Transform Patient Care with Our Innovative Patient App: Your Health, Your Control

Technology has become a vital aspect of our daily lives, so it is no surprise that the healthcare industry has embraced the power of mobile apps to improve patient engagement and outcomes. Patient Apps have emerged as game-changers, allowing individuals to manage their health and collaborate with their healthcare providers. Let us explore Patient Apps, delving into their key features, benefits, implementation strategies, and future trends.

Understanding Patient App

A Patient App is a mobile application designed to empower individuals to manage their healthcare needs. These apps are a centralized platform where patients can access various services, from scheduling appointments to tracking their health progress. By leveraging the convenience and accessibility of smartphones, Patient Apps aim to bridge the gap between patients and their healthcare providers, fostering better communication, education, and self-management.

Benefits of Patient Apps

The benefits of Patient Apps extend far beyond mere convenience. By improving patient engagement and communication, these apps can lead to enhanced patient education, better self-management of health conditions, and increased patient satisfaction and loyalty. When patients feel more informed, empowered, and connected to their healthcare team, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans.

Key Features of a Patient App

• User-Friendly Interface

A well-designed Patient App should prioritize user experience. An intuitive interface with straightforward navigation and customization options ensures patients can easily access the needed features. By creating a seamless and personalized experience, Patient Apps encourage consistent usage and engagement.

• Secure Data Management

Patient data is sensitive and requires robust security measures. Patient Apps must adhere to strict data privacy protocols and comply with regulations like HIPAA. By verifying the confidentiality and integrity of patient information, these apps build trust and confidence among users.

• Appointment Management

Scheduling and managing appointments can be difficult, but Patient Apps streamline this process. Features like online appointment booking, rescheduling, and cancellation allow patients to take control of their healthcare schedule. Integration with the provider’s scheduling system ensures that appointments are accurately recorded and communicated.

• Prescription Management

Keeping track of medications can be challenging, particularly for patients with multiple prescriptions. Patient Apps offer features like refill requests, tracking, and medication reminders to help patients adhere to treatment plans. By simplifying prescription management, these apps contribute to better health outcomes and reduced hospital readmissions.

• Health Tracking and Monitoring

Patient Apps can be a centralized hub for tracking various health metrics, such as vital signs, symptoms, and progress. These apps integrate with wearable devices and home monitoring tools to give patients a comprehensive view of their health status, which can be shared with healthcare providers.

• Educational Resources

Patient App offers access to reliable health information and educational materials tailored to the user’s specific condition and needs. By providing accurate and easy-to-understand resources, these apps empower patients to make decisions and actively participate in their care.

• Communication Tools

Effective communication is essential for building strong patient-provider relationships. Patient Apps facilitate secure messaging and video consultations, enabling patients to connect with their healthcare team remotely. This feature is precious when in-person visits are not feasible or convenient.

Benefits for Patients

• Improved Health Outcomes

Patient App provides the tools and resources for effective self-management, such as tracking medication adherence, symptom monitoring, and personalized care plans. These apps contribute to improved clinical outcomes.

• Enhanced Patient Experience

Patient Apps prioritize convenience and accessibility, two critical factors in enhancing the patient experience. These apps eliminate the need for multiple phone calls, paperwork, and in-person visits by offering a centralized platform for managing healthcare needs. Patients can access health information, communicate with providers, and get care from the comfort of their homes, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.

• Empowerment and Self-Management

One of the most significant benefits of Patient Apps is the empowerment they provide to patients. By offering educational resources, health tracking tools, and communication channels, these apps enable individuals to manage their health conditions actively. As patients gain knowledge and confidence, they become more engaged in their care, leading to proper adherence to treatment plans.

Benefits for Healthcare Providers

• Improved Patient Engagement and Adherence

Patient engagement is vital for successful healthcare outcomes. Patient Apps can significantly increase patient engagement by providing convenient access to healthcare services and fostering better communication with providers. It leads to improved clinical outcomes and reduced hospital readmissions.

• Reduced Administrative Burden

Healthcare providers often face a significant administrative burden, which can detract from patient care. Patient Apps can streamline administrative tasks like appointment scheduling, prescription management, and patient communication. By automating these processes, providers can concentrate more on delivering high-quality care and enhancing patient outcomes.

• Enhanced Care Coordination

Effective care coordination is essential for delivering comprehensive healthcare services. Patient Apps can facilitate better communication and collaboration among providers by offering secure messaging, shared care plans, and integration with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. By breaking down silos and improving information sharing, these apps contribute to more coordinated and efficient care delivery.

Implementation Strategies

• Choosing the Right Patient App

When selecting a Patient App, healthcare providers must consider various factors, such as features, integration capabilities, security measures, and user reviews. Aligning the app selection with the practice’s goals and patient needs is essential to ensure a successful implementation. Providers should also consider the app’s scalability and ability to adapt to future healthcare trends and regulations.

• Effective Patient Onboarding and Education

Introducing a new technology can be challenging, especially for patients who may be hesitant to adopt new tools. Healthcare providers must develop effective onboarding and education strategies to ensure successful Patient App adoption. This may include training sessions, creating user guides, and offering ongoing patient support. Providers can encourage consistent app usage and engagement by making onboarding seamless and informative.

• Continuous Improvement and Feedback

Implementing a Patient App is not a one-time event; it requires ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and improvement. Healthcare providers should regularly gather patient feedback, measure the app’s success, and make necessary adjustments to verify that it continues to meet the evolving requirements of patients and the practice. By embracing a culture of continuous improvement, providers can maximize the benefits of Patient Apps and maintain patient satisfaction and engagement.

Challenges and Considerations

• Patient Adoption and Engagement

While Patient Apps offer numerous benefits, encouraging consistent usage and engagement can be challenging. Some patients may resist adopting new technologies or may not see the value of using an app for their healthcare needs. Healthcare providers should develop strategies to overcome these hurdles, such as highlighting the app’s benefits, providing training and support, and making the app an integral part of the patient experience.

• Data Privacy and Security Concerns

Patient data is susceptible, and patients may be concerned about privacy and security while using a mobile app. Healthcare providers must address these concerns by ensuring that the Patient App adheres to strict data privacy protocols and complies with relevant regulations, such as HIPAA. Providers can build patient trust and confidence by prioritizing data security and transparency.

• Integration with Existing Systems

Seamless integration with existing healthcare systems like EHRs is crucial for the success of a Patient App. However, achieving this integration can be challenging, especially when working with legacy systems or complex data structures. Healthcare providers must work closely with app developers and IT teams to ensure that the Patient App integrates smoothly with existing systems, minimizing workflow disruptions and maximizing its benefits.

Future Trends in Patient Apps

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

As Patient Apps continue evolving, we expect to see increased integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies. These advancements can enable personalized recommendations, predictive analytics, and enhanced patient education and self-management. By leveraging the power of AI, Patient Apps can provide more tailored and practical support to patients.

• Telehealth and Remote Monitoring

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the embracement of telehealth and remote monitoring technologies. Patient Apps are well-positioned to play a crucial role in this shift, serving as a platform for virtual care delivery and remote health monitoring. Integrating telehealth and remote monitoring tools allows Patient Apps to expand access to healthcare services, particularly for patients in underserved or rural areas. This integration can also improve care coordination, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve overall health outcomes.

Conclusion

Patient Apps have the potential to revolutionize healthcare engagement, empowering individuals to take an active part in managing their health and collaborating with their healthcare providers. By offering various features, from appointment scheduling to health tracking and communication tools, these apps provide a convenient and personalized method for patients to access healthcare services. As we progress, the continued evolution of Patient Apps, driven by technological advancements and the changing healthcare landscape, will undoubtedly lead to even more significant benefits for patients and providers.

If you’re a patient looking to take control of your healthcare journey, consider exploring Patient Apps. These powerful tools can help you stay informed, engaged, and connected with your healthcare team. Take the first step by researching and downloading a Patient App that aligns with your healthcare needs and preferences.

We at DENmaar provide the best Patient App at affordable prices. Our App provides features like TelePsych, Appointment scheduling, Online payments, and Payment History, thus helping patients get care with comfort. With our App, you can automate patient health data collection and provide telemedicine services. Call us now! – 844-727-3627

DENmaar EHR/RCM: Streamlined Healthcare Solutions

DENmaar EHR/RCM: Streamlined Healthcare Solutions

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, efficient revenue cycle management (RCM) is crucial for medical practices. DENmaar, a leading provider of healthcare technology solutions such as medical credentialing, provider credentialing, and insurance credentialing, has revolutionized the way insurance claims are processed. Let’s delve into how DENmaar’s EHR/RCM system offers advanced features and benefits.

 The Power of Integration

DENmaar’s EHR/RCM system stands out due to its seamless integration with insurance companies. Here’s how it works:

1. Direct Information Exchange: DENmaar establishes direct communication channels with insurance providers. This real-time exchange ensures accurate and up-to-date information flows seamlessly into the claims processing system.
2. Automated Claims Processing: DENmaar’s RCM engine automates claims processing. By integrating directly with insurers, it reduces manual data entry, minimizes errors, and accelerates claim submissions.

Insurance Verification: The system verifies patient insurance coverage instantly. This eliminates surprises during billing and ensures accurate claims submission.

Key Features of DENmaar EHR/RCM

1. Comprehensive Support for Mental Health Professionals

DENmaar’s EHR/RCM solution caters specifically to psychiatric and counseling services. It understands the unique needs of mental health practitioners, offering features such as:

• Telepsychiatry Support: Enhances patient-provider communication through secure messaging and telepsychiatry features.
• Medication Management: Simplifies medication tracking and refills.
• Streamlined Workflows: Intuitive dashboards, note templates, and digital scheduling improve clinical workflows.

Coding Optimization: Optimizes coding, claims, and collections processes.

2. Insurance Credentialing Services

DENmaar’s credentialing services ensure that providers are correctly enrolled in insurance panels. Key offerings include:

• CAQH Registration and Enrollment: Efficiently onboard providers.
• Medicare Enrollment: Individual and group enrollment.
• Contract Negotiations: Ensures favorable contracts.

Payer Fee Schedule Evaluation: Maximizes reimbursement.

3. Behavioral Health Billing

DENmaar excels in behavioral health billing. Its robust software and expert consultants provide:

• 24-Hour Claims Submission: Real-time claim processing.
• Immediate Eligibility Verification: Reduces claim denials.

Rejection and Denial Resolution: Swiftly addresses claim discrepancies.

Client Testimonials

Our clients appreciate DENmaar’s commitment to excellence:

• “Thank you for your diligence! DENmaar has made our company stronger.” – Adrian Green, DBA, Hosanna Lifeskills Center.
• “Working with the Denmaar platform has been a pleasure. It’s a relief not to worry about insurance billing.” – BATYA BERTHA RECKSON, LCSW, New York.

Conclusion

DENmaar EHR/RCM combines innovation, efficiency, and personalized support. By integrating directly with insurance companies, it ensures smoother operations, better patient care, and optimized revenue cycles. For medical professionals seeking advanced RCM solutions, DENmaar is the answer.

Learn more about DENmaar’s services, including credentialing in healthcare, at DENmaar.com.

Source(s)

1. DENmaar EHR/RCM Software: Streamlined Healthcare
2. RCM Claims Engine Software – DENmaar
3. DENmaars credentialing service – DENmaar
4. Automating Claims Denial Management In RCM Workflows

Streamlining DNA Outpatient

How DENmaar EHR/RCM System Offers Benefits

Advancements in healthcare technology have revolutionized the way medical practices manage patient records and revenue cycles. DNA outpatient services, being an important component of personalized medicine, can greatly benefit from comprehensive, efficient electronic health record (EHR) and revenue cycle management (RCM) systems. DENmaar EHR/RCM system offers a robust and customizable solution tailored to the specific needs of DNA outpatient services. This article explores the benefits that DNA outpatient services can expect from implementing DENmaar EHR/RCM system.

1. Enhanced Data Management and Accessibility

One of the key advantages of DENmaar EHR/RCM system for DNA outpatient services is its ability to streamline data management. The system digitizes patient records, making them easily accessible from anywhere at any time. This eliminates the need for physical paper records, reduces the risk of losing or misplacing important information, and promotes seamless collaboration among healthcare professionals involved in DNA outpatient services.

2. Efficient Workflow Automation

DENmaar EHR/RCM system automates numerous administrative tasks, allowing DNA outpatient services to optimize their workflow. It eliminates repetitive manual processes such as appointment scheduling, patient check-ins, and insurance verification, thereby saving time and reducing human errors. This automation ensures smoother operations, enabling healthcare professionals to focus more on delivering exceptional patient care.

3. Improved Patient Engagement

The DENmaar EHR/RCM system promotes enhanced patient engagement in DNA outpatient services. It provides patients with secure online portals to access their medical records, lab results, and billing information. Patients can also conveniently request prescription refills, schedule appointments, and communicate with their healthcare providers directly through the system. This improved accessibility fosters better communication, involvement, and satisfaction among patients, contributing to overall positive experiences.

4. Integrated Clinical Decision Support

DNA outpatient services heavily rely on accurate and timely clinical information for decision-making. The DENmaar EHR/RCM system offers integrated clinical decision support features, which provide real-time access to patient data, drug interaction alerts, evidence-based guidelines, and other clinical references. This powerful tool assists healthcare providers in making informed decisions, improving diagnostic accuracy, and personalizing treatment plans.

5. Streamlined Revenue Cycle Management

Effective revenue cycle management is crucial for the financial sustainability of DNA outpatient services. DENmaar EHR/RCM system helps optimize revenue cycles by automating tasks related to billing, claims management, and insurance verification. By reducing billing errors, identifying claim discrepancies, and streamlining the reimbursement process, the system supports efficient revenue cycle management, ultimately increasing revenue and reducing financial strain.

6. Compliance with Healthcare Regulations

Adhering to healthcare regulations, such as HIPAA, is vital for DNA outpatient services to ensure patient privacy and protect data integrity. The DENmaar EHR/RCM system is designed to comply with these regulations, offering comprehensive security measures and maintaining the confidentiality of patient information. It encrypts data, implements user access controls, and regularly performs security audits to safeguard sensitive information and maintain compliance.

7. Credentialing Services

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, DENmaar EHR/RCM system also offers the service of credentialing DNA outpatient services with insurance companies. This service assists DNA outpatient services in navigating the complex process of becoming credentialed providers with various insurance companies. DENmaar EHR/RCM system streamlines the credentialing process by gathering and organizing all necessary documentation, submitting applications, and tracking the progress of the credentialing process. This service saves DNA outpatient services time and effort, ensuring they can quickly start receiving reimbursement from insurance companies and expanding their patient base.

8. Billing Services

DENmaar EHR/RCM system offers comprehensive claims billing services for DNA outpatient services. Our team of experienced medical billing specialists will handle the entire claims process on behalf of the DNA outpatient services, ensuring accurate and timely submission of claims to insurance companies. Our billing team will review and verify all patient information, including insurance eligibility and coverage, to prevent any possible claim rejections or denials.

We will use our advanced software to electronically submit claims to insurance companies, which not only speeds up the process but also minimizes the chances of errors. Our team will also monitor the status of claims, following up with insurance companies to resolve any issues or delays.

We understand the importance of maximizing revenue for DNA outpatient services, so we will diligently pursue the reimbursement due for each claim. Our team will handle both primary and secondary claims, as well as appeals for denied claims, to ensure that DNA outpatient services receive the maximum reimbursement possible.

By outsourcing claims billing services to DENmaar EHR/RCM system, DNA outpatient services can focus on providing exceptional patient care while we handle the administrative tasks and ensure a steady flow of revenue.

Conclusion

Implementing the DENmaar EHR/RCM system can significantly enhance DNA outpatient services by improving data management, automating workflows, empowering patient engagement, facilitating clinical decision-making, optimizing revenue cycles, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. By embracing advanced technology, DNA outpatient services can elevate their operational efficiency, patient care quality, and financial performance, thereby providing enhanced personalized medicine experiences for their patients.

Revolutionizing Mental Health Substance Abuse and ABA Therapy with Our Multi-Modality EHR System

In the evolving landscape of mental health and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, professionals need an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to keep up with their dynamic and diverse needs. Our state-of-the-art EHR system is designed to meet these diverse needs, offering various features tailored for Mental Health Substance Abuse and ABA professionals. From tracking patient progress to ensuring accurate billing, our EHR system provides seamless integration and efficient management of all MHSA or ABA practice aspects. With customizable templates specifically designed for the unique requirements of these professionals, documenting patient assessments and treatment plans becomes effortless. As the demand for ABA therapy grows, practitioners must have a comprehensive EHR system that records data, facilitates clinical decision-making, and streamlines administrative tasks. With DENmaar’s Multi-Modality EHR System, therapists can seamlessly integrate treatment plans, progress notes, and behavior tracking into a single platform, enhancing collaboration and communication within interdisciplinary teams. Moreover, as ABA therapy expands beyond traditional clinical settings, accessing and updating patient records from any location becomes essential. DENmaar’s EHR system offers mobile functionality that empowers providers to deliver high-quality care while on the go. This flexibility improves efficiency and ensures clients receive consistent and coordinated support across various environments. By harnessing the power of technology in this way, ABA professionals can stay ahead of the curve in delivering personalized and effective interventions for individuals with disorders.

Key Features of our Multi-Modality EHR System

DENmaar’s Multi-Modality EHR system is revolutionizing mental health and ABA therapy facilities’ operations. The seamless integration of different modalities allows practitioners to consolidate data from various therapies into a single platform. It empowers healthcare providers with a comprehensive view of each patient’s treatment journey, enabling them to make more informed decisions and deliver personalized care. The system’s advanced customization options offer tailored solutions for specific behavioral health practices, ensuring providers can access tools that align with their unique needs. With built-in telehealth capabilities, DENmaar’s EHR system enables convenient virtual consultations and remote monitoring, expanding patient care access in diverse settings. It enhances efficiency and fosters better patient engagement, as individuals can easily connect with their healthcare team regardless of location. By combining these innovative features, DENmaar’s Multi-Modality EHR system empowers mental health and ABA therapy facilities to deliver superior care while optimizing operational processes. Some of the significant features of DENmaar are given below:

1. Diverse Progress Notes: Catering to various services, our EHR provides various customizable progress note templates. These templates are designed for different modalities, ensuring accurate and efficient documentation for each unique therapeutic encounter. From behavioral observations to treatment interventions, the diverse range of templates ensures therapists can capture specific information relevant to each client’s unique needs. It streamlines the documentation process and allows for tailored and comprehensive care plans. One significant advantage of these diverse progress note templates is their ability to cater to a broad spectrum of therapeutic approaches. Whether behavioral therapy or applied behavior analysis, our EHR system enables practitioners to align their documentation with the specific modalities they employ. By providing specialized fields for each therapeutic method, therapists can ensure that their progress notes accurately reflect the techniques and strategies utilized in each session. This level of customization empowers clinicians to maintain detailed records that support evidence-based practice while accommodating the vast array of treatments offered within mental health and ABA therapy settings.
2. Prescription Capabilities for Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists can leverage our integrated e-prescription module, streamlining medication management and ensuring seamless, error-free prescription processes. One of the advancements in mental health care is the integration of e-prescription capabilities within psychiatrists’ electronic health records (EHR) systems. This technological innovation allows psychiatrists to streamline medication management, improve prescription accuracy, and enhance patient safety. By leveraging DENmaar’s integrated e-prescription module; psychiatrists can seamlessly prescribe and monitor medications while minimizing the risk of errors associated with traditional paper-based prescriptions. Moreover, integrating e-prescribing capabilities into a comprehensive EHR system provides psychiatrists with immediate access to patient’s medication history, drug interactions, and real-time formulary information. It empowers them to make informed decisions about treatment plans while ensuring better coordination with pharmacists and other healthcare providers. The ability to electronically send prescriptions to pharmacies also enhances convenience for clinicians and patients, ultimately driving improved medication adherence and overall treatment outcomes.
3. Comprehensive Patient Management: The system offers a robust suite for managing patient records, scheduling, billing, and more – all in a secure, HIPAA-compliant environment. The comprehensive patient management suite provided by DENmaar’s Multi-Modality EHR system revolutionizes how mental health and ABA therapy facilities operate. This robust suite offers a seamless way to manage patient records, facilitating efficient access to crucial medical data. More than just a record-keeping system, it also streamlines scheduling, enabling providers to optimize their time and resources for maximum patient care. Its integrated billing functionality ensures that practitioners can focus on treatment delivery instead of administrative tasks, ultimately improving the overall patient experience. This system’s unwavering commitment to ensuring data security and compliance with HIPAA regulations sets it apart. Healthcare organizations can confidently meet industry standards while prioritizing patient privacy by offering a secure platform for storing sensitive patient information. It establishes trust between providers and patients and minimizes unauthorized access or breaches risks. Furthermore, the system’s adaptability allows mental health and ABA therapy facilities to customize their workflows according to specific needs, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and improving patient outcomes.
4. Data-Driven Insights: With advanced analytics, professionals can gain valuable insights into treatment outcomes, helping to refine therapeutic approaches and enhance patient care. Mental health and ABA therapy professionals can harness data-driven insights to enhance treatment outcomes. By analyzing large datasets, clinicians can identify patterns and trends that were previously hidden, permitting a more refined and personalized approach to therapy. This shift towards leveraging data for decision-making enables practitioners to better understand their clients’ progress and tailor interventions according to specific needs, ultimately leading to more effective therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, this data-driven approach also facilitates continuous improvement in treatment modalities by providing real-time feedback on the efficacy of different interventions. As professionals observe the impact of various therapeutic approaches through objective metrics, they can make informed decisions about refining their strategies. It enhances the quality of care and contributes to a culture of evidence-based practice within mental health and ABA therapy. Utilizing advanced analytics in treatment planning represents a significant leap forward in optimizing outcomes for individuals seeking support in these domains.
5. User-Friendly Interface: Despite its comprehensive capabilities, our EHR system boasts a user-friendly interface, reducing the learning curve and enhancing productivity. With a clean and intuitive design, healthcare professionals can navigate through various features of our EHR system. The interface is thoughtfully organized, presenting information logically that aligns with medical practitioners’ workflow. The user-friendly interface incorporates icons, allowing users to effortlessly identify different sections and functionalities. This visual aid helps to streamline locating patient records or accessing specific treatment plans. In addition, the EHR system offers customizable options for each user, ensuring personalized preferences are met. Healthcare providers can easily tailor their display settings to suit their unique needs and optimize efficiency. Moreover, we have integrated the search function into our user-friendly interface.

Conclusion

Our multi-modality MHSA/ABA EHR system is more than just a record-keeping tool; it’s a comprehensive solution designed to empower mental health and ABA professionals. Its blend of versatility, efficiency, and security makes it an invaluable asset in delivering quality patient care. It goes beyond mere record-keeping, serving as a dynamic platform that empowers clinicians, administrators, and patients. We offer a holistic solution that streamlines workflows and enhances patient care by integrating multiple modalities, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Mental Health Substance Abuse, into one comprehensive system. What sets our EHR system apart is its ability to customize treatment plans based on patient requirements. By leveraging data analytics and reporting features, clinicians can gain valuable insights into each patient’s progress, allowing for more targeted interventions. This level of personalized care improves outcomes and fosters a more profound sense of engagement between the clinician and the patient. Our system isn’t just about digitalizing paperwork; it’s about creating a truly connected ecosystem where mental health and ABA practitioners can work together seamlessly to provide the best possible care.

At DENmaar, we provide a Modality EHR system at the best prices. Our EHR system is enriched with features such as Comprehensive EHR homepage, E-Prescription, Task Donuts, Immunization Reporting, Patient Cards, Patient Messaging, Patient Tools, Mobile App, Telemedicine, Clinical Decision Support, Patient Rooming, CQM Reporting, Customizable Templates, MIPS and MACRA. We help you ensure HIPAA compliance, access medical data anytime, integrate with practice management software, and automate manual processes like prescription writing. Start a Free Trial now! Call us at 844-727-3627.

Exploring What Is EMR in Healthcare: How Electronic Medical Records Revolutionize the Industry

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) promote efficient and secure storage of patient information. With EMR, healthcare providers can access vital data instantly, improving patient care and streamlining processes. Let us explore what EMR is, its evolution, and its impact on the healthcare industry. The implementation of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) brings with it a multitude of benefits. EMR improves the efficiency and accuracy of medical record-keeping, leading to better healthcare outcomes. EMR has impacted the relationships between healthcare providers and their patients. EMR is crucial in population health management, allowing for data analysis and targeted interventions. Future trends and advancements in EMR technology promise even greater innovation and integration. Understanding EMR in healthcare requires a comprehensive exploration of its benefits, challenges, and implications.

Understanding EMR in Healthcare

EMR, or Electronic Medical Records, refers to digital versions of patient medical records stored and accessed electronically. These records contain vital components such as patient demographics, medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and test results. EMR systems in healthcare facilities offer numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of patient information.

Definition of EMR (Electronic Medical Records)

Understanding EMR in healthcare involves comprehending the purpose and functionality of electronic medical records. An Electronic Medical Record is a digital description of a patient’s medical history, including diagnoses, medications, allergies, lab results, and treatment plans. Its role in healthcare is to streamline information sharing, improve patient care coordination, and enhance clinical decision-making. EMR implementation involves transitioning from paper-based records to electronic systems, requiring training and infrastructure changes. The benefits of EMR in healthcare include improved efficiency, reduced errors, increased accessibility, and enhanced patient engagement.

Key components and features of EMR systems

These components and features are crucial for successfully implementing and utilizing EMR systems in healthcare organizations.

• One key component of EMR systems is the electronic health record, which contains all the patient’s medical information, including medical history, diagnoses, medications, and test results.
• Another essential component is the clinical decision support system, which provides healthcare providers with real-time guidance and evidence-based medicine recommendations.

EMR systems offer features such as secure data storage, easy access to patient information, and the ability to generate reports and analytics.

Benefits of using EMR in healthcare facilities

By using EMR in healthcare facilities, you can experience significant improvements in efficiency and patient care. The benefits of using EMR are numerous and directly impact healthcare outcomes. One of the key advantages is improved outcomes through data analytics. EMR systems allow healthcare providers to collect and analyze substantial patient data, enabling them to identify trends, patterns, and improvement areas. This data-driven approach enhances decision-making processes and leads to better patient outcomes. Additionally, EMR promotes patient engagement by providing easy access to medical records, test results, and treatment plans. Patients can participate in their care and make informed decisions. Remote monitoring is another benefit of EMR, allowing healthcare providers to monitor patient’s health remotely, reducing unnecessary hospital visits, and improving patient comfort. Lastly, interoperability between different healthcare systems and EMR platforms ensures seamless information exchange, promoting collaboration and continuity of care.

Evolution of Medical Records

The evolution of medical records has seen a shift from the traditional paper-based system to electronic medical records (EMRs). Paper-based records weren’t only cumbersome to manage and store and prone to errors and loss. The adoption of EMRs has addressed these challenges by providing a more efficient and secure way of storing and accessing patient information.

Traditional paper-based medical records

You can understand the evolution of medical records by examining the transition from traditional paper-based records to electronic medical records (EMRs). Digital records offer several advantages over their paper counterparts. Firstly, they’re easily accessible from any location, allowing healthcare providers to retrieve patient information quickly. Additionally, EMRs improve efficiency by eliminating manual data entry and reducing the risk of errors. In contrast, paper-based systems have numerous drawbacks, including loss or damage, difficulty sharing information, and limited storage capacity.

Challenges and limitations of paper-based records

Transitioning from traditional paper-based records to electronic medical records (EMRs) presents various challenges and limitations that must be addressed. While paper-based records have been widely used in healthcare, they come with their own set of drawbacks.

• One of the primary challenges is the comparison between paper and digital records. Paper records offer the advantage of being tangible and easily accessible but are also prone to loss, damage, and limited storage capacity.
• Data entry challenges are another limitation of paper-based records, as they require manual input and are susceptible to human errors.
• Storage and retrieval issues arise due to the need for physical space and the time-consuming process of searching paper files.
• The risk of errors and inaccuracies is higher in paper records than in electronic ones, as handwritten notes may be illegible or misinterpreted.
• Limited accessibility and sharing capabilities hinder collaboration and efficient communication among healthcare providers.

To overcome these challenges, healthcare organizations must embrace the transition to EMRs, which offer numerous benefits such as improved data accuracy, streamlined workflows, and enhanced accessibility and sharing capabilities.

Revolutionizing the Healthcare Industry with EMR

EMR revolutionizes the healthcare industry by improving patient care and safety through easy access to accurate and up-to-date medical records. It streamlines workflows and increases efficiency by avoiding the requirement for manual paperwork and reducing administrative tasks. EMR enhances communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals, ensuring seamless care coordination. Additionally, it enables better data management and analysis for research purposes, leading to advancements in medical knowledge.

Improved patient care and safety

Enhance patient care and safety using electronic medical records (EMR) in the healthcare industry. EMR systems have the potential to significantly improve patient satisfaction by streamlining processes and reducing wait times. Here are three ways EMR revolutionizes patient care:

– Reduced Medical Errors: EMR systems provide accurate and up-to-date patient information, minimizing errors in diagnosis, treatment, and medication administration. With real-time access to patient records, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions.

– Increased Efficiency: EMR systems avoid manual paperwork, permitting healthcare providers to spend more time with patients. This improved efficiency leads to quicker diagnoses, prompt treatment, and better overall patient care.

