Physical Therapy Management Best Practices Using EMR System

Physical Therapy Management Best Practices Using EMR System

Adopting a multi-faceted approach to running a physical therapy EMR practice allows more streamlined and productive business. Nitin Chhoda shares how an effective scheduling, documentation, billing and marketing, with the help of EMR, are very important in a private practice in order for the business to survive.

EMRPractitioners are also business entrepreneurs and, in most cases, their practices are for profit enterprises, but they are not recognized or treated as such.

Below are the most important factors that practitioners should prioritize so that their businesses will become an effective and profitable one.

Scheduling

For every open appointment slot of each day, there should be a patient coming in to the clinic. Proper management is necessary for this to be achieved. Electronic medical records system is the latest physical therapy software system that organizes and summarizes all appointments or schedule not only for the day, but also for the week or month depending on the user’s preference.

With technological advances like electronic medical records, scheduling has evolved so that filling slots is easier and tracking patient visits becomes automated.

Documentation

The responsible physical therapy management staff must take the time to look over the schedule and pull the correct records each day. An organized physical therapy documentation can be automated and streamlined with the use of physical therapy EMR technology.

Billing

Having a proper and correct physical therapy billing and coding with the help of EMR are keys to successful practice operation. The collection of payments from the payer, whether directly from the patient or their health insurance company depend on this part.

Marketing

Marketing is also important and patients are part of the EMR system. Giving them the best care and service will automatically encourage them to bring referrals. It is important that current or even previous patients should be part of the healthcare practice management plan. EMR system

The plan can be easily implemented using a physical therapy software like EMR, where everything is updated and streamlined. Without good marketing, it will be hard to keep your schedule full.

By realizing the important connections between the four major parts of a practice, physical therapy management can easily look for ways to improve, making the practice more efficient.

Utilizing EMR for physical therapy services will greatly help as most of the common tasks found in these approaches can be integrated to this physical therapy documentation software.

How an EMR Can Lead to Your Personal Freedom

How an EMR Can Lead to Your Personal Freedom

Implementing the EMR technology is essential in the 21st century for clinicians to convert to digital records, submit reimbursement claims and get paid.

EMR expert, Nitin Chhoda, was one of the first to use the software and is sharing his expertise on the many ways an EMR contributes to a practitioner’s personal freedom.

EMRTime is money and an EMR provides savings for clinicians on both fronts.

Verifying Insurance Coverage

From the moment a client makes an appointment to the moment the patient encounter is completed, an EMR is on the job, increasing efficiency and boosting productivity.

An EMR has the tools to verify insurance information prior to the client’s visit, providing practitioners with the information needed to formulate a treatment plan based on insurance limitations, coverage and eligibility.

Fewer Hours and More Money

A fully integrated EMR includes a secure patient portal where individuals can complete a health history online. That information is available prior to the client’s visit, allowing clinicians to familiarize themselves with the patient’s problems before they arrive. The data can decrease the wait times for patients and practice owners by up to 47 percent and reduces time spent gathering information in the exam room.

The information gathered with an EMR allows practice owners to see more patients during the normal work day and manage treatment options, without the need to stay late or conduct extended hours.

Clinicians have more free time and the funds to enjoy personal activities with friends and family.

Anytime Access

Patient records are updated instantly with an EMR, anytime the client’s information is retrieved. The systems provide a single resource for all aspects of a practice’s management needs. The records can be accessed from multiple locations and by numerous medical professionals to coordinate care.

If a patient requires treatment in an ER, the on-call physician has all the information needed to assess and treat the patient, without the need to contact the client’s physician.

Space and Time

Office supplies represent a major expense for practices. An EMR saves everything digitally, eliminating the need for paper documents, files, folders and all the related products needed to manage a mountain of paperwork.

EMRs require a fraction of the space needed for file cabinets to house paper records. There’s no need to search and sift through dozens of documents to locate a specific paper and the technology eliminates misplaced files.

