Billing Buddies - The Billing Answer

PECOS

Bonnie Jane Flom — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:44:00 GMT

As we can all guess, CMS has issued a delay for the the compliance deadline for its "PECOS enrollment policy" until January 1, 2011. Under the policy, physicians who have not updated their Medicare enrollment information during the previous five years will be required to complete another enrollment application or risk denial of Medicare payments for services rendered because they are not currently enrolled in Medicare's web-based "PECOS" enrollment database. This change gives physicians an additional 9 months to comply by reenrolling in the Medicare program. Here's the place to go to enroll: PECOS and to check if you are already enrolled click here: Enrollment. You will need your original NPI login; both User Name and Password. If you have lost them, there is a phone number on the link to retrieve it.

Check out our new website at: www.billingbuddies.net.

Happy Billing and Charting,

Bonnie J. Flom; Author of Mastering Medisoft

Ph: 888-322-2455 or 763-546-2455

Prompt Pay Laws by State

Bonnie Jane Flom — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:21:00 GMT

Here's a link to the prompt pay laws by state.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&q=http://www.billinganswer.com/Files/PromptPayState.pdf&usg=AFQjCNEovmAyi7-13iEIX7c_DYhs_dkFPw

This will help with your follow-up endeavors.

Want more good information? Join our Google Group at Medisoft and Medical Billing User Group.

Happy Billing and Charting,
Bonnie J. Flom, Author of Mastering Medisoft
Phone: 763-546-2455 or 888-322-2455

Hot Off the Press

Bonnie Jane Flom — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:08:00 GMT

Our Winter Newsletter is hot off the press. Here's some of the information contained within:

1) Version 16 of Medisoft

2) Get Your Share of the Incentive Money

3) Clinic in a Cloud

4) It's Simple

5) Billing Buddies Partners

6) Billing Service

7) New Book?

8) Food for Thought

9) ICD-10 Codes

Take a peak and let us know your thoughts. We are here to help you.

Happy Charting and Billing,

Bonnie J. Flom; Author of Mastering Medisoft

V16 Medisoft - Look at the Prices

Bonnie Jane Flom — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:11:00 GMT

As I was boarding the plane to come home from Atlanta yesterday, there was a lady handing out Internet cards that could be used on a laptop or a cell phone to access the Internet in flight! I couldn't believe it. I had just adjusted to sending my plane ticket to cell phone on the way to Atlanta. Yes, no more paper tickets. They scanned my cell phone to go through security and board the phone.

Scanned my cell phone.... bizarre. These two incidents drove home the same message; don't get left behind. The world is changing fast.

Speaking of changing, what's new in version 16of Medisoft? V16 has a brand new design to bring it into the 21st century and to prepare for the major changes in the ANSI 5010 format (V17) and ICD-10 format (V18). In addition, V16 is now compatible with both 32 and 64 bit platforms. The security for Medisoft and the Medisoft Reports were integrated into one. And, there is enhanced EHR integration. Read the V16 Feature Comparison and V16 Release Notes and V16 System Requirements for more detailed information.

But, in my 15 years of being a Medisoft dealer, the best part of this release is the prices. Here's an example; for a version 11 Network Pro user that upgrades Medisoft between now and March 3, the price is $1799 compared to $2999. (Network uses must also upgrade Advantage Licenses - seats.) That's a $1200 savings! Plus, if you purchase by February 5th, Billing Buddies will sweeten the deal by adding a free "Quick Question" to your account that does not expired. Included in each purchase of Medisoft, we help you backup your data, install the program, convert your data and register Medisoft. This is an added $300 value to your purchase. How do you get more information and place your order? Click Here

Happy Charting and Billing,

Bonnie J. Flom; Author of Mastering Medisoft

Billing Buddies - Ph: 888.322.2455 or 763.546.2455

Just Like Your Car

Bonnie Jane Flom — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:08:00 GMT

Next week I will be emailing you from the annual Medisoft Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. The purpose of the email will be to let you know the latest and greatest features of V16. If you are still on V12 or V14, you will want to upgrade now to get the most for your money on trade-in value. Here is a link to print your Order Form.

What's so great about V15? Besides getting the most for your trade-in value and having a supported version of Medisoft, you won't believe the incredible reports. There are great marketing reports and labels, data analysis reports to find missing and incomplete data, and great statistical reports showing charts and graphs of the financials of your practice. Don't wait. Upgrade today.

Oh, one more thing, if you add SpringCharts to your order, we will throw in a free 4 Pack of Support for Medisoft and "one quick question". Now, what are buddies for?