Implementing EMR systems has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by enhancing patient care, reducing medical errors, and increasing overall efficiency.

Streamlined workflows and increased efficiency

Improve your healthcare organization’s efficiency and streamline workflows by implementing electronic medical records (EMR). By adopting EMR systems, you can experience improved documentation, streamlined processes, optimized workflows, enhanced productivity, and increased accuracy. With EMR, healthcare professionals can easily record and access patient information, avoiding the requirement for manual, paper-based documentation. It conserves time, reduces the risk of errors, and ensures accurate and up-to-date patient records. EMR systems also facilitate seamless communication between departments, improving coordination and collaboration among healthcare professionals. By automating appointment scheduling, prescription management, and billing tasks, EMR systems enable healthcare organizations to allocate resources more effectively, reducing administrative burdens and increasing overall efficiency. With streamlined workflows and increased efficiency, EMR revolutionizes the healthcare industry, paving the way for improved patient care and outcomes.

Enhanced communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals

By implementing electronic medical records (EMR), healthcare professionals can seamlessly communicate and collaborate, improving coordination and more effective teamwork. This enhanced communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals has the potential to revolutionize the industry by optimizing workflows and increasing efficiency. Here are three ways EMR facilitates this transformation:

– Real-time communication: EMR allows healthcare professionals to communicate instantly, regardless of physical location. They can share patient information, discuss treatment plans, and seek advice from colleagues, enabling quicker decision-making and reducing delays in patient care.

– Centralized information: EMR provides a single, comprehensive source of patient data accessible to authorized personnel. This centralized information ensures that everyone involved in a patient’s care can access the same updated information, eliminating the need for multiple phone calls or consultations.

– Task assignment and tracking: EMR allows healthcare professionals to assign tasks to individuals and monitor their progress. This feature streamlines coordination among team members, ensuring that essential tasks are completed promptly and preventing any miscommunication or duplication of efforts.

With improved efficiency, enhanced collaboration, effective communication, seamless coordination, and optimized workflows, EMR revolutionizes the healthcare industry by enabling healthcare professionals to work together more efficiently and deliver better patient care.

Better data management and analysis for research purposes

To further revolutionize the healthcare industry with EMR, you can delve into better data management and analysis for research purposes, building upon enhanced communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals. Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) offer immense research opportunities by providing vast data that can be leveraged for analysis and insights. With EMRs, healthcare institutions can ensure data security and privacy, as sensitive patient information is stored electronically with strict access controls. Data analytics tools can extract insights from this data, enabling researchers to identify patterns, trends, and interventions. EMRs also enable efficient data storage, eliminating the need for physical records and reducing the risk of loss or damage.

Cost savings and reduced healthcare expenses

Achieving cost savings and reducing healthcare expenses are critical outcomes of implementing electronic medical records (EMRs) in the healthcare industry. EMRs offer several advantages that contribute to these cost savings:

– Reduced errors: EMRs help minimize errors in healthcare by providing accurate and up-to-date patient information, leading to enhanced patient safety and minimized costs associated with medical errors.

– Improved efficiency: With EMRs, healthcare providers can streamline workflows, reduce paperwork, and automate administrative tasks. Its increased efficiency results in cost savings by saving time and resources.

– Data analytics: EMRs enable healthcare organizations to analyze substantial patient data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. This data-driven approach helps optimize resource allocation and reduce unnecessary expenses.

By leveraging EMRs, healthcare providers can enhance patient engagement and explore new reimbursement models, further reducing costs.

Recap of the importance and benefits of EMR in healthcare

You can’t underestimate the significance and advantages that EMR brings to healthcare. The benefits, importance, and advantages of EMR significantly impact the healthcare industry. Here is a recap of the key points:

– Improved patient care: EMR allows healthcare providers to access and share patient information effortlessly, leading to more coordinated and efficient care. It also assists in minimizing medical errors and improving patient safety.

– Increased efficiency: EMR eliminates the need for paper-based record-keeping, reducing administrative tasks and freeing up valuable time for healthcare professionals to concentrate on patient care.

– Enhanced data analysis: EMR enables the analysis of large amounts of data, leading to insights that can improve health management and clinical decision-making.

Emphasize the transformative impact of electronic medical records in revolutionizing the industry

To truly understand the transformative impact of electronic medical records (EMR) in revolutionizing the industry, it’s essential to recognize how EMR has reshaped and improved healthcare delivery. EMR has brought about impactful advancements by introducing technology that is transforming how healthcare professionals manage patient information. The implementation of EMR has provided transformative solutions to long-standing challenges in healthcare, streamlining processes and increasing efficiency. This game-changing innovation has disrupted the industry by enabling healthcare providers to seamlessly access and share patient data, improving communication and care coordination. EMR has revolutionized the industry by replacing traditional paper-based records with digital systems that offer enhanced accuracy, accessibility, and security. It has revolutionized healthcare delivery, paving the way for a more patient-centered and efficient approach to managing medical information.

Encouraging healthcare providers to embrace and leverage EMR for improved patient care and outcomes.

Healthcare providers can maximize patient care and improve outcomes by embracing and leveraging electronic medical records (EMR). Doing so can unlock a range of patient benefits, enhance their engagement, and optimize clinical decision-making, ultimately increasing efficiency and productivity in healthcare settings.

Benefits for patients:

– Access to comprehensive and up-to-date medical information, leading to better-informed treatment plans and reduced medical errors.

– Improved coordination of care among healthcare providers, ensuring seamless transitions and continuity of treatment.

– Enhanced patient safety through decision support tools, helping prevent adverse events and medication errors.

Improving healthcare outcomes:

– Streamlined data management and analysis, facilitating evidence-based practices and quality improvement efforts.

– Real-time access to patient data, enabling timely interventions and personalized care.

– Integration with population health management systems, promoting preventive care and early detection of diseases.

Enhancing patient engagement:

– Secure patient portals and online communication tools, fostering active patient participation in their healthcare journey.

– Patient education resources and personalized health information empower patients to manage their health effectively.

– Remote monitoring capabilities, allowing patients to participate actively in their care from their homes.

In conclusion, EMR can centralize patient information, streamline workflows, and enhance communication, essential for efficient healthcare delivery. Its transformative impact can’t be understated, as it has revolutionized how healthcare providers operate, leading to improved patient care and outcomes. Embracing and leveraging EMR is crucial for healthcare providers to continue advancing in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare technology.

With DENmaar‘s Electronic Medical Record software, healthcare providers can write notes, compose e-prescriptions, code encounters, manage patient information, etc., at the best prices. Providers can develop customizable templates to compose notes while consulting patients, generate reports about compliance with government programs and practice efficiency, prescribe medicine electronically, leverage telemedicine to consult patients remotely, sync information with the current billing system, and a lot more. Call us now! – 844-727-3627.

Strategies for Success: Enhancing Financial Performance through Healthcare Revenue Cycle Optimization

Discover strategies for success through healthcare revenue cycle optimization and improve your financial performance in healthcare. By identifying improvement opportunities, you can enhance your financial outcomes. Let us explore the latest trends and innovations in revenue cycle optimization, providing you with the tools you need to succeed. Don’t miss out on maximizing your financial potential. Take control of your healthcare revenue cycle today.

Introduction

When implementing healthcare revenue cycle optimization, understanding the importance of an efficient and streamlined process is crucial to maximizing financial performance. Efficient revenue cycle management is essential for healthcare organizations to thrive in today’s complex financial landscape. The impact of technology can’t be overlooked, as it has revolutionized how revenue cycles are managed. However, with the benefits of technology come challenges such as increased complexity and the need for continuous adaptation. These revenue cycle challenges can negatively impact financial performance if not addressed effectively. To overcome these challenges and optimize financial performance, healthcare organizations must employ various strategies. These include implementing automated billing and coding systems and streamlining workflows through process optimization. Healthcare organizations can achieve sustainable success by focusing on efficiency and leveraging technology. Understanding the healthcare revenue cycle is the first step towards implementing effective optimization strategies.

Understanding the Healthcare Revenue Cycle

The revenue cycle encompasses all the steps from patient registration to final payment collection. Critical challenges in revenue cycle management include insurance claim denials, delayed reimbursements, and billing errors.

Definition and components of the healthcare revenue cycle

The healthcare revenue cycle refers to generating revenue for healthcare organizations, from patient registration, insurance verification, and preauthorization to claims submission, payment posting, and denial management. It encompasses all the steps involved in billing and collecting payments for healthcare services offered to patients. The key stakeholders in this process include patients, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and government payers. Best practices for optimizing the healthcare revenue cycle include:

• Implementing efficient and seamless electronic health record systems.
• Streamlining billing and coding processes.
• Conducting regular audits and training to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Leveraging technology to automate and streamline revenue cycle management tasks.

Key challenges and common pain points in revenue cycle management

Managing the healthcare revenue cycle can be challenging. There are several vital obstacles and common pain points that healthcare organizations must navigate. One of the significant revenue cycle challenges is payment delays. These delays can significantly impact a healthcare organization’s cash flow. They can result from various factors, such as insurance verification, claim errors, or denials. Another challenge is ensuring data accuracy throughout the revenue cycle process. Inaccurate data can lead to claim denials, payment delays, and compliance issues. Denial management is another pain point. Healthcare organizations struggle to identify and address denied claims promptly and effectively. Process bottlenecks, such as inefficient workflows and lack of automation, can also hinder revenue cycle management. Addressing these issues is crucial for healthcare organizations to optimize their revenue cycle and enhance financial performance.

Identifying Opportunities for Improvement

To identify opportunities for improvement in your healthcare revenue cycle, you need to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the entire process. It involves analyzing current processes to identify bottlenecks and areas of inefficiencies. Knowing the impact of technology on revenue cycle optimization is crucial, as leveraging the right tools and systems can significantly enhance financial performance.

Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the revenue cycle

First, identify the critical areas for improvement in your healthcare revenue cycle. Conducting a comprehensive revenue cycle assessment is essential to find areas where performance can be enhanced. This assessment involves revenue cycle analysis, performance evaluation, and process improvement. By thoroughly evaluating each step of the revenue cycle, you can pinpoint bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or non-compliance areas impacting your financial performance. Look for opportunities to optimize your revenue cycle by implementing strategies such as streamlining workflows, automating manual processes, and enhancing revenue capture and denial management. Utilize data-driven insights to prioritize improvement efforts and measure the impact of optimization strategies. A comprehensive assessment will help you identify areas where changes can be made to enhance financial performance and overall revenue cycle efficiency.

Analyzing current processes and identifying bottlenecks

By conducting a thorough current process analysis and data analysis, you can identify areas that are causing delays or hindering the flow of revenue. Here are three essential steps to consider:

1. Identify key bottlenecks: Look for areas with significant delays or inefficiencies in your revenue cycle. It could be in patient registration, claim submission, or payment collection processes.
2. Determine root causes: Once you’ve identified the bottlenecks, analyze the underlying causes. Is it due to outdated technology, lack of staff training, or inefficient workflows? Understanding the root causes will assist you in developing targeted solutions.
3. Implement process improvement strategies: Use the data analysis to prioritize improvements and implement changes. It could involve streamlining workflows, investing in new technology, or enhancing staff training.

Understanding the impact of technology on revenue cycle optimization

Improve your revenue cycle optimization by recognizing the impact of technology on identifying opportunities for improvement. Technology is crucial in streamlining and enhancing revenue cycle processes in the healthcare industry. One of the key benefits of automation is the reduction of manual tasks, allowing for increased efficiency and accuracy. Healthcare organizations can collect, process, and analyze large volumes of data through automated systems, leading to valuable insights. Data analytics tools enable organizations to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement, such as reducing claim denials or optimizing reimbursement rates. However, implementing technology in revenue cycle optimization does come with its challenges, including the need for staff training and resistance to change. Nevertheless, the future holds promising technological advancements like artificial intelligence, which can revolutionize revenue cycle optimization.

Strategies for Enhancing Financial Performance

To enhance your financial performance in healthcare, focus on streamlining front-end processes for accurate patient data collection. By implementing effective coding and documentation practices, you can ensure proper billing and reduce the risk of claim denials. Optimizing claims management and denial prevention, leveraging technology solutions, and enhancing the patient financial experience and collections will contribute to a more efficient revenue cycle and improved financial outcomes.

Streamlining front-end processes for accurate patient data collection

When streamlining front-end processes for accurate patient data collection, it’s essential to prioritize efficiency and accuracy to optimize financial performance. Accurate data validation and collection improvement are crucial for ensuring patient information accuracy and reducing errors. To achieve front-end optimization, consider the following strategies:

1. Implement automated data capture tools: Utilize technology to streamline data collection and reduce manual errors. Automated tools can extract patient information from various sources and validate it against existing records, improving accuracy and efficiency.
2. Standardize data entry protocols: Establish protocols for data entry to ensure consistency and accuracy. It includes using standardized codes, formats, and terminology to minimize errors and facilitate data analysis.
3. Train staff on accurate data collection: Provide comprehensive training to front-end staff on the importance of accurate data collection and validation. It includes educating them on data quality standards, proper documentation techniques, and error correction procedures.

Implementing effective coding and documentation practices

Implementing effective coding and documentation practices is essential to optimize financial performance and streamline front-end processes for accurate patient data collection. Achieving coding accuracy and documentation improvement is crucial for reimbursement optimization and maintaining compliance standards. Accurate coding ensures medical services are correctly classified and billed, maximizing revenue potential. Documentation improvement focuses on capturing complete, detailed patient information, enabling accurate code assignment. This comprehensive documentation also supports audit readiness, reducing the risk of compliance violations and financial penalties.

Optimizing claims management and denial prevention

By optimizing claims management and prevention of denials, you can significantly enhance your healthcare organization’s financial performance and ensure maximum revenue capture. Claims processing and denial management are critical aspects of revenue cycle optimization. Here are three strategies to help you optimize these processes:

1. Streamline claims processing: Implement efficient workflows and leverage technology solutions to automate and expedite claims submission. It reduces errors, accelerates reimbursement, and minimizes revenue leakage.
2. Proactive denial management: Analyze denial patterns to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. You can prevent denials and improve reimbursement rates by addressing common denial reasons, such as incomplete documentation or coding errors.
3. Reimbursement optimization: Stay updated with payer policies and regulations to ensure accurate coding and billing. Conduct regular audits to identify opportunities for optimization and revenue enhancement.

Leveraging technology solutions for efficient revenue cycle management

Implementing technology solutions such as revenue cycle automation and data analytics can provide significant efficiency benefits to your organization. By automating tasks like claims processing and denial management, you can optimize workflows and reduce the time and effort required for manual intervention. It improves the speed and accuracy of revenue cycle processes and frees up valuable resources to focus on other critical tasks.

Enhancing patient financial experience and collections

Improve the patient’s financial experience and collections process by implementing strategies that leverage technology solutions for efficient revenue cycle management. Enhancing the patient’s financial experience is crucial for increasing patient satisfaction and ensuring timely payment. Here are three key strategies to achieve this:

1. Offer flexible payment options: Provide patients with various payment options, like online payment portals and installment plans, to accommodate their financial situations and improve their overall experience.
2. Provide financial counseling: Offer financial counseling services to patients to help them understand their bills, navigate insurance coverage, and explore available assistance programs. It can alleviate their financial concerns and improve their satisfaction with the healthcare organization.
3. Enhance cost transparency: Increase transparency by providing patients with accurate cost estimates upfront, preventing unexpected financial burdens.

Future Trends and Innovations in Revenue Cycle Optimization

As you explore the future trends and innovations in revenue cycle optimization, it’s important to consider emerging technologies and their impact on revenue cycle management. Artificial intelligence and automation can streamline processes in healthcare organizations.

Exploring emerging technologies and their impact on revenue cycle management

You can actively enhance your healthcare revenue cycle management by regularly exploring emerging technologies and their impact on future trends and innovations in revenue cycle optimization. Here are three areas where emerging technologies can make a significant impact:

1. Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-powered solutions can automate repetitive tasks like coding and billing, reducing errors and improving efficiency. These technologies can also analyze large volumes of data to find patterns and trends, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions.
2. Telehealth and Virtual Care: The adoption of telehealth allows healthcare providers to deliver remote care. Telehealth technologies can streamline billing and reimbursement, reducing administrative burdens and improving revenue cycle efficiency.

Role of AI and automation in streamlining processes

Healthcare organizations can automate coding and billing processes by leveraging AI-powered tools, reducing errors and speeding up revenue collection. AI can analyze data to find patterns, enabling organizations to make decisions and optimize revenue cycles. The benefits of automation include increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved patient satisfaction. Streamlining processes with AI and optimizing revenue cycles with automation are vital strategies for healthcare organizations looking to enhance their financial performance and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive industry.

Predicting future challenges and opportunities in healthcare revenue cycle optimization

Healthcare revenue cycle optimization faces future challenges and opportunities in emerging trends and innovations. As the industry evolves, predictive analysis will be crucial in identifying obstacles and opportunities in revenue cycle optimization. Organizations can strategically plan for the future by leveraging data and industry insights, ensuring financial success. Here are three key areas to focus on:

1. Integration of advanced technologies: Embracing innovative technologies like machine learning and automation can streamline revenue cycle processes, reducing errors and improving efficiency.
2. Patient-centric approach: In an era of consumerism, healthcare organizations must prioritize patient satisfaction and engagement. Implementing user-friendly portals and personalized communication channels can enhance the revenue cycle experience for patients.
3. Regulatory compliance: Staying up-to-date with evolving regulations is essential for revenue cycle optimization. Organizations should invest in robust compliance programs and constantly monitor changes to avoid penalties and revenue loss.

Recap of the importance of healthcare revenue cycle optimization for financial success

Maximize your financial success by prioritizing healthcare revenue cycle optimization. Implementing revenue cycle optimization can have significant benefits and outcomes for your organization. Here are three key areas to focus on:

1. Best practices: Implementing the best practices for revenue cycle optimization can streamline processes, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. It includes standardizing workflows, leveraging technology solutions, and training staff on proper documentation and coding practices.
2. Measuring and tracking financial performance: Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly monitoring them can help measure the success of your revenue cycle management efforts. Tracking metrics such as days in accounts receivable, denial rates, and clean claim rates can provide valuable data to identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.

Encouragement to implement strategies

While implementing these strategies may come with its fair share of challenges, such as overcoming resistance and managing change, the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. By addressing implementation challenges head-on and effectively managing resistance, healthcare organizations can create a culture that embraces change and drives continuous improvement. Additionally, it’s crucial to measure the success of these strategies through key performance indicators and data-driven analysis. It will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the implemented changes and help identify areas for further improvement.

Call to action for healthcare organizations to prioritize revenue cycle optimization for enhanced financial performance

By prioritizing optimization, you can maximize revenue, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately achieve your financial goals. Here are three essential steps to take:

1. Streamline processes:
   • Identify bottlenecks in your revenue cycle and implement strategies to streamline workflows.
   • This can include automating manual tasks, improving documentation accuracy, and enhancing department communication.

2. Invest in staff training:
   • Equip your team with the required skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the revenue cycle.
   • Provide ongoing training on industry best practices, coding guidelines, and compliance regulations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, organizations can significantly enhance their financial performance by implementing effective revenue cycle optimization strategies in healthcare. The future trends and innovations in this field offer promising opportunities for further improvement. Healthcare providers can identify and address areas for enhancement with a data-driven approach, leading to increased revenue generation. By optimizing the revenue cycle, healthcare organizations can achieve financial success and provide better care to their patients.

We at DENmaar provide Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management at the best prices. Our health billing software has an RCM claims engine that permits health practices to handle their revenue cycle management to ensure successful claims submissions and timely reimbursements. Call us now at 844-727-3627.

From Paperwork to Profitability: Enhancing Billing with EHR Integration

Introduction

Efficient billing processes are crucial in the healthcare industry to ensure timely payments and financial stability. You may be tired of drowning in paperwork and struggling to make your billing process efficient. Consider integrating electronic health records (EHR) into billing systems. EHR integration streamlines the billing process by automating data entry, minimizing errors, and improving overall efficiency. By streamlining your billing processes and leveraging the power of technology, you can boost profitability and save valuable time.

Importance of efficient billing processes in healthcare

Healthcare providers must implement efficient billing processes to ensure optimal profitability. Efficient billing processes are essential for accurate healthcare reimbursement and effective revenue cycle management. By streamlining the billing process, multi-provider group practices can reduce errors and delays, leading to faster payment and improved cash flow. One key component of efficient billing processes is the integration of electronic health records (EHR). EHR integration allows seamless communication between healthcare providers and billing departments, ensuring that all relevant information is captured and billed accurately. With EHR integration, healthcare providers can automate billing tasks, such as coding and claim submission, reducing the time and effort required for manual data entry.

Introduction to Electronic Health Records (EHR) integration

Integrating electronic health records (EHR) enhances billing efficiency and profitability. The benefits of EHR integration are numerous. It allows for streamlined data management, reducing the need for manual paperwork and increasing accuracy. By automating billing processes, healthcare providers can save time and reduce errors, resulting in faster payment turnaround. However, implementing EHR integration does come with challenges. Factors for successful EHR integration include compatibility with existing systems, data security, and staff training. Maximizing profitability through EHR integration involves optimizing revenue cycle management and utilizing data analytics to identify trends and opportunities. Overcoming obstacles in EHR integration requires careful planning, clear communication, and ongoing support from vendors. By overcoming these challenges, healthcare organizations can unlock the full potential of EHR integration, improving billing processes and ultimately increasing profitability.

Understanding the challenges of traditional paperwork-based billing

Traditional paperwork-based billing poses several challenges regarding time-consuming and error-prone manual processes. It becomes difficult to track and manage billing data accurately, leading to inaccuracies and delays in payment. Additionally, the lack of integration between different systems further complicates the billing process, making it inefficient and prone to errors.

Time-consuming and error-prone manual processes

Using a manual paperwork-based billing system can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This approach’s lack of tracking efficiency and data accuracy can hinder revenue optimization. Billing processes become tedious and error-prone without a streamlined system that integrates with electronic health records (EHR). Staff education becomes even more critical due to the complexities of navigating multiple systems and ensuring data accuracy. Moreover, system compatibility issues between various software used for billing and EHR can further exacerbate the challenges. These manual processes require significant time and effort to manage, leading to delays in billing and revenue loss.

Difficulty in tracking and managing billing data

To effectively manage billing data, you need to overcome the challenges of manual paperwork-based systems, ensuring accurate tracking and efficient management. Traditional paperwork-based billing processes often have difficulty tracking and managing billing data, leading to low tracking efficiency, accuracy, and productivity enhancement. With manual systems, keeping track of patient information, insurance claims, and payment records becomes increasingly challenging. This lack of tracking efficiency can delay billing and revenue management issues. Moreover, the manual nature of these processes makes them prone to errors and inconsistencies, further impacting billing accuracy. Implementing an EHR system can address these challenges by automating the billing process, centralizing data, and offering real-time access to accurate and up-to-date information. However, EHR implementation challenges, such as data migration and staff training, must be carefully managed to ensure a smooth transition and optimize the benefits of enhanced billing practices.

Lack of integration between different systems

Overcoming the lack of integration between different systems is essential for effectively managing traditional paperwork-based billing processes. Integration challenges often lead to system inefficiencies, data inconsistencies, manual errors, and tracking difficulties. Here are some key challenges faced in traditional paperwork-based billing:

– Integration Challenges: The lack of integration between different systems makes sharing and accessing information difficult, leading to inefficiencies in the billing process.

– System Inefficiencies: Without integration, multiple systems need to be manually updated and reconciled, resulting in delays and errors in billing operations.

– Data Inconsistencies: Different systems may store data in different formats or have conflicting data, making it challenging to ensure accuracy and consistency in billing information.

– Manual Errors: With manual entry and processing of billing data, the chances of errors increase, leading to billing discrepancies and financial losses.

Exploring the benefits of EHR integration for billing

Regarding EHR integration for billing, there are several key benefits to consider.

1. It streamlines the billing process by automating tasks and reducing the need for manual input. It not only saves time but also reduces errors and improves accuracy.
2. EHR integration enhances efficiency and productivity by offering a centralized patient and billing data management system.
3. It improves revenue cycle management by streamlining the reimbursement process and ensuring timely payments.

Streamlining the billing process

Streamline your billing process by integrating your EHR system for improved efficiency and profitability. Incorporating your electronic health record (EHR) system with your billing software can optimize revenue and enhance productivity. Here are the benefits of EHR integration for billing:

– Improving Efficiency: EHR integration avoids manual data entry, minimizes errors, and conserves time.

– Reducing Errors: With automated workflows, the chances of errors in billing are significantly reduced, ensuring accurate and timely submissions.

– Optimizing Revenue: By integrating your EHR system, you can capture all billable services and ensure proper coding, leading to increased revenue.

– Enhancing Productivity: EHR integration automates claims submission and follow-up tasks, freeing up staff time to focus on patient care.

Integrating your EHR system with your billing process streamlines operations, reduces errors, optimizes revenue, and enhances productivity, ultimately contributing to improved profitability for your healthcare organization.

Reducing errors and improving accuracy

Enhance accuracy and minimize errors by integrating your EHR system with your billing process. By leveraging the power of EHRs, you can significantly reduce errors and improve the overall accuracy of your billing operations. There are several error reduction strategies and accuracy improvement techniques you can implement. One key strategy is the automation of data entry. By integrating your EHR system with your billing software, you can avoid manual data entry, reducing the risk of transcription errors and ensuring accurate and consistent information.

Additionally, implementing validation checks and alerts within your billing software can help identify errors before they occur, enhancing accuracy. Furthermore, integrating your EHR system with your billing process allows for real-time data synchronization. Ensures that any updates or changes made in the EHR system are immediately reflected in the billing system, minimizing the possibility of discrepancies or outdated information.

Enhancing efficiency and productivity

Boost your practice’s efficiency and productivity with the seamless integration of EHR into your billing process. By implementing this integration, group practices can enhance accuracy, increase revenue, optimize workflows, and reduce errors. Here are the benefits of EHR integration for billing:

– Enhancing accuracy: EHR integration reduces the chances of human error and ensures accurate billing information.

– Increasing revenue: With EHR integration, you can streamline the billing process, resulting in faster claim submissions and reimbursements, ultimately increasing your group practice’s revenue.

– Optimizing workflows: Integrating EHR with billing allows for a smooth flow of patient information, eliminating the need for duplicate data entry and reducing administrative tasks.

– Reducing errors: By automating the billing process through EHR integration, you can minimize errors caused by manual calculations or missed documentation, improving overall accuracy and reducing claim denials.

Improving revenue cycle management

Improve your revenue cycle management with the seamless integration of EHR into your billing process. Integrating electronic health records (EHR) with your billing system can optimize revenue and reduce errors while streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity. Integrating EHR with your billing process allows for automated capture of patient encounter data, eliminating the need for manual entry and reducing the potential for errors. This integration also enables real-time access to patient information, improving efficiency and accuracy in coding, billing, and claims submission. Furthermore, EHR integration provides a centralized platform for managing the entire revenue cycle, allowing for better coordination and communication between different departments involved in the billing process. This streamlines workflows reduces redundant tasks, and enhances productivity.

Key considerations for successful EHR integration for billing

There are several key considerations to remember regarding successful EHR integration for billing.

1. The right EHR system is crucial to ensure it meets your billing needs. Compatibility and interoperability with other systems is another critical factor, as it allows for seamless data exchange.
2. Providing training and education for staff members, as well as implementing effective data migration strategies, can help optimize the integration process and ensure a smooth transition.

Selecting the right EHR System

Choose an EHR system that meets your needs and requirements to integrate EHR with billing. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind during the EHR system selection process:

– Implementation Challenges: Understand the challenges during the implementation phase, such as system downtime and workflow disruptions. Choose the EHR system from DENmaar because it provides comprehensive support and resources for group practices to overcome these challenges.

– Staff Training: Consider the training requirements for your staff members to use the new EHR system effectively. Look for a solution that offers comprehensive training programs and ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition.

– Data Migration Strategies: Evaluate the data migration strategies offered by different EHR systems. Choosing a system that ensures seamless and secure transfer of patient data from your existing billing system is crucial.

– System Compatibility: Ensure that your selected EHR system is compatible with your prevailing infrastructure and integrates smoothly with your current billing processes. Compatibility issues can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Ensuring compatibility and interoperability

Prioritizing compatibility and interoperability with your existing systems is essential to ensure successful EHR integration with your billing process. Compatibility challenges may arise when attempting to integrate different systems, such as EHR and billing software, due to variations in data formats, protocols, and structures. However, interoperability solutions can help overcome these challenges and ensure seamless processes. System integration is crucial in enabling data exchange between EHR and billing systems. This integration allows for efficient data tracking, enabling accurate and timely billing. Interoperability solutions facilitate the smooth flow of information between systems. Healthcare organizations can streamline billing processes and optimize revenue generation by ensuring compatibility and interoperability.

Training and education for staff members

Ensure all staff members receive comprehensive training and education to successfully integrate EHR into the billing processes. Staff development is crucial in optimizing electronic health records (EHR) for billing purposes. Here are critical considerations for practical training and education initiatives:

– Implement training programs that cover the functionality and features of the EHR system.

– Provide hands-on practice sessions to enhance staff members’ skills in using the EHR for billing tasks.