Errors and Reimbursementselectronic medical records

With an EMR, reimbursement claims are submitted electronically, in real time. The technology contains the ability to identify errors, mistakes and potential difficulties with claims before they’re transmitted.

A complete record of each transaction is maintained, along with patient balances, and payments can be received in as little as 10 days.

Electronic medical record provides the tools for clinicians to work smarter, not harder. They save time through increased efficiency and productivity within all departments, and work to identify errors and mistakes that can virtually eliminate denials and rejections. The result is that clinicians have increased revenues and the freedom to reap the benefits of their labor.

Reimbursement Using EMR System — The Secret to a Low-Delay Claims

Reimbursement Using EMR System — The Secret to a Low-Delay Claims

As insurance companies scrutinize reimbursement submissions more closely, clinicians are enduring longer turnaround times to collect money on claims.

The simple installation of an integrated EMR can transform those extended waits for funds into a low-delay reimbursement system and Nitin Chhoda explains it here, in this article.

reimbursementEMRs enable faster reimbursements and can detect claims with potential problems before they’re submitted, virtually eliminating denials.

The majority of denials and contestations can be traced to simple human errors in data entry and by preventable problems that can be avoided by verifying a client’s insurance coverage before services are rendered.

An integrated electronic medical record submits claims electronically to arrive almost instantaneously at the intended destination and can detect an extensive array of errors and notify practitioners prior to submission.

Human Data Entry Mistakes an EMR Can Help Avoid

Mismatched, incorrect procedure codes and improper patient information that doesn’t reflect the information for the client’s complaint is a common cause of denials. An example would be listing a procedure for a male when the client is female.

Each insurance provider has its own set of rules for reimbursement submissions. That includes specific claim forms. An infraction results in an automatic denial until the correct forms are submitted.

Health insurance providers are requesting prior authorization for an increasing number of treatments and procedures. If the clinic fails to obtain authorization, the insurance company can refuse to pay clinicians anything.

It happens infrequently, but a patient may need to see their healthcare professional twice in the same day to receive the same or similar treatments. Practitioners encounter difficulties when submitting these types of claims. Insurance companies view this as a duplicate reimbursement request and will reject it automatically.

It would seem like common sense, but clinicians who don’t file reimbursement claims in a timely manner will forfeit payment. Practitioners have one year to file their claim and such oversights can cost clinics thousands of dollars.

Check the Facts Before Treatment Begins

In a time of high unemployment and loss of benefits, it’s essential for practices to verify insurance coverage and client information before the patient ever reaches the clinic. An EMR provides the means to accomplish these and other tasks with alacrity, reimbursement claims included.

Insurance coverage that has lapsed, been terminated, wasn’t in force when the patient received services, and clients not eligible for coverage represent a major reimbursement problem for practitioners. All of that information can be ascertained easily prior to the patient’s appointment.

Many healthcare insurance providers are offering basic or minimal services and few patients understand their coverage or limitations. It’s imperative that clinicians determine the type of treatments covered under each insurance plan.

What constitutes a reasonable fee for practitioners and insurance companies varies widely. Each insurer has its own guidelines on the amount that can be reimbursed for specific treatments and reimbursement claims that exceed which will be rejected for unreasonable fees.

reimbursement claimsClinicians and insurers also differ on procedures. Ordering a CT scan instead of a less expensive x-ray can result in a determination of not medically necessary by the insurance company and loss of income for the practitioner.

An EMR represents the best solution for a low-delay reimbursement system. It has the tools to identify an extensive array of human errors that will delay or prevent claim payments.

An integrated EMR is the key to verifying patient information and insurance coverage to ensure practitioners receive the reimbursement to which they’re entitled.

Physical Therapy Documentation: The Importance of Personalization in Your Physical Therapy EMR system

Physical Therapy Documentation: The Importance of Personalization in Your Physical Therapy EMR system

Personalization is critical when choosing the right physical therapy documentation or EMR for your practice.

