Kathy's Corner

I've worked in many medical scenarios over the years - coder, MA, office and billing manager and have worked with a number of different medical billing systems, but until I worked with the staff at Bradford-Scott, I had never experienced the level of friendliness and customer support they provided.  I was so impressed I applied for a job with them.  

Eleven+ years now and I am still proud to be part of the team and our commitment to customer service.  I am a Project Manager for Medical Software and work closely with our accounting and sales teams as well as support - so I may just change my hat depending on your needs!

Tracking/Trending of your electronic claims - Show me the money!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 by Kathy Reinhardt

As a physician, you need to know that your billing is being processed as efficiently as possible.  The bottom line - show me the money!  Does your staff waste valuable time working paper trails from your medical billing system to collect your accounts receivable?

Claims Vision is latest offering in our electronic package - a new web-based application that launches from Intergy or can be accessed directly through the Internet.  This tracks electronic claim history up to 15 months and provides a one stop shop to see the how/where/when and why of electronic billing.

These are just a few of the features Claims Vision offers:
 

  • Multiple search options with fields for user defined data, including drill down to the claim level.
  • At a glance view of claims accepted/rejected by the clearinghouse and payers.
  • Request for Claims Review letter that defaults in the patient information and current claim status.
  • Graphical dashboard allows you to track payer trends, view accepted/rejected ratios, claims dollars and top ten rejections of your claims.

Claims Vision is just another feature that is offered as part of our electronic package for our clients - does your medical office billing software measure up?  If you are not using features like electronic claims, automatic remittance posting, Claims Vision, ERA Manager or electronic statements, your staff is wasting valuable time that could be used to collect on your accounts.

Contact Bradford-Scott Data Corporation today and let us help you make the most of your practice.  We offer Intergy practice management (medical claims) and electronic medical records(EMR) by SAGE. 



 


Have you been dragging your feet? EMR is here to stay!

Friday, January 29, 2010 by Kathy Reinhardt
Are you dragging your feet to make the change to electronic medical records (EMR)?

The legislation has been passed, as well as the law for the stimulus package to help physicians qualify for grant money based on meaningful use of electronic medical record systems.  Surf the net any date and you will see multiple sites with EMR reviews, as well as all the information on HHS, CMS and other government internet sites.  EMR is here to stay!

What does this mean to you? 

Get Informed!  The Department of Health & Human Services  has information about the recent changes and pending laws that will affect how the grant money is dispersed.

Call Bradford-Scott Data Corporation !  Talk with our medical consultants about our Intergy software for practice management and electronic medical records.  We can help you make an informed choice and improve your patient care and office efficiency. 

Taking Small Steps into the Electronic Medical Record World - Getting Ready

Friday, January 22, 2010 by Kathy Reinhardt
In the few short years since HIPAA, our Bradford Scott medical clients have learned new skills and become comfortable using options not available before for electronic billing.  Now, the focus is on the rest of the medical office and making the change to an electronic medical records system(EMR).

No matter what position you fill at the doctor's office, change is difficult for everyone.  Realizing that change is not bad and does not equal losing your job is the first step.  It's not so much a question of "What will I do now?" as "How will I do this now?"

Long before training and implementation begin, you need to include the staff so that everyone will be on board as the change happens.  This can be a few simple things -
  • a lunch with everyone to go over what is happening
  • review windows skill sets for all staff and improving those who need it
  • having mini-meetings with clinical and front office to listen to their suggestions and smooth out the problems
More than anything, this will give the staff time to become invested in the move to EMR.   Once the actual EMR training begins, they will be invested in making this happen.

Helping medical practices make the change from a paper world to an electronic one does take time; but with the help of our medical trainers to guide you through the steps, everything falls into place.  Give Bradford-Scott Data Corporation a call today  at 317.713.2065 and see how we can help change your world. 

Save Time with Electronic Medical Records

Thursday, January 7, 2010 by Kathy Reinhardt
Indianapolis is in the middle of our first big winter storm and the drive into work was nothing but start, stop, and slide.  For most of the people at Bradford-Scott Data Corporation, it took about 2 or 3 times their normal drive-in time. 

That made me think of the differences between paper charting and electronic medical records.  Paper charting, messages, and the hunt for the missing chart all add up to more time and more cost to you as the physician.

Make the change to Electronic Medical Records (EMR) with Intergy by SAGE and watch the changes unfold in your practice:
  • Charts are available in seconds
  • Flowsheets show trends
  • Patient health reminders
  • Tasking messages, results and sign-offs can all be done with a few simple clicks and are documented for the patient chart
  • Electronic prescriptions
Suddenly, your office is becoming more efficient, patient care and follow-up is improved and your reimbursement level is increasing as all findings, treatment plans are documented and checked for coding levels in the Medcin database. 