– Offer education initiatives focusing on understanding billing regulations, coding requirements, and documentation standards.

– Facilitate knowledge acquisition through workshops, webinars, and online resources.

By investing in staff development, organizations can ensure their employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to seamlessly integrate EHR into the billing processes. It will ultimately contribute to improved efficiency, accuracy, and revenue generation.

Implementing effective data migration strategies

Data migration can present various challenges, such as ensuring data integrity and accuracy during the transfer process. It’s crucial to employ data mapping techniques to overcome these challenges. It involves creating a clear and detailed plan for mapping data elements from the legacy system to the new EHR system. Additionally, implementing data validation methods is essential to verify the accuracy and fulfillment of the migrated data. It can include running comprehensive data validation checks and using automated tools to identify inconsistencies or errors. Lastly, employing data cleansing strategies, such as removing duplicate or outdated records, can help improve the quality and reliability of the migrated data.

Best practices for maximizing the profitability of billing through EHR integration

To maximize the profitability of billing through EHR integration, you should start by automating your billing processes and workflows. It will help streamline the billing process, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. Additionally, utilizing your EHR system’s analytics and reporting capabilities will provide valuable insights into your billing performance, allowing you to identify improvement areas and optimize your group practices’ revenue cycle. Lastly, implementing effective coding and documentation practices will ensure accurate and complete billing, minimizing denials and maximizing reimbursements. Regularly reviewing and optimizing your billing performance will help you stay on top of any changes or trends in the industry and maintain a profitable billing operation.

Automating billing processes and workflows

Maximize your billing profitability by automating processes and workflows through EHR integration. You can improve revenue management and optimize billing processes by implementing automated billing software and streamlining workflows. DENmaar offers advanced billing services and software solutions for MHSA and ABA group practices. Here are some best practices to consider:

– Utilize electronic billing solutions: Electronic billing solutions allow for efficient and accurate submission of claims, reducing the risk of errors and delays.

– Implement automated coding and charge capture: You can ensure accurate billing and prevent missed charges by automating coding and charge capture processes.

– Integrate EHR with billing systems: Integrating your EHR with your billing systems allows for seamless transfer of patient data, reducing manual data entry and minimizing errors.

– Monitor and analyze billing data: Regularly monitor and analyze your billing data to identify trends, spot problems, and make informed decisions to improve profitability.

Utilizing analytics and reporting capabilities

To maximize the profitability of billing through EHR integration, you can utilize the analytics and reporting capabilities available. By utilizing analytics, you can attain valuable insights into your billing processes, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and optimize revenue generation. These analytics can help you identify patterns and trends, enabling you to make data-driven decisions for improving efficiency and enhancing productivity. With the help of reporting capabilities, you can generate detailed reports on several aspects of your billing operations, including revenue, collections, and reimbursement rates. This information can be used to track performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement strategies for maximizing profitability.

Implementing effective coding and documentation practices

One way to maximize the profitability of billing through EHR integration is by implementing effective coding and documentation practices. Multi-provider healthcare group practices can ensure they capture all the necessary information to support proper billing by improving coding accuracy and following documentation best practices. Here are some coding compliance strategies and revenue optimization techniques to consider:

– Conduct regular coding and documentation audits to identify any areas of improvement and ensure compliance with coding guidelines.

– Train staff on proper coding and documentation techniques to reduce errors and inaccuracies.

– Implement coding templates and standardized documentation formats to streamline the coding process.

– Utilize EHR features such as coding prompts, alerts, and templates to improve coding accuracy and ensure complete documentation.

Regularly reviewing and optimizing billing performance

Improve your billing performance by regularly reviewing and fine-tuning your processes for maximum profitability through EHR integration. Regularly reviewing your billing performance is essential to identify areas of improvement and overcome challenges. Tracking data allows you to analyze claim rejection rates, denial reasons, and reimbursement trends. This data-driven approach allows you to identify patterns and make informed decisions to optimize your group practices’ billing processes. Reviewing performance also helps you identify any coding or documentation issues affecting your reimbursement. By addressing these issues, you can ensure accurate and timely billing, leading to higher profitability. Additionally, regularly reviewing your billing performance allows you to adapt to changing regulations and payer requirements, maximizing your profitability in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Overcoming challenges and obstacles in EHR integration for billing

When integrating EHR systems for billing, you may encounter resistance to change among staff members. It’s essential to address this by providing comprehensive training and support to ensure smooth adoption. Technical issues and system compatibility challenges may arise, requiring careful planning and testing to mitigate disruptions. Finally, addressing privacy and security concerns is crucial to maintaining patient trust and compliance with regulations.

Resistance to change and staff training

To overcome potential challenges and obstacles in EHR integration for billing, your staff’s willingness to embrace change and undergo training is essential. Resistance to change is a common hurdle that organizations face when implementing new systems. Here are some key strategies to address this resistance and ensure successful integration:

– Change management: Create a comprehensive change management plan that includes clear communication, involvement of key stakeholders, and a phased implementation approach.

– Employee engagement: Involve your staff in the decision-making process and provide opportunities for feedback and input. It will help them feel valued and invested in the transition.

– Training and education: Conduct thorough training sessions to equip your staff with the skills to navigate the new EHR system efficiently.

– Ongoing support: Offer ongoing support with the help of DENmaar to address challenges that arise during the integration process.

Technical issues and system compatibility

Overcome technical issues and ensure seamless system compatibility by thoroughly testing and implementing necessary updates. Integration challenges and technical issues may arise when integrating electronic health record (EHR) systems with billing processes. One of the primary concerns is system compatibility, as different EHR systems may have varying interfaces and data formats. It can lead to interoperability concerns and difficulties in transferring data between systems. To overcome these obstacles, it’s crucial to thoroughly assess the compatibility of the EHR system with the billing software before integration. It includes conducting rigorous testing to identify technical issues and implementing the necessary updates to enhance system compatibility. Healthcare organizations can proactively streamline their billing processes and enhance efficiency by addressing these challenges.

Addressing privacy and security concerns

To address privacy and security concerns in EHR integration for billing, you must prioritize data protection and implement robust security measures. Safeguarding patient information is crucial to maintain trust and comply with regulatory requirements. Here are some critical steps to enhance privacy and security in EHR integration:

– Implement strong data encryption: Encrypting sensitive patient data ensures it remains unreadable and protected from unauthorized access.

– Enforce access controls: Implement strict access controls that restrict system and data access to authorized personnel only. It helps prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing patient information.

– Focus on data breach prevention: Regularly monitor systems for vulnerabilities and take necessary steps to prevent data breaches.

– Obtain patient consent: Ensure that patients are fully informed and consent before integrating their EHR data for billing purposes.

– Maintain regulatory compliance: Stay updated with relevant privacy and security regulations to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Recap of the benefits and importance of EHR integration for billing

You’ll see the value and advantages of integrating EHR into your billing process. EHR integration offers several benefits and is crucial for optimizing revenue and streamlining billing practices. Here’s a recap of why EHR integration is essential:

– Automation: EHR integration automates the billing process, minimizing manual entry requirements and errors. It saves time and improves accuracy.

– Revenue Optimization: By integrating EHR with billing systems, you can effectively track and manage claims, ensuring timely reimbursement and minimizing revenue leakage.

– Data Analysis: EHR integration allows for comprehensive analysis of billing data, enabling you to identify trends, monitor performance, and make informed decisions to enhance financial outcomes.

– Staff Efficiency: With EHR integration, your staff can focus on higher-value tasks, as administrative burdens are reduced. It improves productivity and enables your team to provide better patient care.

Encouragement for healthcare organizations to embrace this technology

Embrace the technology and revolutionize your billing process by integrating EHR into your healthcare organization. The benefits and success stories of EHR integration in healthcare organizations are well-documented. By streamlining the billing process, healthcare organizations can reduce manual errors, improve accuracy, and expedite reimbursement. Case studies have shown that implementing EHR integration for billing has improved profitability. Healthcare organizations have experienced increased revenue, reduced administrative costs, and improved cash flow. Overcoming resistance and encouraging the adoption of EHR integration can be achieved through effective communication, training, and addressing concerns about data security with the help of DENmaar.

Furthermore, EHR integration can lead to significant cost savings and efficiency gains. By eliminating paper-based processes and automating billing, healthcare organizations can reduce administrative overhead and increase operational efficiency. Additionally, EHR integration is crucial in improving patient satisfaction and overall healthcare experience. Patients can better understand their healthcare costs with easy access to accurate billing information, increasing trust and satisfaction.

Final thoughts on the future of billing processes in the healthcare industry

To ensure future success in the healthcare industry, healthcare organizations must adapt their billing processes to the evolving landscape. Several factors, including future innovations and technological advancements, will shape the future of billing processes. Here are some final thoughts on the future of billing processes in the healthcare industry:

– Future innovations: As technology advances, we expect new and innovative billing solutions that streamline processes and improve accuracy.

– Technological advancements: Integrating electronic health records (EHRs) is just the beginning. Future advancements include automated billing systems and artificial intelligence-driven tools.

– Financial implications: Implementing advanced billing processes can have significant financial implications for healthcare organizations. They can increase revenue, reduce billing errors, and improve financial performance.

– Industry-wide adoption: As more organizations realize the benefits of advanced billing processes, we can expect to see industry-wide adoption of these technologies.

– Regulatory compliance: With the evolving regulatory landscape, healthcare organizations must ensure that their billing processes remain compliant with industry regulations.

Conclusion

By streamlining the billing process, integrating EHR can revolutionize your multi-provider group practices’ profitability, accuracy, and efficiency. Embracing this technology is crucial for staying competitive in the ever-changing healthcare industry. As we look to the future, it’s clear that EHR integration will continue to revolutionize billing processes, paving the way for a more efficient and effective healthcare system. Remember, you can overcome any challenges and obstacles with careful consideration and effective implementation. So, contact DENmaar for EHR integration and watch your billing soar to new heights.

We at DENmaar offer Notes and Treatment Planner powered by WILEY TreatmentPlanners® at the best prices. Our EHR integration allows you to access treatment plans, progress notes, and homework assignments. DENmaar’s medical EHR software also acts as an intelligent virtual assistant that helps organize and prioritize multi-provider group practices’ workflow. Call us now at 844-727-3627.

Get Ahead of the Competition: Level Up with Expert Insurance Credentialing Services

With insurance credentialing services, you can navigate the complex world of insurance credentialing, streamline the process, and ensure you get the coverage you need. Choosing the exemplary service is essential, and we’re here to help. Let us explore the advantages of outsourcing your insurance credentialing and the common challenges you may face. Don’t let the paperwork overwhelm you – let us guide you towards a smoother credentialing experience.

If you’re considering joining insurance networks, it’s crucial to understand the process of insurance credentialing. Insurance credentialing is the process of verifying and assessing the qualifications, experience, and credentials of healthcare providers to ensure they meet the standards set by insurance companies. This process is of utmost importance as it allows healthcare providers to become in-network with insurance companies, enabling them to receive reimbursement for their services. The steps involved in insurance credentialing include completing applications, submitting required documents, and undergoing a thorough evaluation by the insurance company. Errors in the application process can lead to delays or denials in credentialing, so avoiding common mistakes such as incomplete documentation or inaccuracies is essential. Many healthcare providers outsource their insurance credentialing to specialized companies to streamline this process. Outsourcing insurance credentialing can save time and resources, permitting healthcare providers to concentrate on patient care while ensuring a smooth reimbursement process.

What are Insurance Credentialing Services?

Insurance credentialing services refer to the process of verifying and validating the credentials of healthcare providers. These services play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by ensuring that providers meet the requirements to participate in insurance networks.

Definition of insurance credentialing

You must understand insurance credentialing services’ fundamental concept and purpose. Insurance credentialing refers to evaluating the qualifications and credentials of healthcare providers to ensure their eligibility to participate in insurance networks. It’s an essential step for healthcare providers to establish relationships with insurance companies and receive reimbursement for their services.

Here are three key aspects of insurance credentialing:

1. Insurance credentialing benefits
   Credentialing allows healthcare providers to expand their patient base by accepting insurance plans. It also ensures that providers meet quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements.
2. Selecting insurance credentialing
   Providers must choose the insurance networks they want to join based on patient population, reimbursement rates, and administrative requirements.
3. Outsourcing insurance credentialing
   Many healthcare providers outsource the credentialing process to specialized companies. It can save time and resources, as experts handle the complex paperwork and follow up with insurance companies.

Role of insurance credentialing services in the healthcare industry

As a healthcare provider, you can depend on insurance credentialing services to streamline verifying and evaluating your qualifications and credentials for participation in insurance networks. Insurance credentialing can be complex and time-consuming, requiring you to submit various documents and undergo extensive background checks. You can save valuable time by outsourcing credentialing services to a specialized company. Insurance credentialing services offer numerous benefits to healthcare providers. They have expertise in navigating the credentialing process and can ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and efficiently. Additionally, they can help you select the most suitable insurance credentialing service based on your specific needs and requirements.

Benefits of using Insurance Credentialing Services for healthcare providers

You can frequently benefit from using insurance credentialing services as a healthcare provider. These services streamline provider enrollment, ensuring you can join insurance networks and expand your patient base. The credentialing process is handled by experts who navigate the complex requirements and paperwork on your behalf, saving you time and effort. By completing credentialing, you can get into insurance contracts, which provide financial security and stability for your practice. Insurance credentialing services also play a crucial role in ensuring timely and accurate provider reimbursement, reducing the administrative burden, and improving your cash flow.

How to Choose the Right Insurance Credentialing Service

When choosing an insurance credentialing service, there are several factors to consider.

Factors to consider when selecting an insurance credentialing service

1. First, you should look at their expertise in the industry to ensure they have the necessary knowledge to handle your credentialing needs.
2. Additionally, it’s essential to consider their reputation and client reviews to understand their track record and customer satisfaction.
3. Lastly, you should evaluate the services they offer, their pricing structure, and the turnaround time for the credentialing process.

Expertise

Here are three key factors to consider:

1. Years of experience
   Look for a credentialing service provider with extensive experience in the insurance industry. Their knowledge and understanding of the credentialing process will ensure an efficient process for your practice.
2. Specialized expertise
   Determine if the company has expertise in your specific area of healthcare. It will ensure they have the necessary knowledge and understanding of the unique challenges and obstacles that may arise during the credentialing process.
3. Reputation and client satisfaction
   Research the company’s reputation and satisfaction rate. Check for testimonials and reviews from other healthcare providers to gauge their professionalism and customer service. A reputable company with high client satisfaction will deliver the benefits you seek in an insurance credentialing service.

Reputation and client reviews

Consider the reputation and client reviews of insurance credentialing services to decide on selecting the right provider for your practice. Reputation management is crucial in healthcare, and client satisfaction is an essential factor to consider. Look for online reviews, provider feedback, and customer testimonials to gauge the quality of service the credentialing service provides. Now, let’s move on to discussing the services offered and pricing.

Services offered and pricing

You should evaluate the services and pricing to choose the right insurance credentialing service. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Pricing transparency
   Look for a service outlining fees and additional costs in the credentialing process.
2. Insurance network participation
   Ensure the service provider has experience working with the insurance networks you want to participate in.
   
3. Provider enrollment
   Check if the service provider assists with the enrollment process and provides ongoing support.
   

These factors will help you find an insurance credentialing service that meets your needs and budget.

Turnaround time for the credentialing process

Evaluate the turnaround time for the credentialing process when selecting an insurance credentialing service. Reducing wait times is crucial in today’s fast-paced healthcare industry. Look for a service that improves efficiency and optimizes workflow to ensure a smooth and timely credentialing process. A reliable service should also have a track record of enhancing provider enrollment and streamlining documentation. Considering these factors, you can minimize delays and ensure a seamless credentialing experience.

Questions to ask insurance credentialing service providers

When choosing an insurance credentialing service, it’s important to ask potential providers a few key questions.

1. Firstly, inquire about their industry experience and how long they’ve been in the business.
2. Additionally, ask for references from satisfied clients to ensure their credibility.
3. It’s also crucial to discuss their fees, what services are included, and the typical timeframe for the credentialing process.

These questions will help you decide and find the right insurance credentialing service for your needs.

How long have you been in the industry?

Consider the experience of insurance credentialing service providers when selecting the right one for your needs. When evaluating providers, ask them how long they’ve been in the industry. It will give you an idea of their experience duration and industry expertise. Look for providers with extensive industry knowledge and a track record of client satisfaction. Additionally, consider their cost efficiency in delivering their services.

Can you provide references from satisfied clients?

To assess the credibility of potential insurance credentialing service providers, ask them for references from satisfied clients. Client references and customer testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of their services. Requesting references allows you to hear directly from clients who’ve worked with the provider, giving you an idea of their level of satisfaction and the provider’s track record. Client feedback is essential in making an informed decision when choosing an insurance credentialing service.

What are your fees, and what services are included?

To determine the right insurance credentialing service for you, ask providers about their fees and the services they include in their packages. Here are three key points to consider:

1. Insurance Credentialing Process
   Ask the provider to outline their step-by-step process for credentialing. It will help you understand the level of detail and efficiency they bring.
   
2. Importance of Insurance Credentialing
   Inquire about their understanding of the importance of credentialing in ensuring compliance and reimbursement for healthcare providers.
3. Credentialing Service Fees
   Request a breakdown of their fees, including any upfront costs, recurring fees, and additional charges for specific services. It will help you evaluate the affordability and value of their services.

Outsourcing this service can bring numerous benefits, including time and cost savings, allowing you to focus on providing quality healthcare services.

How long does the credentialing process typically take?

As you continue evaluating insurance credentialing service providers, it’s essential to inquire about the typical duration of the credentialing process. The average duration can vary depending on various factors affecting the timeline, such as the complexity of your application and the responsiveness of insurance companies. Some providers may offer expedited credentialing options for a faster process. However, delays in the credentialing process can occur due to missing or incomplete documentation. Discussing strategies for speeding up credentialing with service providers is crucial.

Benefits of Outsourcing Insurance Credentialing Services

By outsourcing, you can save time and reduce costs associated with the credentialing process. Additionally, outsourcing can minimize errors and avoid delays in the credentialing process, ensuring that you can start providing services to patients more quickly. Moreover, outsourcing gives you access to industry knowledge and expertise, allowing you to streamline the credentialing process and focus on delivering high-quality care.

Time and cost savings for healthcare providers

Save time and money by outsourcing your insurance credentialing services. By utilizing insurance credentialing services, healthcare providers can benefit from the following:

1. Cost-effectiveness
   Outsourcing insurance credentialing saves providers money by avoiding the need for additional staff and resources dedicated to the credentialing process. It frees up financial resources for other vital areas of the practice.
2. Time efficiency
   Insurance credentialing can be time-consuming, requiring attention to detail and adherence to credentialing requirements. Outsourcing this task allows healthcare providers to concentrate on patient care, saving valuable time.
3. Insurance network participation
   Working with a credentialing service ensures that healthcare providers are enrolled in the necessary insurance networks. It increases their patient base and expands their reach within the healthcare industry.

Minimizing errors and avoiding credentialing delays

By utilizing insurance credentialing services, you can minimize errors and avoid credentialing delays, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for your healthcare practice. Outsourcing this task to experts who are well-versed in insurance network participation and documentation requirements can significantly minimize the chances of errors occurring during the credentialing process. These professionals are trained to handle complex paperwork and navigate the intricacies of insurance contract negotiation, ensuring that all necessary documents are accurately completed and submitted on time. Additionally, they can expedite the credentialing process by promptly following up with insurance companies and providing any additional information required.

Access to industry knowledge and expertise

When outsourcing insurance credentialing services, you gain access to industry knowledge and expertise that can streamline the process and ensure optimal results for your healthcare practice. Here are three benefits of accessing industry expertise through outsourcing:

1. In-depth understanding of credentialing requirements
   Professional credentialing services have extensive knowledge of insurance companies and regulatory bodies’ complex and ever-changing regulations. This expertise allows them to navigate the credentialing process more efficiently, minimizing errors and avoiding delays.
2. Efficient and accurate application submission
   Insurance credentialing services are well-versed in the intricacies of the application process. They know what information is required, how it should be presented, and which supporting documents are necessary. It ensures that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted promptly.
   
3. Ongoing support and guidance
   By choosing a reputable credentialing service, you can access ongoing support and guidance throughout the credentialing process. It can provide valuable advice and assistance in maintaining up-to-date credentials, resolving issues or discrepancies, and staying compliant with industry regulations.

Outsourcing insurance credentialing services saves you time and effort and provides access to industry expertise that can enhance the efficiency of your credentialing process.

Streamlining the credentialing process

Outsourcing insurance credentialing services can streamline the credentialing process by providing efficient and expert assistance. By utilizing the services of a specialized credentialing company, you can experience a significant improvement in streamlining efficiency. These companies have the resources and expertise to handle the complex credentialing paperwork, simplifying your process. It helps reduce the administrative burden on your organization, allowing you to focus on other essential tasks. Moreover, outsourcing ensures accuracy in the credentialing process, as these companies thoroughly understand the requirements and regulations.

Common Challenges in Insurance Credentialing

Many providers face common challenges during credentialing, such as lengthy application processes, complex paperwork, and frequent changes in insurance requirements. However, insurance credentialing services can help alleviate these obstacles by providing expertise and guidance. Additionally, by following some tips and best practices, healthcare providers can navigate the credentialing process more effectively and ensure a smoother experience.

Overview of common obstacles faced during the credentialing process

During the credentialing process, you may encounter several common obstacles due to the complexity of insurance requirements. To help you navigate through these challenges, here is an overview of the most common pitfalls and practical solutions:

1. Credentialing delays
   Delays in the credentialing process can occur due to missing or incomplete documentation, outdated forms, or errors in the application. To avoid these delays, thoroughly review and submit all required documents, double-check the accuracy of your application, and stay proactive in following up with the insurance companies.
2. Provider preparation
   Insufficient preparation can lead to rejections or credential delays. Before starting the process, gather all necessary information, such as education, training, and licenses. Additionally, staying organized is essential; keeping track of all required forms and deadlines can streamline the process.
3. Proven strategies and practical solutions
   Engaging the services of a professional credentialing company can be a valuable strategy to overcome common obstacles. These companies have expertise in navigating complex insurance requirements, ensuring accurate and timely submissions, and providing ongoing support throughout credentialing.

How insurance credentialing services can help overcome these challenges

To overcome the common challenges in insurance credentialing, you can benefit from the assistance of insurance credentialing services. These services are designed to streamline processes and improve the efficiency of credentialing. By employing these services, you can overcome provider enrollment challenges and enhance your provider networks. Insurance credentialing services have the expertise and resources to navigate the complex credentialing process, ensuring that all documents are completed accurately and submitted promptly. Additionally, these services can help you improve reimbursement rates by ensuring that all necessary information is provided to insurance companies. With their assistance, you can increase your chances of getting approved as a provider and receiving reimbursements more quickly.

Tips for healthcare providers to navigate the credentialing process more effectively

You can navigate the credentialing process more effectively by following these tips:

1. Efficient credentialing
   Streamline the process by gathering all necessary documents and information ahead of time. It includes your education, training, licensure, certifications, and references.
2. Navigating insurance contracts
   Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the insurance contracts you’re applying for. Understand the reimbursement rates, billing guidelines, and specific requirements or restrictions.
3. Ensuring accurate documentation
   Pay attention to detail when completing credentialing applications. Provide accurate information and double-check your submissions to avoid delays or rejections.

Understanding and meeting the credentialing requirements can expedite the process and reduce the chances of errors or omissions. Building strong provider networks can also help, as recommendations from other established providers strengthen your application.

We’ve discussed the importance of insurance credentialing for healthcare providers. By going through the credentialing process, providers can gain access to a broader network of patients and increase their revenue potential. Insurance credentialing also significantly impacts patient satisfaction, ensuring that providers meet specific standards of quality and competence. Insurance credentialing services are expected to play an essential role in the healthcare industry as the demand for high-quality healthcare grows. The benefits of utilizing insurance credentialing services far outweigh the challenges, making it a valuable investment for healthcare providers. While some may argue that it’s more cost-effective to handle credentialing in-house, the reality is that outsourcing allows for greater efficiency and expertise. By partnering with our reputable insurance credentialing service, healthcare providers can concentrate on delivering quality patient care while leaving the complex and time-consuming credentialing task to the professionals. It ultimately leads to smoother operations, increased revenue, and reduced administrative burden.

At DENmaar, our Insurance Credentialing Services can help healthcare providers solve their credentialing challenges by streamlining the process, ensuring accuracy, and saving valuable time and resources. We provide automated PAR status updates and expiring document alerts. We help you create and update CAQH. To know more about how our services can benefit your practice, Contact us now at 844-727-3627 for a consultation.

The Complete Guide to Insurance Credentialing for Therapists

Insurance credentialing offers numerous benefits for therapists, including increased client base and financial stability. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming. It’s essential to follow specific steps that ensure a successful credentialing process. These include gathering all necessary documents, completing applications accurately, and submitting them promptly. Common challenges in insurance credentialing include navigating insurance company requirements and dealing with delays or denials. Consider using a credentialing service such as DENmaar to ease the burden. When choosing a service, consider their experience, reputation, and cost. Staying updated with insurance credentialing requirements is crucial to maintaining a smooth and successful practice. Let us explore a complete guide to insurance credentialing for therapists.

What is Insurance Credentialing?

Insurance credentialing is the process of obtaining approval from insurance companies to provide services and receive reimbursement. It involves submitting necessary documentation, such as licenses, certifications, and malpractice insurance, to prove qualifications and eligibility. Insurance credentialing for therapists plays a crucial role in the healthcare and therapy industry, as it allows therapists to expand their client base and ensures that patients can access affordable and quality care through their insurance plans. To become a credentialed therapist, you must go through the process of applying to and being approved by insurance companies. Insurance credentialing is the process by which therapists gain approval from insurance companies to provide covered services to their clients. Here is what you need to know about insurance credentialing:

• Importance of credentialing: Credentialing is crucial as it allows therapists to accept insurance and expand their client base.
• Credentialing requirements: Insurance companies have specific requirements that therapists must meet, such as having a valid license, malpractice insurance, and appropriate education and experience.
• Credentialing process timeline: The credentialing process can take several months, with each insurance company having its own timeline for reviewing applications.
• Common credentialing challenges: Delays, paperwork, and meeting the various requirements can be challenging for therapists during the credentialing process.
• Credentialing for different therapy specialties: Each specialty may have specific requirements and considerations for insurance credentialing.

Role of Insurance Credentialing in the Healthcare and Therapy Industry

Insurance credentialing is essential for therapists because it allows them to establish contracts with insurance companies, provide services, and receive payment from those insurance plans. This process significantly impacts therapy practices, expanding the therapist’s client base and increasing their revenue potential. However, therapists often face challenges during credentialing, such as completing extensive paperwork, meeting specific requirements, and dealing with lengthy approval times. Furthermore, insurance credentialing can also affect therapist-patient relationships, as it may limit the number of sessions covered by insurance or require patients to pay out-of-pocket. The future of insurance credentialing in the therapy industry is uncertain, as it may continue to evolve and adapt to changing healthcare regulations and policies.

Why is Insurance credentialing for therapists essential?

Insurance credentialing is essential for therapists because it ensures timely payments from insurance companies, boosting your practice’s performance and credibility. By becoming credentialed, you can expand your patient reach by being part of insurance carriers’ networks, allowing you to serve a broader population and increase your client base. This process is crucial for therapists looking to establish a successful and sustainable practice.

Ensuring Timely Payments from Insurance Companies

Ensure your therapist credentials are up-to-date for seamless and prompt payment processing. Ensuring timely payments from insurance companies is crucial for therapists to maintain a steady and reliable income. To achieve this, you must be aware of common payment issues and implement strategies for effective billing. Negotiating reimbursement rates with insurance companies can also help you receive fair service compensation. Additionally, knowing how to deal with claim denials and navigate the appeals process is essential. By understanding the intricacies of insurance reimbursements, you can maximize your earnings and avoid unnecessary delays in payment. Stay proactive and informed to ensure a smooth financial process with insurance companies.

Boosting Practice Performance and Credibility

Insurance credentialing is crucial for therapists as it allows them to improve reimbursement rates, build trust and credibility, maximize practice revenue, increase patient satisfaction, and navigate insurance billing challenges effectively. By becoming credentialed with insurance companies, therapists can negotiate higher reimbursement rates for their services, ensuring fair compensation for their expertise and time. It helps increase practice revenue and allows therapists to provide quality care without financial constraints. Insurance credentialing also helps build trust and credibility among patients, showing that therapists meet the necessary standards and are qualified to provide professional healthcare services.

Expanding Patient Reach

By being part of insurance carriers’ networks, therapists can experience various benefits. Firstly, it allows them to expand their reach to more patients and increase the accessibility of their therapy services. It is essential because it enables therapists to maximize reimbursement, expand their therapist network, attract new patients, navigate insurance regulations, and improve financial stability.