Nitin  Chhoda discusses the importance of personalization and customization in the physical therapy documentation process, and how it should affect your selection of a physical therapy EMR.

physical therapy documentation personalizationThe best limbo dancers are extremely flexible and that same quality is essential in a physical therapy documentation system.

The majority of EMRs were developed and written with a specific user in mind, from hospitals and physicians to surgeons.

EMRs reflect the reasoning of the creator rather than the end user. It’s essential to select an EMR developed by or for a physical therapy practice to ensure the EMR doesn’t begin dictating how the clinic conducts business.

Selecting the Best Physical Therapy Documentation System

When selecting a physical therapy documentation system, the two key factors are flexibility and control. The system must offer the flexibility to meet the individual needs of the practice for the present and the future.

Therapists must be able to control every aspect of the physical therapy documentation process without interference from the EMR. Documentation software provides the means to achieve a more efficient and profitable practice.

It should never intrude on or force therapists to compromise on the way they operate their business.

Have an Effective EMR

Many EMRs look and sound good in theory, but ignore the practical concerns of the clinical environment. Physical therapy practices vary widely in the services offered, professional experience and work environment and an EMR must be able to adapt to the diverse needs of the individual practice.

A good physical therapy documentation system offers additional options as needed to grow with the practice.

An effective EMR integrates easily with existing office systems to expedite physical therapy documentation of patient records, enhance marketing endeavors, and provide patient portals for additional functionality. EMRs automate many of the time consuming tasks typically handled by staff members, freeing them to engage in pursuits that promote the clinic, acquire new patients, and increase the level of the practice’s customer care.

Customized Pattern

The ability to create customized templates, without restriction, that accurately reflects the services and treatment options of the individual practice is essential. Therapists should be able to create their own templates, without hiring a tech specialist to navigate the system.

Not all patients respond the same way to treatment, requiring therapists to be creative to achieve the best results for the client. Any EMR should include the ability to combine any number of physical therapy documentation services and bill accordingly.

Reimbursements

physical therapy documentation processPhysical therapy documentation, billing and coding options specifically designed for use by therapists help navigate the increasingly complex requirements for reimbursements.

The ability to submit claims electronically should be a function of physical therapy documentation software.

Reimbursements are received quicker and additional information and clarification can be accomplished almost immediately. EMRs also allow therapists to work with an extensive number of payers for the best reimbursements.

As more complex and innovative treatments are developed, physical therapy documentation must be able to change and evolve to meet the needs of practices.

Flexibility in all facets of EMR software is needed, from time stamps to avoid legal issues to the ability to create custom forms that reflect the special requirements associated with physical therapy clinics. Both web-based and server-based EMRs are available, but the key to successful implementation is always the ultimate flexibility of the selected software and its ability to facilitate clinic expansion and profitability.

Medical EMR Can Simplify Healthcare

Medical EMR Can Simplify Healthcare

Medical EMR can simplify healthcare in many different ways. The best part is that it can streamline the whole physical therapy documentation process from start to finish without consuming too much time from the staff. Nitin Chhoda explains how this is all possible.

medical EMR healthcareThere are many ways that an integrated medical EMR system can help a practice to save money and become more efficient. But one benefit of EMRs that is often overlooked is the way a good system can simplify healthcare in general.

There are benefits to patients as well as clinicians that can help even the most confused patient to get the care they need at a better price, without costing the practice more money.

Billing Advantages

Healthcare providers already know how an integrated electronic medical record can make billing more accurate and efficient.

If everyone in the practice is using the same system, and all data are available through that system at any time, medical billing staff can pull the data they need and bill on a timely schedule.

Coding can also be easier, with a specific set of billable tasks and diagnoses, clinicians can provide medical EMR coding staff with the precise information they need to get the medical coding done more quickly and easily.

