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WelcomeVeeBill Offers Medical Billing Services, Medical Coding Services and Medical Transcription Outsourcing Solutions
Vee Bill is the healthcare and health plans processing arm of Vee Technologies offering HIPAA Medical Billing & total healthcare backoffice solutions. Vee Bill has dedicated healthcare experts who have niche focus on the healthcare sector, having several years of domain experience. Vee offer services to individual physician offices, family practices, clinics, hospitals and billing companies. An unique advantage that Vee offers is a seemingly inexhaustible talent pool from the educational institutions that the Sona Valliappa Group manages (known as the Sona College group) http://www.sonatech.ac.in VeeBill's experience in working with US hospitals and clinics has enabled it to offer an end-to-end solution in the healthcare space. With a Team of 700+ Employees, Vee Bill is uniquely positioned to offer twin benefits of cost and quality. Vee's state-of-the-art facility along with latest technology is applied in every process with the assurance of deriving efficiencies and reducing cost offering a HIPAA compliant service. A forerunner in the healthcare backoffice processing space, Vee established its operations in 1999/2000, well before HIPAA came in place. Being aware that HIPAA act was coming in a few years, Vee Security, Human Resources, IT, and other processes are all built aligning towards HIPAA requirements. HIPAA is so well entrenched in that it is in the DNA of Vee Technologies. Our business objective is to derive efficiencies and reduce costs, improve quality and have quicker turn-around times. Vee Bill specializes in the healthcare backoffice outsourcing area and offers Medical Billing services & Medical Coding services and offers a total solution which focuses on every aspect of the medical billing / patient cycle. |
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Medical Billing and Coding Articles :Attendees laud health care reform at Alliance meetingA representative of the Obama administration offered a vigorous endorsement of the Affordable Care Act when he spoke at a recent meeting of the Florida Alliance of Retired Americans. Health Care Industry Could Lose its Financial Stability, Experts SayThe health industry has been a reliable engine of job growth for years, but analysts warn that looming federal cuts may mean those days are over, the New York Times reports. Indian American surgeon hails Obama's healthcare reform plansHailing Barack Obama's healthcare reform plan, an Indian-American cardiac surgeon has said future business strategies of the industry would be best served if aligned with US President's proposal. Thomson Reuters Identifies Most- and Least-Expensive Healthcare Markets in U.S.The Healthcare business of Thomson Reuters conducted and funded the study, which assessed the use and cost of healthcare services for 23.5 million Americans in 382 metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) in 2009. U.S. grants $28.8 million to community health centersThe grants, announced on Tuesday, are part of $11 billion promised for new and existing health care centers over the next five years. The money, which was promised in last year's law which overhauled the U.S. healthcare system, is intended to help pay for new sites where people can get medical services regardless of their ability to pay. Q+A: How does healthcare overhaul affect Medicare?There are no cuts to the traditional Medicare benefit. The lion's share of spending cuts are in Medicare Advantage -- a program that uses private firms such as Humana and UnitedHealth Group to deliver Medicare benefits. Many of these providers offer extra coverage and some of those extras could be dropped as Medicare Advantage subsidies are bought more in line with the cost of traditional Medicare benefits. Medicare Advantage payment rates will be frozen in 2011 and then gradually reduced giving companies time to adjust to the changes. Factbox: Winners, losers in House healthcare billFollowing are some of the winners and losers in the overall healthcare industry based on a Senate version of the bill and the reconciliation bill passed by the House on Sunday. Indian IT sees big business in US healthcare reformsSeveral small IT firms have already started bagging projects from American hospitals and practitioner clinics. While making themselves paperless, the healthcare centres need help in system set-up, installation, conversion of patient data into compatible formats and making them available publicly and integration of the different services and databases. Staff shortages looming in wake of healthcare reformThe United States will face serious shortages in the combined workforce of physicians, advance practice nurses and physician assistants over the next two decades, researchers wrote. The study concluded that without an adequate supply of advanced medical professionals, the U.S. will not meet the goals of healthcare reform. With the PPACA Changes, the Bill Is Not in the MailThere are many theories circulating among the various workers’ compensation blogs, newsletters, and websites regarding the impact that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) will have on the industry. Often mentioned is that the need to make provider and payer interactions more efficient is a resounding theme throughout the set of new regulations. US Healthcare: Medicaid Increases Use of Health Care, Decreases Financial Strain, Improves HealthResearchers from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), and Providence Health & Services have found that expanding low income adults' access to Medicaid substantially increases health care use, reduces financial strain on covered individuals, and improves their self-reported health and well-being. US official says skilled tech talent key to EHR successIn a recent keynote address at a UNCG-hosted conference, an official from the U.S. Health Information Technology Research Center noted there are 30,000 healthcare organizations in the U.S. planning or implementing a move to Electronic Health Record technology over the near term. And having the right information technology talent is fundamental to their success. Report: 5 Percent of People Account for Half of U.S. Health Care SpendingAbout 5 percent of the population is responsible for almost half of all health care spending in the United States and for rising premium rates, according to a new report from the National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation. 