• Maximizing reimbursement: Being part of insurance networks ensures that therapists receive payment for their services at the agreed-upon rates, allowing them to maximize their income.
• Expanding therapist network: Being part of insurance networks exposes therapists to a larger pool of clients. This exposure enables them to collaborate with other therapists on patient care.
• Attracting new patients: Patients often search for therapists within their insurance network. Therefore, joining these networks increases therapists’ chances of attracting new patients.
• Navigating insurance regulations: Insurance credentialing requires therapists to understand and abide by various regulations and policies. This understanding ensures compliance and a smooth reimbursement process.
• Improving financial stability: Therapists can establish a steady stream of clients and income by accepting insurance. This acceptance provides excellent financial stability for their practice.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Insurance Credentialing Process

To begin the insurance credentialing process, you’ll need to gather all the documents and information required by the insurance panels. Once you have completed the application, it will be submitted for review. Your credentials, including experience, license, certification, and education, will be checked for accuracy during verification. After submission, there will be a waiting period while the insurance panels review your application.

Initial preparation

Gather all the necessary documents and information to kickstart your insurance credentialing process as a therapist, ensuring a smooth and efficient application process. It’s crucial to gather the following:

• Required Documents: Prepare to submit copies of your professional licenses, malpractice insurance documentation, and any relevant certifications or qualifications.
• Necessary Information: Ensure you have your personal information, such as your name, address, and contact details, readily available. Additionally, you need your National Provider Identifier (NPI) number, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and Social Security Number (SSN).
• Gathering Documents: Collect any additional supporting documents that may be required, such as proof of education, proof of residency, and proof of clinical experience.
• Information Preparation: Organize your credentials, licenses, and other supporting documents in a clear and easily accessible manner. It will help streamline the application process and prevent any delays.
• Initial Steps: Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and guidelines set by each insurance panel you plan to apply to. It will ensure you’re fully prepared and meet all the necessary criteria.

Application Submission to Insurance Panels

Now that you have all the necessary documents and information, it’s time to submit your application to the insurance panels. Before you do, you must be aware of common mistakes therapists often make when applying. One common mistake is submitting incomplete or inaccurate information, leading to delays or rejection. To avoid this, double-check all sections of your application for accuracy and completeness. To ensure a successful insurance panel application, follow these tips:

• Thoroughly review the application requirements.
• Provide all requested documentation.
• Complete the application neatly and legibly.

Additionally, understand the insurance panel reimbursement rates and negotiate contracts with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation for your services. Lastly, maintaining accurate credentialing records is essential. Keep track of important dates, such as when your credentials expire, and update your information promptly to avoid disruptions in your panel participation.

Verification of credentials

When going through the insurance credentialing process, ensure you verify your experience, licensure, certification, and education. Thorough verification is paramount to ensure compliance with insurance requirements and overcome common credentialing challenges. Here are some strategies to help you overcome these obstacles and maximize the impact of credentialing on your therapy practice success:

• Submit all required documentation promptly and accurately.
• Stay organized and keep track of all the necessary paperwork.
• Follow up regularly with insurance panels to ensure a smooth and timely credentialing process.
• Seek assistance from professionals or organizations specializing in insurance credentialing.
• Stay updated on any changes in insurance requirements to maintain compliance.

Waiting Period

During the waiting period, the insurance company reviews your application and verifies that you meet their credentialing requirements. The waiting period’s length can vary depending on the insurance company and their credentialing timelines. It’s important to note that credentialing challenges may arise, such as missing documentation or delays in communication. Different therapy specialties may also have specific credentialing requirements that need to be met. For private practice therapists, the waiting period can be particularly crucial as it determines whether they can accept insurance and provide services to clients. Understanding the waiting period and its intricacies is essential for therapists navigating the insurance credentialing process.

Approval, Denial, and Possible Re-Application

After the waiting period, you’ll receive a notification regarding the approval or denial of your insurance credentialing application, and there may be an opportunity for reapplication if needed. If your application is denied, it’s crucial to understand the reasons for denial before proceeding with the reapplication process. Common mistakes that can lead to denial include incomplete or inaccurate information, missing documentation, or failure to meet specific criteria. To overcome credentialing challenges, you can appeal denials by providing additional evidence or clarifying deficiencies in your initial application. Reviewing your application is essential, ensuring all required information is included and accurate before reapplying. Remember, persistence and attention to detail are key when navigating the insurance credentialing process.

Role of Advanced Automation in Streamlining Credentialing

Advanced automation is crucial in speeding up the overall timeline when streamlining credentialing. By automating various tasks, such as data entry and verification, you can significantly reduce the time and effort required for credentialing. Additionally, automation helps minimize errors and ensures the accuracy of information, ultimately improving the efficiency of the entire process. A prime example of how advanced automation can be leveraged in credentialing is through the services provided by DENmaar, which incorporates cutting-edge automation techniques to maximize efficiency and streamline the credentialing process for therapists.

How Automation Speeds up the Process?

To expedite the credentialing process, implementing advanced automation speeds up the process for therapists. Automation brings numerous benefits to insurance credentialing, improving efficiency and streamlining the entire process. Here are some key advantages:

• Benefits of automation in insurance credentialing: Automation reduces manual tasks, saving time and resources.
• Improving efficiency with automated processes: Automation allows faster data entry, verification, and communication with insurance companies.
• Streamlining insurance credentialing with automation: Automated systems centralize and organize all necessary documentation, making tracking and managing credentials easier.
• Maximizing accuracy through automated systems: Automation minimizes human errors and ensures that all information is up-to-date and accurate.
• The future of insurance credentialing- Automation Advancements: As technology advances, automation will become even more sophisticated, further improving the credentialing process.

Reducing Errors and Ensuring Accuracy with Automation

Automation solutions for insurance credentialing can streamline the process, from collecting necessary documents to submitting applications to insurance companies. Automation saves time and effort by eliminating the need for repetitive tasks and manually tracking credentialing status. Maximizing efficiency with automation in credentialing allows you to provide quality patient care instead of getting lost in paperwork.

How DENmaar Incorporates Advanced Automation for Maximum Efficiency in their Services

At DENmaar, we incorporate advanced automation in our services to ensure a seamless and efficient credentialing process. Using technology, we can leverage automation benefits for insurance companies and streamline healthcare processes. Here are some ways we utilize advanced automation:

• Automating insurance claims processing to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
• Implementing electronic systems for faster and more accurate data entry.
• Utilizing automated verification processes to save time and effort.
• Automating the provider enrollment process for quicker credentialing.
• Embracing automation in therapy practices to streamline billing and reimbursement.

The future of automation in the healthcare industry is promising as it continues to revolutionize processes and improve patient care. With DENmaar’s advanced automation techniques, therapists can experience the advantages of a streamlined credentialing process.

Benefits of Partnering with an Expert Credentialing Service

First and foremost, these services possess the expertise and knowledge needed to navigate the intricate credentialing process. They stay up-to-date with the ever-changing requirements and regulations, ensuring your credentials are always compliant. Additionally, partnering with an expert credentialing service helps reduce liability risks and errors, giving you peace of mind knowing that your credentials are being handled precisely and accurately.

Expertise and Knowledge of the Intricate Process

Here are some reasons why partnering with an expert credentialing service can benefit you:

• They’re familiar with the everyday challenges therapists face during credentialing, ensuring a smoother experience.
• They stay updated with the latest credentialing requirements, saving time and effort researching and understanding these complex regulations.
• They’re knowledgeable about industry trends, allowing them to provide valuable insights and guidance.
• They follow credentialing best practices, ensuring accuracy and compliance in your application.
• They’ve access to credentialing resources that may not be readily available to individual therapists, giving you a competitive edge.

Continuous Monitoring and Updates

By partnering with an expert credentialing service, you can benefit from continuous monitoring and updates to ensure the success of your insurance credentialing process. Continuous monitoring allows for ongoing evaluation of your credentials, ensuring you meet all requirements and comply with insurance regulations. Updates are crucial to keeping your information accurate and up-to-date, as any changes in your practice need to be reflected in your credentialing documents. Automating tasks saves time and reduces the potential for errors. Additionally, partnering with a credentialing service can minimize liability risks, as they have the expertise to navigate the complex world of insurance credentialing. Success stories from other therapists who’ve utilized credentialing services highlight the positive impact they can have on the process. With continuous monitoring and updates, you can ensure that your insurance credentialing is always in order, setting the stage for the subsequent section on reducing liability risks and errors.

Reduction of Liability Risks and Errors

You can reduce liability risks and errors by partnering with an expert credentialing service. Here are some key points to consider:

• Importance of professional liability insurance: Having the right insurance coverage is crucial for therapists to protect themselves from claims and lawsuits.
• Standard liability risks in therapy practice: Therapists may face malpractice allegations, confidentiality breaches, and ethical violations.
• Strategies for minimizing liability risks: Implementing thorough documentation practices, maintaining proper client boundaries, and receiving ongoing training can help minimize risks.
• Legal considerations in therapy insurance credentialing: It’s essential to ensure that your insurance coverage meets all legal requirements and that you comply with state regulations.
• Liability insurance coverage options for therapists: Different insurance policies offer varying coverage levels, so choosing a policy that suits your specific needs is essential.

You can protect yourself and your practice by understanding and addressing these liability risks.

DENmaar offers Insurance Credentialing Services for Therapists

Are you a therapist looking to ease the burden of insurance credentialing? Look no further than DENmaar. Our expert team is ready to take the complex and daunting task of insurance credentialing off your hands. We understand the intricacies of the insurance industry and are equipped to manage all the paperwork, persistent follow-ups, and meticulous attention to detail required to keep your credentials up to date. At DENmaar, we harness the power of automation to enhance accuracy and speed, making the credentialing process as efficient as possible. Let us take care of your insurance credentialing needs so you can dedicate your time to what you do best—caring for your clients.

As we wrap up the insurance credentialing process, reviewing and double-checking all the necessary documentation is essential. It ensures everything is accurate and in order before submitting it to the insurance companies. Partnering with an expert credentialing service is like having a trusty compass, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey. By utilizing insurance credentialing services for therapists, you can save precious time and avoid the stress of independently handling the complex credentialing process. So don’t hesitate to take that leap and embark on your insurance credentialing adventure today! Contact us now, and let’s help quickly solve your credentialing problems.

The Roadmap to Understanding Insurance Billing

Are you tired of navigating the confusing world of insurance billing? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the ins and outs of insurance billing, breaking down the process and highlighting the importance of accuracy. Discover the best practices to ensure smooth transactions and avoid costly errors. Get ready to take control of your insurance billing and maximize your reimbursements. Let’s dive in! In this section, you’ll learn about the basics of insurance billing. Introducing insurance billing is crucial as it sets the foundation for understanding the entire process. Understanding the importance of insurance billing is essential for healthcare providers to ensure they’re adequately reimbursed for their services. Healthcare providers can benefit from timely and consistent payment by accurately submitting claims to insurance companies, reducing financial strain. Following best practices in insurance billing is essential to avoid claim rejections or denials, which can lead to delayed or lost revenue. 

Insurance Billing 

First, it’s essential to know what insurance billing means. We’ll also explore key terms and concepts related to insurance billing, such as co-payments and deductibles. 

What is insurance billing? 

To understand insurance billing, you must familiarize yourself with submitting claims and receiving payments from insurance companies. Understanding claims is crucial in navigating insurance billing. Here are three key points to help you grasp the concept: 

• Claims submission: You must accurately complete claim forms with all the necessary information, including patient details, diagnosis, and treatment codes. These forms are then submitted to the insurance company for processing. 
• Claim validation: Once the insurance company receives the claim, they review it to ensure all the information is correct and complete. They may request additional documentation or clarification if needed. 
• Payment processing: After validating the claim, the insurance company will determine their cover amount and issue payment accordingly. The payment may be sent directly to the healthcare provider or reimbursed to the patient. 

Understanding these aspects of insurance billing enables you to navigate the process more effectively and ensure timely reimbursements. 

Key terms and Concepts related to Insurance Billing 

Understanding terminology is crucial in insurance billing, ensuring accurate communication and documentation. Familiarize yourself with common mistakes to avoid errors that could result in claim denials. The reimbursement process is the core of insurance billing, involving submitting claims to insurance companies and receiving payment for services rendered. Familiarize yourself with coding guidelines to ensure the accurate assignment of codes for procedures and diagnoses. Claim denials can occur for various reasons, such as incomplete or incorrect information. Understanding the reasons for claim denials and how to appeal them is essential for successful insurance billing. Transitioning into the next section, let’s explore the role of insurance companies in the billing process. 

Role of Insurance Companies in the Billing Process 

You must familiarize yourself with how insurance companies play a role in billing. Understanding their role is crucial to ensure smooth and timely insurance reimbursement for your medical services. Here are three key ways insurance companies are involved in the billing process: 

• Determining insurance coverage: Insurance companies assess the policyholder’s coverage and determine how much medical services are covered. 

• Processing insurance claims: Insurance companies receive and review the claims submitted by healthcare providers, checking for accuracy and ensuring they meet the policy requirements. 
• Providing insurance reimbursement: Once the claim is approved, the insurance company reimburses the healthcare provider for the services rendered based on the agreed-upon rates. 

Insurance companies often utilize specialized insurance billing software to streamline these processes. This software helps facilitate the submission and processing of claims, making the billing process more efficient. Understanding the role of insurance companies in the billing process is essential before delving into the intricacies of insurance billing. 

Insurance Billing Process 

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the procedures to ensure a smooth billing experience. We’ll also discuss common challenges and pitfalls that you may encounter, along with some valuable tips for streamlining the entire insurance billing process. Get ready to navigate the complexities with ease! 

Step-by-step guide to Insurance Billing 

First, you need to start with patient registration and insurance verification. This involves gathering all necessary information from the patient and ensuring their insurance coverage is valid. Next, you’ll move on to coding and documentation, assigning the correct medical codes to the services provided, and creating accurate documentation of the patient’s visit. Once this is done, you can submit claims, sending the necessary paperwork to the insurance company for review and payment. 

Patient Registration and Insurance Verification 

Once the patient arrives at the healthcare facility, it’s essential to begin the insurance billing process by completing the necessary patient registration and verification steps. This includes gathering patients’ personal information and insurance details and verifying their coverage. The next step is to verify the insurance information provided by the patient with the insurance company to ensure accuracy. Once the insurance is verified, the healthcare facility can proceed with claim processing and reimbursement procedures. 

Coding and Documentation 

To ensure accurate insurance billing, you must code and document the necessary information during the insurance billing process. Proper coding and documentation are crucial to avoid coding errors and ensure reimbursement. Following documentation guidelines and using electronic health records can help streamline the claim submission process. Additionally, effective coding and documentation play a vital role in denial management. Now that you understand the importance of coding and documentation, let’s move on to the next step: claims submission. 

Claims Submission 

When submitting claims for insurance billing, you must input the necessary information accurately and promptly. To ensure smooth claims processing and maximize reimbursement rates, follow these steps: 

• Double-check all patient demographic and insurance information. 
• Verify the correct coding and documentation for each service provided. 

• Submit claims electronically for faster processing and reduced errors. 

In case of claim denials, understand the appeals process to challenge the decision and potentially receive reimbursement. 

Adjudication and payment 

You need to understand adjudication and payment to continue the insurance billing process from claims submission. Adjudication is when insurance companies review and assess claims to determine if they meet the payment policies and reimbursement rates. Once the claims have been adjudicated and approved, payment is made to the healthcare provider. However, payment disputes may arise due to incorrect claim processing or discrepancies in reimbursement rates. 

Common Challenges and Pitfalls 

Regarding insurance billing, you may encounter several common challenges and pitfalls. One of these is denials and rejections, which can occur for various reasons, such as missing information or incorrect coding. Another challenge is dealing with incorrect coding and documentation errors, which can lead to claim denials or delays in payment. Additionally, you may face timely filing limitations, where insurance companies have specific deadlines for submitting claims, and failing to meet these deadlines can result in claim denials. Awareness of these challenges and pitfalls is essential to navigate the insurance billing process effectively. 

Denials and Rejections 

Dealing with denials and rejections can be frustrating in the insurance billing process. To effectively manage denials, you must understand the common denial reasons and take steps to prevent them

Mastering HIPAA Compliance: A Roadmap for Healthcare Professionals to Ensure Legal and Ethical Practices and Safeguard Patient Data

Let us go through the ins and outs of understanding HIPAA compliance. We’ll break down the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the HIPAA Security Rule and explain the potential enforcement and penalties involved. We’ll give you actionable steps to achieve compliance. So, let’s dive in and unravel the mysteries of HIPAA compliance together.

You need to understand what HIPAA compliance is before diving into the details, a comprehensive overview of HIPAA compliance, its purpose, scope, compliance challenges, and benefits. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act was enabled in 1996 to protect individuals’ medical information privacy. HIPAA compliance ensures that covered entities, such as healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, adhere to specific standards and regulations when handling protected health information (PHI). The scope of HIPAA compliance extends to electronic and paper records and the transmission of PHI. Compliance challenges include staying up-to-date with evolving regulations and implementing appropriate security measures. However, the benefits of HIPAA compliance include:

• Safeguarding patient privacy.
• Reducing the risk of data breaches.
• Promoting trust in the healthcare industry.

Now, let’s move on to an overview of HIPAA.

Overview of HIPAA

You will now understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), its history and background, key provisions and objectives. HIPAA establishes guidelines for the electronic transmission of health information and sets standards for using and disclosing protected health information (PHI).

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA regulations are in place to ensure that healthcare providers and organizations comply with specific requirements to safeguard patient data. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Compliance requirements: HIPAA mandates that healthcare providers implement specific measures to protect patient information, such as conducting regular risk assessments, training staff on privacy and security practices, and implementing policies and procedures to prevent unauthorized access.

Privacy safeguards: HIPAA requires healthcare providers to have privacy policies and procedures to safeguard patients’ rights to control the use and disclosure of their health information.

Security measures: HIPAA also requires healthcare providers to implement encryption and password protection to safeguard electronic health records from unauthorized access.

Breach prevention: HIPAA requires healthcare providers to implement security prevention strategies, such as conducting regular audits and implementing safeguards to detect and prevent security incidents.

Understanding the importance of HIPAA compliance and its regulations is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure the privacy and security of patient information. Now that you have a clear understanding of HIPAA and its compliance requirements let’s delve into the history and background of HIPAA to gain further insight into its development and significance.

History and Background of HIPAA

HIPAA introduced regulations and standards that healthcare providers, health plans, and other covered entities must adhere to to ensure patients’ protected health information (PHI) privacy and security. The HIPAA compliance process involves implementing administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to safeguard PHI and prevent unauthorized access or disclosure. Non-compliance with HIPAA regulations can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines and legal penalties. Various HIPAA education resources are available, such as online courses, training materials, and guidance documents provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help organizations and individuals understand and comply with HIPAA.

Key provisions and objectives of HIPAA

To protect your health information better, familiarize yourself with HIPAA’s key provisions and objectives. It will help you understand the compliance challenges that healthcare organizations face and the importance of adhering to HIPAA regulations. Here are two sub-lists to keep you interested:

Privacy Requirements:

– HIPAA requires healthcare providers to implement safeguards to protect patients’ health information privacy.

– It mandates using unique identifiers and encryption techniques to secure electronic health records.

Security Measures:

– HIPAA sets standards for physical and technical safeguards to protect health information from unauthorized access.

– It requires regular risk assessments and the implementation of security measures to prevent data breaches.

Understanding HIPAA’s key provisions will help you avoid HIPAA violations and the associated penalties and fines. By following the privacy requirements and implementing the necessary security measures, you can ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your health information.

Understanding HIPAA Compliance

Healthcare organizations must comply with HIPAA to safeguard patients’ health information. Failing to comply can lead to financial penalties and damage to the organization’s reputation.

Definition of HIPAA Compliance

You’ll need to understand the definition of HIPAA compliance to ensure you follow the necessary guidelines. HIPAA is a federal law that sets protecting personal health information standards. Here’s an overview of HIPAA compliance and its impact on the industry:

Regulations:

– Healthcare providers and health plans must protect the privacy and security of PHI.

– It also outlines specific requirements for the electronic transmission of health information, known as the HIPAA Security Rule.

Implementation challenges:

– Many organizations struggle with the complexity of HIPAA compliance, as it involves implementing technical, administrative, and physical safeguards.

– Ensuring proper training and education for employees is another challenge, as they need to understand their responsibilities in protecting patient information.

Best practices:

– Conducting regular risk assessments and audits to find and address vulnerabilities promptly.

– Implementing policies and procedures that meet the HIPAA requirements.

Industry impact:

– HIPAA compliance is essential to avoid costly fines and reputational damage for healthcare organizations.

– It helps build patient trust and confidence in the security and privacy of their health information.

Understanding the definition of HIPAA compliance is crucial for anyone in the healthcare industry. Organizations can protect patient information and avoid potential consequences by following the regulations, addressing implementation challenges, and adopting best practices.

Why healthcare organizations need to comply with HIPAA

Healthcare organizations must comply with HIPAA to safeguard patient information and avoid potential consequences. Compliance with HIPAA is of utmost importance in safeguarding patient information and ensuring privacy. Failure to comply with HIPAA regulations can have profound legal implications for healthcare organizations. The importance of compliance cannot be overstated, as violations can lead to fines and criminal charges. To maintain compliance, healthcare organizations should implement best practices such as conducting regular risk assessments, training staff on HIPAA requirements, and implementing strong security measures to protect patient data.

Consequences of non-compliance with HIPAA regulations

Failure to adhere to HIPAA regulations can result in significant penalties and legal ramifications, potentially impacting your organization’s reputation and financial stability. It is crucial to understand the consequences of non-compliance with HIPAA regulations. Consider the following:

Legal implications:

– Civil and criminal penalties may be given for violations, ranging from fines to imprisonment.

– Lawsuits from affected individuals can result in substantial financial settlements.

Financial impact:

– Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, which can drain your organization’s financial resources.

– In addition to fines, there may be costs associated with legal defense and remediation efforts.

Failure to comply with HIPAA can also damage your organization’s reputation, eroding patient trust and confidence in your ability to protect their sensitive information. Upholding HIPAA standards is essential to maintaining a solid reputation and ensuring your patients’ trust. Understanding the consequences sets the stage for exploring the HIPAA Privacy Rule and its importance in safeguarding patient information.

HIPAA Privacy Rule

It’s crucial to thoroughly understand its essential components and requirements to ensure compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The Privacy Rule safeguards the privacy and security of individuals’ health information. It does this by establishing standards for its use and disclosure. Healthcare organizations can ensure compliance by implementing policies and procedures that address the specific requirements of the Privacy Rule. It includes obtaining patient consent for using and disclosing their health information and implementing safeguards to protect against unauthorized access.

Explanation of the HIPAA Privacy Rule

To understand the HIPAA Privacy Rule, you should familiarize yourself with the rights and responsibilities it outlines. This Rule sets privacy standards for protecting individuals’ medical information- Protected Health Information (PHI). Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Privacy Rule Requirements: The Rule requires healthcare providers and entities to implement safeguards to protect PHI from unauthorized use or disclosure.

HIPAA Privacy Standards: The standards include the use of encryption, secure storage of medical records, and strict access controls to verify PHI safety.

Privacy Rule Compliance Measures: Covered entities must possess policies to ensure compliance, including training staff on privacy practices.

Privacy Rule Violations and Penalties: Violations of the Privacy Rule can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Understanding these aspects will help you grasp the key components and requirements of the Privacy Rule, which we will discuss in the next section.

Key components and requirements of the Privacy Rule

You must be familiar with the key components and requirements outlined in the Privacy Rule to protect individuals’ medical information. The Privacy Rule, under HIPAA, establishes privacy safeguards for protected health information (PHI). These safeguards include administrative, physical, and technical measures to protect the confidentiality of PHI. A critical requirement of the Privacy Rule is the authorization requirement. Unless an exception applies, covered entities must obtain written authorization from individuals before using their PHI. Additionally, the Privacy Rule sets forth the minimum necessary standard, which means that covered entities should only use the minimum amount of PHI necessary to accomplish the intended purpose. Compliance audits ensure that covered entities adhere to the Privacy Rule and implement the necessary privacy safeguards to protect individuals’ medical information.

How healthcare organizations can ensure compliance with the Privacy Rule

Now that you understand the Privacy Rule’s key components and requirements let’s explore how healthcare organizations can ensure compliance with this necessary regulation. These organizations must have privacy safeguards to protect patient information and maintain the confidentiality of their medical records. Here are some steps they can take to achieve this:

– Implement encryption and secure storage to safeguard patient information from unauthorized access.

– Provide comprehensive compliance training to all employees, ensuring they understand their responsibilities in handling sensitive data and maintaining patient privacy.

– Conduct regular risk assessments

– Develop and document incident response procedures to effectively handle any privacy breaches or security incidents that may occur.

HIPAA Security Rule

It’s essential to understand its key components and requirements to ensure compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule. The Security Rule guides safeguarding electronic protected health information (ePHI) and aims to protect this sensitive data’s integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Healthcare organizations can ensure compliance by implementing a comprehensive security program. This program should include risk assessments, security policies and procedures, workforce training, and regular monitoring and auditing of their systems and processes.

Explanation of the HIPAA Security Rule

This Rule outlines the requirements for safeguarding protected health information. Here is an explanation of the HIPAA Security Rule:

– The security rule protects electronic protected health information (ePHI) from unauthorized access, use, and disclosure.

– It requires covered entities to conduct a risk analysis and implement appropriate safeguards to address identified risks.

– Administrative safeguards include policies, procedures, and employee training to protect ePHI.

– Physical safeguards involve protecting the physical infrastructure where ePHI is stored or transmitted.

In addition, the security rule also includes the breach notification rule, which mandates covered entities to report any breaches of ePHI to affected individuals, the Department of Health and Human Services, and, in some cases, the media. Thus, organizations must understand and adhere to its requirements. Now that you have a clear understanding of the explanation and requirements of the HIPAA Security Rule, let’s dive deeper into its essential components and necessary actions for compliance.

Key components and requirements of the Security Rule

To ensure proper adherence to the Security Rule, organizations must familiarize themselves with its essential components and necessary actions for compliance. The Security Rule outlines specific security measures covered entities must implement to protect the electronic protected health information (ePHI). One of the critical requirements is conducting a risk assessment. This assessment helps organizations determine the appropriate administrative safeguards, such as implementing security policies and procedures, assigning security responsibilities, and training employees. Additionally, organizations must implement technical safeguards, such as access controls, audit controls, and encryption, to protect ePHI. Physical safeguards, including facility access controls, workstation security, and device and media controls, are also essential in ensuring the physical security of ePHI.

How healthcare organizations can ensure compliance with the Security Rule

Healthcare organizations can ensure Security Rule compliance by conducting risk assessments to protect electronic protected health information (ePHI). To ensure safeguards and prevent breaches, consider the following:

-Conduct thorough risk assessments: Identify potential vulnerabilities and risks to ePHI and address them promptly.

– Implement security measures: This includes physical safeguards like secure access controls and technical safeguards like encryption and firewalls.

– Fulfill documentation requirements: Maintain documentation of security policies and procedures, risk assessments, and security incident responses.

– Provide employee training: Educate staff on HIPAA regulations, security policies, and best practices for handling ePHI.

– Prevent breaches: Regularly monitor and audit systems, conduct security awareness campaigns, and implement incident response plans.

By proactively ensuring these safeguards, healthcare organizations can minimize the risk of HIPAA breaches and protect patient information. Let’s move on to the next section covering the HIPAA breach notification rule.

HIPAA Breach Notification Rule

In this discussion, you’ll learn about the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule. This Rule outlines the requirements for reporting and responding to breaches in the healthcare industry. We’ll explain the key points of this Rule, including the definition of a breach and the timeline for reporting. Additionally, we’ll explore practical strategies and best practices for healthcare organizations to handle and prevent breaches. It is crucial for ensuring the protection of patient information.

Explanation of the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule

If you experience a breach of protected health information, it’s essential to understand the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule. This Rule outlines the requirements for reporting, responding, and handling breaches to protect patient privacy and security. Here are some key points to consider:

– Effective breach prevention strategies are crucial in minimizing the risk of breaches. Regular employee training, strong passwords, and encryption are some examples.

– Notable breach cases, such as the Anthem breach in 2015, have resulted in significant consequences for organizations, including financial penalties and reputational damage.

– Resources and tools for breach notification, such as the breach notification templates, can help organizations navigate the process effectively.

– Understanding the breach notification rule is essential as it ensures compliance with HIPAA regulations and helps protect patient information.

Requirements for reporting and responding to breaches

By familiarizing yourself with the requirements for reporting and responding to breaches, you can ensure that patient information is protected and appropriate action is taken. Under HIPAA, healthcare organizations are required to have policies and procedures in place to address breach incidents. The breach response should include immediate actions to contain the breach, assess the extent of the breach, and mitigate any harm to individuals affected. It is crucial to have breach prevention strategies to minimize the risk of breaches occurring. Organizations must follow a breach notification process in the event of a breach. Furthermore, a thorough breach investigation should be conducted.

How healthcare organizations can effectively handle and prevent breaches

Familiarizing yourself with effective breach handling and prevention strategies is crucial for healthcare organizations. When it comes to preventing breaches, there are several key cybersecurity measures you should consider implementing:

– Conduct regular risk assessments

– Implement strong access controls and encryption protocols to protect sensitive data.

In addition to prevention, having a well-defined breach response plan is equally essential. Here are some steps to consider:

– Train your employees

– Establish a transparent chain of communication and designate a response team.

– Conduct drills and simulations to ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities during a breach.

HIPAA Enforcement and Penalties

In this discussion, you’ll be provided with an overview of the various HIPAA enforcement agencies and their roles in ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations. You’ll also learn about the penalties and fines that can be imposed for HIPAA violations, including civil and criminal penalties. Additionally, we’ll explore some notable case studies of HIPAA violation cases and discuss the consequences the organizations involved face.