Not only is Intergy CCHIT certified, templates are available for over 25 specialties that can also be customized for your workflow - including Cardiology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, OB-GYN as well as Family Practice.  

As a Channel Partner for SAGE, we offer Intergy EMR, Intergy Practice Management along with Enterprise medical software capability and Practice Analytic software.  Give Bradford-Scott Data Corporation a call and let our medical consulting staff get you started!

New Year's Resolution - Implement EMR!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
New Year's Eve is almost here, so it's time to party!   After the parties, it's time to make New Year's resolutions (you know, the usual  list that somehow stays the same next year).  

This year, make a difference!  Make implementing an electronic medical record software package(EMR) number 1!

Now is the best possible time to make a change-
  • Implementing EMR in 2010 will put you on the inside track with the ARRA stimulus package.  Money is available on a per physician basis for implementing meaningful use of an EMR software.  The grant money will be distributed over a 5 year period, but early adopters in 2010 can qualify for a higher return the first year.

  • Yes, there is an initial learning curve, but once you take the plunge, you will notice increased efficiency, better reimbursement due to correct coding/documentation of your notes, improved patient care and instant access of charts.

Contact Bradford-Scott Data Corporation  and let our medical consultants show you how Intergy EMR by SAGE can make a difference in your office.  Intergy is CCHIT certified and has over 25 specialty templates including cardiology, pediatrics, and orthopedics, just to mention a few,  that can be customized for your workflow.  Let our trainers help you maximize your workflow electronically and start the new year right!

Is EMR on your Christmas List?

Friday, December 18, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
I love Christmas - all the fun of decorating, buying gifts and the anticipation when Christmas finally arrives.  Have you put electronic medical records(EMR) on your Christmas list?  

Give yourself a gift this year - one that will keep on giving as you'll reap the benefits of:

More time:
  • efficient use of your time with patients/staff 
  • improved patient care


More money: 
  • better documentation equals better coding for higher reimbursement
  • incentives for e-Prescribe
  •  ARRA  - stimulus package- qualify for money for implementation and meaningful use of an electronic medical records software  
So what are you waiting for?  This is the best time to purchase an electronic medical record system.  Talk to one of our medical consultants at Bradford-Scott Data Corporation today about our CCHIT certified EMR software and have a Merry Christmas! 

Training and Support - the keys to successful EMR implementation

Friday, December 11, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
Everyone has heard horror stories of failed electronic medical record system implementations.  However, the truth is that there are just as many (if not more) physicians currently using EMR.  Why did they succeed and the others fail?  Here are 3 reason that make the difference:

Time - an electronic medical record system is not implemented overnight or in a week.  The doctor and staff must learn new ways of doing things that will ultimately improve patient care and office efficiency.

Commitment - everyone at the practice must commit to doing their part during the implementation.  This can translate as time to train, making helpful suggestions and attitude.

Training/Support from your vendor - having someone available to lay the framework for the implementation, being available for questions and consultation will make this a smooth transition.

At Bradford-Scott Data Corporation we focus on providing excellent customer service and support.  Our support team is there to provide an overall road map with training and onsites to work toward translating your daily paper based routine into an electronic one. 

We also provide technical support to answer any questions, concerns that come up as you go about your new daily routine.  So give us a call or visit our website and let us help you on your way! 

American Recovery & Reinvestment Act - just the facts

Friday, December 11, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
What does the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act do for me?  This act will allocate approximately 19.2 billion dollars to accelerate the use of electronic medical record systems(EMR) by physicians and hospitals.  Using an EMR system will provide many benefits to your patients and practice, such as:

Enhanced quality of healthcare
Improved patient health information security
Expanded coordination of care between physicians, hospitals and labs
Reduced healthcare costs

The incentives are determined on a per eligible provider basis.  Funds will be distributed through Medicare or Medicaid to eligible providers based off the calendar year and paid the following year.  The incentive payments will begin in 2011. 

The act also allows for payment adjustments beginning in the year 2015 and continuing on in the following years for providers of services who were not a meaningful EMR user.  The reduction would start with 1 percent and can go as high as 5 percent.

What is an eligible provider (EP)?  Eligible professionals are designated in the act as only those defined in the Social Security Act - which includes a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, surgery, dental medicine, podiatric medicine, optometry or a chiropractor.  