5 Signs You May Need a Medical Insurance SpecialistIf you answered yes to even one of these questions, consulting with a medical insurance specialist is highly recommended. Medical Billing Advocacy of the Rockies provides a free initial consultation to review the facts of your individual situation and will determine your needs, and recommend a course of action to solve your insurance issues. Healthcare Billing & Management Association Presents Recommendations to CMS and Congressional MembersThe Healthcare Billing & Management Association (HBMA), a non-profit educational resource and advocacy group representing third-party medical billers and practice management billing professionals, announced its two recent presentations to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in Baltimore and Congressional members in Washington, D.C. Fighting to get a health claim reimbursedNobody wants to get into a fight with a health insurer, but it may be worth your while. A recent Government Accountability Office report found that more claims problems stemmed from annoying but often straightforward billing and eligibility issues than from disagreements over whether care was medically appropriate. Whats more, the odds are about 50/50 that if you appeal an insurers decision, youll win. Healthcare Reform to Bring Coverage to 32 Million US Residents by 2019The US spent $2,486.3 billion on healthcare in 2009, higher than any other nation in the world. The per capita healthcare spending in the US in 2008 was $7,538, which was also higher than any other developed nation. Still, the US performs poorly on many health indicators, including life expectancy and mortality, compared to other developed nations. The reasons for this poor performance are the lack of universal access to healthcare, overspending by more than a trillion dollars per year and a faulty payment system that motivates the providers to offer excess healthcare services without any regard for the quality of service. Factbox: Healthcare bill would provide immediate benefitsHere is what to expect if the Senate passes the House's changes and President Barack Obama signs the entire package into law. Healthcare Consumer Confidence Steadies in May, According to Thomson Reuters Sentiment IndexRespondents surveyed for the index reported an improved outlook when asked if they had experienced a reduction in or loss of insurance coverage in the past three months. Overall, the Thomson Reuters Consumer Healthcare Sentiment Index rose three points from 95 in April to 98 in May, a statistically significant increase. Q+A: How does healthcare overhaul affect Medicare?There are no cuts to the traditional Medicare benefit. The lion's share of spending cuts are in Medicare Advantage -- a program that uses private firms such as Humana and UnitedHealth Group to deliver Medicare benefits. Many of these providers offer extra coverage and some of those extras could be dropped as Medicare Advantage subsidies are bought more in line with the cost of traditional Medicare benefits. Medicare Advantage payment rates will be frozen in 2011 and then gradually reduced giving companies time to adjust to the changes. How US health care reform will affect employee benefitsUS health care reform sets in motion the largest change in employer-provided health benefits in the postWorld War II era. While the pace and timing are difficult to predict, McKinsey research points to a radical restructuring of employer-sponsored health benefits following the 2010 passage of the Affordable Care Act. Medical groups not prepared for HIPAA 5010 complianceNew Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) research indicates that medical groups face significant challenges as they seek to transition to the new HIPAA Version 5010 electronic standards. HHS proposes privacy rule on medical recordsHealthcare providers must currently keep track of everyone who accesses private medical records, but they do not have to provide that information to patients. U.S. Makes It Easier to Get Insurance With Pre-Existing ConditionsU.S. health officials announced Tuesday that a reduction in premiums and an easing of standards for the federally administered Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will allow more Americans to get health insurance. Medicare payments to hospitals not correct: studyCurrently, Medicare reimbursements for hospitals and other health care providers depend on the rent or wages in the location where they operate. But almost 40 percent of hospitals get exceptions to how their adjustments are calculated, said a report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on Wednesday. Outsourcing Medical Billing Services by Medical Billing SpecialistsMedical Billing India is most trusted medical billing company serving wide range of clients such as independent doctors, hospitals, govt. organizations, insurance firms, healthcare institutions, business houses to convert medical billing into cash reimbursement. Letter: Real reasons for high healthcare costsam interested in Don Keelans reasoning when, in his Truth of the Matter column, he explains the reasons for the exorbitant cost of health care. Heath Care Study Reveals Access to Health Care as the Biggest Issue Facing U.S. Healthcare This YearThis year's survey focused on understanding how agents, brokers and consultants see the future of health benefits distribution through the new lens of reform. They were asked to weigh in on how health care reform will impact their business and how they plan to respond. More than 1,100 members of the health distribution channel responded to this year's survey, spanning the country and representing all employer size