Types of penalties and fines for HIPAA violations

It is essential to be aware of the different types of consequences that can occur to avoid penalties and fines for HIPAA violations. HIPAA violations can lead to severe legal and financial penalties. Regarding legal consequences, breaching HIPAA regulations can result in civil and criminal charges. Civil penalties depend on the severity and duration of the violation. Criminal charges can result in fines. Financial penalties for non-compliance with HIPAA can reach up to $1.5 million per year, depending on the level of negligence. Additionally, enforcement actions can include audits, corrective action plans, and mandatory training programs. Understanding the potential consequences to ensure HIPAA compliance and protect sensitive patient information.

Consequences of notable HIPAA violation cases

Please ensure you know the consequences by examining case studies of notable HIPAA violation cases and their resulting penalties. Here are some recent cases and their legal implications:

Recent cases: Notable HIPAA violations

– Case 1: Because of a data breach exposing sensitive patient information, a hospital was fined $2.5 million for negligence.

– Case 2: A clinic disclosed patient records without consent, resulting in a $1.5 million penalty.

These violations significantly impact patients, breaching their privacy and causing potential harm. To prevent such incidents, healthcare organizations must ensure HIPAA compliance through preventive measures such as regular staff training, implementing robust security measures, and conducting audits. Lessons learned from these cases highlight the importance of safeguarding patient information and following best practices. Healthcare organizations can protect patient privacy and avoid costly penalties by understanding the consequences and taking proactive steps. In the subsequent section, let’s explore the steps to achieve HIPAA compliance.

Steps to Achieve HIPAA Compliance

There are several key steps you need to take.

• First, you should assess your current compliance status to identify any areas that need improvement.
• Next, developing and implementing policies and procedures that align with HIPAA regulations is crucial.
• Training your staff and educating employees on HIPAA requirements is essential to ensure they understand their responsibilities.
• Lastly, regular audits and monitoring should be conducted.

Assessing current compliance status

Assessing your current compliance status can be done by reviewing your documentation and conducting a thorough risk assessment. Several compliance assessment tools are available to help you in this process that can streamline the evaluation of your HIPAA compliance. These tools comprehensively analyze your adherence to HIPAA regulations and help identify compliance gaps that must be addressed. To ensure the effectiveness of your compliance efforts, following best practices for compliance is essential. It includes:

• Reviewing and updating policies and procedures.
• Training your staff on HIPAA requirements.
• Implementing strong security measures to protect patient data.

Measuring compliance effectiveness is crucial to determining your compliance program’s success. It can be achieved by conducting regular audits and assessments and monitoring and tracking incidents or breaches.

Developing and implementing policies and procedures

Developing and implementing policies and procedures is crucial for ensuring that your organization adheres to the necessary regulations and safeguards patient information. To achieve HIPAA compliance, you must first develop policies that outline the necessary steps and guidelines for handling sensitive data. These policies should address data access, storage, and disposal areas. Once your policies are in place, it is equally important to implement procedures that align with these policies. It involves creating a systematic approach to handling patient information and ensuring that all staff members are aware of and trained in these procedures. Compliance requirements should be communicated to all employees, and policy enforcement mechanisms should be established to monitor and enforce adherence.

Training staff and educating employees on HIPAA requirements

When training your staff and educating employees, it’s essential to emphasize HIPAA requirements and ensure patient privacy and data security. To effectively train your team, consider the following methods for HIPAA compliance:

– Conducting regular training sessions, both in-person and online, to educate employees about HIPAA regulations and their responsibilities.

– Providing real-life scenarios and case studies to help employees understand how to handle sensitive patient information appropriately.

Employee responsibilities in HIPAA compliance include:

– Understanding and following the organization’s policies and procedures related to HIPAA.

– Safeguarding patient information using secure passwords, encrypting data, and reporting suspected breaches.

HIPAA compliance challenges may include:

– Keeping up with changing regulations and technologies.

– Ensuring consistent compliance across all departments and employees.

To ensure effectiveness in HIPAA compliance training, consider implementing these best practices:

– Tailoring training programs to specific job roles and responsibilities.

– Providing ongoing education and refreshers to reinforce knowledge and address any updates or changes.

Regular audits and monitoring are crucial to ensuring ongoing compliance with HIPAA requirements. By regularly reviewing and assessing your organization’s practices, you can identify areas for improvement and take corrective action as needed.

Regular audits and monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance

Regular audits and monitoring are crucial for ensuring adherence to HIPAA requirements and maintaining patient privacy and data security. Ongoing monitoring helps organizations identify potential gaps or vulnerabilities in compliance with HIPAA regulations. By conducting regular compliance audits, organizations can assess their adherence to HIPAA requirements and identify areas for improvement. These audits assess whether the organization’s policies and procedures align with the regulatory standards set by HIPAA. Regular risk assessments should also be conducted. It allows organizations to address any vulnerabilities and implement necessary safeguards proactively.

HIPAA Compliance services

Regarding HIPAA compliance, service providers such as DENmaar can assist you. They can provide you with an overview of the requirements and help you navigate the complexities of HIPAA regulations. They perform the following activities:

Security Measures: Encryption, access controls, and employee training is crucial for HIPAA compliance.

Data Breach Prevention: Regularly reviewing and updating your policies and procedures, conducting audits, and staying informed about the latest security threats are vital to preventing data breaches.

Utilizing DENmaar can enhance your understanding of HIPAA compliance and ensure your organization is well-prepared to protect patient information.

Recap of key points discussed

To recap, here are the key points discussed in the article on HIPAA compliance:

– Understanding HIPAA compliance is crucial for healthcare organizations to avoid legal consequences.

– The Privacy Rule sets guidelines for how protected health information (PHI) should be handled, stored, and shared.

– The Security Rule outlines technical safeguards to ensure PHI’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

– HIPAA compliance requires organizations to conduct regular risk assessments, implement security measures, and train employees on privacy practices.

– Non-compliance can cause hefty fines and reputational damage.

Organizations must stay updated with the latest regulations and implement a robust compliance program to maintain HIPAA compliance. Understanding the critical points of HIPAA compliance is essential for healthcare organizations to protect patient privacy and avoid legal consequences. Compliance involves adhering to the Privacy and Security Rules, conducting risk assessments, implementing security measures, and training employees. Non-compliance can result in reputational damage. Therefore, organizations must stay current with regulations and maintain a robust compliance program.

Importance of maintaining HIPAA compliance for healthcare organizations

Maintaining HIPAA compliance is crucial for healthcare organizations to safeguard patient privacy and avoid legal repercussions. The importance of training cannot be overstated regarding HIPAA compliance. Employees must be educated on the rules and regulations to ensure they handle patient information securely and appropriately. Non-compliance can have severe consequences, including hefty fines and reputational damage. Therefore, organizations need to implement breach-prevention strategies.

Additionally, healthcare organizations should stay updated on HIPAA enforcement agencies’ latest guidance and regulations to ensure ongoing compliance. DENmaar can assist organizations in meeting the requirements. Understanding and prioritizing HIPAA compliance is vital for healthcare organizations.

Final thoughts on the significance of understanding HIPAA compliance.

Healthcare organizations must grasp the importance of comprehending and adhering to HIPAA regulations. Noncompliance can cause legal penalties, damaged reputation, and compromised patient trust. Here are some key points to consider:

Significance:

– HIPAA regulations protect patients’ sensitive health information, ensuring confidentiality and privacy.

– Compliance with HIPAA is essential to maintain trust between healthcare providers and patients.

Benefits:

– Proper understanding and adherence to HIPAA regulations help healthcare organizations avoid costly breaches and penalties.

– Compliance improves data security measures, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

Challenges:

– Healthcare organizations face the challenge of HIPAA regulations.

– Balancing patient privacy with the need for efficient healthcare communication can be challenging.

Best practices:

– Regular training and education on HIPAA regulations for all staff members.

– Implementing robust security measures.

Future trends:

– The increasing use of technology in healthcare will require organizations to adapt their HIPAA compliance strategies.

– Telehealth and remote patient monitoring will demand new approaches to ensure HIPAA compliance.

Understanding and adhering to HIPAA regulations is not only a legal requirement but also vital for safeguarding patient information and maintaining trust. By staying informed, implementing best practices, and adapting to future trends, healthcare organizations can successfully navigate the complexities of HIPAA compliance.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you’ve gained a solid understanding of HIPAA, its privacy and security rules, and non-compliance fines. You’ve also learned how to achieve HIPAA compliance and discovered helpful resources such as DENmaar. Remember, staying HIPAA compliant is crucial. It’s like the backbone of healthcare security, protecting sensitive information with the strength of a thousand fortresses. Stay diligent and keep your patients’ data safe!

If you’re looking for a reliable HIPAA Compliance service that can help you navigate the complexities of HIPAA regulations, ensure compliance, and provide ongoing support, look no further. At DENmaar, our HIPAA Compliance service can meet the specific needs of healthcare organizations, offering comprehensive solutions and expert guidance. Our Telemental health platform is a HIPAA-compliant module built within our RCM System for web and mobile usage. DENpay is our HIPAA-compliant virtual patient billing system designed to improve patient satisfaction. Don’t let compliance challenges overwhelm you – take action now and safeguard your patients’ data. Click here to learn more and schedule a consultation with our team.

What tools are used for medical billing to manage behavioral and psychiatry medical billing services?

DENmaar provides a suite of mHealth IT solutions and services.

Since 2008 DENmaar’s sole objective has been to provide mental healthcare providers and practices with valuable services and tools to enable increased revenue, decreased administration time, and improved patient engagement experience. Utilizing internally designed IT systems built explicitly for the mental healthcare specialty

What tools are used for medical billing to manage behavioral and psychiatry medical billing services?

The field of psychiatry, medical billing, and mental health is unlike any other medical field. But analysis and diagnosis in the context of mental illness and treatment are more complicated to understand. Because of the complexities involved in treating mental and behavioral health problems, medical billing for psychiatry has become more complex than for other practices or fields. To effectively manage behavioral and mental health practices, it is necessary to know the various aspects and adjust the required tools and resources to help your billing team be available to patients who need them.

Having the right medical billing software is vital to ensure accurate billing. With the right tools, providers can streamline medical and behavioral billing requirements. It is also essential to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Programs designed to meet specific practice needs enhance RCM and clinical practice.

DENmaar Revenue Cycle Management

Our behavioral health billing software harbors an RCM claims engine that allows mental and behavioral health practices to handle their revenue cycle management in a manner that ensures successful claims submissions and timely reimbursements.

Psychiatric medical billing services use the following tools:

Special coding

Medical billing for psychiatric and behavioral health uses special codes to ensure accurate billing. Codes created are not used by mental health professionals and are not included in the mental health billing process.

Sometimes systems slow down the billing process because medical health billing requirements are bypassed with previously submitted irrelevant information or data that cannot be used at the time of billing. The program, designed specifically for behavioral health and medical billing, comes with a list of frequently used codes. The program keeps updating codes that you don’t use for your practice. These codes are not completely deleted from the system but are acceptable when the invoice is issued.

Custom dashboard

In addition to prioritizing billing codes under a billing specialty program designed explicitly for behavioral, psychological, and mental health, billers must offer specific dashboards. Customized billing reports will show how your practice is progressing and how much effort it takes to create accurate billing that improves your practice’s efficiency.

Claim advertising tools

The more organized your claim, the quicker they will respond. As insurance companies begin to consider patients’ mental illness diagnoses, medical billing causes providers to accept insurance options for billing. High-quality software designed to meet the necessities of professional offer tools to ensure accurate billing for clean claim submissions, allow payment options for practitioners and verify insurance coverage before submitting the process.

Special services

Mental health clinic staff are often young, so outsourcing psychiatric billing claims to behavioral health may be the best option to focus more on patient health.

Coding expert

Suppose psychiatric medical billing coding is contracted to a trusted third party. It means you delegate billing authority to psychiatry professionals who are well-versed and knowledgeable.

Depending on your needs, programming experts are trained to provide up-to-date medical and behavioral health codes. When your staff is tired of billing for specific coding practices and meeting required standards, shifting the workload to your billing partner will help you stay on the cutting edge of technology.

Eliminate administrative responsibilities

Keeping billing staff in-house is expensive, and billing structures demand administrative responsibilities that require quick and often time-consuming actions. Outsourcing your medical billing to a trusted party removes the complexity of managing an in-house billing staff and allows you to focus your entire mental health on patients and services.

Claim Management

Medical-behavioral and psychiatric billing outsourcing enable first-time access to accurate claims, submission, reimbursement, or denial management. They open a single window for complete claims management that meets timely payment process optimization needs, ensuring that even rejected claims can be safely resubmitted when the entire billing process is handed over to a trusted party.

Outsourcing invoice approval services uses real-time claim tracking and filtering tools that don’t count rejected claims after course correction. After the separation of denial claims, corrections are made promptly to resubmit them before expiration.

DENmaar uses all the necessary tools for medical billing to manage behavioral and mental health. Full-service Revenue Cycle Billing services, authorization assistance, claims rejection, and denial resolution.

844-727-3627 Insurance Credentialing & Mental Health Billing Services (denmaar.com)

What is an EMR system? What are the types, benefits, and features of an EMR system?

Electronic medical records

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) stores and retrieves patient records from your server, eliminating hundreds of manual files from your filing cabinet.

Electronic medical records (EMR) make it easy for doctors, nurses, and patients to access information quickly. You may think digital records are less secure than manual records, and you couldn’t be wrong. Since passwords and biometric scanners can be used to restrict access, documents become more confident. Recent growth in the use of electronic medical records (EMRs) has led to the development of services to transfer records from paper to digital files, which can be uploaded to the EMR system.

In general, EMR software records digital data that can be used to monitor and track patient health. Additionally, EMR systems provide the opportunity to review files remotely, with multiple people reviewing charts simultaneously, so that handwriting or other confusions that occurred in the past are no longer a concern.

How is it different from electronic health records?

Contrary to popular misconception, an electronic medical record (EMR) is not an electronic health record (EHR). Although both systems are similar in use and capabilities, they are not interchangeable for the needs of clinicians. An electronic health record focuses on the overall health of your patients. Electronic medical records usually do not comprehensively capture a patient’s medical history.

If patients change hospitals, clinics, or doctors outside their current network, they may not be able to bring their electronic medical records.

Medical offices can keep better and more secure records with the help of electronic medical record systems. Unlike electronic health record software, electronic medical records cannot be easily transferred. Compared to more robust EHR software systems, EMRs come with lower costs and fewer implementation challenges.

The choice between electronic medical and health records depends on which functions are most useful for the hospital, office, or clinic.

Main functions of EMR

Doctors and clinicians have more ways to record and use patient information with electronic medical records. Clinics and hospitals better control health data by replacing paper records with digital software. Electronic medical records (EMR) systems have several key features for physicians and their patients.

Simplified Charting: The information is stored in a secure digital space when a new diagnosis is made. You don’t need to manage multiple plans for multiple patient appointments. Additionally, you can read digital records more accurately and clearly.

Electronic Prescriptions: Most electronic medical records have electronic prescribing functionality, allowing pharmacies to receive prescriptions faster. Doctors can also get suggestions about drug interactions and dosage amounts with this feature.

Patient Portal: Medical information from electronic medical records can be directly accessed by patients. The most effective EMR systems provide secure online access to patients’ medical history, medications, lab results, and past hospital and clinic visits.

Decision Support: Most EMRs can benefit from a helpful patient portal built into them, with various functions that help patients manage specific aspects of their health care. The patient is informed about upcoming treatments, recommendations for particular procedures, and reminders about scheduled treatments.

Order Entry: Electronic medical records help physicians store and distribute lab test orders. With electronic medical records (EMR) systems, the system is less likely to be misplaced. Additionally, errors are filtered out of the system before they become problems. Healthcare organizations and patients save money and time in the long run by not having to repeat tests.

Advantages of electronic medical records

Healthcare providers can take advantage of the many benefits that electronic medical records provide. While this list is not exhaustive, it gives an idea of ​​how electronic medical record software can improve patient care and record management.

Coordination of Care: The EMR allows providers to track patients’ progress from their first visit to their follow-up appointment. This picture is necessary for coordinating medication, therapy, and laboratory tests. All medical records will be available to patients to coordinate care with other clinics if required.

Improve patient care: Unlike paper records, doctors using EMR records can view patient information differently. Patient health outcomes are expected to improve in the long term. Weight, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other health data can be used to generate valuable charts through electronic medical records. The better information a doctor gathers over time, the better they can diagnose potential health problems.

Minimal Medical Errors: Patients and doctors can rest assured that their information is the most up-to-date and accurate with electronic records. Conversely, paper records can become missing or illegible, leading to misdiagnosis or incorrect prescriptions.

Efficiency: Healthcare facilities and clinics can operate more efficiently with electronic medical records. Administrative staff no longer need to file and store large documents in a safe and secure location.

EMRs also prevent doctors from recommending unnecessary tests to their patients. This simplification of information saves patients and providers money and time.

Types of EMR Software

Any hospital or medical provider can easily accept electronic medical records. You can choose from a range of electronic medical record system options. The choice of an EMR system ultimately depends on medical providers’ individual needs and capabilities.

Conclusion

Healthcare is an ever-evolving technology industry. Electronic medical record systems represent a way to improve the quality of medical care for many physicians and health care providers.

Although EHRs are more comprehensive than EMRs, EMRs improve health outcomes for patients. Doctors can periodically monitor patient data, schedule preventive appointments, manage medical treatments and monitor chronic diseases. 

DENmaar’s medical EMR and EHR systems provide all the above benefits. Call us now!

Top 10 advantages of outsourcing your behavioral health billing

Why Outsourcing Your Behavioral Health Billing Is Beneficial

Healthcare is complicated, especially with many regulations that constantly add additional layers. Healthcare providers spend more time and resources organizing patient care and can use this time better. Using a qualified, outsourced behavioral security billing company can serve you well while reducing your workload, experiencing less disruption, and increasing your profitability.

10 Benefits of Outsourcing Your Behavioral Health Bills

1. Reduce staff costs.

When you outsource behavioral/mental health billing, you are not responsible for employee health care, acquisition costs, PTO (Paid Time Off), and other employee costs. The resources required to manage the behavioral health insurance process are high. Another point of using this behavioral billing solution is the cost-sharing model. It allows billing costs based on your size and revenue. It is advantageous if you have a low-income month; no fixed price will be associated with your billing.

2. Improve the revenue cycle.

As behavioral health providers’ legal and administrative terms grow and the claims process becomes more complex, working with a skilled and trained behavioral health billing company can provide significant relief. RCM, or Behavioral Health Revenue Cycle Management, is a specific application explicitly designed for practices that treat patients with behavioral issues. It helps with payment methods and claims processing more than a generic billing app. It will significantly improve revenue cycle management.

3. Keep patient data secure.

Internet security is one of the main concerns preventing doctors from outsourcing medical billing. Protecting patient and practice data is critical. All professional medical billing companies are responsible for safeguarding all patient information (HIPAA compliance).

4. Reduce employee errors.

Even the most minor fatal mistake can cause an insurance company to deny a medical billing claim; someone on your staff will correct the error, resubmit the application and wait for the revised application to be accepted and processed. Working with a specialized provider reduces employee errors, as they have more experience working with invoicing and have gone through a much greater training process than your in-house team.

5. More consistency.

Due to unplanned staff changes or staff absences, internal billing is at high risk of disrupting your practice revenue. Our outsourced medical billing services provide an entire team of experienced people to ensure your claims are prepared efficiently, reducing the likelihood of disruption to your practice cash flow.

6. Better handling of claims.

Prompt and accurate payment of each insurance claim is essential to optimizing the medical office’s cash flow. Time is precious, and healthcare workers typically do not have the luxury of reviewing and following up on every claim. Let’s face it, healthcare professionals and their support staff are often pulled in different directions. But you must submit these claims as quickly and accurately as possible the first time. Otherwise, unpaid claims can quickly deprive the office of resources you can apply elsewhere. Forcing you to make numerous phone calls to insurance providers only wastes more time and increases frustration. Healthcare providers should consider outsourcing this function to reduce the administrative burden on support staff. Good medical billing companies are quick, consistent, and accurate in filing and processing insurance claims.

7. Transparency.

Others think outsourcing billing means relinquishing control and power to your practice, but that’s only partially true. When you outsource billing, you get more control and transparency. You may review the data collected or monitor the processing at any time at your discretion. It gives you an up-to-date assessment of how and when to handle your clinic bills.

8. Increase profits.

Due to inefficient, inadequate, or incorrect claims, medical providers lose revenue. However, this is not the case if you outsource billing to a pool of eligible behavioral health billers. 

These outpatient behavioral health billing professionals are simply experts and far more skilled than your in-house staff. They are adept at handling appeals and reversing denials. They have the insight and experience to identify specific areas of weakness, reduce recurring claims errors and ensure more claims are completed (paid) on the first attempt.

9. Knowledgeable.

Behavioral health external billing solutions come with a wealth of knowledge. They understand the various intricacies of invoicing insurance and know to check trends and spot industry shifts. Longevity is not unusual in this niche area; However, it is necessary. The results from longevity and experience are priceless. Understanding historical trends for each insurance company, the amount paid, accurate printing of documents, etc., can significantly impact your BHO’s ability to collect insurance.

10. Fast action.

Automating routine administrative tasks makes your work more productive and valuable. Automating the same-day claims submission process will increase cash flow. A certified paper claim can take at least two months to travel through all channels before you receive payment. Submitting a clean claim, properly coded for maximum benefit and supported with electronic health records, can result in full reimbursement in a shorter period.

Conclusion

There are many great reasons to outsource your behavioral health bills to a professional group. It makes sense to outsource revenue cycle management services to a third party, which puts less strain on your internal resources. DENmaar provides behavioral/mental health billing services to many behavioral health treatment centers and has many years of experience.

We, DENmaar, can provide these services quickly and affordably, with all kinds of benefits that will accrue to your practice. It has a skilled team of billing and certification professionals dedicated to your medical practice with the expertise in medical billing, accreditation, EMR, and EHR you need. Call us now!

Medical Insurance Credentialing: Everything you need to know to avoid losing money and clients

Accurate and timely acceptance of medical insurance is essential for obtaining payment from insurance companies. It’s complicated, time-consuming, and can cost thousands of dollars if you get it wrong. That’s why it’s important to partner with a medical billing company that has experience and a proven track record of success.

What is Medical Insurance Credentialing?

Insurance companies check that medical providers are legitimate and eligible to be compensated for services rendered. When a particular payer credentials a service provider, they can bill the payer directly and receive compensation.

What types of medical professionals require credentialing?

Every practice you want to bill an insurance company for must be approved. These include hospitals, clinics, doctors, dentists, physical therapists, behavioral health therapists, optometrists, etc. The term “In-network” (inside the network) means that the provider is currently credentialed by a particular insurance company and is eligible to file claims for reimbursement.

How difficult is it to get credentialed?

It is very complex and time-consuming. It usually takes 20 hours or more to apply to a single-payer. Every country has different needs. Specialists may also require unique documents. These variables make it effortless to miss a step, add the wrong document copy, or make a mistake.

Why are credential errors so common?

Even the slightest mistake in the credentialing process results in claims being denied, which means significant delays in the provider’s revenue stream. Timing is important. 

What are the requirements for the credentialing

Providers have 30 to 90 days to submit the claim after the day of service, depending on the state and purpose. Then, the payer has 90 to 120 days to file that claim. If the claim is rejected and resubmitted, the waiting period starts again. But denying a claim does not reset the 90-day clock for payment. Providers may experience timely application problems if they see patients not credentialed adequately by payers. 

Are there other ways providers lose money due to credentialing errors?

Large payers may make up a more significant percentage of a practice’s revenue. If most of your claims are delayed for three months, you may not have enough income to keep the doors open. You may need to stop seeing customers until the problem is resolved. On the other hand, they could not recover the lost revenue due to the expiry of the application period. 

How most credentialing systems do manage?

Medical practices typically hire one person to handle the credentialing process, which involves gathering about 20 different documents, ensuring the data is accurate and submitting them one by one to other payers. This person will ideally be responsible for re-credentialing in subsequent years. But if that person leaves, gets reassigned, or even gets busy and forgets the approval order, organizational knowledge is lost, and the deadline is missed.

So many practices choose to use credentialing software or outsource the tasks to a billing company that provides this service. Outsourcing to a credentialing service such as DENmaar is an easy way to manage the process.

Why an outsourcing dependency task is better than doing the in-house with dedicated software?

Credential programs are expensive, making them out of reach for most small practices. Although users are limited to most of the tracking features, users complain that the software is challenging to locate. For example, you may fail to set it correctly and miss the re-credentialing window.

How have credentials changed since COVID-19?

The pandemic has changed the healthcare landscape, especially in behavioral health. Many new patients sought treatment and demanded that providers accept insurance. Previously, small clinics could only get away with cash services. Suddenly, they had to get credentials to fill a genuine medical need and didn’t know how to do it.

Another significant change in credential requirements was telehealth. Before the pandemic, there were not many methods of providing telehealth services, and therefore no billing processes. Then almost overnight, telehealth became ubiquitous, and its payers imposed new requirements.

In addition, telehealth allowed behavioral health providers to see more patients daily, and it took more time for a provider to do their billing or manage credentials. 

How can clinics lose patients because of credentialing

Let’s say your staff forgot to re-credential, and all your claims are denied. Rehabilitation takes 3 to 4 months. During that time, you have two terrible options. You can look after patients for free until you are credentialed. It causes a massive loss of income. Or you can close your clinic or hospital for a while. You cannot blame them for going elsewhere for treatment. 

Where to get the best insurance credentialing services?

Looking for insurance credentialing services? You’ve come to the right place! Here at DENmaar, we provide the best insurance credentialing services in the business – and at prices that are more than reasonable. Give us a call today!

Billing to Medical Insurance: In-Network Vs. Out of network

Many health care providers are not recognizing that they can increase profits and save patients’ costs by paying medical insurance bills.

One of the most common questions many medical/dental billing specialists in a medical practice hear is: “Do we need to be in-network for medical insurance billing?” When dealing with this question, there are many things to consider, but the answer largely depends on the following question: What type of medical insurance policies do you want to pay for?

Types of Insurance

There are many types of insurance. Health maintenance organizations (HMOs), exclusive provider organizations (EPOs), and preferred provider organizations (PPOs) are the most common.

HMOs and EPOs are similar in that these plans require you to be in network (IN) to be billed, as they do not allow the patient to see any provider out of their network (OON). 

Sometimes they allow the patient to see an OON provider if they are in an emergency. An example is a patient with severe pain from an abscessed (infected) tooth or some trauma. The HMO/EPO may initially deny service to an out-of-network provider; however, they may pay if you appeal the claim.

If they agree to pay, these schemes will do your work to get paid. OON methods can avoid billing for these types of preventative plans.

Most residents have PPO-type medical plans. PPO plans offer in-network and out-of-network benefits to their insured patients. There is a difference in how benefits are paid to an OON provider versus an IN provider. For example, if 80% is delivered to an IN provider for a procedure, it is usually paid 60% or less to an OON provider.

Discounts are another significant factor. It is essential to know that not all actions apply to the opponent. An example of this is ratings. 

Tell your patients that their drug payments will begin after the deductible is met. You’d be surprised how many processes don’t apply to deductions. One of the significant variables will be plan quality. There are good and not-so-good dental policies, but the same goes for medicine. You do get what you pay for.

This benefit reduction is not reflected in most practices as allowances (the amount allowed for a procedure/service) are much higher than for dentistry (which is included in the contract fee schedule). Most procedures cost double what dental policies pay for.

Credentialing with medical insurance

Getting approved for access to IN medical insurance is similar to getting approved with dental plans. It is vital to ensure that the medical carrier understands that you intend to engage in IN medical services, not dentistry and that you provide many services that do not include dental treatment and are more medical. However, you may find that many medical plans only allow oral surgeons to go IN.

Numerous dental practices are ignorant that in some states if you are IN with dental, you’re automatically IN with medical. In this case, you could easily bill medical and be refunded more than double for your services. It helps provide dental benefits to patients for dental procedures. You can bill both medicine and dentistry; They are separate policies that your patients pay for and have benefits.

Medical bills are here to stay. There are many services you offer that may be billed for medical services, such as evaluations, surgery, sleep, or TMJ treatment. Whether in IN or OON, being strategic in your approach will grow your practice group and lower your patients’ out-of-pocket costs.

Who provides the best medical insurance credentialing Services?

Since 2008, we, Denmaar provide mental health care and practices with valuable services and tools that enable increased revenue, reduced management time, and an improved patient engagement experience. Using an in-house IT system explicitly designed for the mental healthcare specialty, unparalleled efficiency allows us to deliver our services at lower than typical medical care rates.

Insurance Credentialing for therapists

• Revenue Cycle Management (RCM)
• Verification of Insurance Eligibility
• Indexing Medical Records
• Data Conversion
• Medical Coding Services

Stop losing clients. Call us now on 844-727-3627

Best Insurance credentialing services for therapists

Effective insurance paneling for therapists is imperative to improving practice performance. Without proper registration, insurance companies may delay or deny payments even if the doctor is competent and can provide medically necessary services. Best insurance panels for therapists verify that a physician meets the payer’s criteria by reviewing an individual’s licensure, experience, certification, education, training, affiliation, malpractice, adverse clinical events, and judgment.