What do I need to do to receive incentive payments from Medicare?    Demonstrate meaningful use of a certified EMR/EHR

What does "meaningful use" and "certified EMR/EHR" mean?  The qualification criteria for the incentives are still in development and are anticipated to be announced by the end of December 2009.  This rule is expected to define HIT standards, policies, implementation specifications, time frames, and certification requirements.

Now that you know the basics, you need to start looking for the right software for your office.  Intergy by SAGE, a CCHIT certified, national  EMR system, is Bradford-Scott Data Corporation's flagship product. 

We provide excellent customer support and service for practice management and electronic medical record software - give us a call and let us help you on your way. 

Electronic Medical Records - making the right decisions

Friday, December 11, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
It seems that there are still a lot questions about implementing an electronic medical record system(EMR).  Have you heard these before?

"I am the only one who will use EMR - I don't understand why my staff would be so upset when we get one"
 
"I have plenty of time! After all, the incentives don't start for a couple of years - why should I get one now?"
 
"All electronic medical records systems are the same - I'll just look for the best deal I can get.
 
If you have heard or made any of those statements, it's time for a wake up call!

Your staff handle multiple functions as an extension of you.  Think of what happens now when the receptionist takes a phone message - now translate that to an electronic format and you will see that your staff will also be utilizing EMR,  making your office more efficient and providing better care and tracking. 

Although incentive payments may not start for a couple of years, they are based on the previous year.  Early adopters can qualify for more money.  The longer you wait, the more you have to lose, not just in incentive dollars, but the amount appropriated by the bill could run out.  If you wait too long, you may not qualify for any type of incentive and experience payment adjustments decreasing your reimbursement form 1 to 5 percent.  You must also demonstrate meaningful use in order to qualify for the incentives.

Not all EMR systems or vendors are alike!  There is a reason there are so many failed implementations out there.  Switching to and electronic medical record system takes 3 things - time and commitment from the practice and excellent training/support from the vendor.  Take the time to identify the criteria your practice needs in an EMR system  -      such as :
  • CCHIT certification (required for ARRA incentive)
  • Templates that can be edited for your specialty
  • Support and training available from your vendor
Contact Bradford-Scott Data Corporation and let us start you on your way!

Benefits of an EMR System

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
Since the advent of the ARRA legislation, many physicians are waiting to see just what will be required in order to qualify for the incentives.  What they do not realize is that the incentive is just the icing on the cake!

A return of investment profile (ROI) will quickly point out savings in your practice when you implement an EMR system - just are few are listed below:
  • Accuracy
  • Improved patient care
  • Efficiency
  • Correct coding will improve your reimbursement
  • Reduced or eliminated supply or staffing costs 
In today's economy, purchasing an electronic medical record system that will show immediate as well as long term gains only makes good financial sense. 

Don't make the mistake of sitting on the fence!  Give Bradford-Scott Data Corporation a call today - our flagship product, Intergy by SAGE, is CCHIT certified and has templates for over 20+ specialties.  Add our excellent customer service and support and you've found the winning combination! 

Do you PQRI?

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
Many physicians have taken the time to provide PQRI (Physician Quality Reporting Initiative) reporting codes when completing the charge information for a patient visit. 

When this information is sent from your medical office billing software electronically, CMS tallies the information an determines which providers successfully earned the incentive for the previous year.  If you  have been already been reporting PQRI, you should be receiving reports and your check for 2008 soon.  CMS also offers an incentive for PQRI reporting with electronic prescriptions.

If you use the online system IACS, Individuals Authorized Access to the CMS Computer Services, to access your reports, you may find that your account has been disabled.  CMS deactivates the account if the user has not logged in within 60 days.  If you experience difficulties with IACS, call CMS External User Services at 1-866-484-8049.

If you prefer, you can call your carrier and request the feedback report - it will be sent by email in an Excel format can can take 2-4 weeks to receive.

If you have not been sending the reporting codes with your charge information to CMS and need help, call Bradford-Scott Data Corporation and one of our support techs will be happy to walk you through the process.

Has the stimulus package slowed down your search for EMR?

Monday, November 16, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
While it is true that everyone was initially excited by the prospect of getting incentives over five years for implementing an electronic medical record product (EMR), the government delays to clarify what qualifies have given some doctors cold feet! 

Add that to the fact that Medicare payments are decreasing, the economy is still in a recession, many physicians are adopting a wait and see stance.

