMR process. That is why finding the right medical practice software can be so challenging. On any given day, in any given search engine, the keyword medical practice software will yield millions to hundreds of millions of indexed pages. Characteristics of good medical practice software include internet access, medical billing PDA, third party billing, digital imaging, reports, and tracking. In addition to these characteristics, medical practices can look forward to cutting overhead costs, including IT infrastructure and additional security costs.
Every medical practice knows that finding a competitive edge also requires simplicity. Medical practices probably do not have extra time to invest in training themselves on new medical software. Not only should it be simple to learn but also simple to install and simple to use.
Another feature used in medical practice software is accessibility. Medical practice software has enabled access to the cpt code, HCFA 1500, icd.9 codes, SOAP notes, and even HIPAA consultants.
Though searching out the right medical practice software to simplify your EMR needs will require you to do your homework, searching is probably the hardest part. In other words, medical practice software was meant to work for you. The information and tips provided in this article and its accompanying resources are meant to simplify the searching process too. Faced-paced business, especially medical practice business, doesnt stop and wait for everyone to catch up, nor do patients stop coming. The Boy Scout motto is Be Prepared, and with medical practice software, you will be.
A supportable, useable, flexible, manageable, and affordable way to streamline the demands of a medical practice EMR is to find medical practice software capable of supporting your practices information databases and streamlining their management to one secured login. Not only can it support your EMRs but also you, because medical practice software provides access to service consultant and medical codes. It also allows you to access your EMR databases off-site.
Managing the demands of an EMR system can be time consuming and tedious. An EMR does not have to take so much of your time and money if it is effectively managed by a good medical practice software system that works for your business.
Joe Miller is an author of informational articles and online advertisements on business, technology, and health.Monday, December 11, 2006
Fair Credit Billing
"Fair Credit Billing
Fair Credit Billing
Have you received a credit card bill asking for payments of products that you never purchased? or have you ever been billed for a purchasing a product twice that you never did? Well, we understand unfair credit billing can be troublesome and irritating. However, you can sort your differences with the credit card company by making use of the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).
Fair Credit Billing Act assures that you get fair credit belling and helps you settle your disputes with the credit card company. You can use the act if the credit card company charges you wrongly; if there is miscalculation in the bill; if you have been charged twice for the same product; if you have been sent the bill at the incorrect address, provided you had sent the notification of change of address 20 days prior to the bill; if the credit card company has charged you for wrong date or month.
Fair Credit Billing Act helps you in cases of open credit accounts like credit cards, revolving charge accounts and overdraft checking accounts. You cannot apply against installment contracts using Fair Credit Billing Act. However, if you want to make use of the Fair Credit Billing Act, you should have made the purchase of more than $50 and you must have purchased the product in your home state or within 100 miles of your billing address.
To settle the dispute using the Fair Credit Billing Act you will have to follow a certain procedure. You must send a letter to the creditor within 60 days after the reception of the bill. Do not pay the disputed amount to the credit card company but make sure that you pay the undisputed amount in the bill. The creditor should acknowledge you within the next 30 days and clarify the billing disputed in no more than two billing cycles. If the creditor fails to acknowledge your letter in 30 days, he can be penalised. If there is an error in the billing the creditor should explain in writing and withdraw the extra amount or product. However, if there is no error the creditor must explain the reasons in writing and must not charge any late fee.
If you are worried that it may affect your credit rating, then be relaxed as in the dispute period the creditor cannot harm your credit rating. So, to get a fair credit billing, make use of the rights given to you and save yourself from unwanted frustration.Sunday, December 10, 2006
Medical Billing is the Fastest Growing Opportunity in Health Care
On February 16, 2006 the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act was finalized, and enacted. This law is designed to establish national standards for all health care transactions, and to ensure the security and privacy of all health related information. The motivation behind this law is to improve the performance, and efficiency of our health care system. This type of reform has created a need for qualified individuals who can utilize the tools of this legislation, and assure full compliance, and maximum reimbursement. It would therefore be a prudent move for health care facilities to employ such individuals in order to avoid mistakes that could have dire consequences.
The proliferation of medical knowledge following World War II brought about an explosion of diagnostic, and treatment procedures. As a result, there became a need to organize, and standardize all these developing technologies. Here is where the foundations of medical coding were born. Medical coding met these challenges, and allowed for a more uniform way of communicating health information under a common language. By January 1979, standardized definitions, and codes were adopted, and used by health care providers, and insurance companies. Since improvements and refinements of medical procedures are constantly being developed, codes must be added and updated to reflect these changes. Today, the number of medical and surgical procedures have become enormous, so too have the codes to describe them. These overwhelming numbers of codes and protocols have made outsourcing medical billing the standard.
Medical Billing and related occupations continue to be the fastest growing opportunities in health care. Insurance institutions and government agencies are investing huge resources to control claims fraud, abuse, and establish some degree of reimbursement parity. As a result, more insurance companies, and health care facilities are looking to medical billing experts for help. These companies and practices are looking for experienced and educated individuals; the legal consequences of incorrect billing could be devastating. There is a movement in the industry to make medical billers responsible for inaccuracies, much they way accountants are for tax returns.
At present, there are no standards for educational requirements for medical billers and coders. However, more employers are looking for some formal training at an accredited career training institution. These schools range in training time from nine months to two years, anything less would not be considered adequate. There is a move for certification, and several organizations are sponsoring certification examinations in medical billing and coding. Medical billers and coders earn as much as $8 to $10 per hour in the beginning, and could potentially realize $30 to $40 per hours with experience and additional responsibilities.
Today, evolutions in the health care industry are happening at a very high pace. It is only with the assistance of sophisticated computer programs, and standardized coding procedures that medical coders are now able to describe and characterize the tremendous number and various kinds of medical and surgical procedures. These realities coupled with government regulations, and health insurance guidelines have contributed to the strong demand for experienced medical coders and billers.
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