We at DENmaar provide insurance credentialing for physical therapists, helping service providers generate better revenue. Our services simplify the payer enrollment process when doctors start their first practice, Transit from one practice to another, add a new doctor to an existing group, and want to register with a new payer. The Medical insurance credentialing process for therapists is a highly detail-oriented process that requires constant attention. After submitting the required documents, our credentialing coordinator monitors the application status and addresses any additional requirements daily to ensure accurate and timely acceptance of each network. The complexities of adopting a group practice or facility are incredibly time-consuming. We can work with each provider or office management staff to retrieve all the necessary information for the applications. We ensure that the providers are in proper network condition to provide services at the facility. Our team has experience paneling mental health therapists, for all types of licenses, insurances, and various business structures.

DENmaar is one of the best insurance credentialing companies for therapists in the US.

Fully Automated system at your service

Individual/Group Provider Enrollment

We assist the physicians/providers in enrolling and attesting with the payer’s network to offer services to the patients who are members of the payer’s plans.

CAQH Completion and Management

We assist you in completing, updating, and maintaining your CAQH profile to obtain a CAQH ID and help with insurance certification, contracting, and registration.

Primary Source Verification

We verify credentials such as training, certification, education, licensure, etc., with the primary source to improve care quality and decrease liability risk.

Hospital Privileging

We assist in authorizing the health care practitioner’s specific scope and content of patient care services to ensure that they are appropriately licensed, carry malpractice insurance, and meet hospital requirements.

Who we help with insurance credentialing for therapists

We simplify the insurance credentialing process for therapists for the following entities.

• Physical Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech Therapists
• Behavioral Therapists

Insurance carriers we support

• Cigna
• Aetna
• Anthem
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Humana
• Medicaid
• Medicare
• Optum
• Oscar
• Tricare
• UMR
• United Healthcare (UHC)

Who we help with insurance credentialing for therapists

Getting accredited opens your doors to these patients as it is impossible to bill insurance companies without credentialing. The insurance credentialing process can be tedious, long, and frustrating, but everything else becomes more manageable once you’re done. So save your time and ensure efficiency with us.

• Updated License
• National Provider Identifier (NPI) Number
• Tax ID number
• Liability Insurance Proof
• Minimum 3 Professional references
• Graduate school transcript copy
• Employment history of minimum 5 Years

DENmaar’s Insurance Credentialing Services for Therapists and their Benefits

• Substantial reduction in errors common in manual operations.
• It helps medical practices focus on patient care and allows the medical center to collect, filter, report, and manage the accreditation process from an unbiased perspective.
• A medical practice can also save millions of dollars in lawsuits and malpractice cases by ensuring that all healthcare providers working in their facilities are qualified and have their credentials verified.
• It saves time and labor for health care providers, shortens the stage of diagnosis and treatment, and ensures timely payment.
• The traditional credentialing process means many paper documents and files for different health care providers.
• A central database helps prevent long-term formation, with easy access to analysis.

Why choose an insurance credentialing service for therapists?

Healthcare centers face the difficult task of insurance credentialing while increasing costs, be it operational costs or payments to healthcare providers for their services. A medical practice must ensure quality care, which can only happen when credentialed and skilled healthcare providers are employed. Only authorized doctors and staff should be allowed to operate to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of patients to avoid medical malpractice.

Here is where DENmaar insurance credentialing services for therapists are needed. We have highly skilled insurance credentialing experts who undertake credentialing on your behalf. We take care of the paperwork, appeals, case follow-up, and handling claims denials. We ensure an error-free application process, significantly reducing your chances of rejection.

We continuously monitor the payers on your behalf and ensure your credentialing process is effective and successful. At DENmaar, we take your burden of credentialing and offer non-stop work until we make you a part of the insurance carrier’s network.

Insurance Credentialing Services Therapists Can Depend On

Our web portal offers valuable articles and the latest news to provide the proper guidance and tips for making the credentialing process fruitful and effortless.

Refer to the below-mentioned articles to understand insurance credentialing services for therapists better:

• Adding Therapists to Private Practice Insurance Credential
• ABA Credentialing -The Importance of Credentialing
• Aetna Provider Credentialing – The Process
• Mental Health Credentialing – The Process
• Cigna Credentialing – Getting On the Cigna Panel
• BCBS Insurance Credentialing Services – The Procedure
• Psychologists Insurance Credentialing Services
• Affordable Insurance Credentialing Services-Cost Efficiency
• Addiction Treatment Credentialing-Benefits of Credentialing
• Humana Health Insurance Credentialing – Getting On the Panel
• Credentialing Doctors to Your Group Practice
• UMR Credentialing – The Process
• CAQH Insurance Credentialing-It’s Benefits in Credentialing
• Insurance Credentialing Specialists – Its Importance
• Oscar Credentialing – Getting on Insurance Panels
• Insurance Credentialing and Contracting-Their Merits
• Insurance credentialing 101 – Understanding Credentialing
• Top Insurance Companies to Be Credentialed With
• Bankers Life Insurance Credentialing – Getting on the Panel
• Insurance Credentialing for Nurse Practitioners
• Letter of Interest for Insurance Credentialing -Tips To Mind

We provide insurance credentialing services for therapists to remove the burden on our clients. Also, our services are offered at the best prices with advanced automation assistance and maximum efficiency.

We always strive hard and value each of your clients. Also, we work for you so that you do not miss even a single client whose value is more than the cost of credentialing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is insurance credentialing for therapists?

Insurance credentialing for therapists refer to verifying a licensed health care provider’s education, training, and qualified professional history.

How often do therapists have to get credentialed?

Therapists have to be credentialed once in three years at least. Some perform even more often.

Why is credentialing so hard?

Credentialing is a process that needs more labor. You need people to manage the workflow, enter the data, fact-check the reporting, etc. Not having the appropriate staff allocation can lead to mistakes, which will lead to delays, ultimately impacting your revenue.

Is mental health billing obstructing your treatment process?

Mental health services billing is more complex than in other areas of health care due to the type of services, timing, scope, and limitations of mental health treatment.

For instance, if a patient goes to the doctor for a routine checkup, he will almost certainly have a standard series of tests and exams. It usually involves measuring the patient’s height and weight, taking their blood pressure, and listening to their heart. These tests are, for the most part, standardized for all patients, take the same amount of time, and have slight patient-to-patient variation.

Similarly, when providers bill health insurance companies for regular checkups, the billing is uniform, recurring, and often bundled into a single fee. However, the same cannot be applied to mental health treatments.

That’s why a mental health care provider must have a streamlined mental health billing process that permits you to concentrate on what’s essential – caring for patients with the best treatment. Here are some mental health billing challenges in the treatment process and well-proven tips for handling them.

Challenge 1: Denied or delayed claims

Sometimes it can be challenging to collect payments for services rendered. The more insurance companies delay making necessary payments, the harder it will be to collect the money you need. Fortunately, instead of facing the challenges of accepting claims regularly, there are several steps you can take to ensure you continue to receive the claims you deserve in a consistent and continuous stream.

Solution: Identify procrastination and how to avoid it

Learn about potential claims delays, including the most common delays with insurance companies. Insurance companies will mostly not accept a claim exceeding the maximum amount allowed on the policy. If you expect this will be a challenge, you should review how the insurance company is billed to ensure you don’t exceed the limit. Coding problems, which can be easily avoided by working closely with a billing professional specializing in mental health, can help facilitate approval and ensure you receive your payments on time.

At last, consider accepting cash payments from patients who may or may not work with certain insurance providers, which can help facilitate payments and keep your clinic running smoothly.

Challenge #2: Patient Insurance Changes and Pre-Approvals

Patients are seeking mental health care regularly schedule appointments and services. Some people may have the same insurance for years, making providing mental health billing for services relatively easy. Any change in insurance may result in your claim being denied, leaving you with uncollected payments. Similarly, the necessary care will not be provided if an insurance company offers treatment to a patient without prior authorization. It may eventually leave the patient unable to afford these services, resulting in lost appointments and revenue opportunities.

Solution: Check insurance coverage and requirements

When a new patient makes their first visit, check with their insurance company to ensure they don’t need special approval steps. Continue to check your patients’ insurance and coverage at each visit, and remind regular patients to notify you immediately if their insurance changes.

Our state-of-the-art EHR platform can help you quickly and easily determine whether a patient has the necessary coverage to complete an appointment. If your patient does not have the insurance coverage required for the appointment or cannot check insurance, you may need to reschedule.

Suppose you were previously an in-network provider but moved out of the network or to a different network tier for a particular provider. In that case, you may need to notify your patients. Make sure this happens before their appointment to give them enough time to sort through any potential insurance or payment changes.

Challenge #3: Insurance Company Presentation Preferences

Nowadays, most insurance companies utilize a digital billing model. But, this does not mean that every company prefers the same registration method. Your employees may be forced to keep changing preferences — and if you file incorrectly, you may struggle to collect payment from that insurance company.

Solution: Collaborate with a professional medical billing specialist

A dedicated mental health billing specialist can help you stay abreast of the ongoing changes in the insurance industry, including the changes many companies are making. Your mental health billing specialist will grow and change your practice with varying needs, ensuring insurance claims are submitted correctly so you can collect payments more efficiently.

Outsourcing mental health medical billing to a third party

As you can see, a lot of work is involved in adequately filing claims for mental health providers. Thus, it’s not surprising that many providers prefer to use a third-party mental health billing company to handle claims so they can focus on patient care and treatment.

Denmaar works 24/7 with mental health providers to provide pre-authorization, billing, and mental health medical coding, follow up on claims and assist with appeals of insurance claims. Check out our mental health billing and coding services, and contact us immediately if you think this is the best option for your facility.

We, Denmaar, have demonstrated our expertise in various fields by implementing uniform quality and timely strategies to improve multiple practices. They have the best experts who closely monitor the accounts and ensure that all medical bills and coding confusions are addressed with practical solutions. Call us now!

Tips to reduce contradictions of mental and behavioral health

Medical billing is a complex process in which medical billing for mental health services is more complicated than ever and comes with unique challenges. Many services are covered under mental health, such as pre-authorization, anxiety dissipation, size and availability of office staff, and mental and behavioral health bills that cater to more disadvantages.

Mental health bills

One of the best factors is paying more attention to patients to understand the mental and behavioral health billing process. In addition, refusal management is a good reason to increase the importance of medical billing for medical professionals. In this blog, we will look at how and why mental health bills are complex and difficult to handle and what can be done to reduce billing claims rejection.

Why are mental health bills so difficult?

Consider other areas of medical billing. You may see some standard procedures followed due to specific treatment and recovery periods, but this may not be the case with mental and behavioral health. Factors such as time, service variables, scope, and mental health treatment limitations make them more complex and ambiguous.

As counseling and billing vary from patient to patient, providers may have difficulty billing and making claims as the causes may increase in patients.

Best practices for mental health care billing:

While the billing process for mental health services is difficult to handle, providers follow these tips to simplify their approach and system.

# 1: Double-check insurance and coverage for the patients

Since the patients have their insurance cards, providers can quickly check the benefits of their policy and whether the services they use are included in the policy. It also lets the providers know how much the insurance company pays the patient for the service.

# 2: Understanding CPT Code:

If the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes are not specified properly, there is no point in doing the whole process properly. These signs show how much you will have to pay for certain healthcare services delivered to patients. Unlike other medical billing procedures, you will not easily find CPT codes for mental health and billing. Standard CPT codes are not used for cognitive and behavioral health bills; Instead, they should contain specific E / M codes and the corresponding CPT codes.ce coverage considering the status of waived cases; Reclassification of neglected cases; Offer details.

Your payment mental health billing claim form looks in three ways: history, examination, and medical decision-making.

History contains details of current illness, past family and social history, and repetition of rules. The examination section covers the type of tests to be performed, the nature of the problem, and the patient’s history. Finally, the column for medical decision-making includes the number of diagnoses or treatments made by the patient, the complexity of the data, and the risk of complications.

CPT codes play an important role in rejecting mental health bill claims; Therefore, practitioners/hospitals should remember that updating their system quickly with CPT codes can help overcome complaints related to mental health bills.

# 3: Learn how to submit claims properly

Just as the symbols in the claim form are important, it also makes sense to understand how to fill out each column on the claim form. You need to go through the full procedure at the beginning, and before filling out, if in doubt, clarify this with the expert involved in submitting the claim and then proceed to fill out and submit the form.

Conclusion

Outsourcing your medical billing and coding process is a wise choice to make your mental health billing process easier and reimburse you without denying any claims. Contact the best medical billing and coding outsourcing company, “Denmaar,” which offers high quality, support, and maximum refunds in medical billing and coding.he benefits and skills of mental well-being before seeing a patient. The attachment will emphasize the limits of normal division; deductible, visits per year allowed, any membership requirements, and Case Street numbers.

About Denmaar’s medical billing service:

We are a medical billing company that provides medical billing services and supports doctors, hospitals, medical institutions, and group practices through our comprehensive medical billing solutions. We help you earn more through our fast and affordable services. In addition, our customized Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) solutions allow physicians to increase additional revenue and reduce administrative burdens or losses.

What are the benefits of behavioral and mental health billing services?

Our billing solutions experts can help you if you seek assistance for your rising mental health fees. Join affiliated psychiatrists, counselors, and social specialists to offer a system for influencing your mental health needs. As much as they are skilled, they are passionate about prosperity and providing their clients with special treatments and caring associations. 

Custom behavioral Billing Service Measures

Since trained professionals charge your accredited operational success on the subject, they work with professionals, specialists, educators, and social workers to deliver predictable matches to handle your readiness — in all moderate psychology billing services.

They will help manage patient onboarding, board costs, and every part of your shipping charges. In addition, it will certify patient benefits, submit charging and give clarifications, and work with safe workplaces depending on the situation.

Processing of cases

Entering the patient’s financial problems and confirmation data; Checking the availability of records; Submitting claims electronically whenever permitted are processed.

Posting segments

Introduction of sections for changes and publication of patient payment is performed.

Cash report

Access 30 reports on the financial strength of your rankings. Forms include confirmation creation, patient creation, monthly and reliable frameworks, and reimbursement assessments for various payments.

Follow up and restart

Taking out insurance coverage considering the status of waived cases; Reclassification of neglected cases; Offer details.

Online access to information

With our online framework, suppliers can check things with neglected cases, find coordination, and run cash reports throughout the day. Useful when there is no opportunity to email or call the office for requests.

Insist on benefits

They call safety workplaces to show the benefits and skills of mental well-being before seeing a patient. The attachment will emphasize the limits of normal division; deductible, visits per year allowed, any membership requirements, and Case Street numbers.

Practice management measures

Mental health billing services include:

Confirmation of Benefits:

Confirms that sharing, discounts, and unconditional visits are allowed every year.

Record Management:

Mail outpatient data and respond to patient registration requests.

Case Management:

Call insurance associations to consider the status of rejected cases, resubmission of claims, and rejection.

A Quick Guide to Behavioral Health Practitioner Credentialing

The following article will tell everything you need to know about successfully getting on an insurance panel as a mental health practitioner. 

This goes without saying but getting on an insurance panel is no easy task and can be incredibly frustrating, especially for mental health practitioners with already a lot on their plate. One way to make the credentialing process less overwhelming would involve being aware of certain fundamentals related to the arduous but necessary task.

That is exactly what we at DENmaar aim to do with the help of the below guide. So, without much further ado, let’s get started.

Finding Reputable Insurance Panels

By now you must be aware of all the health insurance companies active in your city and state. From large brands like Cigna to national entities like Medicare, it would be wise to keep a note of all these names before you start the credentialing process.

We would recommend making a spreadsheet that includes all of these companies. Moreover, expand your search by contacting your professional network. If you aren’t sure how many insurance companies are active in your state, then doing a quick Google search will provide the answers you need.

Make sure you note down the contact and address info of each of the insurance companies you find online. Save this information on your spreadsheet. Learn about the conditions regarding provider credentialing that apply to each specific company and make a note of them as well.

Learn About the Requirements of Insurance Companies. 

Insurance companies are constantly on the lookout for reliable practitioners for their panels. You must make a good case about your skills and strengths as a mental health practitioner in your application.

Below are a few things that insurance panels seek in their applicants.

1. Location

Insurance companies look favorably upon practitioners who are actively serving patients in an under-served location. Your chances of getting on an insurance panel skyrocket if you are operating a clinic or practice in an area where that isn’t adequately populated with healthcare providers like you offering their services.

2. Cultural Diversity

Do not forget to mention your ethnic background, especially if you belong to an atypical one. Also mention if you speak multiple languages. These defining characteristics will increase your chances of getting on an insurance panel.

3. Qualities and Specialty

Make sure to emphasize the training and educational qualifications you possess. Do not forget to mention your specialties, especially when you specialize in offering healthcare to kids, elders, and LGBT or minority members of society.

4. Crisis Therapy

Insurance Panels are likely to look favorably upon healthcare providers that respond to emergencies quickly.

The above factors make you stand-out, and as such, should be emphasized in your application to increase your chances of getting successfully credentialed. We recommend making a list of everything that makes you stand out among other mental health practitioners in your vicinity before undertaking the credentialing process.

Create a Good Resume and Letter of Intent

You need a good, comprehensive resume that highlights your skills and accomplishments. Follow the below pointers to create a compelling resume and letter of intent.

• •     Make sure your resume is short. One page is more than enough
• •     Focus on things that make you unique rather than mentioning things that anyone can do.
• •     Always use short sentences
• •     Form sentences in active voice
• •     Do not misrepresent your skills or lie. Also, do not undersell yourself.

The following format will make for an ideal resume:

• •     Contact information, License number with date of issue.
• •     Statement of intent
• •     Credentials, skills, specialties, educational qualifications
• •     Mention job experience. Include references to the organizations you’ve worked with, in the past.
• •     Include additional skills like the ability to speak multiple languages, etc.

The letter of intent is another thing you must be careful about when composing. You want to be distinguishable while portraying yourself in good light. The below format would make for an ideal letter of intent.

• •     Clearly state the name of the insurance panel you want to be on.
• •     Mention your credentials and educational qualifications
• •     Explain what makes you stand out among your peers. This could be language, culture, availability, etc.
• •     Mention if you have clients that are already on that panel and are being billed out of network.
• •     Close your letter by letting your intentions and desire to join the panel crystal clear.

Finally, Apply to the Insurance Panels

Now that you are prepared, it’s finally time to submit your application.

• •     Mail your resume along with the letter of intent to the appropriate application address.
• •     Note down the date on which you applied.
• •     Call the application office exactly one week after submission for confirmation. Note down the name of the representative that answered your call for follow-up and mention the date you called on.
• •     Confirm the next steps and also ask when you can follow up next.
• •     If for some reason your application is rejected. Do not be heartbroken and be ready to re-apply immediately.

Conclusion

Getting on an insurance panel is tough but not impossible. The above guide will considerably simplify the process for you. To make the process even more hassle-free, we recommend you give us at DENmaar a call. We are home to the credentialing experts and resources needed to help you get on an insurance panel effectively and efficiently.

You can explore our website or contact us now to learn more about how we can help with mental health insurance credentialing.

How to overcome the challenges in medical credentialing

How to overcome the challenges that medical credentialing faces?

Medical credentialing is one of the most critical compliance issues in medical practice today. However, this is a time-consuming and complex process to do it properly. A poor medical credential can lead to registration problems and legal and financial complications. Do you know what weakens the medical credentialing process? Here are the top 4 most common medical credentialing challenges that every practitioner should be aware of and solutions to overcome those challenges in the credentialing process.

What is medical credentialing?

Medical credentialing is the process of verifying and evaluating the eligibility of a healthcare provider with educational qualifications, employment history, training experience, special resident certificates, licenses, and other eligibility details.

Challenges in Medical Credentialing

1. Lack of staff to verify credentials.

The medical credentialing process requires an expert team or organization to provide credentials to each healthcare provider providing services to patients. Do you know whose credentials should be checked? The list includes doctors, nurses, physicians, assistants, therapists, and every other provider. For each individual, their full educational qualifications, employment history, training certificates, residence, licenses, and any board-issued certificates in the provider’s specialization area should be carefully checked. So it will consume more teamwork to handle this big operation properly without any error.

Not allocating enough resources or staff to complete the medical credentialing process – is a common mistake due to some methods. This reduces revenue and creates work stress for the limited team available. In addition, when employees make mistakes with the application and the insurance provider does not accept the application, it delays the payment process.

What is the solution?

Outsourcing the medical credentialing process to the medical billing service providers will help you overcome this challenge easily because a reputable organization retains responsible and expert staff for the credentialing process. So the team will handle everything smoothly and on time without any errors, which will save valuable time and money.

2. Incomplete application of service provider

Provider registration applications are essential for completing the medical credentialing process. So it should be done correctly with all the necessary information. Unfortunately, some methods may fail to do so accurately without losing any data fields, resulting in payment delays and rejection of claims.

What is the solution?

Human errors are common when working on provider registration applications. To avoid this error, software based on advanced credentials will help you do it right. In addition, this automated process usually requires less administrative effort – it eliminates human errors, which saves you time, money, and resources.

3. Update the information

Access to applicant information is a significant challenge for healthcare organizations. An excellent medical credentialing process ensures that the healthcare provider is up to date with board certificates and licenses. All healthcare providers must regularly renew their licenses and credentials and keep them updated. About 85% of approval requests contain incorrect, missing, or outdated information. Even small changes, such as an address or phone number, must be re-authenticated in the CAQH database before the system can process the application.

What is the solution?

The doctor’s contact information and other relevant data are readily available to help you speed up the credentialing process. The re-credentialing process will also take a long time. The law will also reduce such recognition issues.

4. Deadline

The medical credentialing process plays an essential role in the revenue cycle of your healthcare organization. The end-to-end process will only take 90 days for the organization to review the application. However, when considering additional stakeholders such as insurance providers – the process can take up to six months – adding to your organization’s downtime.

What is the solution?

Give priority to safety, and spend as much time as possible. If it takes less time, you will be ahead of schedule.

DENmaar’s Medical Credential Services – The right choice to make your credentialing process more accessible.

What do we do?

• •     Collects and reviews all necessary documents to ensure completeness and accuracy before submitting payment
• •     Relieves staff and service providers from the time-consuming task of registering and re-credentialing with government and commercial paying agencies.
• •     Ensures timely approval to all service providers to avoid payment delay or loss of payment
• •     Liaises with thousands of payments across all states and manages all communications and follow-up through an application approval
• •     Works with our billing team to monitor any denials and communicate with fee payers for immediate resolution

Where to get the best credentialing service?

We, DENmaar, are the home for credentialing professionals to help you manage and navigate all the paperwork without any hassle. Since we take care of the entire credentialing process from start to finish, you will have time to focus on patient care.

Expansion Of Telehealth To Make It Part Of The Permanent Workflow By CIOs

Over the past two years, hospitals and health systems have quickly deployed several telemedicine systems to look after patients during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. But unfortunately, many of these systems were not planned in great detail or designed with a view to sustainability.

Nonetheless, telehealth has taken root, and now healthcare providers face the future with mixed care: personal care and virtual care. As a result, providers are starting to think more about their applications of telemedicine technology.

CIOs and other health IT leaders are thinking about implementing health systems across hospitals and enabling doctors to use technology in their current workflow. Moreover, many officials are considering expanding the scope of technology in the hospital to include all departments.

Hospital’s technological needs have changed rapidly during pandemics, and many patient-facing systems are rapidly operating to meet the demand for video visits. 

  Hospitals seek permanent designs that are part of their workflow. 

In the last few months, what happened across the country has been shocking and has led to telehealth’s emergence from most healthcare systems’ basements. The concept that was once considered a “pleasure” at the use-case level quickly became a “necessity” at the enterprise level throughout the patient’s journey.

Many realize that successful, integrated telehealth solutions are more than just doctors on-screen. Instead, when deployed comprehensively, they act as a digital front door to the health system, delivering clinical experiences and ultimately improving patient commitment.

Integrated care for the individual has been proven to prevent and reduce health risks, and you can use virtual care technology to improve care outside of a hospital setting.

Telehealth is no longer a separate component or competitive advantage for hospitals and health systems – it is a requirement and will provide financial benefits, improved reputation, and care.

  Embedding system-wide telehealth technology as part of their ongoing workflow

Streamlining technical and administrative processes related to providing virtual care through modern and unified platforms will simplify the workflow and improve the care experience.

Combining technology and administrative processes reduces the administrative burden on platform users and increases communication and collaboration in the team.

A single platform promotes fewer login, screen, and apps and extended capabilities such as viewing appointments, accessing current patient information, and combining chat and video appointments with colleagues.

It is imperative to access the curated data presented as actionable insights on the same platform- This enables better personal care throughout the patient’s most needed journey.

  Virtual access to patient’s room

How can CIOs and their team take advantage of this technology and expand it within the four walls of a hospital? For instance, in every department, or even on every TV screen in every patient’s room.

Equipping each patient’s room with telehealth capabilities and virtual access gives carers instant access to patients for various cases.

Virtual nursing units are an example of this idea. About two-thirds of nursing tasks, such as drug testing and some paperwork, are activities that do not need to be touched, and the caregiver does not need to be physically at the bedside.

By enabling each patient room in a virtual nursing unit with telehealth equipment, bedside nurses can focus on providing high-quality patient care by carrying the burden of non-functional care and administrative tasks. We have seen virtual nursing units that can discharge patients about 20% more than conventional nursing units within two hours of receiving a discharge order.

Furthermore, some of these units discharge patients 44% more in the afternoon than their traditional nursing counterparts. These metrics help increase productivity in opening rooms early to accommodate more patients and improve patient satisfaction.

It is also vital to note that patients often interact with people other than doctors and hospital caregivers. Virtual in-room care, often via a hospital room TV or another in-room device, can enable social workers or family members to communicate safely and efficiently with the patient while in the hospital.

  Where to get the best telehealth solution?

DENmaar’s telehealth solution provides a quick and secure way to start a telemedicine session with the ease of a phone call. Whether starting with an electronic medical records system or a provider application, a click of a button prompts a patient to start a session. 

DENmaar’s TeleHealth system is HIPAA compliant, providing a safe way for patients to quickly and safely provide treatment or prescribed services.

Telehealth, telemedicine, and telenursing are changing the world of healthcare forever as we know it. DENmaar is part of that change, and so can you. Call us today!

5 Credentialing Issues in Healthcare & Their Resolutions

Credentialing issues in healthcare are extremely common. In fact, the process of provider credentialing has to be a prominent compliance issue for medical practices. It is quite normal for providers to have their applications rejected due to omissions and errors. The consequences can be considerably more disastrous without proper data insight and process oversight. 

Table of Contents

• 1. 5 Common Credentialing Issues
  • 1.1. Keeping Information Up-To-Date
  • 1.2. Time-Consuming
  • 1.3. Staying Compliant
  • 1.4. Challenging to Change Credentialing Program
  • 1.5. Ensuring the Privacy of Healthcare Professionals
• 2. Overcoming Issues with Healthcare Credentialing
  • 2.1. Outsource Your Credentialing Task
  • 2.2. Pay Special Attention to Individual State Guidelines
• 3. We recommend verifying your state’s guidelines for:
  • 3.1. Leverage Credentialing System Technology that Automates the Process
• 4. The Bottom Line

Now, mistakes happen in any process. However, the mistakes in credentialing can be especially punishing. For instance, credentialing issues for nurse practitioners can cost a nurse their career. Moreover, mistakes in credentialing can cost healthcare organizations their hard-earned reputation. Suffice to say, no one can afford the legal and financial complications that follow a poorly executed credentialing process. 

In this article, we would like to shine a light on some of the most common challenges with the medical credentialing system. We hope that being aware of these challenges will make you better equipped to tackle them. 

5 Common Credentialing Issues

1. Keeping Information Up-To-Date

Many healthcare organizations struggle to access relevant applicant information. It is estimated that around 85% of submitted applications suffer from inaccurate, missing, or irrelevant information. It is mandatory to re-attest even minor changes like changes to address and phone number in the CAQH database. 

Missing information or outdated details can quickly derail the already complicated and time-consuming credentialing process. The issue becomes even direr when you consider how frequently individual practitioners change the healthcare institutions they work for. Healthcare organizations must keep pace with the changes as they occur to avoid issues during the process. 

2. Time-Consuming

It is no secret that the medical credentialing process is a time-consuming one. An application review can take around 90 days to complete. When you consider the involvement of additional stakeholders like contract negotiators and insurance companies, the process can easily go as long as six months. That is a long time and most healthcare organizations find their operations stalled because of it. 

3. Staying Compliant

As we mentioned before, compliance issues are most prevalent in the credentialing process. Each state has different standards and policy guidelines that a provider needs to adhere to. Additionally, national organizations like CAQH have their own specific requirements that have to be met as well. This, of course, causes frustrating issues. 

Read More: Credentialing Process Checklist You’ll Need in 2022

The rules, regulations, and requirements for medical credentialing vary from state to state. It also doesn’t help that these rules and regulations are volatile and experience frequent changes. It is important to leverage a reliable credentialing service or system to keep up with varying and changing regulations.

4. Challenging to Change Credentialing Program

As your healthcare organization grows and credentialing requirements become inevitably more complex, you will have no choice but to add integrations or switch to a different assessment system entirely. Migrating information in such a scenario, especially when you have a lot of preset prompts and questions that are not standard compliant, can become almost impossible. 

