FQHC Billing Services: How to Protect Your Investment

Most physicians and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) will face this one questions sooner or later: whether or not outsource your patient billing demands to more specialized medical and FQHC billing companies?

While there are many different FQHC billing software platforms and FQHC billing webinars available in the market, they are unable to outdo the efficiency of proficient medical billing companies. Hiring a third party to manage your FQHC medical billing is specially a good idea if you have a high staff turnover or you are someone who has stayed away from technology all your life.

These medical billing companies are capable of significantly increasing your revenue. You will finally be able to do without your inadequate billing staff. The company you hire will not only generate claims, they will also follow up with patients and ensure that all due payments are made in time.

Since there are many FQHC billing companies operating in the market, you must practice caution while hiring a third party to manage your billing. Here are a few things you must keep in mind when looking to invest in FQHC billing services that ultimately enables health centers to maximize revenue streams.

1. What are the services being offered?

FQHC billing companies, like MaximizedRevenue.com, can take over many functions, such as claim generation and submission, payment processing, creating invoices for patients, collection services, etc. Some billing companies also handle tasks like appointment scheduling and credentialing. However, the price tag increases with each new service. As a physician, you must ensure the FQHC billing company you hire takes care of all your requirements and does so at a reasonable price.

2. What is the technology being used?

Using a billing company does not mean you are acquainted from your responsibility. To reduce costs, it is necessary for a physician to understand how a medical billing company will operate.

• It is important to seek answers to questions like these: 
• How will claims be generated and shared? 
• How will the billing company maintain electronic records and how can these records be used by the hospital? 
• Will the FQHC billing company ensure data security? 
• Where will all the data be backed up and stored?

A good medical billing company will have clear answers to all these questions.

3. Are they experienced?

Hire a company that's been in business for a while. Though experience does not guarantee efficiency, it certainly builds up trust. Look for a company that is certified by the American Medical Billing Association. The AMBA certification evinces expertise in billing, insurance claims, reimbursements, fraud and abuse, medical technology and terminology, etc.

4. How does the company work?

A good way to gauge the performance of an FQHC billing company is to study their work structure. Different metrics like employment structure and number of employees, total years in business, number of claims processed in any financial year, total number of billings, etc, will give you an idea about the kind of results you can expect from the billing company you are hiring.

5. What is the price being demanded?

Money is an important thing. As a matter of fact, medical billing companies are hired to reduce the overall billing costs. Hire a company that is offering maximum services at a minimum price. Do not demand services you won't need. Ask the billing company to create a cost package based on only the services you will be availing.

An Inside Look at Bly Family Chiropractic of Bloomington, IL

Chiropractic care has been proven to be a safe and effective way to restore spinal mobility and realize lasting postural correction. Bly Family Chiropractic has for over 25 years been offering specialized and professional chiropractic services in Bloomington and the greater central Illinois area.

Bly Family Chiropractic of Bloomington, IL combines the use of advanced technology and equipment with the latest chiropractic techniques to better ensure patients realize full spinal mobility and improve postures. The wide variety of services offered at Bly family chiropractic center include:

Cold Laser Therapy 

It is also known as low laser therapy. It can be applied to relieve:

• Inflammatory conditions like epicondylitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, bursitis and Planter Fasciitis. Is produces excellent results.
• Pain for the cervical neck pain, thoracic pain, fibromyalgia myofascial pain and pain in the lower back.
• Disorders in the connective tissues such as tendonitis, sprains and tendon ruptures.
• Disorders and injuries in the joints such as dislocations, TMJ disorders, osteoarthritis and ligament injuries.
• Injuries and disorders in the muscles such as contusions, muscle bruises, muscle shortening and ruptures.
• Neurological injuries and disorders like prolapsed disc, herniated discs, neuritis, crush injuries and headaches.

Low laser therapy has shown significant biological acceleration and enhancement of natural defense and ability to repair the body when injured. Low laser works by relieving pain and reducing damage and loss of body function. It also facilitates stronger healed tissues after injury.

Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression treatment is very effective at relieving bulging discs, pinched nerves, herniated discs, radiating arm pain, sciatica, facet syndrome and headache.

Lower back pains are handled by the patient lying on the back with padded straps placed round the waist and lower chest. Neck pain is handled by the rubber pads being put behind the neck. A computerized system is used to slowly and gently pull on the body to relax the muscles around the spine. It designed in such a way that it pulls and stops for a computerized period of time to allow relaxing of muscles.

The pulling action works by gently separating the vertebrae to create space between the compressing discs. The created space (vacuum) sucks the disks off the nerves and produce a drastic relieve results. The pulling also initiates pumping of nutrients into disc from the outside to facilitate healing of the degrading and torn discs.

Active Release Technique

Every session includes examination and adjustment. During examination, hands are used to feel the texture, movement and tightness of muscles, tendons and ligaments. A scar that usually prevents proper movement of soft tissues can be detected with ease. It causes reduced motion range and if there is tingling, numbness or pain, then a nerve tissue is probably trapped. Adjustment is done by applying precision pressure while the patient makes certain specific movements.

Pulstar 

Palpating a spine is checking joint fluidity, rigidity or/and motion. The pulstar can be used to detect if the vertebrae is moving too fluid or too rigid. The pulstar is a special tool because it measures the level of motion to precision. It uses precise oscillating force with steady motion to “unstick” the joints. This is the most advanced chiropractic tool in existence

Dr. Timothy Bly is a graduate of palmer college of chiropractic recognized for largest student practices in the institute. Bly is a certified acupuncture, which he studied in china. His clinic was amongst the first to incorporate the pulstar in Illinois.

Bly Family Chiropractic
2501 E College Ave. Ste. C
Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: (309) 661-1155
BlyChiropractic.com

Effective Medical Billing Strategies to Increase Healthcare Reimbursements

It is an undisputed fact that the healthcare reimbursement system (as it is) can be described as brutal. The present set of processes and rules that some payers and insurance companies have put in place are not only complex but also confusing. This leads to the emergence of other problems like underpayments, denials, ignored or at times lost claims.

This has hugely contributed to issues when it comes to paying doctors in time as well as medical practices getting the revenue they generate in full.

This begs for there being in place effective strategies and insights that will help medical practitioners and health centers to improve their patient billing processes. This will help them generate more revenue as well as increase their healthcare reimbursements.

Use of Technology

Whenever a medical practice realizes that a claim is not paid for when they submit the claim for the first time, they should brace themselves that it will not be paid. In order to escape losing out on claims like this, the practice has to find ways that will help it establish potential denials before even submitting their claims. Medical practices could be able to achieve this feat by incorporating software in their systems that is capable of identifying claims with a high probability of being denied automatically.

This billing software utilizes an engine that is intelligent and one that adapts and updates itself constantly thus helping practices to stay informed and alert about denial trends that are latest in as far as claims are concerned. This will greatly improve the rates at which practices collect their revenue. This software is generally able to help the practices improve on the speed at which they collect, decrease the need of having in-house staff as well as increase first pass resolution rates.

Tackling Underpayments

Payer underpayments are another issue that keeps medical practices from collecting their full amounts of revenue. This is largely due to the different individual contracts doctors often enter into with different payers. Underpayments are far too common in situations for health center billing, specifically federally qualified health center billing (FQHC billing), as these community health centers are focal to serving low income patients who utilized Medicare and Medicaid.

This is the key reason why medical practices receive different amount of monies from the different payers. This makes it hard for the practice to keep track of the payments and hence making it even harder for them to realize when they are being underpaid.

It is for this reason that practices ought to turn to using medical billing software that is able to compare the payments it is receiving against the figures agreed to in the contracts automatically. This will largely cut short the number of payer underpayments scenarios. It will also increase the net collection rates, increase organization and efficiency of the practice and make it possible for the practice to forecast its collections in future.

Reporting

In order for a medical practice to realize its position as far as payer payments and collection rates are and the areas that need an improvement, reporting ought to be embraced. This can be done with software that is capable of allowing scheduled reports on the practice to be done at defined intervals.

