PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
By Pat O'Sullivan, President
TECHNOLOGY IS UPON US….
ARE WE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY?
Just a few years ago, a physician said to me, “why do we need a fax, we did ok without it?” He was afraid of technology. We experience many medical practices “afraid” of technology. Why would someone be afraid of something which could make their world better? Sometimes it is the billers, afraid to try electronic statements even though they cost less than the old “stuffing, folding” method. Sometimes it is the manager, afraid to use the computer software because she can’t “touch” the checkbook, ledger, etc. Sometimes it is the physician because of the expense or lack of knowledge. Sometimes, it is just the fear of failure and of the unknown.
Here’s the question I ask the owner/owners of the practice. What would your patients have thought if you were unsure, unskilled or afraid of the apparels procedures when they first appeared in medicine? Where would we be if patients were in the hospital for two weeks after a knee replacement without technology? Our patients expect us to be up to date, progressive and open to new business practices, just as they expect it in their medical care.
Questions to ask about our medical practices:
- Is there technology which will bring revenue in faster?
- Are we taking advantage of the remote deposit opportunity rather than go to the bank?
- Are we utilizing the automatic deposit feature offered by most of the insurance companies?
- Are we researching technology for verifying benefits and eligibility for our patients?
- Is our bookkeeping method up to date and providing appropriate financial information?
- Are we using our technology to monitor the reimbursements from the insurance carriers?
- Are we performing background checks on all new hires using available technology
Physicians and their staffs are in a position to prepare for the many changes in healthcare. To be proactive rather than reactive. It takes some time and the desire to control the destinies of our practices rather than accept the “always done it that way” mind set. Physicians are scientists by nature, seeking solutions on a daily basis. If they are open to researching technology, it will certainly benefit the operations of their practice in the same way. The “Best Practices” are the ones preparing for the future.
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