Accurate physician documentation is essential to reimbursement and compliance. Poor documentation can be a cause of inaccurate code selection, denied claims, and payor take backs. To help you understand these risks and how to avoid them, we talked with nationally recognized consultant, coding educator, and author of Greenbranch Publishing’s Field Guide to Physician Coding, 4th Edition, Betsy Nicoletti. In this episode, Betsy shares her “dos and don’ts” for ensuring proper documentation and accurate payment.Betsy Nicoletti's blog and subscription product: Coding IntelThe Field Guide to Physician Coding, 4th Editionhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.5289174625

Coaching is used by companies and many industries to develop managers and leaders. But it’s only beginning to emerge as a professional development method in physician practices and healthcare organizations. In this episode, Mike interviews Tothie (Cheryl Toth) about what coaching is, what it isn’t, and the details around the coaching session process, certification, and costs. Tothie will share how the clarity and confidence gained from coaching has helped her and her practice leader clients set goals, take action on important projects, and grow professionally.HANDOUTS:What is Management Coaching? HandoutTothie's Self-Coaching Starter Listhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.7971242138

If you’re planning on offering telehealth services in your healthcare practice, tune in for this episode. Cheryl Toth and Mike Sacopolus interviews two national experts on how telehealth services can work for physicians and practices and can work to increase patient satisfaction. In addition, we cover the the tactical side of implementation as well as the basics of billing and coding for telehealth.Orthopedic surgeon Alfred Atanda, who has delivered hundreds of virtual visits, will explain how telehealth has improved his efficiency. Dr. Atanda shares his lessons learned about scheduling patients, and conducting visits. Betty Hovey, consultant and coding educator with KarenZupko and Associates, discusses the issues and essentials of reimbursement for telehealth services. Betty Hovey also deciphers important Medicare guidelines, and provides tactical tips for getting paid by payors and patients.Medicare: https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/downloads/TelehealthSrvcsfctsht.pdf - This is specifically for the telehealth resource booklet.HRSA Medicare Telehealth Payment Eligibility Analyzer: https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/medicare/telehealthA Surgeon’s Guide to Getting Started with Telehealth by Betty Hoveyhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.3528274764

Many healthcare practices routinely prescribe durable medical equipment. What should practices look for in a DME provider? What are rules and regulations imposed by CMS for these prescriptions? In this episode we will interview Pete Yelkovac, President of Lifestyle DME Group, LLC. Pete’s background as an attorney and executive of a DME company, makes him a great person to help us navigate the world of Durable Medical Equipment.Pete Yelkovacc/o Lifestyle DME Group, LLCTelephone: (219) 234-2342Website: www.lifestyledmegroup.comhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.4635890431

If you manage a healthcare practice, you’re probably familiar with office drama. You know what I mean….the turf war between the billing manager and the front desk staff. The coder who hoards work to make herself look busy and important. Or the nurse practitioner whose patients adore her, but who acts like a queen bee with her colleagues.If any of this sounds familiar, help is available in this episode of Sound Practice. Our guest is author, executive educator, and consultant Marlene Chism. Marlene will provide practical strategies for how to elevate your leadership, implement strategic communication, and eliminate time-wasting drama. Join us for a lively conversation with Marlene Chism.Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.Use Promo Code/Coupon Code "CHISM" (no quotes) for a 20% discount on "7 Ways to Stop Drama in Your Healthcare Practice" www.greenbranch.com/stopdrama or call (800) 933-3711 or send an email to info@greenbranch.com.Marlene Chism can be reached at www.marlenechism.comhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.1455008934

Telehealth is all over industry news and venture capital is pouring into the market. With employers and health systems adopting telehealth services and CMS implementing new virtual visit codes, should your practice focus on telehealth this year? And if so, where should you start? We’ll explore the topic of telehealth on our next episode. Our guest is Dr. Lyle Berkowitz, Chief Medical Officer and EVP of Product at MDLive. Dr. Lyle will share his insights about physician efficiency and the future of delivering virtual care. Don’t miss it! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or wherever you get your podcasts.http://www.drlyle.comhttps://www.mdlive.comhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.4309935897

