A recent article in InformationWeek highlighted the slow progress in small and midsize physician practices in expanding the use and realizing the benefits of EHR technology in their offices. A survey…
Physicians To Receive 30% Less From Medicare: Are You Still In?
A couple of today’s news headlines … “The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued its proposed changes to the 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, including a long anticipated…
Your Healthcare Project Financial Proforma – Determining cash needs
“How much cash will I need to pull this idea off?” Maybe you’ve got plans to open a new private medical practice? Or is it that you’re finally about to…
Successful EHR Implementation: Ten Ways to Improve Your Chances
An EHR system can be a significant investment, and adopting one is certainly one of the most far reaching changes that your medical practice may make. However, even with the…
EHR System Failure – the top 4 reasons installations fail
Prior to the recent surge in EHR installations, the figure most often quoted for an EHR system failure was 20%. It should be noted that figure covered a period when systems were…
HIPAA Compliance: EHR Incentives, Risk Assessment, and Penalties
Financial penalties for HIPAA violations. How real are they? How about a recent $4.3 million civil penalty faced by Cignet Health of Prince George’s County, Maryland; or the also recent…
Nursing Home Floor Plans: Optimizing Valuable Space with Improved Circulation
A well-conceived nursing home floor plan requires thoughtful consideration. An astute design will position your facility for success. As an architectural firm specializing in nursing homes, we’re often asked how we…
Medical Accounts Receivable: Monitoring and Measuring Performance
One of the most common issues we confront when called to perform a physician billing department assessment, or a more broad-based medical practice analysis, is the lament: “Why aren’t we…
Disaster Preparedness – A Must for Every Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility
Over the past several days, I’ve watched the tragic events unfold in Japan as a result of the massive earthquake and resulting tsunami. The images-photos and videos, served as a…
Three Financial Strategies for your Medical Practice that are “Like Money in the Bank”
A question recently posted on LinkedIn regarding the “Do’s, Dont’s, Thrills and Spills” of using a lockbox for payments generated a lot of comments, and got me to thinking more…
Why a Good Healthcare Facility Feasibility Study Should Involve Aerobic Activity …
So you’re considering a feasibility study, or even a full blown business plan for a proposed healthcare facility. Congratulations-it means that you’re contemplating some kind of new business venture-maybe an…
EHR Installation and Training – keeping up requires focus!
If you thought the selection process for EHR systems was intense, wait till you get to implementation! EHR vendors will drive the implementation process, but you must be prepared to…
Nursing Homes and MDS 3.0 – the Winds of Change are Upon Us
Well, it’s here. MDS 3.0. A couple of years in the making, about 6 months of training made available to SNF providers, and with the tears and fears of MDS…
An Operational Analysis of Your Medical Practice is a Logical Step in the EHR Selection Process
I’m often surprised by how some medical practices are so casual in their approach to selecting an EHR system. As if the EHR selection process itself is inconsequential. And I’m bordering…
EHR Systems, Meaningful Use Certification, and HITECH Incentives … Where do YOU stand?
On January 5, 2011 a two physician medical group, as announced by eMDs in Austin, TX received $42,500 under the Medicaid HITECH incentive program for meeting the Meaningful Use Criteria…
How do I Maximize the ROI on an EHR System? Hint: “Invest in training”
One of the most important activities during implementation of your EHR selection process. It’s important to pay attention to what the vendor says about the amount of time each staff…
Skilled Nursing Facility Design Concepts: The Effective Use of Natural Light
Skilled nursing facility design incorporates the effective use of natural light, which is an essential feature in nursing homes. As an architect who specializes in designing healthcare projects, namely acute care,…
The Red Flags Rule Doesn’t Apply to Physician and Healthcare Organizations. “Really?”
Has your medical billing consultant told you that the Red Flags Rule has been repealed for physician practices and other healthcare organizations? Now that Congress has passed and sent to…
Is it Time for your Medical Practice to Opt out of Medicare?
“I opposed the budget deal in 1997 because it brought in a $115 billion cut in Medicare that created greater pressure for providers not to participate.” ~ David Obey, U.S….
Hospice, Palliative Care and Death – Why is it so tough to accept?
A few weeks ago, I received word from a very good friend, whom I have known for nearly 30 years that she was dying of cancer. The doctors believed it…