The list below focuses on the key points of the legislation that is anticipated to be released in late 2009.  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) are working with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) to provide the bill with the proposed criteria.
  • Meaningful use
  • HIT standards
  • Policies
  • Certification Requirements
  • Implementation Specifications
  • Time frames

As a physician, what should I be doing now?

Keep informed with announcements made by CMS regarding EMR and the stimulus package.

Start looking for an electronic medical record system now!  Make a list of your requirements to compare different packages.

A great place to start your search is with Bradford-Scott Data Corporation.  We are a Channel Partner for SAGE, a nationally recognized company, and offer Intergy EHR by SAGE.

Intergy EHR is CCHIT accredited, has templates created for over 20+ specialties, and can be customized to suit your work flow. 

In addition, Bradford-Scott Data Corporation has a support team who focuses on excellent customer service/support and will be there to help guide you on your way. 

New Medical Billing Denial effective 1/1/2010

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
Time for another wake up call! It seems as though CMS changes the medical billing requirements for the claim all the time.  The latest change is from Transmittal 480  and can affect your cash flow.

Starting January 1, 2010, providers who order supplies or medical equipment, must be enrolled in CMS's Provider Enrollment Chain Ownership System (PECOS).   

Right now you should be receiving warning notices on your remittance advice stating "the referring or ordering provider is not authorized".   These claims are currently being paid, but as of January 1, 2010, they will be denied for payment if you have not registered your providers in the PECOS system.

Don't be caught by surprise!  Even if your provider is properly enrolled with Medicare through paper forms, if you fail to register your provider in the PECOS system, you will be denied payment .   CMS states that the agency "will verify that the ordering/referring provider is on the nation PECOS file.  If the ordering/referring provider is not on the national PECOS file, the claim will not be paid."


Enrollment in PECOS is simple:
  1. Go to https://pecos.cms.hhs.gov/   - use the same login/password you use for the NPPES site
  2. Follow the on screen instructions - be sure to save, you'll get logged off if idle for 15 minutes
  3. Print, sign and mail the two-page certificate - enrollment is not processed unless the forms are received within 7 days of your online entry.

Contact the CMS External Users Help Desk if you have any technical problems with the site  1 866-484-8049 or email EUSSupport@cgi.com

Call your regional CMS office if you have questions on the acutual enrollment.

Although this change will not affect how you enter your claim information in your medical insurance billing software, failure to register the providers will deny the payment.

EMR - why aren't you using it yet?

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
I have to say that on the whole, we really are a funny race - simply because we are so contradictory.  Take a look around and you will see someone with an ipod, cell phone, playing video games, watching TV or using a computer - after all, it is the age of technology.  Right?

Hmm,  look at the health industry.  When it is so vital that the patients' information about their condition, medicines, etc be accurate and available, we are bound by columns of paper charts(if you can find them),  sticky notes for patient messages,  illegible notes and prescriptions. 

What is everyone waiting for?  Here are some of the reasons I've heard:
  • No time
  • Costs too much
  • Heard too many stories of failed implementations
Stop and take a look at the facts.

Studies have shown that using an electronic medical records system, EMR, will increase your efficiency, decrease office costs and improve patient care.

Still concerned about cost?  The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) offers an incentive (up to $44,000 over 5 years) for physicians to implement an approved electronic medical record system.

Failed implementations?  yes, there are some out there.  A successful implementation takes 2 things - 
  • commitment from the office - from the doctor on down     and 
  • a vendor who provides excellent support and training

Bradford Scott Data Corporation has a reputation of providing excellence to our customers for over 25 years.  Our medical team has what you need to provide consulting, training and ongoing support to help you get the most value out of your system - customized for your practice.  Talk to one of our medical consultants today and find out how you can make a change!

Electronic Medical Records - time to make a change

Thursday, October 8, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
With electronic medical records system (EMR), you can literally change your practice footprint.  It's really amazing how many different aspects of your office change as you begin to implement an EMR.

Most people assume that the doctor is the only one affected by the electronic medical record system, but nothing could be further than the truth!  Everyone in the office will have some aspect of their daily tasks improved from adding electronic medical records.
  • Tasking - allows everyone to stop pulling charts and writing sticky notes!  Everything from phones messages, refilling a prescription, requesting a staff member to call a patient, schedule appointment or order therapy, etc can now be at your fingertips.
  • Scanning - from insurance cards to authorizations or test results - can be scanned into the system and designated by category to quickly access.
  • Electronic prescriptions - can be quickly processed whether they are new, renewals or requests from the pharmacy - all with a couple of clicks.
  • Office visit note - as you complete the SOAP information - the system is auditing the level of service provided, along with your plan - including prescriptions, tasking your orders, etc.  These charges can also be posted for billing without having your biller re-enter all the charge information.
With just a few of the features I've mentioned here, the doctor, nurse, receptionist and biller have already made changes that affect the efficiency in your office.  Add in an extra bonus for providing better patient care - and you can easily see what the fuss for electronic medical records (EMR) is all about.

