Slideshow: Revenue Cycle Reckoning

There a right way and a wrong way to audit your revenue cycle. Take it from the experts. What NOT to Do During an AuditIt can be difficult to bring out the best in your employees if you hastily announce that they are about to undergo an audit. Even when your organization is not the IRS and the “audit” is a coding and documentation review of the revenue cycle, it’s common for people to imagine the worst, according to coding auditors. “They associate it with the government—coming in in suits. Powerful people that can change their lives. Even though you know you’re not going to do that, you don’t have the ability, it’s still a perception that they get,” says Tammy Ree, RHIT, CCS-P, PCS, CHC, CPC, senior HIM consultant at UASI. “But if you...

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Three Strategies for Managing HIM Demands During Payer Audits and Reviews

By Greg Ford In recent years, healthcare organizations have experienced a steady increase in DRG/post-payment audits and Health Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS)/risk adjustment reviews. According to MRO statistics from 2017 to 2018, overall payer requests increased 70 percent due to a significant upsurge in core categories—DRG audits up 52 percent, HEDIS reviews up 62 percent, and risk adjustment reviews up 80 percent.This rising volume of requests from payers heightens the burden on HIM to handle the associated release of information (ROI) demands. To better control the surge in payer requests, HIM departments should consider the following three strategies:Manage time framesRefine language in managed care agreementsPromote...

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March 2019

FULL ACCESS REQUIRESMEMBER LOG INMarch 2019Vol. 90, no. 3    Click here to read the issue. In the IssueFeatures“Check Yourself” By Mary Butler“How to Battle Coding Denial Trends” By Malissa Powers, BS, RHIT, CCS, CICA, and Sabrena Gregrich, MBA, RHIA, CHPS, CPEHR“IFHIMA Prepares for 19th Congress as Health Information Goes Global and Digital” By Lorraine Fernandes, RHIA; Kerryn Butler Henderson, PhD; Carol Lewis, MPH, RHIA; Marci MacDonald, CHIM; Margaret Skurka, MS, RHIA, CCS, FAHIMA; Hussein AlBishi; and Kylie AxfordWorking Smart“Security Risk Analyses Can Offer Significant Findings” By Wes Morris, CHPS, CIPM, HCISPP, andSandra Nunn, MA, RHIA, CHP“The Evolution of Technology in HIM: Where Are You in Your Journey?”...

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CDC Finds That Progress Against HIV Epidemic Plateaued In Recent Years

The report comes just weeks after President Donald Trump announced an ambitious plan to end the crisis. “Now is the time for our Nation to take bold action. We strongly support President Trump’s plan to end the HIV epidemic in America,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said in a statement. “We must move beyond the status quo to end the HIV epidemic in America.”The Associated Press: Weeks After 2030 HIV Pledge, Report Shows US Headway StalledThree weeks after President Donald Trump announced a campaign to end the U.S. HIV epidemic by 2030, new government data show that progress against the disease stalled recently. After declining for several years, the estimated number of new HIV infections held about steady from 2013 to 2016, the latest available...

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Rising Threat Of Misinformation Surrounding Measles Vaccinations Must Be Countered By Doctors, Officials Testify

"We shouldn't be criticizing people who get this information that's false because they may not know it's false," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health, during a House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Experts testifying stressed the importance of public health officials and doctors combating that false information and said outbreaks such as the one in the Northwest are "really unacceptable."Modern Healthcare: Health Officials, Lawmakers Take Aim At False Measles Vaccine ClaimsPublic health officials say the spread of misinformation about the safety and efficacy of vaccines has fueled a series of measles outbreaks across the country. There have been more than 159 cases in 10 states since January....

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Smartphones, Prevalence Of SUVs Cited As Possible Factors In Sharp Rise Of U.S. Pedestrian Deaths

An estimated 6,227 people died on foot from car crashes nationwide last year, the most since 1990. “The alarm bells continue to sound on this issue," said Jonathan Adkins, the executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association.The Associated Press: Study: US Pedestrian Deaths Hit Highest Number Since 1990The number of pedestrians killed on U.S. roads last year was the highest in 28 years, according to a report from a safety organization. Using data reported by states, the Governors Highway Safety Association estimates that 6,227 pedestrians were killed last year. That’s up 4 percent from 2017 and 35 percent since 2008. The association blames the increase on factors that include distracted or impaired drivers, more people walking...