segments as well as the individual market. Americans want to "keep Medicaid as it is": surveyCurrently, U.S. states administer Medicaid with partial reimbursements from the federal government. The healthcare reform law passed last year made more people eligible for the program and also increased some rates of reimbursement. Single payer healthcare: Vermont's gentle revolutionVermont is a land of proud firsts. This small New England state was the first to join the 13 colonies. Its constitution was the first to ban slavery. It was the first to establish the right to free education for all public education. Mobile, EHRs to Fuel 24 Percent Health Care IT Growth by 2014: ReportThe health care IT industry will grow 24 percent from 2012 to 2014 and increase its spending by $40 billion through the end of 2011, according to the report U.S. Healthcare IT Market Analysis by RNCOS, a global research firm based in India. Factbox: Options to shore up Medicare finances in U.S.Republicans in the House of Representatives are pushing to phase out traditional fee-for-service Medicare and create a voucher-like system for future retirees to buy subsidized medical coverage from private insurers. More primary care tied to lower death ratesThe number of medical students who go into primary care has been dropping in recent years, fueling concerns over how this will impact the aging nation's health. Massachusetts Firm Awarded U.S. Patent for Personal Medical Record InnovationMedical Record Bank has developed a unique internet-based digital personal medical record system that collects comprehensive data from all of an individual's healthcare providers. For consumers, it is as easy to use as e-mail, and it places no new burdens or disruptions on providers. WRAPUP 2-$1 trillion on the table in U.S. debt talksU.S. lawmakers are weighing $1 trillion in deficit-cutting measures as part of a possible deal that would allow an increase in the country's borrowing authority, Vice President Joe Biden said on Tuesday. Affordable Medical Billing Services for PhysiciansIn this day and age, the medical industry is fast becoming the most expensive industry in the world. With the increasing growth of this industry, more and more physicians are looking for affordable options to manage their medical billing. Additionally, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is also coming down hard by their compliance laws that they expect physicians and healthcare organizations to comply. Medical Billing Clearinghouses - A Essential to Processing EffectivenessEligibility responses present pertinent insurance coverage policy and protection data, such as: Individual demographics Title and handle of patients' major treatment provider so you could get hold of them. Policy variety Policy detail - Coverage dates and position, to inform the provider's workers whether or not a patient has insurance coverage on the date(s) healthcare is offered How Much Would You Spend to Prolong Your Life? A Key Question in the Healthcare CrisisIt is pretty rare to see an article that clearly demonstrates a key issue in the healthcare crisis, even if the authors don't appreciate it. The study referenced today discusses ethnic differences in the willingness of families to spend their fortunes for extending their lives. The actual results about different ethnic groups is less important than the concept itself. How much of your money would you spend keeping yourself alive? If you were dying of cancer, and needed dialysis to stay alive a few more months, would you pay for it yourself? What if it left your family penniless? What would be your answer at age 20, 50, 70 or 90? Is a 20% chance of curing your wife's cancer worth spending all of your savings? Medical Billing Office Mistakes - The 10 Biggest And How to Avoid ThemAs we embark upon 2011, the necessity to improve the efficiency and profitability of our Medical Billing has never been more important. In the face of rising practice costs coupled with declining or stagnant reimbursement, the challenges presented to medical professionals and their billers will be daunting. Many billing operations have not kept up with the ever-changing challenges and the risks to their practices, and this will become very apparent in the New Year. Here are some suggestions to assist your medical billers and some deadly pitfalls to avoid. EMR Software And Its Three Main BenefitsBest of breed products will typically include templates for several key accounting reports, such as billings and treatment details, but also include customizable demographic reports Beneficial services of Medical billing by Scott MoschoThe medical billing has a lot of benefits as its services not only help in keeping track of the bills but it also stores the complete information about the patients. Its information storage is very detailed and you will be able to access all the required information about the patient in just a few seconds. This is very helpful to the insurance provider for investigation of the insurance claim. Claims Denial-Management Programs Can Reduce Denials, Increase ProfitsClaims denial-management programs can significantly reduce the number of denied claims for practices, according to an American Medical News report. Electronic Health Records face human hurdles more than technological ones:Moving from paper to electronic health records (sometimes called electronic medical records) has become more attractive to health care providers in the past two years under an act, funded with about $20 billion in economic stimulus funds from 2009, that provides incentives for physicians and medical practices to implement electronic health records. Why Medical Billing Services are a Craze Among Health care ProvidersThis is the reason why numerous health-related organisations have decided on medical billing services. Provided below are the key benefits associated with medical billing services. How is Information Technology helping in Healthcare?There are information technologies in areas relating to business functions of the medical field are not too different from those found in other industries. Some of these types