Actually, we’re just thinking outside the box today. Like, what will the world of medical billing be like in the future?

PhysiciansPractice.com takes a look at the medical world of 2015. What gadgets will be the future toys of medical caregivers. It doesn’t directly address billing, but the article makes us all think about about the future beyond what’s for lunch.

PhysiciansPractice.com

Does everyone know your name? Well, they would if electronic health records were truly inter-connected on the super highway. Instead, we’re still seeing some potholes.

So where do we stand as the U.S. strives to be fully connected with EHRs by 2015? PhysiciansPractice.com examines how the nation is coping.

PhysiciansPractice.com

Noticed the i-Pad craze of recent weeks? Sure enough, the medical community is embracing the wireless device for its photo and video uses in treating patients. It’s the ultimate interactive chart.

Already, there are apps created for the medical community. And while there isn’t one yet for billing, it’s only a matter of time.

Here’s a great quick read on the future of i-Pads and medical needs.

Minnesota Star Tribune

The EHRs are coming, the EHRs are coming.

An estimated 44 percent of physicians are using electronic health records, says the National Center for Health Statistics. But, only 6.3 percent are using a fully functional system.

And that means more business to us. ClaimTek Systems’ MedOffice has EHR components that will gain clients for you as the industry continues to upgrade by 2015 when Medicre and Medicaid reimbursements decrease for those not using them.

“There’s a revolution coming,” said Peter A. Levine, executive director of the Genesee County Medical Society told the mlive.com. “There are a lot of physicians’ offices looking at this right now, but have not made decisions yet. The process of selecting an electronic medical records system is pretty complicated.”

If you haven’t done so, you owe it to yourself and your clients to learn how EHRs can become part of everyday life.

Try our EHR software

The Huffington Post presents arguments on whether the federal government is creating haves and have nots as it tries to create electronic health records nationwide by 2016.

Some industry leaders believe major urban centers are unfairly gaining greater share of resources while rural areas and small health care practices are being shafted. Thus, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Which brings us to our point – there’s an opportunity in all of this, especially if you live outside a major city.

Become a electronic health records consultant. These practices will grow increasingly desperate for knowledgeable people to get them up and going while competing for federal funding to pay for it. The government is spending $2 billion to help companies gain EHRs. You will more than pay for yourself.

ClaimTek Systems’ MedOffice software is fully EHR compliant. Call us to discuss how to include EHRs in your practice and even become a MedOffice reseller to earn even more.

Learn more about making money as software reseller

Saying only one-tenth percent of hospitals and one fifth of doctors have electronic health records, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius plans to add another $162 million to the $2 billion allocated for EHRs.

Did we just hear the cash register ring like the bells of Notre Dame?

“We’re in a situation where only about 20% of the doctors and only 10% of hospitals today even have basic electronic health records. That’s because even though many doctors around the country can see the potential benefits, there are still lots of obstacles,” Sebelius said. “One of the problems is that the electronic health record systems aren’t always compatible with each other. That’s where these grants we are announcing today will help. “

What does this mean to medical billers? Those who include electronic health records as part of their offerings are tapping into that mountain of money.

ClaimTek Systems’ MedOffice is part of the EHR movement. Call us today to see how it can increase your business.

The mean-sided part of us says 1 in 6 doesn’t think their electronic health record software will meet the 2011 deadline, according to a federal government-funded report of 1,400 health care providers.

Meanwhile, who knows how many of the positive ones really won’t be working. Quite a few we suspect, meaning the real number is maybe 50/50.

Are you ready for EHRs? Don’t be caught short. Call us at ClaimTek Systems at 1-800-224-7450 to ensure you’re ready to go when your clients aren’t.

The Huffington Post tells a a toe of woe. One worth repeating because it cost a nine-physician Florida practice more than $400,000 to learn it.

Robert Cameron told the website his practice bought an electronic medical records system from Acermed, a California company. The EMR didn’t work well; in fact so badly the company was sued repeatedly until forced to declare bankruptcy. Cameron labeled the whole thing “a disaster.”

A disaster – not exactly what the federal government wanted seeking to convert the entire health industry into digital records in coming years.