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This Stem Cell Treatment Was Billed As A Miracle Cure. Then People Started Getting Sick.

Companies are advertising the use of umbilical cord blood, saying the treatment is “as miraculous as the birth of a child itself” and “stimulates regenerative healing.” But the products are not approved by federal regulators and can be dangerous to patients. In other public health news: cancer drugs, genome mapping, flu shots, dialysis, tobacco, and more.The Washington Post: ‘Miraculous’ Stem Cell Therapy Has Sickened People In Five StatesOver the past year, at least 17 people have been hospitalized after being injected with products made from umbilical cord blood, a little-known but fast-growing segment of the booming stem cell industry, according to state and federal health officials and patient reports. Sold as a miracle cure for a variety...

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Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ ‘Medicare-For-All’ Debate: Who’s Going To Pay

House Democrats, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), have formally introduced their “Medicare-for-all” legislation. The bill, which would ensure coverage for almost every medical service most people need, did not come with any suggestions for financing. But it will likely reflect the far-left end of the Democratic debate in progress.Meanwhile, the CEOs of seven of the largest pharmaceutical companies testified before the Senate Finance Committee, where both Democrats and Republicans decried the high cost of drugs but did not specifically say what they plan to do about it.And the Trump administration has issued final regulations intended to evict Planned Parenthood from the federal Title X family planning program. But advocates and state...

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On Call Scheduler

Posted on:  Fri, 08 Feb 2019 21:12:44 GMTLocation: Work at HomeProficient with medical terminology. Experience with Electronic Medical Records. Knowledge of ICD 10 and CPT coding.... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OR5, #Uncategori...

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Coder

Posted on:  Tue, 19 Feb 2019 18:26:28 GMTLocation: Work at HomeMaintain coding credentials. Our medical coders are an important part of the medical record team. Thorough knowledge of coding guidelines, medical terminology,... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OR4, #Uncategori...

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Coder-Home Health Certified, Waconia

Posted on:  Sun, 25 Nov 2018 11:12:37 GMTLocation: Waconia, MN 55387Professional coding experience. Certified Medical Coder (CCS-P/CPC/RHIT). Performs coding in a timely manner. Reviews and follows up on coding denials.... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OR3, #Uncategori...

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Medical Records Technician (Coder) Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist

Posted on:  Mon, 11 Feb 2019 21:47:49 GMTLocation: Philadelphia, PAMedical Records Specialists. Crescenz VA Medical Center. Medical Records And Health Information Technicians. (b) Successful completion of a course for medical... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OR2, #Uncategori...

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Medical Records Technician (CODER) Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (CDIS)

Posted on:  Tue, 26 Feb 2019 21:48:17 GMTLocation: San Juan, PRMedical Records Specialists. 0675 Medical Records Technician. Medical Records And Health Information Technicians.... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OR1, #Uncategori...

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Medical Coder

Posted on:  Sat, 19 Jan 2019 09:24:51 GMTLocation: Home BasedAs a member of the PJ&A coding team, you will be responsible for providing coding services to clients over a multitude of healthcare facilities.... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OR0, #Uncategori...

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Coding Data Specialist I - Telecommute

Posted on:  Sat, 16 Feb 2019 15:39:41 GMTLocation: Minneapolis, MNPro Fee Coding:. Coding is accurate and timely. Previous coding experience preferable but not require. Code medical records - Analyze medical record for Health... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQZ, #Uncategori...

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Provider Education Specialist -Certified Coder(Provider Services Analyst) Memphis, TN

Posted on:  Mon, 12 Nov 2018 17:43:17 GMTLocation: Memphis, TN 38119Medical records auditing experience preferred. High School Diploma required • Active coding certification required through AHIMA or AAPC • Previous experience... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQY, #Uncategori...

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Outpatient Coder (Remote)

Posted on:  Mon, 14 Jan 2019 19:23:01 GMTLocation: Work at Home1 year of medical coding experience required. Follows the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, the American Health Information Management Association,... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQX, #Uncategori...

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Medical Records Technician (Coder)

Posted on:  Thu, 21 Feb 2019 15:59:05 GMTLocation: Fort Sam Houston, TX0675 Medical Records Technician. And providing assistance to hospital staff by applying knowledge of inpatient coding, medical terminology, anatomy, and... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQW, #Uncategori...