of uses for information technology are: billing, patient scheduling, registration paid. How Does EMR Software Improve Staff Productivity?How can EMR (Electronic Medical Records) software improve your office productivity? You may have a medical practice but still remain uncertain as to whether EMR is a convenience or a need. These are hard times and you do need to maximize every dollar. Is electronic medical record software really a necessity? Consider six reasons why buying EHR or EMR software might be ideal for your practice. The Complexities of Medical Billing Services is Often Better Left to Outsourcing:Healthcare facilities, Hospitals, medical clinics, and private practices all have one thing in common with each other that they would not wish on their worst enemies, medical billing headaches. While many large hospitals will operate their on billing department as part of their in-house business infrastructure, smaller hospitals, clinic, and private practices usually go another, less expensive route. They will outsource the billing headaches to a medical billing company that specialized in their particular kind of practice. Healthcare Outsourcing Services Is Not Just Medical Billing And Medical CodingBut while medical coding and billing are not the sole areas of focus in the healthcare outsourcing, it is certainly one that requires the most attention among healthcare providers because of the healthcare reform. On the 4th of October, consulting firm, Navigant (NYSE:NCI), acquired healthcare consulting company, EthosPartners Healthcare Management Group (EthosPartners) Obama Administration takes new steps to support innovation, empower statesBuilding on President Obamas commitment to ensure states have the power and flexibility to innovate and implement the health care solutions that work best for them, the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Treasury today proposed new rules outlining the steps states may pursue in order to receive a State Innovation Waiver under the Affordable Care Act. ROI Analysis for Full Cycle Web Based Practice Management Software Solution:Patient collections are an important part of your collection process as well. Why work in the Medical Billing and Coding?The career path you can work from home. can use their code and medical billing company or companies you work for some others. In both cases the premiums are very high. Reduce Your Health Care Costs by Making the Most of Your Doctor's Appointments - Medical BillingAdvanced features will include medical coding software, revenue and insurance denial management, automatic EOB posting, and insurance eligibility. How Cloud Computing Can Benefit Your PracticeIn such a technological environment, ease of operation and cost effectiveness are virtues for physicians who wish to concentrate on helping patients instead of getting bogged down in the minutiae of the electronic realm. Castle Computing, LLC in Huntersville, NC, can help your practice use the Internet to eliminate in-house servers with a method called cloud computing. Health Care Fraud A Hot Topic On Capitol HillHearings in the House and Senate Wednesday examined public and private efforts to address health care fraud. And the Government Accountability Office issued a new report on fraudulent or improper billing to Medicare. U.S. stresses prevention in fighting Medicare fraud(Reuters) - Healthcare programs are moving away from "pay and chase" and concentrating more on prevention in the battle against fraud that costs the government billions of dollars, U.S. officials told Congress on Wednesday. Patients trust their doctors -- but not EHRs: CDWCDW Healthcare's new EHR and IT Security Report has some unsettling patient perceptions of IT security in healthcare. Many countries are investing heavily in electronic health records and health information exchange to drive improvements in the quality of care and reduce the cost of healthcare provision.:The US government predicts its healthcare spending will reach $4.4 trillion by 2018. This rise in cost is unsustainable and translates to an annual expenditure of $13,000 for each man, woman and child. US Healthcare Industry Growing on the Back of Healthcare IT Segment:According to our latest research report US Healthcare Sector Forecast to 2012, the healthcare industry, in spite of the regressive effects of the recent economic downturn, will grow at a considerably high pace in the coming years. Supported by all the verticals of the industry such as, hospital services and pharmaceuticals, the US Healthcare industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6% during 2010-2013. Healthcare Reform Technology Tips for Payers, Providers:The entire U.S. healthcare system is focused on building a new technology foundation upon which a new performance based delivery system can be architected over the next decade. There are a number of critical success factors including an efficient administration of healthcare benefits and adaptation of a wide range of new market business models. A PHI Security Wake Up Call:You'd think with all the federal regulations aimed at ensuring PHI (protected health information) remains private, healthcare facilities would have fairly bulletproof systems in place for securing patient records, right? Well, not according to a new survey released by Ponemon Research. U.S. Outlines New Tools To Fight Health Care FraudThe effort is part of the Obama Administrations ongoing efforts to prevent and fight fraud in our nations health care system. U.S., Europe sign agreement to promote EHR interoperability:An eHealth agreement, promoting a common approach on the interoperability of EHRs and on training the health IT workforce, was signed between Europe and the United States on Friday. Health insurance providers are distorting the healthcare debate:One of the primary goals of President Obamas first term is to restructure healthcare in the United States of America. Since so much of the country is unhappy with the current healthcare system, and since the United States spends so much more, both overall and per capita, on healthcare than any other country in the