Contact us at Bradford-Scott Data Corporation and let our team of medical consultations show you how to make a change for the better!  


Intergy Practice Management by SAGE

Friday, October 2, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
Having worked as a billing supervisor in a large practice and spent many hours documenting "how-to's" for my staff on another medical office billing software system, I would have to say that Intergy Practice Management software is an accountant's delight.  The system has specific steps for recoupments, unapplied credits that eliminate errors and provides a complete audit trail.  Some additional time saving features include the following:

  • Administrative charges - ex NSF, No Show or Medicare Records
  • Pre-Collection of copays
  • Billing, Closing day and month end steps are simple
  • Claims Tracker - get the bird's eye view on your electronic claims, click to correct errors
  • Electronic Remittance Advice auto-posting
  • Electronic Statements and Collection Letters
  • Enterprise functionality - available for billing services and MSO's

Having everything available at your fingertips is a great time saver and lets you focus on collecting money for the practice!

When you are ready, add the electronic health record (EHR) for a complete integrated package.

Sound like you should make the change to Intergy?  Let Bradford-Scott Data Corporation help you on your way! 

Electronic Medical Records System - do you have all the pieces of the puzzle?

Friday, October 2, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
Have you been looking for a medical software system that fits your office?

There are many benefits to using a product that combines practice management (medical billing software) with electronic health records into one database. 

While you can have separate systems and utilize the import/export features of an interface, you must also face the fact that you may not have all the functionality available as you would in a single database solution.  You may also incur additional hardware and software costs to support separate systems.

Selecting Intergy by SAGE, you have all the pieces of the puzzle in one database:
  • Practice Management Billing
  • Electronic Health Record
  • Electronic Prescriptions 
  • Enterprise Medical Software
and don't forget the last piece of the puzzle - Vendor Support!

One of the reasons that physicians are hesitating to implement an EHR solution is that stories still circulate about failed implementations. 

Why should it be different for me, you ask?  

Select the vendor who believes in excellence in customer service and support, who has been in business over 25 years using this motto - Bradford-Scott Data Corporation

Moving to a new system does require change, however, with Bradford-Scott Data Corporation there to provide an experienced hand to help you on your way, there's no reason to wait!  

Electronic Precriptions - are you ready to get started?

Friday, October 2, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt
Have you made the change to electronic prescriptions yet? 

If you aren't ready for the bigger step of electronic medical records (EMR), starting with our internet e-Prescribe solution may be just what the doctor ordered.  Some of the benefits to e-prescribing are listed below:
  1. Patient record of prescriptions that can be viewed at any time as well as adding, renewing or authorizing renewal requests from pharmacies - all available with just a few clicks
  2. DUR - the system checks for adverse drug interactions
  3. Allergy tab- helps to eliminate drug choices that contain compounds a patient has had a reaction to previously
  4. Correct dose and checking for duplicate prescriptions eliminate additional calls to/from the pharmacy
  5. Improved patient care with time savings and documentation for the physician.
Whether you are looking for electronic prescriptions or the complete electronic medical records software, contact Bradford-Scott Data Corporation to see how you can start benefiting today! 

Intergy Products plus Excellent Service = Happy Customer!

Thursday, September 24, 2009 by Kathy Reinhardt

Bradford-Scott Data Corporation prides itself on providing excellent customer support and service.   Whether we are onsite, on a phone support call or in a training session - our software and hardware support teams are there to help you!   

Each year we send out client surveys to get feedback from our clients - how they rate our service and suggestions for improvements we can make.  Last year our clients rated us a 9.39 on a scale of 1 to 10, but we are always looking for ways to get the top score of 10!

We provide a complete turnkey solution with Intergy products by SAGE:
  • Practice management (medical billing) software
  • Enterprise practice management software
  • Practice Analytics (reporting tool)
  • Electronic prescriptions internet solution
  • Electronic medical records (EMR)
In a world where everything has become less personal, we've found that clients are always happy to to work with someone who puts their satisfaction first. 

If you are in the market for medical billing software, electronic prescriptions or electronic medical records, give Bradford-Scott Data Corporation a call.  We'll give you the same careful attention the we provide to all our clients.