“I’ve seen physicians buy EHRs where they’ve spent less time buying them than their house and car,” said Margret Amatayakul, a health care technology consultant.

ClaimTek Systems has the antidote. Our HER software works, and works well. Understand that health care providers should be wary when buying the system. That’s why knowing the system inside and out is not only the best defense, but the best selling tool.

Expanding your business from billing to full service means the difference between making a comfortable living and running one with employees and living in the big house on the hill.

Call us at 1-800-224-7450. Let’s discuss how information technology is the key to complete financial independence and a loyal client base.

Meanwhile, read the Huffington Post report detailing how many supposedly good technology companies didn’t make it.

Huffington Post

Some health care providers are asking if they’re spending all this money on an EHR, can they also save money by combining medical billing operations, too?

Good question, and one you need to get in front of before falling behind.

There are companies that are combining both operations. It makes sense. It gives health care providers one-stop shopping. That’s why ClaimTek now has EHR capabilities.

We want you to be as successful as possible. Give us a call to discuss how you can provide EHR and billing for your clients. Just drop us a call at 1-800-224-7450.

Mergers just aren’t for major banks anymore. It seems many primary care practices are considering mergers because of EMR costs.

MedicalEconomics.com reports a number of practices are weighing whether to sell out to hospitals and major medical providers who can absorb the sometimes $1 million cost of EMR programs.

What’s that mean to medical claim processors? Depends. It could provide an opportunity if your group is acquiring or a client lost if you’re on the wrong end of the merger. Essentially, we’re just saying keep your eyes open.

90210.

If you’re older than 30, that number makes you think of the evening soap opera from the ’90s that returned last year in its second generation.

Ironically, it’s almost the billing code for the H1N1 swine flu shot. Go figure. Somebody has a sense of humor. If only Tori Spelling would give me the injection.

The new billing code is 90470. We checked –it’s also  a zip code for Finland. Hmm, Finish actresses on a soap opera. Maybe we can pitch Hollywood that idea

• 90470—H1N1 immunization administration (intramuscular, intranasal), including counseling when performed
• 90663—Influenza virus vaccine, pandemic formulation, H1N1

We’re all hearing about the N1N1 (swine flu) pandemic fears. So what does it mean for your business?

It means EHR technology is moving along faster than expected to help combat the threat, says Dr. David Hunt, Chief Medical Officer for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.

Agencies are rushing EHRs faster through the system. That means you need to be on top of them now. ClaimTek Systems has been on the forefront of this technology. Give us a call today to make sure you’re open for business should the crisis projections prove true and everyone needs you at the ready.

Examiner.com

Let’s face it – businesses either adapt or die.

Many companies were great at what they did and faded away. Stage coaches, telegraph wire and pony express riders were fantastic but you only read about them now in history books.

Medical claims is a great business. It gives you the chance to operate your own business, enjoy life your way and make a nice living.

For some of you, that’s more than enough. For others, it’s just the starting point. And for those looking ahead, we cite a MedicalEconomics.com story that shows health care providers desperately need help with EHRs. According to the Medical Group Management Association’s study of 2,077 members, 25 percent said picking an EHR was an extreme challenge while 36 percent called it considerable. That’s 61 percent who need, want and are looking for help.

Fortunately, ClaimTek Systems’ software works with EHR – a selling point for your services. Give us a call to discuss how to include it in your sales pitch for new clients.

Many medical claims billers concentrate on — wait for it — billing! OK, not calling the New York Times with that revelation, but we’re overstating the obvious to make you realize how silly staying with just one thing really is.

Diversify. Rework the wheel and make more money. And today’s way of doing it — Electronic Health Records. PhysiciansPractice.com  discusses how more and more medical claims billers are venturing into EHRs because of the overlap in technology and knowledge. If you can bill, you can work with the needs of the EHRs.

One way to gain more clients is to offer both services. Who doesn’t love one-stop shopping? Of course, you need the latest software to handle EHR and ClaimTek Systems has it for you. Be sure to check in with our staff to discuss how our EHR software can help you grow your business.