Happy Charting and Billing,

Bonnie J. Flom; Author of Mastering Medisoft

Billing Buddies - Ph: 888.322.2455 or 763.546.2455

Medicare Money will Stop on 4/5/2010 if not enrolled in PECOS

Bonnie Jane Flom — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:16:00 GMT

Many providers have not heard of PECOS. PECOS is the Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System on the Internet that allows provider and Medicare to maintain enrollments. Both rendering and referring providers need to be enrolled by April 5, 2010 in order for claims to be processed. This means that payment can be held on rendering providers if the referring provider has not completed their enrollment.

Even though Medicare has put messages on remittance advices as early as last summer concerning the development of PECOS, Billing Buddies is concerned that many providers have not realized there is action they need to take. So, we have put a link under the "Extras" tab of our website www.billingbuddies.com. This link will direct you to the government website to enroll. This will give you step by step instructions to do this yourself. Or, if you need support, give us a call and schedule a time.
After all, what's a buddy for?

Happy Charting and Billing,

Bonnie J. Flom; Author of Mastering Medisoft

Ph: 888-322-2455 or 763-546-2455

Billing Buddies

Next Free EHR Demo

Bonnie Jane Flom — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Now you have all started researching the final rules proposed for EHR. We know that we are in the 60 day commenting period and the final rules will be published at the conclusion of that. What should you do in the meantime? You need to do your research and make a decision. Here's some guidelines to help you compare software programs.

1) Certification - Whether it is called ARRA certification or CCHIT certification or whatever, does the product intend/guarantee they will be compliant so another EHR will not have to be adopted down the line.

2) Does the product have templates for your specialty? We don't want to reinvent the wheel.

3) Does the product coordinate with your practice management system (PMS)? This will save hours of duplicate entry with patients and appointments as well as sending charge information back to the PMS ensuring the claim form matches the medical records.

4) Pricing - need I say more.

5) Annual Fees - What are maintenance fees going to cost you?

Next, you need to view some demos of various software to see ease of use. Bar none, we feel the software to meet your needs the best is SpringCharts. Click on Free Demo to sign up. The demos are both general and specialty specific. Click on the one most suitable for you.

Happy Charting and Billing,

Bonnie J. Flom; Author of Mastering Medisoft

Ph: 888-322-2455 or 763-546-2455

Billing Buddies

What Can I Say

Bonnie Jane Flom — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:15:00 GMT

The majority of what I write in has been centered around EHR. Between EHR, ICD-10 and the ANSI 5010 format, Medisoft has become neglected. So, what can I say about Medisoft? Here's the scoop. We will be going to the annual Medisoft VAR Summit on January 25 - 28, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. While there, Medisoft will release information on version 16 such as; new features, pricing and availability. We will report back to you ASAP from the conference.

So why update Medisoft? The vast changes in healthcare regulations and technology are the reasons to stay up to date. You don't want to be left behind. This week (and most weeks) I received a call from a clinic in Texas that had version 11 (the first version to be NPI and CMS-1500 compatible). Their computer crashed and version 11 was written prior to the Vista technology being released. They had to upgrade in order to function in today's technology.

Speaking of upgrades...what's the cheapest way to upgrade? Many of you have figured out it is one version at a time. Let's look at an example. User A has Version 12(V12) Advanced and upgraded to V14 Advanced it would cost $289. Then, for User A to go from V14 to V15 Advanced, would cost another $289. User B waits until V15 has been released to upgrade V12 Advanced, the cost would be $869. User A saves $291 plus takes advantage of the new features sooner.

One more reason to upgrade, you always want to be on a supported version. While Billing Buddies will do everything possible to help you with your issues; if we need support, Medisoft won't assist us either if you don't have a supported version. Ready to upgrade? Fax the Order Form to us. Remember, installation is included in the purchase of your software. After all, we are your Billing Buddies.

Happy Charting and Billing,
Bonnie J. Flom; Author of Mastering Medisoft
Ph: 888-322-2455 or 763-546-2455
Billing Buddies

The Daily Basics of Medical Billing

Bonnie Jane Flom — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:40:00 GMT

This year, I was delighted when the AMBA (American Medical Billing Association) asked me to be a presenter at their annual 2009 convention in Las Vegas. I thought others might want to view the Power Point I used to present. Page 4 is particularly helpful.

The Daily Basics of Medical Billing

Need help with medical billing? Give us a call. We can link directly to your computer and assist you.