world, its not a surprise that this is such an important task. EHR- Can India and its IT deliver it for the best?Bangalore: Healthcare worldwide is constantly undergoing changes due to new research findings, new medical technologies and new business models. It has evolved into an information intensive field and data must be timely, accurate and reliable since it could make the difference between life and death. The potential of IT and its influence on Indian healthcare has been much talked about. Healthcare IT to Revolutionize US Healthcare Industry:According to our latest research report "US Healthcare Sector Forecast to 2012", the healthcare industry in the US will continue to grow at a stupendous growth rate of 6% during 2010-2013. This growth will be supported by the advent of a variety of solutions and applications in the Healthcare IT (HIT) segment. The healthcare industry in the country is also receiving support from the regulatory authorities for adopting t HIT services. Hospitals must report patient infections or face losing funds:Hoping to erase a troubling legacy of preventable infections and deaths, most U.S. hospitals on Jan. 1 will begin reporting the number of patients who contract bloodstream infections following their treatment in intensive-care units. Healthcare IT to Revolutionize US Healthcare Industry:According to our latest research report "US Healthcare Sector Forecast to 2012", the healthcare industry in the US will continue to grow at a stupendous growth rate of 6% during 2010-2013. This growth will be supported by the advent of a variety of solutions and applications in the Healthcare IT (HIT) segment. Top 10 IT implications of healthcare reform:I'm often asked how Healthcare Reform will impact IT planning and implementation over the next few years. First, some background. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (HR 3590) and Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (HR 4872) were passed to to address several problems with healthcare in the US. 1,000 Healthcare Providers Sign Up for EHR and Meaningful Use Support from WIREC:(PR Web Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Seattle, WA (Vocus) December 9, 2010 The Washington & Idaho Regional Extension Center (WIREC) announced today that 1,000 primary care providers in the region have signed up to use its services to help adopt and use electronic health records (EHRs). Meaningful use of EHRs will improve patient care and also help providers qualify for federal stimulus incentive payments. A New Twist on Labor Arbitrage: The Impact of ObamaCare to Promote Offshore Outsourcing:In considering talent management strategies, employers inevitably consider the relative costs of hiring employees and complying with labor law. Such considerations include the regulatory regime governing minimum wages, unionization and, now, health care compliance. ER billings from urgent care clinic draws complaints:Karl Kaiser took his daughter, Teresa Kaiser, to the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare urgent care facility in Wauwatosa to have her sore foot X-rayed. Winds of change: reflections on US healthcare reform:US healthcare reform, officially titled The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or PPACA, became law in the United States on March 23, 2010. However with the results of this weeks US mid-term elections, many are questioning the fate of healthcare reform. DOJ touts $2.5 billion haul from healthcare fraud recoveries:The U.S. Dept. of Justice secured $3 billion in civil settlements and judgments for fraud cases in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 - the largest-ever annual recovery of funds defrauded from federal government. Health Execs Laud EHRs For Boosting Care:Integrated healthcare delivery organizations say electronic health records (EHRs) support their patient care strategies by increasing the availability of individual patient and patient population data and by improving communication among providers. Diagnosis: Six Sigma helps healthcareThere is no denying that the US healthcare system is facing a troubling time. President Barack Obama has made healthcare reform a top priority for the coming years and with expenditure spiralling and patient waiting times getting longer there is a definite need for improvements to be made as soon as possible. Major Changes to Healthcare Reform Law Unlikely:The 2010 midterm elections brought about speculation that a GOP-controlled U.S. House of Representatives would take great effort to derail, or at least attempt to modify, the healthcare reform package. According to healthcare industry leaders, the latter appears to be more plausible, but not completely assured. Despite House approval, health care reform faces tough battle:Narrow passage of a sweeping health care bill by the House of Representatives portends a continuing difficult fight for President Obama and fellow Democrats to get a bill through the Senate and into law. HIPAA, HEALTHCARE INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT: PART 1As the most sweeping change in the US health care delivery system and how it is managed, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) will be a challenge for all involved. HIPAA will impact every provider in all aspects of health care services. Hospitals' concerns about health care overhaul are unwarranted, feds say:The government's approximately $1 trillion health care overhaul plan has Anniston hospital officials concerned about how it will be implemented and how it will affect their costs and services - concerns federal officials say are unwarranted. Healthcare Reform Alters Insurance Choices for 2011:Many people would rather get a tooth pulled than spend hours poring over the coverage details of health insurance plans. But this year, it could really pay off to educate yourself on all the options instead of automatically renewing your old plan. Medicare alive and well, but changing, seniors told:Despite rumors, Medicare's not being cut, it's just being made to work better, the program's Midwest director assured local residents last week. Healthcare Providers