You will have no option but to lose one or two components to make the migration possible. It is precisely because of this reason that many healthcare organizations get stuck with outdated platforms that are not capable of efficiently undertaking the credentialing process. 

5. Ensuring the Privacy of Healthcare Professionals

Background checks are an integral part of the credentialing process. They are essential to determine that the applicant possesses the skills and qualifications required to provide care to patients. The process entails the submission of crucial documents such as practice license, work history, education qualification, etc. 

As such, privacy become of the utmost importance. The credentialing organization will require information about an applicant’s entire history. Not disclosing this important information can result in the practitioner’s application being rejected. You will need a credentialing service or platform that keeps all of this information up-to-date and secure from prying eyes. Sadly, most organizations don’t have adequate platforms to safeguard such valuable information.

Overcoming Issues with Healthcare Credentialing

1. Outsource Your Credentialing Task

When it comes to hiring someone to overtake your credentialing process, there are two options at your disposal. You can try hiring an in-house staff that is dedicated to managing the process from start to finish or opt to outsource the task to third-party specialists like DENmaar. 

Out of the two, outsourcing is evidently a relatively more cost-effective and time-efficient way to handle credentialing. With outsourcing, you get access to credentialing experts and their technology. Moreover, you aren’t saving money by not hiring personnel on salaries. 

2. Pay Special Attention to Individual State Guidelines

It is important to do your homework with regards to what rules, legislations and policies would be applicable to your healthcare organization. As each state has different requirements, you need help of medical credentialing experts that are aware of policies and can help you with seamless and compliant transition. 

We recommend verifying your state’s guidelines for:

• •     Licenses
• •     Education qualifications
• •     Certifications.

3. Leverage Credentialing System Technology that Automates the Process

There are systems and advanced technology available today that can help your business automate the credentialing process to a good degree. We recommend looking for a credentialing platform that can:

• •     Reduce Credentialing Workload Affecting Your Staff
• •     Reduce Training Time for New Staff
• •     Save time to focus on company growth. 

Implementing such technology can be expensive. However, you stand to enjoy greater benefits in the long run with these technologies managing crucial aspects of your credentialing process. 

The Bottom Line

Credentialing is no child’s play. Most healthcare organizations do not have the staff or resources to handle it with the care deserved. Fortunately, you can save yourself a lot of trouble by simply hiring credentialing specialists like DENmaar. 

We understand how frustrating the process can be, and thus offer services dedicated to relieving you of this unwanted burden. We provide a fully automated system that gives you real-time updates of your credentialing application status. Plus, you get automatically notified by our robust system on the imminent expiration of documents, so your practice continues to legally serve patients with insurance. Moreover, we offer medical insurance credentialing services for sole practitioners as well as huge medical organizations.

What is Medical Credentialing, and How it Works & Costs?

Medical credentialing is a complex concept to understand. So it is only natural for one to have several questions about it. In this article, we aim to answer some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the topic, and in the process, help you understand this complicated but fundamental aspect of our medical world even better. 

Table of Contents

• 1. How Exactly Does Medical Credentialing Work?
  • 1.1. What are the Benefits of Medical Credentialing?
  • 1.2. Can a Provider Allowed to Work During the Credentialing Process?
  • 1.3. What Kind of Facilities Need Credentialing?
  • 1.4. What is the NCQA?
  • 1.5. What is TJC?
  • 1.6. What is CMS?
  • 1.7. What Does Primary Source Verification Mean?
  • 1.8. What is the Credentialing Committee?
  • 1.9. How Long Does a Medical Credentialing Process Last?
  • 1.10. How much will Medical Credentialing Cost You?
• 2. What Do I Look for in a Credentialing Service Provider?

So without much further ado, let’s get started. 

  How Exactly Does Medical Credentialing Work?

Medical credentialing is a process undertaken with the main purpose of maintaining high standards of quality expected from the medical industry. The process usually entails the verification of a healthcare provider’s competency with regards to their educational qualifications, work history, certifications, etc. 

A credentialing authority will contact a provider’s university, certification board and licensing agency to verify whether he or she is capable of providing healthcare. Credentialing is considered to be imperative for all types of providers who engage in providing medical assistance to patients. It needs to be conducted at regular intervals to make sure a healthcare organization or provider is complying with regulatory standards and policies set by bodies like the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services, The Joint Commission, National Committee for Quality Assurance, etc. 

What are the Benefits of Medical Credentialing?

Medical credentialing has a plethora of benefits in store for all parties involved with the process. Credentialing provides hospital and clinics with the assurance that their hired staff will offer their services at the level of standards expected of them. Insurance companies can keep their costs down by making sure only competent medical professionals pass the credentialing process. 

Practitioners also benefits immensely from credentialing as they can expand their services to more patients with access to different types of health insurance. However, patients stand to benefit the most out of credentialing. They can rest assured on receiving the highest quality of care from the most qualified providers. 

Can a Provider Allowed to Work During the Credentialing Process?

It is recommended for a healthcare provider to halt their services until the entire credentialing process is complete. This guarantees that all patients receive quality care from only those providers who have verified qualification to offer their services. A healthcare organization is putting itself in unnecessary risk by letting non-credentialed individuals work for them.

That being said, there are a few exceptions to the rule. Medical students, for instance, don’t need credentialing as long as their duties to do not cross the scope of their educational program. They typically don’t need to undergo credentialing as they are working under the strict supervision of superior credentialed providers. 

What Kind of Facilities Need Credentialing?

Aside from practitioners, facilities that engage in the act of providing healthcare need credentialing as well. As such, the following services and facilities need to undertake the process to show they comply with the expected standards of care and competence. 

• •     Dialysis
• •     Ambulance
• •     Home Health Services
• •     Hospice Care
• •     Durable Medical Equipment
• •     Independent Diagnostic Testing
• •     IV Home Infusion Therapy
• •     Laboratories
• •     Prosthetics
• •     Orthotics
• •     Lithotripsy
• •     Urgent Care Centers
• •     Radiology

What is the NCQA?

The NCQA, aka The National Commission for Quality Assurance is an independent non-profit organization. Their job is to evaluate the quality of healthcare provided by medical practices and issues credentials based on their findings. The organizations that go to NCQA for credentialing include managed behavioral healthcare organizations, preferred provider organizations, credentials verification organizations, etc.

What is TJC?

The TJC, or the Joint Commission, is an organization tasked with maintaining high standards of healthcare in the United States of America. They conduct surveys that aim to verify the standards of healthcare provided by the hospitals in USA. Organizations like hospitals proactively answer to accrediting surveys hosted by the TJC every three years. 

What is CMS?

The CMS, or The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is a federal agency that serves under the United Stated Department Health and Human Services. It is responsible for performing a number of functions, which include evaluating quality standards of clinical labs and facilities that have been offering care to patients for a long time. The CMS works closely with state governments to administer and monitor Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicaid, etc. 

What Does Primary Source Verification Mean?

Primary Source Verification basically means that a credentialing authority will directly verify a provider or organization’s credentials from the source of that credential itself. For instance, a CVO will directly contact the university to verify a practitioners education qualifications. This is usually done to avoid fraud. As such, documents from third-party sources are not entertained. 

What is the Credentialing Committee?

Credentialing committee is responsible for overseeing the entire application review process. They have to make sure that the applicants meet the desired set of quality standards. This committee will include doctors with varying specialties, a liaison with the CVO and a chairperson. If you meet the basic requirements of credentialing, you can appeal a committee’s decision. You will receive all the information needed if it is deemed that you have the right to appeal. 

How Long Does a Medical Credentialing Process Last?

The medical credentialing process can be excruciatingly long. It can take anywhere from days to weeks, and sometimes months. Typically, you can expect the credentialing process to take as long as 90 to 120 days. As such, we recommend starting your application process at least 3 months before you begin your duties as a healthcare provider. 

How much will Medical Credentialing Cost You?

The costs for medical credentialing will vary from CVO to CVO, organization to organization and specialty to specialty. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around three to four hundred dollars for your application fee alone. You can also anticipate partial reimbursements after your credentialing process has been completed successfully. 

You will also incur costs on periodic and re-credentialing as well. However, you can expect to get this done at a discounted rate. 

  What Do I Look for in a Credentialing Service Provider?

Experience and a good reputation are arguably two of the most prominent factors you must consider when looking for a credentialing service provider. Such service providers are usually home to credentialing specialists who possess the resources, insight and experience needed to handle the entire credentialing and re-credentialing process from start to finish in a quick, efficient and hassle-free manner. 

You will find the above qualities demonstrated perfectly by the credentialing specialists’ right here at DENmaar. With years of industry experience, we’ve helped many providers and facilities get credentialed and can do the same for you. 

Reach out to us at 844-727-3627 to learn more about our services. 

Why Does Patient Scheduling Needs An Upgrade?

Healthcare providers can take these necessary actions for the patients in scheduling appointments.

Patients always look for convenient and flexible access to healthcare, and for many, this means looking for self-care options. In addition, healthcare approaches influence digital experiences in other industries, including hospitality and travel, in many ways.

For example, self-scheduling bypasses common barriers to access, such as working hours and waiting times. In addition, by enabling patients to schedule their services, physicians build commitment, which has been shown to bridge the gap in care.

The experience of digital patient participation has evolved significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic. With asynchronous symptom screening tools that can be deployed with the help of cloud-based platforms like DENmaar, the care experience can start online quickly. Moreover, the patient’s scheduling is particularly strong during the vaccination process.

When the COVID-19 vaccine became available in late 2020, thousands of people were at risk of overwhelming the health system due to the need to vaccinate quickly and efficiently. The automated self-scheduling process reduced the burden on healthcare workers and enabled patients to choose visits for themselves, allowing healthcare workers to focus on other priorities.

According to a study, about 80 percent of patients prefer doctors who offer online scheduling. Also, a 2019 survey found that 70 percent of patients said they would choose providers who would send emails or texts to take preventive or follow-up care.

Healthcare systems need to evaluate their scheduling options to avoid long waiting times and poor patient experiences because it can affect their ability to attract new patients and retain existing patients. Moreover, patients and staff will benefit from investing in better digital solutions, such as scheduling options.

While making scheduling more straightforward and accessible for patients will help fill out calendars, canceling appointments and no-shows can create vacancies at the back-end of the scheduling process. Patients cancel or miss medical visits for various reasons, but good patient participation strategies can help providers move forward and keep up with the scheduling software.

Here are the top four reasons why patients cancel medical visits and what providers can do to address these issues:

1. Anxiety before an appointment due to unknown fears

For many, the fear and apprehension of seeing a doctor can cause visits to be avoided, delayed, or cancelled. Patients fear the bad news, are reprimanded for postponing treatment, and are uncertain about their financial responsibility. Patients may wait for the visit to avoid a blood test or some tests and procedures. Concerns about exposure to Covid-19 have also increased over the past year, resulting in more patients postponing care or cancelling visits.

Helping patients understand what to expect during their visit helps reduce the fear. In addition, offering virtual care services such as video visits and remote patient monitoring is an excellent option for patients in times of global health crisis.

2. Concerns about high financial costs

Out-of-pocket expenses and employer deductions are higher than usual. According to a poll, many say they do not receive the medical care they need because of the cost. Twenty-two percent of those surveyed stopped treating a severe condition because of the cost.

Helping patients understand their financial responsibilities and educating them about payment plans and their financial options can help reduce cancellations. In addition, using automated digital recording and recording software can help medical office staff gather information about early payments on a patient’s journey and help them have a better conversation about financial resources and responsibilities before a visit.

3. No convenient schedule

Studies show that people work longer hours per week. Challenging work schedules, family lifestyles, and personal commitments make it difficult for some to prioritize their health. When the consequences of taking a break from a workday to see a doctor seem more severe than a health problem, it is easier for patients to prioritize meetings and tasks than their scheduled doctor’s visit, especially if they are not seriously ill.

The availability of flexible scheduling options and virtual care can play a role in helping patients prioritize their health, even in their busy schedules. Also, updated integrations in EHR with video conferencing tools can enable seamless and secure digital encounters for patients.

4. Unavailability of appointment

Increased queues and waiting times can significantly affect cancellation rates. Sick patients, frustrated by waiting so long for an appointment, are more likely to have it cancelled and taken care of in an emergency or retail clinic.

Keeping a small percentage of appointments for daily visits and offering virtual care to visually impaired patients make’s it easier for patients to remain loyal to their known providers and reduces the likelihood of intermittent care elsewhere. Automated waiting list software can help medical offices fill out cancelled visits of patients expecting an early visit. Features that allow patients to schedule for several weeks or even months can help keep patients well and promote a good schedule.

Expecting and working with patient barriers can help providers build a system that works for patients and lead to better financial, operational, and clinical outcomes. When appointment scheduling revolves around patient access and convenience, healthcare providers and staff also reap the benefits of efficient processing.

  Who can take care of your patient scheduling?

The DENmaar Scheduler offers several key features that you should look for when analyzing the quality of a patient scheduling system. The DENmaar schedule may be available to operating staff, but they may not have access to the patient’s complete medical information. This feature helps reduce the risk of any privacy and security breaches.

DENmaar Scheduler is a one-click system for adding, removing, or editing visits, thus reducing the possibility of human error.

Since DENmaar scheduler providers have remote access to their patient portal schedule, it is helpful for them to adjust visits or availability as needed.

How to Handle Claim Denials and Maximize your Reimbursements

It is hard to imagine what the healthcare scene would be like without medical insurance. Medical insurance is, after all, responsible for making health care services accessible to people from all walks of life. That being said, the process that entails claiming insurance and reimbursements can be incredibly frustrating and tedious to undertake with frequent claim denials being a major issue that healthcare organizations and providers face today. 

A claim is said to be denied when a health insurance company refuses to pay the submitted claim. Frequent claims denials can affect the financial health of your healthcare organization. We’ve seen practices dissolve because of decreased revenue triggered by high rates of rejected claims. 

So it is imperative for a healthcare provider or practice to know how to handle claims. This is precisely what we will be focusing on in this article. 

So without much further ado, let’s understand what cause claim denials and how you can avoid or manage them to maximize your reimbursements. 

  Common Reasons for Claim Denials 

The following are some of the most common reasons for claim denials:

• •     Missing or incorrect information
• •     Issues with provider network
• •     Redundant claim
• •     Inaccurate coding of service
• •     Non covered services
• •     No eligibility verification
• •     Delay in filing claims 
• •     Insufficient medical necessity. 

  Preventive Measures you Can Take to Reduce Claim Denials

Like we said before, claim denials can diminish a practice’s revenue. Therefore, it is very important to develop a strategic process to identify what may have caused the situation and address it in time to maximize reimbursements. 

As such, we believe the following preventive measures can help your practice accomplish that without a hassle. 

1. Set up a denial management team

Having a dedicated team that is focused on identifying and resolving claim denials is a great way of handling this problem in an efficient manner. The team can be assigned the role of immediately identifying the cause of a denial, finding a solution to the issue and submitting an appeal on time to make sure the practice isn’t missing out on valuable reimbursements. 

Their purpose would be to investigate each cause of a claim denial systematically in a bid to ferret out the root cause. They can then build a process that makes managing claim denials simple in the future. 

2. Identify and Sort the Cause of Denial

We highly recommend identifying the root cause of a claim denial and then sorting them into groups. There could be a variety of reasons for a claim being denied. It could be missing information, incorrect billing details, or simple eligibility issues. Whatever the reason, your practice needs to document them and your staff must be appropriately trained to avoid these mistakes in the future. 

3. Fast Action

It is recommended to not waste time when you get a notice of claim denial. Instead, you should immediately start working on an appeal that you will submit to make the insurance company reverse their decision. The process of re-submission is a complicated one, and as such, should be undertaken as quickly as possible. 

Not submitting an appeal on time will result in your application being rejected for good while your practice suffers massive revenue losses. 

4. Monitor Your Denial Management Process

Keeping a record of the denials you’ve received, when you’ve received them and the measures you took to address them, will ultimately help you monitor your effectiveness in dealing with such situations. You’ll know if your team is capable of handling denials, what area they are lacking in and if training would help decrease further errors. 

We recommend using visual charts to determine the impact of claim denials on your revenue. You should also work hard to device and implement strategies at every fundamental step of your organization’s revenue cycle. 

5. Outsourcing

Finally, if you find the whole process of handling claim denials overwhelming, you can always reach out to DENmaar to handle it for you. DENmaar specializes in end-to-end insurance credentialing, thus helping providers and healthcare organizations get on an insurance company’s panel. We take care of flawless documentation to make sure your submitted claims are clean, compliant, and have little to no chance of being denied. 

If the claims are denied, we will immediately submit an appeal to make sure your organization isn’t losing out on hard-earned revenue. Outsourcing to DENmaar will also alleviate the burden of credentialing off of your staff, thus freeing them up so they can focus on providing better care to your patients. 

  The Bottom Line

All of the preventive measures we discussed above can help your practice avoid the time-consuming and costly denial management process. In fact, you will be able to handle claims more efficiently if you just identify the core reason behind the denial of claims plaguing your practice and use appropriate preventive measures to tackle them once and for all. 

These preventive measures can be:

• •     Including correct patient information and medical records in your application
• •     Filing claims in a timely manner
• •     Staying updated on changes in the insurance claim process
• •     Training your staff in medical billing and coding
• •     Employing a good EMR (electronic medical recording) system to get access to patient information. 
• •     Verify a patient’s eligibility and insurance before rendering service
• •     Monitor your revenue generation cycle regularly. 

  Need help with claim denials? Contact us at DENmaar now for expert advice and assistance. 

How to Expand Private Practice Using Telemedicine in 2022

Let’s face it, access to healthcare for millions would have been practically impossible if it wasn’t for telemedicine technology. In many ways, people around the world were blessed with the technological benefits of telemedicine, which allowed doctors to consult and care for their patients while adhering to the strict covid-19 protocols that briefly became the new normal in 2020.

Telemedicine presents a convenient way for patients to reach out to healthcare providers through the internet or via a basic phone call. At the height of the pandemic, the use of telehealth was believed to have increased by 78%. This has made many healthcare organizations optimistic about telemedicine’s role in the future of the healthcare industry. 

In fact, experts now estimate that almost $250 billion could be spent on virtual care. Private Practices can learn a lot from this growing trend and benefit immensely by adopting the technology as soon as possible. 

  The Many Benefits of Telemedicine. 

There are countless benefits to adopting telemedicine technology. Some of the most prominent benefits are listed below:

• •     Convenient for both patients and doctors
• •     Access to healthcare for rural areas
• •     Probably lowered premiums as virtual care makes the primary care provider the first point of contact. 
• •     Improved patient outcomes with remote monitoring
• •     Improved access to behavioral healthcare, especially in regions lacking mental health care provisions. 
• •     Transit between home and clinic completely eliminated, thus saving time. 
• •     No long wait times

  How Private Practices can Adopt Telemedicine

Private practices must first determine what services they wish to offer via telemedicine, after which, they should ensure that the service is provided in a simple, convenient, and secure manner. 

1. Securing HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA Compliance can be an ideal starting point for private practices that want to implement telemedicine. This means that typical video conferencing solutions like Zoom and Skype won’t be suitable options as they do not adhere to HIPAA guidelines. Instead, you will have to work with third-party service providers that will develop a secure video conferencing platform specifically for your practice. 

It is imperative to keep patient information safe and secure, which is not possible with free conferencing platforms like Zoom. So security should be your topmost priority when developing a telemedicine solution.

2. Outsource

Private practices won’t have the staff or resources needed to develop a telemedicine solution in-house. As such, it would be wise to find and partner up with a third party like DENmaar to design a telemedicine platform that caters to the needs of your practice. 

3. Testing is Fundamental

Once you have the software to conduct virtual visits, do not jump the shark and start providing virtual care right away. Instead, test the solution thoroughly, preferably by experimenting with your staff to make sure the app is functioning appropriately. These tests will help you identify bugs and defects before the platform has been deployed and give you a chance to fix them. You can seek out the help of your app development partner to polish the platform before it is finally deployed. 

  Employing DENmaar’s Telemedicine Technology

If you run a Private Practice and wish to reap the perks of telemedicine, then look no further than the TeleHealth solution provided by DENmaar to satiate your requirements. Our TeleHealth solution offers a fast and secure method of initiating a teletherapy session with the simplicity of making a phone call. 

Our TeleHealth System is HIPAA compliant, offering a secure means of providing therapy or medical e-prescription writing services to patients with ease and security. You can learn more about our TeleHealth system by contacting us today.

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Why Is E-Prescribing Essential For Providers & Patients

The introduction of e-prescription in 2003 made it a more convenient, cheaper, and safer alternative to prescription for doctors, pharmacies, and patients.

Through electronic prescribing, or ‘e-prescribing,’ healthcare providers can enter prescription information into a computer – such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer – and use special software to transmit prescriptions to pharmacies and connect to transport networks securely.

The adoption of standards to facilitate the electronic prescribing process is a crucial government component in accelerating the adoption of electronic health records and building national health information technology infrastructure.

In short, the goal of increasing e-Prescribing is to improve workflow, increase patient safety, and increase transparency in future drug pricing.

  What is e-prescribing?

Electronic prescribing is a process that healthcare providers use to send prescriptions to a patient’s preferred pharmacy.

There are several benefits to e-prescription software (Rcopia), including simplifying obtaining a pharmacy prescription, dispensing medication, and getting a new refill.

Medical software plays a vital role in the adoption and use of electronic prescriptions, as these solutions contain the necessary tools.

Imagine the challenge for a pediatrician looking at a new patient and deciding what medications they can take, exceptionally if the patient’s parents did not prescribe them ahead of time. In such cases, determining what medications the young patient is taking or what may be allergic to them becomes more complex and dangerous.

Electronic prescriptions are just one condition that describes the immediate benefits of electronic medical records (EMR) software. However, these tools are essential features of the best medical software, offering healthcare providers a detailed look at a patient’s medication history, even if they’ve never seen one before.

In 2019, doctors used e-prescription for controlled and non-controlled substances online at a higher rate than in the previous two years. In addition, online prescriptions for uncontrolled substances increased from 76 percent in 2017 to 86 percent in 2019.

While the COVID-19 epidemic affects patients and providers worldwide, a reliable national health information network has never been more critical.

  EPCS Technology

Many states enacted electronic prescription requirements, meaning that more prescriptions were written electronically, which helped protect patients’ prescriptions from fraud and abuse. Since 2017, the number of electronic prescriptions written has increased.

Furthermore, the introduction and use of Electronic Prescription for Controlled Substances (EPCS) technology aim to help providers integrate prescription information into EHR (electronic health records), which can increase patient safety and help prevent diversion and fraud. ECPS technology can also facilitate doctors’ workflow and reduce the burden on the patient.

  Electronic prescription software options

Some popular software choices for 2022 offer e-prescribing for healthcare organizations without an EMR system. 

Other high-performance companies offer electronically prescribed programs that act as standalone applications or integrate with existing EHR platforms. These tools usually make finding prescription drugs easier, checking patient drug records, and obtaining real-time prescriptions. Most potential adverse reactions and drug tests against known patient allergies are also indicated.

  Best E-Prescription Software

With DENmaar, you would be able to access all the medication information regarding your patient at a button. The medications prescribed in Rcopia (e-prescription software) are pulled into our EHR, and we provide a very intuitive and easy-to-use access to the medication information. The data is extracted in real-time from the Rcopia portal and made available to provide a seamless experience.

  Why is e-prescription essential?

Prevent clerical errors

According to a Food and Drug Administration study, there have been 95,000 prescription errors since 2000. One of the major causes of this problem is that many drugs are similar or have similar spellings. Electronic prescriptions help to illustrate this by showing drug options side by side and allowing providers to customize the prescription of their choice.

Complete the patient’s medical records

The second most important advantage of e-prescription is its data management capabilities. By keeping medical records, other healthcare providers can determine what prescription medications the patient is taking and when their prescription was last filled. In addition, electronic prescriptions can redefine compliance by making it easier for states to track prescriptions in multiple pharmacies and allowing states to integrate them into prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs).

Healthcare provider recommendation tools

Electronic prescribing provides instant information on allergies, drug interactions, and duplicate treatments, providing health professionals with the data and professional intelligence needed to ensure patients receive the proper medication. Electronic prescriptions also include system alerts that notify healthcare professionals about potential drug interactions and repeat treatments. 

A significant additional benefit of e-prescription is time-saving for pharmacy staff who calls to check orders. Moreover, carefully written prescriptions save time for pharmacy staff and doctors.

E-prescription capabilities allow physicians and healthcare professionals to meet all the challenges and make it easier to determine which medications the new patient is taking – even if they do not remember them before the visit.

Nurse Practitioner Credentialing: Why is It Vital for Nurses and Healthcare Organizations?

Credentialing is usually considered to be a process only meant for physicians. This cannot be any further from the truth. In fact, credentialing is equally important for all sorts of practitioners who participate in the provision of patient care, this also includes nurses. There are immense benefits to be enjoyed by a nurse who is credentialed. They can work towards advancing their career with recognized achievements and contribute to their own professional growth.

  What is Nurse Credentialing?

Simply put, the nurse credentialing process involves the verification of an applicant nurse’s certifications and qualifications. This includes reference checks, verification of board-earned certifications, licensure, and educational qualifications, among many other things. This is usually done to ensure a nurse or physician is capable of providing healthcare to their patients.

Read More: Credentialing Process Checklist

Furthermore, it is mandatory for a nurse to be credentialed for a hospital or practice to be able to bill an insurance company or government agency.

  What are the Benefits of Nurse Practitioner Credentialing?

Like we mentioned before, Credentialing is as fundamental for nurses as it is for physicians and equally beneficial. The following benefits await those nurses who are credentialed:

• •     Professional Career Growth
• •     Highlight Unique Skillsets
• •     Helps employers reduce their administrative burden
• •     Assure patients that their nurse is capable of taking care of them.
• •     Give nurses a sense of accomplishment
• •     Display a nurse’s commitment to his or her job.

Certification is an integral part of nurse practitioner credentialing. CEU credits, for instance, are important if a nurse wants to renew his or her license. Nurses are required to acquire certifications, which are specific to the scope of practice they indulge in. This is important if they want to continue pursuing their education or demonstrate their knowledge and skill set. Certifications are indirectly connected to the improved patient outcome as a certified nurse is better equipped with an expanded set of skills to take relatively better care of the patients they are in charge of.

Needless to say, certifications also improve the chances of a nurse getting employed. It increases their perceived value in the eyes of an employer. There is ample evidence throughout history that proves that nurses with credentials are far more likely to get hired than nurses without any certifications. Credentialed nurses are already assumed by hiring managers to possess the ideal knowledge and skill set needed to operate in complex patient care circumstances.

Aside from improving a nurse’s chances of getting hired, credentialing can also help boost a nurse’s average earned income. Certified nurses are believed to earn $10000 more annually than their non-certified counterparts.

This proves how important credentialing is to nurses. As such, it is important they get credentialed to enjoy an easy career ahead. That being said, getting credentialed comes with challenges of its own. The process can be far too time-consuming and frustratingly complex.

  What is the Credentialing Process for Nurse Practitioners?

The credentialing process for nurse practitioners involves the following steps:

• •     Select a certification body and apply
• •     Send required information for verification
• •     Participate in the exam
• •     Get official certification
• •     Go to the state board of nursing to apply for nurse licensure
• •     Wait to receive the licensure for the board of nursing
• •     Apply for a DEA and a controlled dangerous substance certificate
• •     Apply for an NPI number

The applicant or the employer of the nurse should make sure all information submitted for verification is correct and complete. Any missing or erroneous details in the information submitted could result in the application getting rejected.

Unless the credentialing process is complete, the nurse practitioner cannot receive reimbursements for the services they render.

How long does the Credentialing Process take for New Nurse Practitioners?

The credentialing process can take anywhere between two to three weeks.

So as you can see, acquiring primary source verification for all nurse practitioners currently employed can be time-consuming for employers. The excruciatingly long process could result in delayed reimbursements and even delay the on-boarding process of a much-needed nurse to the staff.

This is why it is only wise to let a reputed third-party credentialing service provider handle the task at your behest. This is where DENmaar comes into play. With years of experience, our credentialing specialists at DENmaar can help your hospital and medical practice with the nurse credentialing process from start to finish.

You can explore our website to learn more or contact us now to get in touch with one of our representatives.

What Is Required to Navigate America’s Mental Health Care Crisis?

The demand for mental health services gets increased rapidly. However, with a shortage of psychiatrists, how can we ensure that providers deliver the best possible care to their patients.

The United States is experiencing an increasingly acute mental health crisis. Between 2017 and 2018, one in five Americans had a mental illness, and the epidemic has exacerbated feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. According to Mental Health America, moderate to severe anxiety reached its peak in September 2020, with more than eight out of 10 people showing moderate to severe symptoms at anxiety and depression screening.

The mental health care supply chain is down. More and more people are taking professional care, but it has become harder to get the care they need. They’ve found providers that don’t accept new patients, are out of the network, or just don’t fit.

Today, 37% of the US population lives in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals. For example, there are only 30 psychologists for every 100,000 people compared to 156 primary care physicians for every 100,000 Americans. Moreover, there is a national psychiatrists shortage, but more than half of those who practice therapy accept insurance or Medicaid, making high-quality care prohibitively expensive for many. Because of this lack of access, 60% of adults in the United States do not receive treatment for diagnosable mental illness each year.