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Certified Coder

Posted on:  Thu, 31 Jan 2019 18:43:45 GMTLocation: Paris, ILPrevious coding experience preferred. Previous knowledge of CMS, ICD, HCPCS, CPT coding and DRG optimization experience preferred.... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQV, #Uncategori...

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Coder Certified -Health Information Management

Posted on:  Wed, 20 Feb 2019 14:01:57 GMTLocation: Las Cruces, NMMedical office orHealth Information Management Department experience in coding. Memorial Medical Center.... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQv, #Uncategori...

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Coder 1 - Outpatient Coding

Posted on:  Wed, 09 Jan 2019 00:38:37 GMTLocation: Boise, IDOur Outpatient Coding team is looking for Coders! RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator), RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician), CCS... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQu, #Uncategori...

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Coder 1

Posted on:  Wed, 06 Feb 2019 23:24:05 GMTLocation: Madison, WI 53713Graduation from an accredited medical coding program. He/she ensures the medical record reflects adequate documentation consistent with Medicare rules and... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQt, #Uncategori...

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Medical Record Technician - Coder

Posted on:  Mon, 14 Jan 2019 10:54:39 GMTLocation: Dayton, OHMedical Records Specialists. 0675 Medical Records Technician. Medical Records And Health Information Technicians.... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQs, #Uncategori...

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Medical Record Technician (Coder) Auditor

Posted on:  Thu, 21 Feb 2019 03:48:32 GMTLocation: Lebanon, PAReviews coding and assists coders in improving coding accuracy; Medical Records Specialists. 0675 Medical Records Technician.... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQr, #Uncategori...

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Certified Coder

Posted on:  Fri, 21 Dec 2018 22:34:26 GMTLocation: Baton Rouge, LA 70815One year Medical Records general experience and one year coding and CPT-4 coding experience is preferred. Must have extensive knowledge of medical terminology.... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQq, #Uncategori...

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Certified Clinical Coder I

Posted on:  Mon, 25 Feb 2019 19:06:51 GMTLocation: Tahlequah, OKStays familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within medical coding. One year of paid work experience (need not be related to medical coding... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQp, #Uncategori...

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Certified Professional Coder

Posted on:  Wed, 06 Feb 2019 06:05:27 GMTLocation: Murray, UT 84123Knowledge of medical terminology likely to be encountered in medical claims. CE Medical Group is a growing third-party medical billing and consulting company.... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQo, #Uncategori...

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Coding Specialist, Certified - Health Information Services

Posted on:  Sat, 03 Nov 2018 01:07:36 GMTLocation: ‘Aiea, HIPali Momi Medical Center, Aiea, HI. With 118 beds and more than 400 physicians on its medical staff, Pali Momi Medical Center offers a full range of services... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQn, #Uncategori...

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Medical Coder

Posted on:  Tue, 11 Dec 2018 00:23:06 GMTLocation: Longview, TX 75605Responsible for staff and physician related education regarding medical record functions including coding, release of information, applications and use of the... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQm, #Uncategori...

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Outpatient Coder - At Home Coding

Posted on:  Wed, 12 Dec 2018 02:00:34 GMTLocation: Hartford, CT 06103Analyzes medical records, interprets documentation and assigns proper International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition Clinical Modification (ICD 10 CM),... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQl, #Uncategori...

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Certified Coder

Posted on:  Tue, 19 Feb 2019 22:54:14 GMTLocation: Rosemead, CAThree years of experience in medical billing and coding strongly preferred. Working knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy preferred.... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQk, #Uncategori...

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Certified Risk Adjustment Coder

Posted on:  Thu, 31 Jan 2019 20:49:45 GMTLocation: Lake Worth, FL 33463Ability to adapt to various coding technology platforms, such as Electronic Medical Record (EMR) or Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and coding... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQj, #Uncategori...

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Certified Risk Adjustment HCC Coder/Educator

Posted on:  Tue, 19 Feb 2019 15:33:26 GMTLocation: Lake Worth, FL 33463Ensure appropriateness and accuracy of ICD-10 coding) for MSPB’s Medical Coding/Billing Specialists. Risk Adjustment (HCC) Coding:.... More jobs by [wp_news_ticker_benaceur_short_code]https://wp.me/p7iF68-OQi, #Uncategori...

