Status: OR **************************************************************************** * PRACTICE GUARDIAN NEWS... ³The Internet & Practice Management." **************************************************************************** ******** Free - Subscribe today Forward a copy to a friend or associate... Submit your www.association site Information today! Issue 9 - September 1, 1999 Now available Main Page http://www.practiceguardian.com Subscribe info@practiceguardian.com To unscribe to this newsletter please forward to consult@ytci.com and include "unscribe" in the text. This newsletter is freely circulated to the health care community. **************************************************** INDEX **************************************************** PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SITES ..........Surgical Outcomes Information Exchange. ...........Primary Care Resources on the Internet. TOP CHOICE REVIEW... Practice Guardian.Com PRACTICE TIPS As Insurance Cutbacks Occur - Improve Patient Relations. ASSOCIATION UPDATE .....Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) Update ....The Academy of Operative Dentistry RECOMMENDED NEWSLETTERS & PUBLICATIONS NATIONAL HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATIONS (A TO Z) EDITORIAL INFORMATION **************************************************************************** ******** Practice Management Sites **************************************************** "http://www.soix.com" - Surgical Outcomes Information Exchange, a non-profit organization offering a methodology and an Internet based system for benchmarking surgical (and similar) outcomes. This willbe a tool for proving the quality performance and patient satisfaction, and to gain accreditation for health care organizations. The system is accepted by the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). **************************************************** "http://griffin.vcu.edu/~dimlist" - Primary Care Resources on the Internet. A listing recommended by the Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Solid healthcare resource well worth your next visit. **************************************************** TOP CHOICE REVIEW **************************************************** Practice Guardian.Com Michael J. Berry, Consultant http://www.practiceguardian.com Looking for a good resource for practice management information on the internet? Practice Guardian.Com offers direct coding and benchmark fees from Mecqa.com (with keyword search capabilities), previous published management articles on patient relations and collections, direct access to "Collections Made Easy" the second edition from Michael J. Berry, Consultant and other management titles from PMIC books. The site has easy access to current reviews, national association and publications.updates, tips, healthcare, medical, dental and practice management directories to assure your next journey on the internet is successful. Practice Guardian Newsletter is published online monthly. It features online reviews to keep you updated on all latest internet technology effecting healthcare management (claims, filing, coding, fax by email,transcription,etc), practice management websites, current publications and national associations updates and new healthcare products. The newsletter is freely circulated and subscriptions are available at the website by registration. The site offers the subscriber an opportunity to keep ahead and get involved with the latest internet services and technologies by offering Practice Guardian Reviews a subscriber based collection of all past 1999 newsletter reviews for only $50.00 per year. Practice Guardian Health Care Top Choice Websites is also available yearly for $25. Are you interested in increasing cashflow, collecting existing delinquencies, managing insurance and preventing aged accounts by developing a patient relations/collection system? Practice Guardian Consultant is the newest edition to Practice Guardian.Com offering online accounts receivable management consulting. Turn your headaches into positive cashflow by calling 219-583-4234. On site consultation is also available with single or multiple practitioner references. For more information on newsletter and professional services visit the site at: http://www.practiceguardian.com **************************************************** PRACTICE TIPS **************************************************** As Insurance Cutbacks Occur - Improve Patient Relations. by: Michael J. Berry, Consultant ************************************************************ The interpersonal relationship between the practice and the patient is the most effective weapon against delinquency. Sharpening your communication skills and curbing your bad habits before making a bad decision can put your practice on the road to success. Too often, a misunderstanding occurs between the practice and patient and creates an impassable communication barrier. Collecting the account becomes a challenge both to the practice and patient. However, this could be all avoided if the patient is shown courtesy, respect and understanding during each visit. The odds are they will become consistent payers as well. How many times last month did you receive that long and lasting telephone call from the patience who you would likely trade to another practice for no future considerations? Did you hold your