This will give the practice the opportunity to have certain reports in an instant whenever it is needed. These reports make decision making easier, increase productivity (as it reduces staff requirements and make it easier to spot payer underpayments and other mistakes.

All the above solutions will ensure that your practice is able to collect more revenue thereby turning them into more revenue generating practices. They will also ensure that the practice increases its healthcare reimbursements. It also makes the collection of monies owed to the practice easy, fast and efficient.

For more quality information on how medical practices and health centers can improve healthcare reimbursements, visit MaximizedRevenue.com

Practice Management Now Offers Medical Billing Services for OB/GYN Clinics

The highly reputable medical billing agency, Practice Management, is exciting to announce that it will now be offering specialized billing services for OB/GYN Clinics. The company provides efficient physician billing services that help clinics to accurately bill their customers while staying compliant with all Local, State and Federal rules and regulations.

These systems are well designed by highly knowledgeable professionals, so they are ideally suited to the billing needs of the average OB/GYN clinic. Practice Management has many years of experience and they are dedicated to providing the best possible medical billing services for their client.

In addition to providing billing services for OB/GYN practices, they also have experience providing billing services to dermatology clinics, family practices, electrophysiology clinics, cardiology clinics, allergy billing, gastroenterology billing, surgery billing, health center billing and much more.

What Do the OB/GYN Billing Services Entail?

The OB/GYN billing services offered by Practice Management are designed with the best technology resources on the forefront of medical billing. These services include telephone and video conferences, electronic data transmission and web portal access to programs. This means that an OB/GYN practice will be able to remotely access its data so that it can perform all billing as seamlessly and efficiently as possible.

Practice Management strives to stay up to date on billing information, including new modifier codes, CPT codes and E&M codes. The billing services are able to provide for a number of medical procedures, including Pap Tests, Pregnancy treatments, endometriosis and complications of vaginal mesh.

These billing services have been custom developed with an OB/GYN practice in mind, so that they can provide the most advantageous features and the highest level of convenience. Any OB/GYN clinic will find these billing services very convenient and will enjoy the benefits of saving time and being more organized.

Value Offered to OB/GYN Clinics

By using the medical billing services offered by Practice Management, OB/GYN clinics will be able to operate their practice more effectively and efficiently. The system also allows for follow up billing services, so that clinics can improve their revenue cycle management.

Proper credentialing is very important for receiving accurate reimbursement. The Practice Management system offers Complete Credentialing Service and handles NPI and CAQH updates and applications. They are able to track the progress of each enrolment through completion.

Practice Management also offers a lot of value by providing their clients with individualized consultation services upon request. The talented consultant team is able to take a close look at the current operations of the clinic and provide an analysis. They will recommend changes you can make that will ensure your billing system is more efficient.

The goal of Practice Management is to provide each of their customers with the best possible OB/GYN billing solutions. They invest their ample resources and experience in order to achieve this goal, so that they can help their clients obtain the highest possible return on their medical billing claims. They have worked hard to develop a medical billing system that is as efficient, intelligent, versatile and accurate as possible and they are proud to offer this service to OB/GYN clinics.

The Business Behind Starting a Medical Practice

The prospect of establishing a health and medical practice business model can be brightened or dimmed by the nature of the market, the ingenuity of the entrepreneur, levels of capitalization, and other commercial dynamics. Renowned entrepreneurs in the health and medical fields achieved their successes on account of their exceptional strategies born out of their devotion to offer quality health services at a profit.

One of the most important factors to consider before starting a health and medical practice is the type of services to be offered. Experts in healthcare entrepreneurship usually begin by considering the range of services in order to determine the level of capitalization required. Moreover, drawing such limits helps in deciding the amount of space required and the type of equipment to be purchased. At the onset, the entrepreneur should enlist professional help in designing workflow processes.

Keeping Patients' Records Organized & Accessible

Record keeping is a core process in healthcare entrepreneurship. Inappropriate handling of patients' information can compromise the quality of service and expose both the patients and the institutions to significant inconveniences. The records may include information on the dates of admission, discharge, type of care, demographic identities of the patients, and other details that appertain to their needs.