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Are Safe Consumption Sites Really Illegal? No Easy Answer, As Advocates In Mass. Hope To Open Center

Federal prosecutors in Massachusetts and elsewhere have said federal law prohibits such facilities that are allowed in 66 countries, including Canada. Other legal experts interpret the law differently. News on the epidemic looks at efforts under way in Ohio to save lives, as well.Boston Globe: Wait, Is This Legal? When It Comes To Safe Consumption Sites, The Law Is Unclear.Is there any legal way to establish centers where people could use illicit drugs under medical supervision? That is one of the top questions legislators will ask if they take up a bill to allow “safe consumption sites,” as the state’s Harm Reduction Commission has recommended. (Freyer, 2/28)Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Is A Leader In Approach To Battling Opiod Epidemic, AMA Official...

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From The State Capitols: Suicide Prevention Training; Children’s Mental Health; Surprise Medical Bills; Cost Transparency; And School Safety

News from state legislatures comes from New Hampshire, Iowa, Texas, Florida and Georgia.Concord (N.H.) Monitor: House Passes Mandatory Suicide Prevention Training Along With Dozens Of Other BillsA bill that would require New Hampshire schools to provide at least two hours of suicide prevention training for staff each year is one step closer to becoming law. The House of Representatives took up dozens of issues Wednesday and will continue its work Thursday, moving some bills to the Senate, others to committees and many to their swift demise. (Willingham and DeWitt, 2/27)Des Moines Register: Iowa Children's Mental Health Bill Draws Praise And ConcernsAdvocates for Iowa children on Wednesday praised a new bill to set up a children’s mental health...

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State Highlights: Failures By N.J. Nursing Center Leaders Led To Deaths Of 11 Children, Report Finds; 10 Babies Died In Arizona Following Outbreak Of Syphilis

Media outlets report on news from New Jersey, Arizona, California, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Wisconsin, Georgia, New York, Tennessee, Minnesota and Ohio.The Associated Press: Company Leaders Are Faulted In Outbreak That Killed 11 KidsA federal report says a viral outbreak that killed 11 children at a New Jersey nursing home was made worse because those in charge didn't plan for such an outbreak and didn't react fast enough. The Record reports the pediatric medical director of the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation didn't know how many children were infected with adenovirus or what his job entailed at the time of the outbreak last fall. (2/27)Arizona Republic: 10 Arizona Babies Died Of Congenital Syphilis In 2018Arizona is in the...

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Different Takes: ‘Medicare For All’ Is Not A Magic Pill Unless Cost Of Delivery Falls; Talk About Lowering Drug Prices Won’t Cut It

Editorial writers weigh in on efforts to improve quality of care and lower costs.Los Angeles Times: 'Medicare For All’ Is Popular, But It's Likely Doomed To Fail America’s fascination with Medicare for all is born of good intentions. Americans are hurting and in search of relief. Nearly 30% of U.S. adults struggle to pay their medical bills, and more than 20% say they’ve put off treatment or filling a prescription because of cost. Unfortunately, in our search for a magic pill, we’ve missed the key point. Government-run programs work well in the rest of the world because the cost of medical care delivery — what doctors, nurses and drug companies get paid — is considerably less than in the United States. Lowering the cost of care would...

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Viewpoints: Time To Really Research Nutrition, The Top Cause Of Poor Health; HHS Has To Ensure African Americans Finally Get Help With Alzheimer’s

Opinion writers weigh in on these health care issues and others.The New York Times: We Need Better Answers On Nutrition Poor nutrition is a leading cause of poor health and spiraling health care spending. Research from the Tufts Friedman School suggests that poor eating causes nearly 1,000 deaths each day in the United States from heart disease, stroke or diabetes. In 2016, the direct and indirect costs of chronic diseases as a result of obesity were $1.72 trillion — almost 10 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. (Joon Yun, David A. Kessler and Dan Glickman, 2/28)Stat: Alzheimer's Disease BOLD Act Funds Must Help African-AmericansFormer model and restaurateur B. Smith is a likely representation of life with Alzheimer’s...

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