Reluctant to Embrace Outsourcing Firms for Digital Health Records Initiative:Under the HITECH Act of 2009, primary care physicians, hospitals and other medical organizations are eligible to receive financial incentives for implementing electronic health records within the next few years. The History Of Medicare, US Healthcare Scheme, From Hope To Financial Insolvency:The Medicare system, which exists in the United States today, is a social insurance program intended to provide health insurance coverage for people aged 65 and over, plus some other special groups such as disabled people. US Medicare is a single-payer health care system, and as such it is similar to Medicare in Canada and Australia, and to the NHS in the UK, except that American Medicare only covers a certain proportion of the population. This article covers the history of Medicare from its founding in the 1960s, to the funding challenges it faces today. American Hospice Connects Care Providers with Mobile Health Records:Hospice care is one of the fastest growing categories in healthcare delivery. As our population grows, ages and the diagnosis of fatal illness rises. With a more enlightened view of care at the end of life, more and more individuals and families are opting for hospice care in home, often provided by health aides whose work is guided by physicians and nurses. Government enhances crackdown on healthcare fraud:The U.S. government is strengthening its crackdown on practitioners who scam federal healthcare programs, with new muscle provided by the 2010 healthcare reform law and a determination to shut down fraudulent or erroneous claims, which exceeded $24 billion in 2009. Hospitals, Health Systems Drive EHR Adoption:Medical offices owned by hospitals and health systems saw the biggest jump in electronic health record (EHR) adoption rates between January and October 2010, according to the latest results of an ongoing survey released Monday by SK&A, a provider of healthcare information solutions and research. Questioning the healthcare system:It's nobody's fault that healthcare is enormously expensive. Issues about affordability have always been with us, and probably always will be, whether the care is paid-for by the government, or by our employer, or by ourselves out-of-pocket. U.S. Invests $30 Million For Consumer Assistance Health Care Programs:These grants will support states' efforts to establish or strengthen consumer assistance programs that provide direct services to consumers with questions or concerns regarding their health insurance. Let's Concentrate More on Medicine Than Politics:Implementing the Patient Protections and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) will be a monumental task and there are plenty of legitimate landmines planted by the legislation that we will have to wok hard to avoid. One of the things we should not be wasting any time and energy on, however, is whether the individual mandate is unconstitutional. HHS Criticizes Rate Hikes, Defends Health Care Reform:The federal government has chimed in on Connecticut's decision to allow Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to raise premium rates as much at 47 percent for some customers. Hospital Workers Feel Recession's Pinch:Conventional wisdom holds that hospital jobs are essentially recession-proof: people are always going to get sick, and someone will have to take care of them. But a new study shows that the current recession has not spared local health care providers. Judge lets states' healthcare suit go forward:U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson had said at a hearing last month that he would block efforts by the Justice Department to dismiss the lawsuit, led by Florida and 19 other states. "In this order, I have not attempted to determine whether the line between constitutional and extraconstitutional government has been crossed," Vinson, of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, wrote in his ruling. Urgent Care Centers: Good for Patients, Bad for Real Healthcare ReformExperts agree that the key to solving our healthcare crisis is rebuilding primary care. Advocates of the "patient-centered medical home" maintain that our system would deliver higher quality care at lower cost if primary-care doctors better coordinated their patients' care. Yet in the real world, patients have a hard time getting in to see their primary-care physicians. So we have the phenomenon of the urgent-care center, which caters to patients who want to be seen right away but don't have a problem that's serious enough for them to go the emergency room. How The Nursing Shortage Affects The Healthcare System?Lately, there has been a growing shortage of nurses across the country. Many expect this shortage to grow in the approaching years as baby boomers get older and therefore the demand for health care increases. Other reasons for a nurse shortage embody: a minimum range of openings in nursing faculties, a rise in the amount of nurses retiring, and many nurses leaving the healthcare field. The American Association of Faculties of Nursing and other medical professionals have become concerned concerning the impact the nursing shortage can have on society. In line with a study revealed in the Journal of the Yank Medical Association (2000), "the U.S. will experience a 20% shortage in the number of nurses required in our nation's health care system by the year 2020." Health Secretary seeks consumer and insurer balance:Such spending, known as the medical loss ratio (MLR), is closely watched by Wall Street, and its new regulation is part of a host of changes called for under the sweeping healthcare reform law passed in March. Health insurers are seeking broad definitions they say will give them flexibility to provide better care, noting that too-strict rules could force some to flee the market. Consumer advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers want tighter limits to ensure that the companies spend enough on patient claims. Judge upholds key part of Obama healthcare law:A judge on Thursday upheld a key part of President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law