Such information is necessary for future references or for making referrals, as some situations might require. It is advisable for healthcare entrepreneurs to hire experienced professionals to lay grounds and undertake the process of record keeping.

Medical Billing Solutions: Challenges and Options

In the opinion of many experts, medical billing remains one of the most challenging processes in healthcare institutions. The challenge is common to both established and new institutions, but new units are more likely to encounter the severest kinds of billing problems. Delays and human errors are some of the most common billing problems that afflict newly established medical businesses.

In times of an influx of patients, many healthcare and medical institutions encounter problems of billing the patients in a timely manner. Because of this shortcoming, some institutions have chosen the alternative to outsource medical billing services to a professional provider. Established outsourcing firms rely on automated billing solutions that lower the levels of susceptibility of the system to errors. Also, many medical billing providers specialize in certain forms of billing for specialized practices. For instance, a surgical practice should seek a company with expertise in surgery billing, while a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) can find firm that specializes in FQHC medical billing solutions

Accounting & Financial Upkeep

Primarily, a health and medical enterprise is established with the objective of making profits. As such, the accounting processes of the business should be managed with utmost professionalism in order to show the financial health of the institution, from the moment of capitalization to subsequent business processes.

The role of accountancy within the firm should be conducted in accordance with applicable international standards regarding the treatment of operational expenses, cash flow, profits and losses, revenues, and all other financial processes within the firm. The institution's ledgers, cash book, and other important records must be updated with professional discipline.

Marketing & Reputation Management

Once a health and medical institution is established for commerce, it becomes necessary for the managers to employ the most effective marketing strategies that can guarantee a competitive edge and elevate its reputation. Like any other field of business, commercial healthcare is highly competitive as investors continue to invent result-oriented marketing approaches.

In order to enhance the chances of success, it is advisable for the management to rely on a combination of conventional and modern marketing strategies. Surveys have shown that conventional marketing processes such as print and electronic advertisements can enhance the market reception of a new business venture when combined with modern marketing strategies such as social networking and content marketing.

Find a Chiropractor in Bloomington, IL for Advanced Chiropractic Care

If you're looking for chiropractor in Bloomington, IL for advanced chiropractic care, then you shouldn't have a problem searching among the many professional chiropractors in Bloomington and throughout central Illinois. However, the problem is taking the time to search for ideal Bloomington chiropractor who can offer the advanced level of services you need.

In this article, we intend to make your search a little bit easier by sharing some insights on what to look for in pinpointing top-rated chiropractors in the Bloomington/Normal area of Illinois.

Bloomington Chiropractors Who Leverage Advanced Chiropractic Technology

It is far too common scenario: the old school chiropractor who stays stuck providing the same chiropractic spinal adjustments year after year. Don't fall under the stagnant program offered by this type of chiropractor.

Become a high-level Bloomington chiropractor takes an approach of innovation and adaptation. In essence, professional chiropractors who are willing and able to adapt their practice to use effective and cutting-edge treatment options are the chiropractic specialists who thrive in their local area.

Ask the Bloomington chiropractors that your prospecting about the types of techniques, technologies, and therapies that they offer. If chiropractic spinal adjustments are the only treatment that the chiropractor offers, then you may want to consider the quality of treatment and cost of care before undertaking such services.

Conversely, if one of the chiropractors in Bloomington, IL that you're interested in provides a variety of advanced treatment protocols and technology-based program, you can know that this particular professional can provide more advanced options for healing restoration. Look for chiropractors who make use of technology like disc decompression, X-rays, and laser therapy. These tools can offer profound benefits to patients of all walks of life.

Level of Experience Practicing as an Illinois Chiropractor

The level or years of experience practicing as an Bloomington, Illinois chiropractor is also a consideration to keep in mind when scouting for professional chiropractics in the area. In short, there are countless chiropractors in the state of Illinois who do not offer the years and level of hands-on experience compared to other more seasoned veterans in the Bloomington chiropractic community. For instance, the duo of chiropractors in Bloomington at BlyChiropractic.com offer a practice backed by decades of experience.

