Practice Finance

From the vendor for billing and collections software, to an EHR, if physicians have the need to succeed in value-based reimbursement, help is available.

Medical Economics is looking for physicians making a significant impact or driving innovation in healthcare as nominees for our first-ever list of “ChangeMakers in Medicine.”

You’ve no doubt heard about large healthcare companies and hospital systems being purchased for staggering sums by private equity firms.

A recent survey by Morning Consult showed that across the country, in both red and blue states, the overwhelming majority of Americans believe that a health system based on a foundation of primary care produces healthier patients, higher quality healthcare and lower costs.

Primary care practices located in community settings do a better job of providing high-value, cost-effective services than primary care practices within hospital settings, according to a recent article in JAMA Internal Medicine.

This problem represents yet one more example of CMS’ ill-advised attempts to dictate what transpires in the course of the doctor-patient encounter.

For doctors, the price of prescription drugs used to be largely a medical concern: Patients wouldn’t get better if they couldn’t afford to fill their prescriptions. But with Medicare’s growing emphasis on value-based care, many physicians now also have a financial stake in ensuring that patients can pay for the medications they need.

Regulators are providing flexibility when it comes to system upgrades, but functionality questions remain

We, the people, must have an open debate and come to resolution on healthcare: Is it a right or a privilege?

Providing healthcare pricing is important, but listing them in the form of a static menu is not helpful.

Chances are, many independent medical practices are participating in Medicare’s Quality Payment Program through the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2017.

Come out swinging for patients.

There are ways doctors can save significant money on occupation disability insurance.

New tools can help grow or run a practice, but be sure they also help the bottom line

Up to 80% of all medical bills contain mistakes, so what can be done to fix this problem?

How to optimize the revenue cycle with comprehensive patient communication strategies

Do patients prefer Marcus Welby, MD, or Derek Shepherd, McDreamy, for their physician? The former, a well-seasoned veteran of medical science, the latter, a recently educated young doctor?

Before physicians buy a revenue cycle management system they should do more than listen to a vendor’s sales pitch.

Small practices that enroll in value-based initiatives will see revenue cycle disruptions and loss of income, one expert says.

New RCM systems will improve small practices’ ability to manage claim denials, improve reimbursements and boost their business operations.

Practices must focus on building an efficient RCM system that helps them collect payments while allowing them to focus on patient care.

Is it time to outsource? Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of outsourcing vs keeping it in-house

How do you bill situations when you see the patient in the office and then direct the patient to go to the emergency department (ED)?

A growing movement argues physicians must address the economic and social forces behind patient health

Before selling your practice, bringing on a new partner or investor or entering into a new practice management relationship or joint venture, you should first determine if there are any business or regulatory risks present in your practice, as they could jeopardize your transaction or put a portion of your proceeds at risk.

Quality metrics, MOC and physician income are the hot topics readers are talking about in this issue of Your Voice.

MACRA/MIPS should be abandoned for the good of Medicare patients.

Joining forces with other physicians to thrive is necessary, and a clinically integrated network may be a route to consider

Every practice management system can produce reports, but are you utilizing those reports on a monthly basis? They are the key to your practice management numbers, but it’s amazing how many people I work with who do not know how to run reports

Saving for the future and enjoying the present are two impulses that rarely go hand-in-hand. With Americans living longer, many worry that they may run out of money while still alive. Plan on averages, assumptions, and make a strategic plan in the years prior to retirement. Steven Podnos, MD, CFP offers advice on balancing saving for the future and paying for the present.