Happy Charting and Billing,
Bonnie J. Flom; Author of Mastering Medisoft
Ph: 888.322.2455 or 763.546.2455

Holiday Cards

Bonnie Jane Flom — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:31:00 GMT

     Tis the season to send cards and gifts to those we are grateful. Medisoft is especially helpful in by printing labels for referring doctors, current patients, and referral sources. This was one of the big features in version 15 (Advanced and Net Pro).
     How do you use it? Clinic on "Reports" at the top of Medisoft, and "Medisoft Reports" from the drop down list.  Once this box is opened, notice there are many grouping of reports in the yellow folders on the left. Select the "Focus on Marketing and Promotion" folder on the left. All the available reports will be displayed for you in the right. Enjoy!
     Are you a Basic user of Medisoft? A custom report can be created under "Reports" and "Design Custom Reports and Bill".   We can created a patient label report by date created for you for $99. Just call us at 888.322.2455.

Deciding upon an EHR

Bonnie Jane Flom — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:39:00 GMT

As the requirement for electronic health records (EHR) is drawing closer, I have spent hours researching this. There are four basic factors I've found to use as a comparison among them.

1) Certification - Whether it is called ARRA certification or CCHIT certification or whatever, does the product intend/guarantee they will be compliant so another EHR will not have to be adopted down the line.

2) Does the product have chiropractic templates? We don't want to reinvent the wheel.

3) Does the product coordinate with your practice management system (PMS)? This will save hours of duplicate entry with patients and appointments as well as sending charge information back to the PMS ensuring the claim form matches the medical records.

4) Pricing - need I say more.

Submitted by:

Bonnie J. Flom; Author of Mastering Medisoft
Billing Buddies - (888) 322-2455 or (763) 546-2455

Year End TDL

Bonnie Jane Flom — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:11:00 GMT

Well, it's that time of year. We are enjoying the season with family and friends and reviewing the past year and making plans for the next. Before 2009 draws to a close, here's a few items to add to your "to do list" aka TDL.

1) Billing Buddies will be attending the Medisoft VAR Summit in next month in Georgia. V16 will be released soon after. Hundreds of dollars can be saved by providers that upgrade only one version at a time. Let's do the math. If we use Medisoft Advanced as an example, the price to upgrade from V14 to V15 is $289. But, the price to upgrade from V12 to V15 is $869...more than double. Upgrading one version at a time is the least expensive. In addition, many are looking for tax saving purchases this time of year. Included in your purchase is a free installation... backup, install, convert data and register program. This is a $300 value. Bonus: If you purchase Advanced or Network Pro, remind us to review all the cool reports in V15 including the great marketing labels.

Let's review:

a) Upgrading one version at a time is least expensive.

b) Purchasing by the end of the year offers tax advantages.

c) Free Installataion is included - $300 value.

d) Call today at 888-322-2455 or 763-546-2455 to place your order.

2) EHR (aka EMR) has arrived! Along with the Stimulus money and the multiple benefits your office will experience with the adoption of it, there are tax advantages. We are offering free 15 minute consultations to review the government regulations and look at the program Billing Buddies offers, SpringCharts. SpringCharts meets all the criteria we feel is important to providers; certification, specialty templates, coordination with Medisoft and other PMS, and pricing. Plus if you purchase by December 30, you will receive a free 4 Pack of Medisoft/Medical Billing Support - $300 Value. Call to schedule your appointment today.

Let's review:

a) EHR can offer Stimulus money and many time saving benefits.

b) Purchasing by the end of year offers tax advantages.

c) Free $300 4 Pack of support if purchased by December 30, 2009.

d) Call to order or schedule a free 15 minute consult at 888-322-2455 or 763-546-2455.

Happy Billing and Charting,

Bonnie J. Flom, Author of Mastering Medisoft

Ph: (888) 322-2455 or (763) 546-2455

I'm back!

Bonnie Jane Flom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:26:00 GMT

Wow, time has sure went by quickly! Thanks to all who made comments on the blog since my last entry. I've been hot and heavy into reading all I can about electronic health records. It's sure to change our billing environment and make it unrecognizable in the next few years. Much more will be written about this soon. Plus, I will link the blog to Twitter for those who follow it.

Medisoft Backup Routine

Bonnie Jane Flom — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 02:03:00 GMT

Do you use an adequate backup routine? The best description I've ever seen is from a Version 7 Medisoft book. Here's the link to it: Medisoft Backup Routine Version 7 was released about 8 years ago and since that time, I've talked to various computer people and heard this backup routine coined as something like the Royal Backup System or the King's Backup System. If any of you know the exact term, please email it to me.