In many cases with new chiropractors, these specialists will provide more routine and affordable options. On the other end of the spectrum, experienced chiropractors in Bloomington, IL tailor their treatment programs to be more comprehensive and long-term; however, these are the types of programs that create progressive changes that lead to sustainable, pain-free outcomes.

There are a wide range of choices when seeking professional chiropractic offices in Bloomington. For some patients, finding Bloomington chiropractors who are mindful, passionate, and respectful is the most important consideration of all. Putting experience, technologies, and proficient to the side, a truly great chiropractor will be mindful of their patient's comfort and overall peace of mind.

Berkeley Chiropractor Redefines California's Chiropractic Scene

As a pioneering Berkeley chiropractor for over 40 years, Dr. Mik Hamilton of Hamilton Chiropractic in north Berkeley, CA is redefining California's standards for chiropractic care. By adopting the latest techniques and technologies in chiropractic care, Dr. Hamilton has become the authoritative chiropractor in Berkeley.

In addition to helping over 10,000 patients in his career, Dr. Hamilton has also educated countless other chiropractors in Berkeley and abroad. But what truly makes this Berkeley chiropractor so reputable in the Bay Area of California?

A Holistic & Effective Chiropractic System

Patients of Hamilton Chiropractic in Berkeley are involved in a more holistic and effective chiropractic system. Unlike other chiropractors in Berkeley, Dr. Hamilton is centers his practice on the Pettibon System.

The Pettibon System is a unique approach to chiropractic care as it involves more long-term focus of restoring the spines natural curvature, eliminating pain and health concerns associated with subluxation and bulging discs. The unique system utilizes the science of bio-mechanics, and includes a combination of chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, patient exercises and home care programs, as well as postural correction body weights designed to bring balance to musculature responsible for proper movement and bio-mechanics.

The targeted outcome of the Pettibon System's approach is completely restore the spine so that pain and health issues relieve themselves naturally over time. Unlike neighboring Berkeley chiropractors who use reactionary methods of spinal adjustment to temporarily help mitigate pain in patients, the Pettibon System used by Dr. Hamilton is preventive and progressive approach that delivers lasting results.

Effective Chiropractic Technology

One of the most respected reasons why Hamilton Chiropractic has distinguished itself among other chiropractic office in Berkeley is Dr. Hamilton's ambition to progress his practice and adopt the latest, most effective chiropractic technologies. Below we go into detail about some of these technologies and how they help patients.

Spinal Decompression
Most patients who visit Berkeley chiropractor Dr. Hamilton use the spinal decompression machine, or spinal decompressor. This motorized device is used to stretch the spine from the neck and hips, all while generating a vibration to help facilitate separation and expansion of compressed discs. In fact, the spinal decompression machine is a perfect solution for bulging, herniated, or degenerating discs, which are often a culprit for lower back pain.

Chiropractor Administered K-Laser Treatment
Only used by the most advanced chiropractors in Berkeley, the K-laser (a safe, low-level (or "cold") laser treatment) is immensely effective at promoting blood circulation and cellular growth at dormant areas throughout the body. The K-laser, when used in conjunction with other chiropractic treatments, and provide an incredible means for spinal restoration, as most musculature that connects to the spine requires long-term healing. Additionally, the K-laser can help restore tendons and ligaments found all throughout the body.

Experience Beyond Other Berkeley Chiropractors

Having started his career as Berkeley chiropractor since the 1970's, Dr. Hamilton has been a role model in the chiropractic profession. By utilizing the powerful technologies mentioned above, as well as adopting the unique and highly effective Pettibon System, Hamilton Chiropractic of Berkeley, California has become a go-to destination for individuals looking to overcome their physical issues (not those looking for a quick fix.)

To learn more, you contact Dr. Mik Hamilton directly at:

Hamilton Chiropractic Offices
1313 Gilman St, Ste B
Berkeley, CA 94706
Phone: (510) 526-3362
Contact Hamilton Chiropractic