that requires Americans to obtain coverage, rejecting a challenge by a conservative interest group. The Thomas More Law Center filed a lawsuit in Michigan the day Obama signed it into law. It argued that the provision requiring Americans buy coverage by 2014 under threat of penalty was beyond Congress' authority and an unconstitutional tax. US Doctors Must Embrace EHR:The need for US physicians to step up their adoption of electronic health records (EHR) has been talked about since the EHR software stimulus, signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009, guaranteed $44,000 to $64,000 in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement payments to doctors implementing EHR before the beginning of 2011. Empirical Study Finds U.S. Hospitals Could Save Up To $37.5 Billion Annually:According to a new empirical study using capital equipment purchase records compiled by College Station, Texas based MEMdata, U. S. medical facilities could reduce supplies and equipment costs by up to $37.5 billion each year by using more open and competitive purchasing processes. Why Healthcare Providers Are Cash Poor While Healthcare Costs Are High:The climbing cost of healthcare has been among the top issues in this years elections, and it should be on your list of concerns too, because within the healthcare industry lies an immensely untapped potential for financing that is in dire need of your cash flow expertise. Allow me to explain the situation and then show you where you fit into the healthcare financial equation. Obama Does the Right Thing on Global AIDS, Says AHF:AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) today lauded the Obama administrations announcement that it will seek $4 billion for the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis over the next three yearsa 38% increase over what has been provided in the previous three-year period. The U.S. also urged better management of grants by participating countries, as well as increased accountability and efficiency by the Global Fund. more.. Employer health costs to rise in 2011The Hewitt report blames higher mostly on medical claim costs and an aging population but also on U.S. healthcare reform, which has become one of the most politically charged issues in the coming November congressional elections as disappointed voters learn they must wait for promised savings to come into effect. The Health of US Healthcare:With Healthcare reform driving national attention to record levels of uninsured patients, the role of the CFO is becoming more difficult and crucial to the success of a hospital or healthcare service center. Due to the public eye scrutinizing this level of a corporation, CFOs across the healthcare industry are meeting in Miami for the CFO Healthcare Summit 2010 this October. The driving focus from attendees is to understand the right revenue cycle implementation and what is the most cost effective Supply Chain Management (SCM) procedures that can give their respective organizations a competitive edge. What the Health Care Reform Bill Will Mean for You:The Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act went into effect this past March. This important piece of legislation has the potential to impact the lives of every American, from the way they receive health care from their doctors to the types of coverages they receive from their insurers. Health Care Reform: New Options for Young People:This week, some of the latest health care reform laws passed by the U.S. Congress and the Obama administration came into effect, which give many young people the chance to get proper medical coverage. Donny Lumpkin spoke to some young people who will benefit greatly from the latest reforms, and some who think staying healthy is all the medical coverage you need. Donny Lumpkins is a senior content producer for YO! Youth Outlook Multimedia. Malcolm Marshall contributed to this report. Healthcare Reform to Worsen Doctor Shortage:The U.S. healthcare reform law will worsen a shortage of physicians as millions of newly insured patients seek care, the Association of American Medical Colleges said on Thursday. The group's Center for Workforce Studies released new estimates that showed shortages would be 50 percent worse in 2015 than forecast. Doctors need to help patients prepare better for health decisions:Twelve years ago, then 28-year-old graduate student Brian Zikmund-Fisher was forced into the toughest choice of his life: Die from a blood disorder within a few years or endure a bone marrow transplant that could cure him or kill him in weeks. Zikmund-Fisher, now an assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health specializing in health communication, chose to gamble. After nine months of blood transfusions, a bone marrow match was found in Australia. Zikmund-Fisher spent another month in isolation until his new immune system began working. Medical Billing Services: Advantages for Effective Healthcare Solution:If you are thinking about improving the efficiency and value of healthcare facility, you must think on medical billing services. The medical billing companies employ advanced technologies and highly qualified professionals to help healthcare practitioner getting maximum reimbursement by claiming accurately and timely. Medical billing services not only ensure the financial stability but also help you to devote more time for patient treatment and other clinical tasks. New Study Proves Reducing Healthcare Costs While Improving Care Is Achievable:The results are in: population-based care management doesn't just improve patient satisfaction - it also can significantly reduce medical costs. It is widely known that chronic disease accounts for 75% of the total cost of healthcare in the United States. In the late 1990s, the care management industry grew out of the need to combat this problem, by increasing medication compliance, reducing gaps in care, and helping individuals become more empowered to actively manage their own health. Opinion: A New Day for Health Care in America:Today marks a turning point for health care consumers. As part of