If you’d like guidance on how to navigate the complexities of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and the integration of social media into your digital assets, don’t miss this episode where Mike Sacopulos interviews Brent Cavender, Chief Client Advocate of MetaMed Marketing. Brent shares his thoughts about the design, utility, and functionality of an effective healthcare practice web site, as well as how to select a good web designer and choose the right firm to host your site.https://www.sweor.com/firstimpressionshttps://www.MetaMedMarketing.comhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.7300388819

From handling the impact of high deductible health plans and value-based care, to coding accurately, following payor policies, and leveraging payment technologies, successfully managing the revenue cycle requires prioritization and diligence. In order to succeed, practice teams must do the right things, at the right time, using the right tools. In this episode we talk with internationally recognized practice advisor Karen Zupko, president of KarenZupko & Associates, Inc., about preparing for 2019 by understanding industry trends and avoiding common revenue cycle traps that decrease productivity and efficiency.Coding and reimbursement workshop brochures and free resources at www.karenzupko.comCareCredit patient financing for expanding payment options: www.carecredit.comhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.2182171277

Ring in the New Year with this bonus SoundPractice episode covering your action plan for HIPAA compliance. In this episode we discuss common causes of patient privacy breaches and how to avoid them. We focus on Business Associates, cyber insurance, and compliance requirements. This fast moving discussion is full of practical, inexpensive tips on how to navigate your way to patient privacy safety, as well as an overview of actual HIPAA cases that illustrate the risk for healthcare practices.https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/guidance/guidance-risk-analysis/index.htmlThe Journal of Medical Practice Management - https://greenbranch.com/jmpmhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.9909941039

Love it or hate it, online ratings and social media are essential to your future. 84% of people trust online reviews as much as they trust their friends. With value-based care and bundled payments fast approaching, it’s important to prepare a strategy now for how your practice will encourage online reviews from happy patients and mitigate the negative ones too. We interview neurosurgeon and attorney Jeff Segal, MD, JD, Founder and CEO of Emerit.biz for pragmatic guidance about online reputation management and tips for addressing Internet-assaults.eMerit Online Reputation Management for Doctors web site.Tweets, Likes, and Liabilities: Online and Electronic Risk to the Healthcare Professional book link.Establishing, Managing and Protecting Your Online Reputation: A Social Media Guide for Physicians and Medical Practices book link.https://doi.org/10.55834/sp.9264232948

Holiday work parties are a time for fun and celebration. But when a little relaxation and alcohol mix, the line between professional and unprofessional behavior can get blurry. In this episode we cover some do’s and don’ts to make sure your holiday party is an embarrassment-free zone.https://doi.org/10.55834/sp.9209214516

When was the last time you updated your data and device destruction policy? If the answer is, "we don't even have one," your practice is not alone. But you do need to get to work. Planning for the destruction of data and devices that contain PHI is a critical component of privacy and security and important to managing financial and reputational risk. This episode explains how to fearlessly and successfully develop a policy, in five easy steps!Download "Develop a Data and Device Destruction Policy in Five Easy Steps" from The Journal of Medical Practice Management.https://doi.org/10.55834/sp.9314780341

In this SoundPractice Episode, we talk with Tracy Spears, Founder of the Exceptional Leader Lab, about the characteristics of thriving practice leaders. Leading staff in a constantly changing regulatory and reimbursement environment while simultaneously overseeing financial and A/R management, process improvement, and an exceptional patient experience is not for the faint of heart. What are the characteristics that drive an effective practice leader to create a strong culture with a solid balance sheet and a group of physicians and employees who thrive?Link to Tracy Spears web site - TracySpears.comMasterclass special - code is ELL25 for a 25% off discountLink to "You’ve Been Promoted! Strategies for Successful Leadership Transition" from The Journal of Medical Practice Managementhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.2207771859

No matter the size or the specialty, every practice needs a good lawyer and a sharp accountant. But how do you find the right professionals to help your practice? This episode covers the essentials of selecting, hiring, and working with accounting and law firms. We will replace mystery and trepidation with knowledge and a strong game plan.Episode 1 Checklist for Hiring an AccountantCheryl Toth - Working with a Healthcare AttorneyMartindale link: https://www.martindale.comhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.9306666229