breath, count to ten, then calmly try to explain why his/her insurance carrier didn¹t pay 100% of the filed claim. Did you shake your head back and forth while you were on the telephone? Did your voice increase in volume when you tried not to lose your temper? Did your patient stop talking during the conversation? These are important keys to understanding why your current relationship is out of control. Patients are people. Too often, we are so tied up in finishing the assigned task that we forget and treat patients like numbers. Patients have pride and injuring it can be fatal. People love to be noticed and cared for it¹s a part of human nature. Assigning a number takes away a part of their own identity and creates a huge communication barrier. If this occurs, they would rather fight than switch! In order to solve the problem, keep your sanity, and show up for tomorrow¹s work day, you must first identify it. This is crucial. Why is the patient upset? Are they educated to your billing and insurance process? Do they ask questions about insurance coverage and payment? Are they kept in the dark and only know what they have been informed ? This could be the culprit. The practice showing true concern makes points with each patient. If the patient sees that you are trying your best to clear up the problem they will respond to your efforts. Tearing down the mammoth communication barrier begins and ends with cooperation, understanding and common ground for the patient and practice. For more tips from Michael J. Berry, Consultant visit http://www.practiceguardian.com **************************************************************************** ******** ASSOCIATION UPDATE **************************************************** Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) Update http://www.iha.org The Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) has released a major report on Preserving and Strengthening the Delegated Model in California. The recent bankruptcies of FPA and MedPartners, and growing concern about provider group insolvency, have raised serious questions about the predominant California model of delivering managed care through delegated relationships from health plans to provider groups, supported by capitated payments. In its report, IHA argues that the basic model is sound and works well when there is a proper balancing of risk and responsibility between a health plan and a well-managed provider group, but that clearly improvements are needed. IHA calls for actions that will restore a true sense of partnership to the delegated model, clearly defining the mutual accountability between health plans and provider organizations, and the establishment of publicly reported financial standards, common audits, and comparative performance measures for delegated entities. The report may be ordered for $15.00 through the IHA web site http://www.iha.org **************************************************** The Academy of Operative Dentistry http://www.uiowa.edu/~aodweb The mission of the Academy of Operative Dentistry is to promote excellence in Operative Dentistry by exerting influence upon the practice of the health professions in organized dentistry, in health education, in research and in any realm where dentistry is involved. In spite of the fact that Operative Dentistry is not one of the eight dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, the Academy of Operative dentistry has risen in professional stature to a high level of distinction.  The quality of its activities, particularly its scientific annual program in Chicago, its outstanding journal Operative Dentistry, its ability to provide an atmosphere of fellowship and camaraderie unequaled by other groups and its exciting and motivating commitment to excellence are attributes that reflect the quality and diversity of its members. The Academy is a worldwide mixture of all members of the profession, including dental students, postgraduate students, general practitioners, faculty members, members of the uniformed services and members of dental manufacturing companies.  Additionally, the members come from five continents representing 25 countries.  Annual meetings usually have representation from all these countries as members come to learn, teach, and share information for the benefit of all attending.   Further information regarding the Academy of Operative Dentistry and the annual session of the Academy can be found at the web site http://www.uiowa.edu/~aodweb. **************************************************** TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES **************************************************** "Sore and achy hand? wrist? arm? shoulder? ...back? Your computer desktop set-up and PC mouse could be the cause! Cirque’s new Comfort Store web site offers solutions that make computer use more comfortable. Lower your risk of repetitive stress today with products and helpful hints from The Comfort Store, www.cirqueshop.com . For more information about Cirque's computing-ease products and services, contact Cirque Corporation toll-free at 1-800-454-3375 (outside the U.S. call 801-467-1100). Cirque is the original inventor and developer of pressure-free GlidePoint touchpads." http://www.cirqueshop.com **************************************************** My new site has moved to http://www.practiceguardian.com If you are looking for a quick benchmark fee (md and dds) the site will help. It also contains a wide range of articles and management information. All 1999 products and services reviews are now available for $50 by calling 219-583-4234.