the new health insurance reform law, the Affordable Care Act, new patient protections will begin to take effect, ending some of the worst abuses of insurance companies and giving Americans important new rights. Thanks to these reforms, Americans with health insurance will have more security. Insurance plans will no longer be able to set lifetime dollar limits on your benefits or lock you out of medication and treatment you need. And your plan won't be able to cancel your policy because of an unintentional mistake on the paperwork. Health Care Reform's Effect on Business:The immediate impact is already being felt. Uncertainty in terms of how reform will impact businesses has already resulted in delayed business decisions, including hiring for small businesses, which will also likely be a factor delaying recovery. Though there are many points of distinction with the federal legislation, Massachusetts' health care reform and its impact on business offers a view into the future, and possibly some lessons, for federal health care reform. Most notably, reform has had no positive impact on the high cost of health care delivery in the Commonwealth -- costs here have risen faster than the rest of the nation since 2006. More U.S. doctors moving to e-prescriptions: reportU.S. doctors increasingly are ditching pen and paper and sending prescriptions to pharmacies electronically, lured by up to $27 billion in government funds aimed at speeding the switch to electronic medical records. There are now 200,000 doctors who use e-prescribing, or roughly one in three office-based doctors. That compares with 156,000 at the end of last year, and 74,000 at the end of 2008, according to new data released on Tuesday by Surescripts, which operates the largest U.S. electronic prescribing network. E-Prescribing Use Continues To Grow:About 190 million prescriptions were sent electronically in 2009 and that's expected to increase to 300 million in 2010, according to Surescripts. The use of e-prescribing nearly tripled last year, but still only accounts for the minority of prescription transactions in the U.S., according to a new report. Many U.S. employers plan to make major changes to health care plans next year, survey shows:In recent years, employees have found that they are being asked to pay more of their insurance premiums and higher deductibles. Plenty of companies have already gone that route. More are soon to follow, according to recent surveys. A majority of large U.S. employers plan to make major changes to their health care plans in 2011, according to a National Business Group on Health survey. Technology and Reform Will Keep Driving Up Health Care Costs:U.S. health care costs have grown about three times as fast as gross domestic product over the past five decades, thanks to the development of technologically advanced but pricier treatments. And they'll continue to increase as the federal government begins mandating universal health coverage over the next 10 years, according to UCLA Anderson Forecast's third-quarter presentation on Sept. 15. In U.S., 13% More Have Gov't Healthcare Since Recession Began:More than one-quarter of American adults reported having government health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, or military/veterans' benefits) in August. This number is up 13% since Gallup and Healthways started tracking the measure in January 2008, a month after the recession began. At the same time, 9% fewer Americans are covered through their employer. Insured against the uninsured the separation of the American Health Care:Everyone, at some point in his life, has to take care physician. The U.S. healthcare system is a billion-dollar industry, and reject the people who can not afford their services. The current health care system is divided into two groups - health care for insured and non-medical care or limited assistance for the uninsured. The nature of personal and medical care a person receives inthe current American system of health care depends on the person, the state insurance. In the land of opportunity, segregation is still practiced. US Patients Going Straight To Emergency Department, Bypassing Personal Physicians:Every wondered why emergency departments in the USA are so crowded? The answer seems to be in people's changing behaviors over the last few years. Today, only 45% of the 354 million yearly visits for acute care in the USA are made to the patient's personal doctor, while an enormous number are going straight to emergency departments, seeing specialists, or turning up at outpatient care departments as their first point of call for treatment for new health problems, episodes, or a flare-up of a chronic health condition, such as diabetes or asthma. EHR Reality Check:The number of hospitals that have adopted EHR systems rose slightly from 8.7% to 11.9% between 2008 and 2009. Many see this growth as an indication that EHRs are finally taking hold in the medical community. However, as we all know, EHR adoption doesn't necessarily translate to EHR meaningful use. According to a recent report by Health Affairs, only 2% of the U.S. hospitals reported as having EHRs would meet the meaningful use criteria outlined by ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) incentives. Alliance to push for medical innovation:Worried that pressure to control health care costs will lead to lower prices for drugs and medical devices, making it less attractive to invest in life sciences companies, a group of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs is set to launch a national alliance today to promote policies and regulations that favor US medical innovation. Repealing Obamacare spells problems for Medicare, Medicaid:Some recent rhetoric by a certain Fox News commentator and rabble rouser got me thinking. Like him, I started pondering the civil rights movement and what "social justice" actually means. Americans confused about healthcare reform: pollJulia Wood, a 51-year-old mother of 12 from Chicago's East side, has some health insurance through a state program -- but is so worried she may lose it she asks not to give her real name. |