The billers can then take the information and file claims with the insurance companies and bill patients for their share of the cost. The improvement in efficiency that medical coding and billing departments are experiencing has been exciting for those practices that have implemented a medical EMR.

So how does this simplify healthcare and understanding the healthcare and insurance system in the United States? First of all, if the billing system requires specific information from patients, the billing department can implement procedures for determining what a patient will owe even before services are provided.

Patients Need Help

The fact is that the majority of patients who come into a medical practice do not quite understand how the healthcare system works in the U.S. They probably don’t know what their own deductible and co-pay will be, and it is likely that they will not expect a bill a few weeks or a month after their appointment.

So rather than taking the time to bill the insurance company, only to be rejected or denied based on a co-pay or deductible issue, the medical EMR billing staff can find out the details before billing.

medical EMR simplicityNaturally, this can be done even without a medical EMR, but to set up a system would be more of a challenge than purchasing it as part of an integrated medical EMR.

In fact, because medical EMRs companies are set up to handle exactly this sort of adjustment to a biller’s workflow, the transition is made smooth and simple.

Improving Outcomes

Additionally, a medical EMR can help improve patient outcomes. It may sound funny to say that a computer program or software will have an effect on how well patients respond to treatment.

But the fact is that with a medical EMR, it is possible to track treatments and outcomes much more closely. Reports can be generated quickly. The results of certain treatments are better than others, and at the practice level it is possible to identify advantageous treatment decisions with a medical EMR.

Health Care Management at Its Best

Health Care Management at Its Best

Producing reports for health care management in order to monitor efficiency of therapists and staff are now possible.

Nitin Chhoda explains how physical therapy EMR changes the productivity and efficiency of physical therapy practice by reviewing the number of patients who have been treated during a certain period of time. 

best health care managementWith an incredible array of technological tools at the ready, there is no reason why health care practice management can’t undergo a renaissance.

In a small practice, the office manager can also serve as patient relations, interpersonal coach, HR manager, and accountant.

But with electronic medical records, the health care manager may become the financial analyst as well. In fact, analyzing efficiency, strengths, and weaknesses of the practice may be the top priority for the health care management field.

How Reporting Improves Efficiency

Both internally and with patients, an EMR can improve efficiency just by virtue of eliminating the majority of paperwork. Communication is streamlined and things like medical billing and coding can be handled more quickly and with fewer mistakes. But for health care management, EMRs are introducing tools that change the way we think about managing a practice.

An EMR with reporting capabilities can tell health care management professionals a lot about how the practice is doing. Outcomes and performance of clinicians and patients can be compared with a few clicks.

In the past, it would have been almost insurmountable to extract data on visits per referral and visits per day for each clinician. With the new practice management technology, those reports can be run quickly and simply.

In fact, there are a whole host of important indicators that are being monitored by the software solutions designed for health care management. Most of these indicators can help office managers to see where the lags in efficiency are hiding.

Inefficiencies degrease profitability, and decreased profitability is bad for everyone. The information gathered can be shared with staff members and solutions can be discussed with health care management.

If used appropriately, technological management tools can help turn a practice that is just getting by into a profitable enterprise. From changing the way that medical billing is handled to using proven techniques to speed up recovery and improve outcomes, health care management tools are going to go a long way towards revolutionizing the business side of medicine.

Educational Experiencehealth care management staff

With an increased emphasis on technology, more and more individuals who want to pursue a career in health care management are going back to school.

The job has no educational requirements, but a bachelor’s degree and even a master’s degree are not uncommon.

There are specific programs now that will education students about the pitfalls and advantages available to adaptable health care management.

As the job market widens, these are the professionals that will be handling health care management jobs. And because the role of health care management professionals is changing so quickly, there is a lot of room for improvement in most health care practices.

The office manager has the job of ensuring that things run smoothly and if there are problems, the office manager needs to work with staff to find solutions. A health care management professional who understands the benefits of current technology will have more tools for finding solutions than ever before.