Healthcare Blog

Interesting Provider Questions!

Here are some frequently asked questions that have been coming up in conversation with our providers recently.Why do I have to write out my diagnosis when I put the ICD-10CM code in my note?Answer: Based on ICD-10CM, Risk adjustment auditing and HCC auditing guidelines, “The assignment of an ICD-10CM code is based on the providers […]

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How the proposed rule will support alternative care models

In the 2019 Proposed Rule, CMS expands coverage of telehealth-based services including remote patient monitoring programs. They plan to expand coverage by reimbursing virtual check-in services, reimbursing remote evaluation of recorded images and videos submitted by patients, and enhancing the reimbursement opportunities for prolonged preventive services. By reimbursing virtual check-in services, providers will be compensated […]

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HFMA Conference Recap

On February 26, 2019 HFMA held a conference titled “Beyond Hospital Walls”. The conference focused on continuum of care delivered outside of the hospital and was attended by a vast mix of healthcare professionals creating a vibrant learning experience. The speakers included leaders from the University of Maryland Medical System, Western Maryland Health System, MedStar […]

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Healthcare: Reinventing the Industry & Ourselves

What is the first thought that comes to mind when you think about healthcare? Do you think about the rising costs and how it affects providers’ and hospitals’ financial statements? Perhaps you think about care quality and all the metrics surrounding it? Or are you thinking about some hot topics or industry buzz words like […]

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Financial Impact of the Proposed Rule

CMS has proposed several revisions to its reimbursement methodologies, which could have an adverse or favorable financial impact.Evaluation & Management (E&M) CodesCurrently, reimbursement for an E&M code is tied to the level of the code (e.g., a physician will get substantially more reimbursement for a level 5 E&M than they would for a level 2 […]

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Essential Data Elements for Payer Credentialing

Credentialing and enrollment are critical processes that impact many facets of the healthcare industry. When not managed properly they can negatively impact a healthcare organization’s revenue. With regulatory requirements becoming more and more complex, incorrectly and poorly managed credentialing and enrollment processes also put hospitals at risk of compliance violations.NAMSS (National Organization Medical Staff Services) […]

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Credentialing

Did you know that Medical Credentialing dates back to Persia in 1000 B.C.? To qualify for a medical license, a physician had to treat three criminals, if everyone lived, then the physician was qualified to practice medicine for the rest of his life. (Care Cloud, 2019) Thank goodness the laws around credentialing have changed drastically […]

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Coding Unbundled

Coordinated Health in Pennsylvania, founded by its CEO, Dr. DiIorio, was on track to compliant coding when they hired outside consultants to audit their coding practices. The consultants found that the facility and Dr. DiIorio, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, were misusing Modifier 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) in order to unbundle services from 2007 through 2014. […]

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An Interns Perspective on Healthcare

My name is Marian Karam and I am a senior at Towson University. Since this is my first internship, I was not sure what to expect. However, three weeks in, I can honestly say that I have learned so much and am extremely thankful to be a part of the Lighthouse team. During this short […]

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2017 MIPS Performance

Earlier this summer CMS released performance feedback for clinicians that participated in MIPS during 2017 performance period. This included an overview of their MIPS final score, performance category details and 2019 MIPS payment adjustment. A process called targeted review was also offered to clinicians, groups or those participating in certain APMs, to request a review […]

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