What makes this system good? Because of the rotations of backup and backup media, there are many backups to rely upon and in a systematic fashion. Here's some ideas for you to implement it:

1) Purchase 21 flash drives and label them with a marker the label from the Medisoft Backup Routine; i.e. Monday, Tuesday, etc. I've seen these flash drives for under $5 when standing at a checkout at Target, Office Max, Best Buy or any outlet that sells computer supplies.

2) Setup Medisoft's Task Manager to create the backups on your local drive in a backup folder. Then, setup an off site storage via the Internet that pulls the backup to an online location. Billing Buddies can help you set this up. The initial setup fee is $100 and then there is a monthly fee of $4.95 for the online storage.

3) Remember, once a month or so, test one or two of your backups. You can do this by creating a second practice in Medisoft called Backup Test and restore your backups.

Visit us on the web at: www.BillingBuddies.com

Happy Billing!

Bonnie J. Flom

Medisoft Tip - When to Start a New Case

Bonnie Jane Flom — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:09:00 GMT

Medisoft users often wonder when should the start a "New Case". Here's some guidelines to help you.

Think of the information in Medisoft and on your claim forms submitted to insurance companies as a picture of your medical record. Everything from onset dates, diagnosis codes, referring doctors to documentation substantiating the modifiers is reported on your claim form, held in Medisoft and documented in your medical records. With that being said, image reprinting a claim form for a year later to provider to a patient and/or insurance company. You want it to appear exactly as it originally was submitted. If any data printed on the claim form was changed, the claim form will change and will likely not match your medical records.

Conclusion: Each time data effecting the claim form within the case is changed; create a new case, Also, modify the description of the case to indicate why a new case was created; i.e. onset date, diagnosis, insurance, etc. This will help in case selection when entering charges.

Happy Billing!

Bonnie J. Flom

Advance Beneficiary Notices

Bonnie Jane Flom — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:53:00 GMT

I recieved the question of if (when) providers should give a patient an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN). Medicare providers are required to determine if a patient should have coverage under the Medicare program and if not, they are required to give the ABN to the patient. The patient then needs to select if they want to receive services and pay for them or not receive services. On the new ABN required as of March 2009, the patient also selects if they want Medicare billed for the service. To get examples of chiropractic policies and the new ABN, go to www.BillingBuddies.com and click on Medicare Guidelines in the left column. If you would like support in reviewing these guidelines, go to the Services page and click on the Support Options.

OIG Targets Chiropractors to Audit in 2009

Bonnie Jane Flom — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:53:00 GMT

The OIG has issued their workplan for 2009. In it, they plan to audit the use of the AT modifiers by chiropractors. To read the full details, look at OIG 2009 Workplan.

Want to make sure you have all your ducks in a row? Complete the Billing Buddies Support form and fax back to us with a couple of times you are available. We will call to confirm your appointment.

Featured Article

Bonnie Jane Flom — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:00:30 GMT

If you haven't already seen it, here's our featured article in our Winter News. It can be used by literally all clinics.

Article:

Many of us are guilty of making just about anything too complicated. The key to medical billing and reimbursement is to first recognize the daily tasks that need to be done. Regardless of which software program is used or even if a paper method is used, the basic steps are the same. Let’s review the daily cycle.

The Daily Cycle

1. Schedule Patients

2. Enter New Patient Information

3. Enter Charges

4. Enter Payments

5. Proof Work

6. Send Claims

7. Send Statements

8. Follow-up on Unpaid Balances

9. Backup Data

10. Maintain Data

Ideally, each of the 10 steps should be done every day. This will even out both workflow and cash flow. Practices are challenged by a few of the daily tasks; proofing work, developing a follow-up plan and sending statements daily.

Finally, it is said that knowledge is power. Having reviewed the list you are now empowered with a vision of your offices daily tasks. Review the steps and implement the ones you have missed.

Need help? Join one of webinars listed on page four or call to schedule personalized training. Sign up for the webinar and you receive a free illustration of a good follow-up plan for clinics.

www.BillingBuddies.com

Winter Newsletter 2008

Bonnie Jane Flom — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 23:40:00 GMT

For the latest billing and Medisoft tips; check out our Winter Newletter!

Winter Newsletter

New Website

Bonnie Jane Flom — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:01:00 GMT

Check out our new website at www.billingbuddies.com. On the favorite links page, there are many handy sites. Take a look and if you think of one that should be added, email it to Bonnie@BillingBuddies.com. Happy Billing!