(updates included) Keep updated on the latest internet technology - claims filing, coding, fax by email, transcription, association updates etc. **************************************************** RECOMMENDED NEWSLETTERS & PUBLICATIONS **************************************************** ³Northwest Physician Magazine² Published Monthly Questions Contact Editor: Ms. Debbie Baldwin 1-800-697-6241 Yearly Subscription: Focus Point- Practice Management & Physician issues. ³The Health Care Collector² Published Monthly by: Aspen Publishers Questions contact: Editor, 414-796-1380 FAX 414-796-1552 205 Bishop¹s Way Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005 Yearly Subscription: $197 Focus Point: Collections ³The Credit Connection² Published Quarterly by: Wisconsin Clinic Credit Managers Association (WCCMA) Questions Contact: Support Services - Deen Clinic Ms. Teresa Addison, Editor 608-250-1121 1808 W. Beltline Highway Madison, Wisconsin 53725 Yearly Subscription: $35 Focus Point: Medical Collections, Accounts Receivables, Federal & State Regulations. ³American Medical News² Published weekly by: American Medical Association (A.M.A.) Questions contact: A.M.News Staff 312-464-4429 515 North State Street Chicago, Illinois 60610 Yearly Subscription: (Free with AMA Membership) Focus Point: All Medical/Socioecomonic Issues. ³Physican¹s Marketing & Management² Published monthly by: American Health Consultants Inc. Questions contact: Managing Editor, 404-282-7436 3525 Piedmont Road N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30305 Yearly Subscription Focus Point: Medical Management ³In Confidence² Published Bimonthly by: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Questions contact: Ms. Jennifer Carpenter. RRA Professional Practice 312-787-2672 919 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1400 Chicago, Illinois 60611-1683 Yearly Subscription: $90 ($75 with membership) Focus Point: Health Information, Patient Privacy & Information System Security Web Site: http://www.ahima.org **************************************************************************** ** NATIONAL HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATIONS (A TOZ) **************************************************************************** ** American Academy of Family Physicians 8880 Ward Parkway Kansas City, Missouri 64114 (816) 333-9700 Web Site: http://www.aafp.org American Academy of Pediatrics P.O. Box 927 Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60009 (847) 228-5005 Web Site: http://www.aap.org American College of Cardiology For More Information Call: 800-253-4636 ext.697, or 301-897-5400, ext.697) http://www.acc.org American Dental Association 211 East Chicago Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 (312) 440-2500 Web Site: http://www.ada.org American Medical Association (A.M.A.) 515 North State Street Chicago, Illinois 06010 (312) 464-5000 Web Site: http://www.ama-assn.org Association of Managed Care Dentists For More Information Call: 310-4553-3439 http://www.dentalgroup.com/amcd. Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS) Ms. Marisa Brazil, AMSUS, Membership Coordinator (301) 897-8800 ext. 20. marisab@amsus.org http://www.amsus.org Healthcare Financial Management Association (HCFMA) Contact Terry Arya, HFMA Membership (800)252-HFMA (4362), ext. 362 e-mail tarya@hfma.org.  http://www.hfma.org Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) Mr. Beau Carter, IHA Executive Director, 45 Quail Court, Suite 302, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, (925) 746-5100 Focus Point: Managed Care Email: bcarter@iha.org. Web Site: http://www.iha.org Medical Group Management Association For More Information Contact: Mr. Garth Jordan, Director of Marketing 106 Inverness Terrace East Englewood, CO 80112-5306 (303) 799-1111 FAX (303) 643-4427 Web Site: http://www.mgma.com The American College of Physician Executives For More Information Contact: Mr. Wesley Curry, wcurry@acpe.org 813-287-2000, http://www.acpe.org The American College of Chest Physicians Member Services 3300 Dundee Road Northbrook, Illinois 60062 Phone: 800-343-2227 or 847-498-1400 Fax: 847-498-5460 E-mail: registration@chestnet.org http://www.chestnet.org The American Gastroenterlogical Association For More Information Contact: http://www.gastro.org The American Thoracic Society Ms. Lori Atkins Manager, ATS Communication Services American Thoracic Society, Medical Section of the American Lung Association 1740 Broadway New York, NY 10019-4374 Phone 212/315-6442 Fax 212/315-6455 latkins@lungusa.org http://www.thoracic.org **************************************************************************** *** PRACTICE GUARDIAN NEWS Practice Guardian News is published monthly. Send all inquiries to attention editor at (219) 583-4234. E-Mail practiceguardian@earthlink.net The subjects and written examples in this newsletter are for general use only. The publisher and author do not accept any responsibility or liability in regards to misuse or misinterpretation. A qualified attorney should be consulted in all matters concerning practice management. Copyright 1999, MJB Consultant. **************************************************************************** **