The crisis affects all Americans, not just those with mental health symptoms and their loved ones. Mental health symptoms adversely affect physical health, leading to higher costs for insurance companies and employers to care for. For instance, people with the major depressive disorder show a considerable increase in patients compared to the total population.

Examining mental health care deficiencies

There are two major priorities for resolving this crisis: increasing the number of mental health professionals and helping those existing ones to handle their cases better.

The first is a difficult task. It needs an average of eight years of higher education and medical school and four years of residency to become a licensed psychiatrist. Even as new psychiatrists enter the field, more than 60% of psychiatrists are now 55 or older and rapidly retire. The fourth-oldest group in medical specialties will create a potential shortage of 6,000 to 15,000 psychiatrists by 2025.

This deficiency will put more pressure on the practice of psychiatrists. Fifteen-minute visits every three months have become the norm in many places, where there is not enough time to correctly complete the progress record, let alone provide high-quality medical care. The right long-term solution is to enable psychiatrists with technology and appropriate support functions instead of replacing them.

Innovation is needed, not first aid solutions.

There has been tremendous progress in increasing access from the adoption of telemedicine to premium consumer-focused therapy and mindfulness applications over the past decade. However, this is not enough.

Historically, the opportunities for psychiatrists have not presented themselves in a flexible, clinically driven way. High-quality providers are usually only available for hospitalized patients or on an out-of-network basis. Moreover, many find it challenging for 

• Opening a private practice with low reimbursement rates for services
• Handling the burden of coordinating with insurance companies
• Working on the subsequent administrative tasks that follow every day

All the above factors can be stressful for psychiatrists, preventing them from giving remedies to their patients.

A blood test cannot diagnose depression, and psychiatrists do not have the right tools to track their patients’ progress. In addition, psychiatry lacks transparency and data for determining outcomes instead of most other disciplines. Research executed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that almost 60% of psychiatrists do not use an approved electronic health records system, and 40% do not use it at all – meaning they are still writing on paper.

Technology can go a long way in more stressful aspects of managing mental health practices, including billing, insurance, and appointment schedules. But these measures have more potential, allowing providers to gain in-depth insights into their patients, track patient progress, enhance psychiatric practice, and achieve high-quality results.

Against the backdrop of the ever-increasing demand for the services of psychiatrists and mental health providers, it has become critical for providers to provide flexibility in treatment methods.

Who can be contacted to get the best mental health billing?

DENmaar provides an improved patient payment system, staff claim tools and quickly resolves the claim issues. Contact us today to do your credentialing using DENmaar’s psychiatric billing process.

Mental Health Billing vs Medical Billing

Mental health bills differ from medical bills because of changes in mental health care that are not found in primary or specialist care. Here’s how to handle it.

• Mental health bills differ from medical bills due to some of the variables included in the mental health treatment providers.
• For mental health bills, you should familiarize yourself with medical coding, verify patient insurance, and use the appropriate payer form.
• For best results, always check the benefits, store copies of crucial information, take notes when you talk to payers, and start the billing process as soon as possible.
• Mental health professionals look to improve their existing billing process or start accepting insurance and working directly with fee payers.

Mental health care patients usually have one common complaint: Many providers do not have health insurance, which can be expensive without insurance. As a mental health care provider, your approach may be different. You may not accept insurance because the mental health billing process is complex and frustrating.

However, this guide can assist you in understanding the mental health billing process. In addition, improved mental health billing structures come with more capacity for patients using insurance, which means more revenue.

How are mental health bills different from medical bills?

Mental health bills differ from medical bills in the following ways:

Pre-authorization: Payers must pre-authorize mental health services to patients before submitting medical claims. However, a 2019 report found that mental health visits are five times more likely to be out of network than primary or specialist services. Unfortunately, pre-authorization – even if requested promptly – is rare and complicates billing.

Front Office Staff: Medical practices usually consist of administrative staff handling billing and coding, leaving practitioners to focus solely on patient care. This system is less common in mental health care systems. These practices are usually sole proprietorships or small partnerships, meaning they do not have front office staff. Without additional staff, practitioners should handle the billing themselves.

Standardized billing procedures: While primary care physicians often perform the same tests and examinations on their patients, mental health practitioners provide a very diverse and customized service. The recurring nature of primary care means that medical bills are usually ready to go. The opposite is true for mental health care, making billing more complicated.

Creating an excellent standard: Standardizing primary care means that practitioners can easily combine multiple services into one perfect bill. On the other hand, the more diverse nature of mental health services makes it more challenging to create significant bills. The result is a longer and more difficult billing process.

How standardization affects mental health bills

Standardizing services provided is probably the most significant hurdle of the above factors in mental health care billing. Standardization issues arise from how these factors differ from primary or specialist care:

Session duration: Medical billing assumes approximately the same time for each patient – after all, regular blood tests and physical examinations take a long time. However, the duration of mental health sessions can vary greatly. For this reason, mental health billing codes vary based on session length, which is not heard in medical bills.

Daily or weekly service limits: In general, there are no primary or expert level restrictions on how often a patient can be treated. The same does not apply to mental health services. In hopes of standardizing mental health care bills, taxpayers set the maximum number of treatments a mental health patient can receive in a day or week. These artificial roofs can present billing challenges.

Therapeutic method: Cognitive behavioral therapy requires an entirely different CPT code than psychoanalysis. The result is more billing challenges.

The Bottom Line

The billing process can be frustrating and usually leaves a big sigh of relief compared to treating patients. And if you’re worried about not completing the process yourself, the billing features of DENmaar can be invaluable. 

We have assisted many health care organizations in their mental health billing process, thus helping them concentrate on patient care. Call us today! 

The only Physician Credentialing Process Checklist You’ll Need in 2022

Understanding the process of credentialing is simple. It is a process that entails the procurement and verification of information that ascertains whether or not a physician is capable of fulfilling his or her medical obligations. The process is fundamental for everyone involved with the healthcare industry. This includes the practitioners, nurses, and of course, the patients. 

The credentialing process in itself, however, is burdensome, to say the least. A typical credentialing process can take 90 to 150 days to conclude. Hurdles like missing or incorrect information in the applications submitted can result in claim denials, which essentially means you’ll have to undergo the entire process all over again, costing you both valuable money and precious time. 

That being said, you can’t simply ignore the process either. Credentialing is important for a variety of reasons. 

• •     It can help build patient trust
• •     It lowers the risk of medical errors.
• •     It helps medical organizations from losing revenue
• •     It improves a practitioner’s reputation. 
• •     It can help you save costs
• •     It protects healthcare organizations from future lawsuits. 

Needless to say, the credentialing process is too valuable to pass. Yes, it can be uniquely frustrating to perform. However, we believe the following checklist can guide you competently for a smoother credentialing process. 

So without much further, allow us to acquaint you with the only Physician credentialing process checklist you’ll need for a seamless experience. 

  Physician Credentialing Process Checklist

The very first thing to do when starting the credentialing process is to make sure you are always one step ahead. The way to ensure that is by starting as early as possible. With that out of the way, you can begin the process. 

1. Submit the Pre-Application

It won’t take you time to notice or experience how tedious the credentialing process can be. To begin with, you will need to submit a pre-application based on the healthcare facility or insurance network you want to join. It is at this juncture in the process that insurance companies weed out applicants that are not eligible for credentialing. 

This step involves a background check. You will be checked for:

• •     Board Certifications
• •     Criminal Records
• •     Record of disciplinary action taken against you or your practice. 

If any issues arise here, you will be asked to submit further information. If there aren’t any issues, then you move on to the next step. 

2. Submitting the Applications

This step forms the actual meat of the process. You will be required to submit all information possible that vouch for your legitimacy as a healthcare provider. The most fundamental checklist will be as follows:

• •     Transcripts and educational history
• •     DEA registration
• •     Board certification
• •     Medical license
• •     Continual malpractice coverage
• •     Work history
• •     Professional and personal reference
• •     Explanation of gaps in work history
• •     Personal immunization record
• •     Personal health history
• •     CAQH Enrollment
• •     Hospital affiliation

All of the above information must be backed by solid documentation and relevant letters of recommendation. 

3. Receipt Verification

Once the application is submitted, you might feel inclined to take a sigh of relief. However, it will be too early to do so. In fact, we recommend constant follow-ups via call and emails to confirm that your application has been received and is under review. The credentialing board may reach out to you for further information. If that does happen, we recommend submitting the information as quickly as possible. Make sure you have copies of all the documents submitted ready at a moment’s notice. 

The above procedure entails the checklist for a traditional physician credentialing process. Medical practices may need to work with a new checklist to assist them in adding new providers. So if you are someone who runs a medical practice and wants to add a new provider to your staff, then the following checklist is for you.

  Checklist for adding a new provider

1. You will need to provide an updated CAQH profile with a new practice affiliation. Also, make sure the provider’s driving license and DEA are updated with the new state if the affiliation is different from their previous one.
2. The group that will be adding the new provider will be required to supplement a list of payers that they are currently affiliated with. This will include Medicaid HMOs, worker’s compensation, Tricare, Medicare advantage, etc.
3. Update your practice’s CAQH profile and supply tax companies with your Tax ID. 
4. You will be required to submit a new and updated malpractice policy and also update it in your CAQH profile. 
5. You will be required to provide the practice’s primary billing type. This information will be listed on your application with Tax ID. 
6. Mention Medicare’s PTAN that you plan to be included on. This information will be listed on the Medicare application of the new provider linked to your group. 
7. The following Documentation will be mandatory. 
   • •     Professional State License
   • •     Board Certification
   • •     CAQH Login and Password
   • •     PECOS Login and Password
   • •     PLI Certification
   • •     Professional School Diploma
   • •     State Medicaid Login and Password
   • •     Current CV with precise beginning and end date
   • •     Hospital Admitting Privilege
   • •     Certification of completing internships, fellowships, etc.

  The Bottom Line

Credentialing demands a plethora of information from practitioners. So much so that the whole process might feel a tad bit overwhelming. It also counts that all the information you do gather is complete and accurate. The consequences of failing to ensure that can be disastrous. 

So if you are still confused about the process and have no idea what information to carry, then we suggest you give our physician credentialing specialists at DENmaar a call. We are at your service whenever you need us. We’ll assist you with the entire process as well, making sure you make it on a payer’s network without a hassle. 

Contact us now to learn more. 

Provider Re-credentialing – Explained

You would be wrong to assume that the credentialing process is over once a provider has been accepted into a payer’s network. In fact, providers are required to undergo routine screening and license verification to maintain compliance and provide quality care to their patients. This process that involves periodic screening and verification is what we call recredentialing. 

Recredentialing process is done to verify the training and qualifications of a provider and notify healthcare organizations if fraud or abuse is found. Now it is no secret that undertaking the credentialing process is no easy task. It can be time-consuming and burdensome. However, the cost of neglecting the procedure can be much direr. 

Hospitals and similar healthcare organizations are staring at revenue losses in the upwards of millions on litigation, delayed payments, and civil monetary penalties without recredentialing. 

Now that you know how important the process of recredentialing is, we will take a deep dive into the subject to make sure you learn everything there is to know about it. 

So without much further ado, let’s get started. 

Read More on Importance of Medical Credentialing

  How Many Time Does a Provider Need to Be Recredentialed?

The answer to this question will vary from state to state. In most American states, the provider must be credentialed immediately when hired. Later, they must undergo re-credentialing every two years. There are exceptions to this rule, however, as some states like Illinois require providers to be recredentialed every three years. 

To know exactly how often a provider needs to be recredentialed, it would be wise to check state laws and regulations that apply to your healthcare organization. 

  The Initial Requirements for Recredentialing

First and foremost, it is the responsibility of the healthcare organization to notify the doctors and nurses working under them at least 60 days before the recredentialing due date. Providers should be given access to all applications online. Remember, the recredentialing process varies from state to state and can take months to conclude. 

To expedite the process, we recommend keeping the necessary documentation on file. We also suggest preparing organization-specific requirements well ahead of time. If the process is too overwhelming to handle, we recommend you give us at DENmaar a call and our credentialing specialists will be happy to shoulder the recredentialing process on your behalf.

  Information Verified During Recredentialing

A traditional recredentialing process will entail the verification of the following documents:

• •     Drug Enforcement Administration or Controlled Dangerous Substances Certification
• •     State Licenses
• •     Board Certification
• •     Malpractice Claims History
• •     Work History
• •     Recent Malpractice Insurance Coverage
• •     Medicare and Medicaid Sanctions
• •     National Provider Identifier Number (NPI)
• •     State Sanctions and Restrictions on Licensure and Limitations on Scope of Practice. 

  What Happens When an Application is denied?

A provider is notified with a written notice that includes the reason for denial in case their application is rejected by the credentialing committee. Providers have the right to submit an appeal contesting the denial. The provider must request reconsideration in writing within 30 days of receiving a denial. 

The written request must be submitted along with the necessary documents. The reconsideration will be scheduled within 60 days. Remember, the provider has no further option if his or her claim is denied a second time. 

Learn More on How to Avoid Payer Rejection During Enrollment

  Getting Recredentialed Without a Hassle

Issues with recredentialing are more common than you would assume. That being said, there are ways by which you can make sure those issues never arise during your procedure. To begin with, healthcare organizations should maintain evidence of a provider’s application in a secure credentials file. They should also adopt a system that keeps all relevant information current. 

However, the only guaranteed way to make sure you don’t fail with recredentialing is to seek help from credentialing specialists in the industry like DENmaar. DENmaar has been helping healthcare organizations across the United States with credentialing provider enrollment for decades now. As such, we have the talent, resources, and insight needed to handle the complex process of credentialing at the behest of your healthcare organization. 

You can get in touch with us now to learn more about DENmaar’s recredentialing services. 

Best Practices to Avoid Payer Rejection During Enrollment

Getting enrolled into an insurance company’s network isn’t an easy task. Throughout the process, you’ll find that you have very little control over the outcome of the entire proceedings. You’ll find yourself at odds with the insurance companies whose network you so desperately want to join. Chances are that things might not pan out as you’d hoped. 

Payer rejection is a reality that most providers do not want to ever encounter. Sadly, hearing a straightforward ‘No’ from payers after a very lengthy application process is more common than you can imagine. Most of the times providers have no clue what led to the rejection. What exactly went wrong that warranted the denial of an application? You’ll probably never know. 

You can take solace in the fact that you are not the only healthcare provider in America that had to go through this ordeal. Getting paneled is not easy. It isn’t impossible either or as complicated as most people spell it out to be. There are a few steps or measures a provider can take to overcome a denial during enrollment. 

This article will give you a peek at those tips, but first… let’s understand why application denials even happen in the first place. 

  Reasons for Insurance Panel Denials

You have to understand that insurance companies have the ultimate power to set and adjust the number of providers they accommodate into their network. Payers want to save costs for themselves while at the same time trying to fulfill the promise of better healthcare that they’ve made to their enrollees. As such, payers have a plethora of reasons to deny applications. 

They can reject an application because of an error in the application, wrong or missing information, or if the provider doesn’t meet the dictated qualification criteria. Payers may also reject an application if they are currently not accepting providers belonging to a specific demographic.

Read More: Importance of Medical Credentialing

Other typical reasons for payer rejection maybe because of the following:

• •     Failure to meet provider standards as dictated by the payer. 
• •     Over-saturation of a provider type pertaining to a service area or community.
• •     The provider failed to comply with the payer’s conditions of participation.
• •     The provider failed to meet requirements pertaining to out-of-state enrollments. 

  Persistence is Key to Overcoming Payer Rejection

Normally it’s typical of providers to simply give up once their application has been rejected. However, what they aren’t aware of is that they still have time to turn the tides in their favor. There are, in fact, a ton of things you can resort to in a bid to overturn your rejection. We know this can be daunting. As such, we highly recommend hiring a credentialing specialist to advocate at the behest of your case in front of the payers. 

To begin with, try to request a face-to-face meeting or a conference call with the decision-makers to clearly convey your case. Remember, persistence is the key. Do not take ‘no’ for an answer. Reach out to the authorized personnel in the payer’s office to understand why your application was rejected and what you can do to fix the situation. 

You can use LinkedIn to find the right people to talk to. For instance, go to LinkedIn and search employee titles under the payer’s company name. Try to connect with provider management representatives and initiate a conversation with them. 

Most of the time, the reason behind denials has to do with the provider type. In such a scenario, providing more information even though the payers haven’t asked for it can make a lot of difference. Convey the demographic and the patient population you serve as a healthcare provider. This is more important if the demographic is related to any of the following:

• •     Non-English-speaking communities.
• •     Rural
• •     Disabled
• •     Geriatric
• •     Pediatric
• •     Chronic Condition

  Steps to Take for Simple Provider Enrollment

You can try several things to get yourself enrolled successfully on the insurance company’s panel. A few of the things you can try are as follows:

• •     Get letters that convey support from the community you serve. 
• •     Seek a second-level appeal from a decision-maker or manager of the insurance company. 
• •     Suggest a trial period where you will only serve a select number of patients, offering free comparison analysis when that period has concluded.
• •     Make use of a phone instead of email or letters to clearly convey your message. 
• •     Request a face-to-face meeting and set up a conference call. 
• •     Compose a letter that shines a positive spotlight on the services of your practice or clinic. 
• •     Host an in-service visit to help payers better understand your services. 

Learn more on Medical Credentialing Process

Getting paneled with an insurance company is no child’s play. It is an excruciatingly long process with multiple moving parts. One wrong move and you must undertake the entire enrollment process all over again, which can be both time-consuming and costly. As such, it is in your best interest to seek the help of credentialing specialists to guide you throughout the process. 

This is where DENmaar’s provider credentialing services come into play. DENmaar is home to highly qualified credentialing experts that shoulder the responsibility of provider enrollment on your behalf. We do not rest until your place on the payer’s panel is secure. 

To learn more about our credentialing and provider enrollment services, we recommend you contact us today. 

5 Essential Things to Learn About the Process of Medical Credentialing

Medical Credentialing can be defined as a process of verifying whether a healthcare provider is capable of performing his duties. This often complex and long procedure involves checking the credentials of a provider such as his or her education, residency, licenses, certification, training, etc. This makes credentialing a fundamental process, which is undertaken to help medical organizations against revenue losses and patients against poor-quality healthcare.

As such, medical credentialing is integral to the success of a healthcare practice. No healthcare practice, clinic, or hospital can hope to succeed without undergoing the medical credentialing process. 

Regardless of whether you are running an established practice or are new to the game. Credentialing is something we at DENmaar recommend all medical practices take care of as soon as possible. To further convince you about the overwhelming merits of credentialing, we would like to shed light on a few facts about credentialing that every medical practitioner and enterprise should know about.

So without much further ado, let’s look at all of them.

1) Credentialing is Important to Prevent Revenue Losses

As someone running a medical practice, you must understand how important credentialing is to your enterprise’s revenue cycle. It is imperative to get credentialed if you expect to treat each and every patient that crosses the threshold of your medical practice. You have to be enrolled with insurance companies to get reimbursed for the care you provide.

It is highly recommended that new providers wait to treat patients until their credentialing process is complete. Moreover, established physicians themselves cannot treat their patients or receive payments from insurance companies for the care provided if their credentials have lapsed. They will have to wait until their credentials are again approved and verified to expect reimbursement for their services from insurance companies.

So both credentialing and re-credentialing are important to maintain the integrity of a healthcare organization’s revenue cycle. Timely credentialing ensures that a medical practitioner or practice is enjoying an optimal influx of revenue for the care they are providing.

2) Boosting Patient Confidence

As we mentioned before, the most important purpose of credentialing is to assure patients that the doctor and nurses in charge of their medical care are qualified to do their job and thus can be trusted with their care. Credentialing gives patients the peace of mind they need as they essentially put their lives into somebody else’s hands.

With credentialing, patients can rest easy knowing there was a rigorous process involved to verify the merit and experience of the healthcare provider taking care of them. The credentialing process can be a great way to identify deceitful providers and prevent them from defrauding patients.

3) Accuracy is Non-Negotiable with Documentation

Even minor errors during the documentation of your credentialing process can cost you dearly. It is extremely important to be careful when filling in important information that is mandatory for credentialing. There is an extensive amount of paperwork involved, which must all be executed accurately and in a timely manner.

Entering the wrong details, missing out on key information can delay the credentialing process for weeks. Worst case scenario, your application is rejected and you have to go through the entire credentialing process all over again. Suffice to say, this can be extremely frustrating. Hence, we recommend getting the documentation part right on your first go itself.

We also recommend having all the necessary paperwork in place as dictated by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. As such, you will have proof of due diligence and records, which can come in handy in the event of a claim’s denial or audit.

4) Follow-Up and Begin Early

Credentialing is an excruciatingly long process. The entire process can take somewhere around 90-120 days to conclude. So we recommend you start as early as possible to get credentialed in order to start inviting patients to your practice. You can hope to expedite the process by making sure all paperwork is taken care of and all details are filled incorrectly.

Make sure you follow up as frequently as possible with your verification sources. Request them to send you verification responses immediately. Follow-up throughout your credentialing process, right up until your application is approved. Do not stop until you’ve secured your enrollment.

5) Credentialing and RCM Go Hand-in-Hand

As Credentialing can help prevent revenue losses, it is only natural to draw a connection between it and a medical organization’s revenue cycle. Poor credentialing will result in delayed payments, claim denials, loss of revenue, and a number of other issues that harm an organization’s revenue cycle. In other words, credentialing helps keep the revenue cycle running, and as such, should be taken seriously.

The Bottom Line

Credentialing is extremely fundamental and no medical organization or practitioner can afford to ignore it, lest they don’t seek success in the ever-volatile and evolving healthcare industry. That being said, the credentialing process isn’t exactly child’s play. It can be time-consuming and dauntingly complex.

Most practitioners simply do not have the resources, time, or skill needed to handle the process efficiently. Fortunately, this is where we at DENmaar become so valuable. Outsourcing your healthcare credentialing burden to us will help your practice save time and money.

DENmaar is home to a team of credentialing experts who handle all the nitty-gritty details of the credentialing process at your behest, making sure you submit accurate claims and secure your enrollment with insurance companies to start treating patients.

From documentation to frequent follow-ups, we’ll take care of it all. You can contact us today to learn more about DENmaar’s medical credentialing service.

Essential Steps to Follow in Revenue Cycle Management

The revenue cycle is an integral part of any healthcare organization. The absence of an efficient revenue cycle management system could result in a healthcare practice losing thousands of dollars in inpatient payments, reimbursements, and other promising revenue streams. Suffice to say; a healthcare practice cannot hope to survive, let alone thrive, without a robust RCM system.

Understanding the intricacies associated with patient revenue cycle management is fundamental in handling the process efficiently. Just like any other process, RCM also consists of a few vital steps that must be followed diligently for the healthcare organization or practice to succeed. 

Revenue cycle management incorporates the entire revenue cycle, right from appointment to the eventual moment when a patient’s bill is paid in full. So without much further ado, let’s look at the essential steps required to manage revenue cycles effectively and efficiently. 

1 – Pre-Authorization/Verifying Eligibility

The very first step in RCM is registration and pre-authorization. You must gather a patient’s insurance and financial information to proceed further. This step can be improved by implementing fully integrated medical billing tools that facilitate pricing transparency and insurance verification.  

This step can be further improved by having an automated eligibility verification tool in place. The device can help save time by instantly providing insight into how the healthcare organization will be compensated for its services. The device also helps patients by reminding them of their financial responsibility. 

2 – Charge Capture

Charge capture is the second step in RCM, wherein the services rendered to a patient are transcribed into billable charges. This is the moment when a medical billing code is assigned to the claim, thus making it an essential part of claims processing. You can code more accurately by employing credible RCM software that gives you access to imperative coding tools. Accurate coding will result in timely reimbursements. You can also save tons of money on administrative costs associated with claim re-works by simply using a claims scrubbing tool to ensure each claim is coded accurately the very first time. 

3 – Claims Submission and Managing Denials

After you are done with charge capture, the very next step is submitting the claim. Accurately coded claims must be submitted to the payer to ensure timely reimbursements. It is imperative to submit clean claims to prevent claim denials. You can improve this process by employing practice management software. 

With the help of such assistance, you can track your claims in real-time. You can also stop them before they have a chance of being rejected if you believe the submitted claim has issues. Make sure the accuracy rate of your claims is as high as 99% if you seek faster compensation for your services. This can be achieved by implementing medical billing solutions that identify and notify your team of any coding errors in the claim. 

Suppose you can’t afford a practice management software or don’t know how to use it. In that case, you can outsource the RCM process to a reputable vendor who harbors the technology mentioned above and can take care of the claims submission process capably on your behalf. 

If a claim is denied, a billing partner and the right software will help you rectify and resubmit the claim as quickly as possible. 

4 – Payment

The patient’s insurance provider reviews the submitted claim. Once reviewed, the payment will be released to your healthcare organization. You can improve the payment process by implementing a billing solution that allows patients to view and pay their bills via a robust patient portal. The answer can also send scheduled reminders to patients and prompt them to clear their dues as soon as possible. The hired third-party medical billing partner can also help establish quality collection services to ensure payments are on time and complete. 

5 – Reporting

Typically the RCM process is complete once the payment has been recovered. However, it is also essential to have access to quality reports that give insight into the entire revenue cycle management system. These insights can devise strategies to avoid mistakes associated with the RCM process in the future. The reports will help you find out the areas that need improvement in how RCM was performed to ensure you are not losing money. Your billing partner can help you reduce time in A/R by identifying roadblocks in the revenue cycle with comprehensive reporting.  

Outsourcing to DENmaar for Hassle-Free Patient Revenue Cycle Management. 

It is also important to note that managing a revenue cycle can be tedious and time-consuming. Spending hours sifting through patient data can be frustrating for staff members who are also responsible for other healthcare organization or hospital administrative tasks. An overburdened staff can commit errors that ultimately affect the overall quality of an RCM process. 

As such, a fundamental step in revenue cycle management also involves the question of RCM outsourcing. A healthcare organization must decide whether they want to outsource RCM services or take care of them in-house. In hindsight, outsourcing RCM to a reputable medical billing company has proven to be a cost-effective and time-efficient practice that has immensely benefited many practitioners, hospitals, and healthcare organizations. 

Outsourcing is a wise practice to consider if healthcare organizations seek to maximize their profits and drastically reduce the burden of patient revenue cycle management. DENmaar is one such medical billing company with an impeccable reputation when it comes to the rendering of quality RCM services. 

We at DENmaar are insurance billing experts. Together with our robust RCM software makes DENmaar more than capable of not only managing your entire revenue cycle efficiently but also helping your organization succeed with a fully optimized medical billing system. Get in touch with us now to know how DENmaar can help you with your medical billing processes. 

Why Is Medical Credentialing So Important?

Medical credentialing has to be the single most important thing that every healthcare practice and practitioner needs to undertake in the United States. It is a process by which the expertise and qualifications of doctors and nurses are verified. As such, this is one procedure that helps patients trust the healthcare provider of their choice.

Simply verifying a healthcare organization of a practitioner’s credentials isn’t where the merits of the medical credentialing end, though. There is an important financial incentive involved in getting credentialed as well. For instance, most healthcare organizations cannot receive payment for the care offered from insurance companies like Medicare and Medicaid if they do not have medical credentialing.

That being said, we’ve barely scratched the surface trying to explain how fundamental a role medical credentialing plays in the success of healthcare professionals and organizations. There is way more to unpack with medical credentialing when it comes to its benefits. That is what we will try to accomplish today with the help of this article.

We will be looking at all reasons why medical credentialing is vital for hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals in general.

But first… let’s take a brief detour to understand how ancient this ostensibly modern practice is.

History of Medical Credentialing

Medical credentialing isn’t a new concept. Instead, it is somewhat of a tradition that has lasted for centuries in a variety of forms. Its origins can be traced all the way back to 1000 BC. The first-ever medical credentialing process took place in ancient Persia, where the cult of Zoroaster demanded a physician treat three heretics.  If all three survived their treatment, the physician would be qualified to provide care to patients until the end of their life.

We’ve come a long way since then. The process has evolved to become much more regulated. However, the basic gist of the procedure remains the same – to ensure that a doctor or nurse is qualified to administer treatment to patients.

  Reasons Why Credentialing is Important

1. Protecting Patients

As we mentioned, medical credentialing is undertaken to determine whether a practice or healthcare professional is qualified to treat patients. Patient care has always been the core purpose of medical credentialing. The process itself is rather complex and involves verifying a practitioner’s credentials against various relevant data points.

For instance, a practitioner is continuously checked against major publications like Death Master File, Sex Offender Registries, National Abuse Registry, OFAC, and many other sources. A provider can be denied credentialing if their name shows up in any of the above data points. Credentialing can also be denied if a provider’s license has expired or defaulted on their student loans.

Credentialing instills confidence among patients. For example, it would be nice to know that a particular doctor in charge of providing treatment to a child is not a registered sex offender or that a psychologist has the qualifications necessary to provide you with sound advice.

Competency and Performance Reviews are an integral part of the credentialing process. Organizations in charge of this process leave no stone unturned in determining whether a practice or healthcare professionals are worthy of being credentialed. As a result, patients can feel safe going for treatment to clinics and hospitals whose staff are all credentialed.

2. Helps Medical Organizations Prevent Revenue Loss

It is important to note that no insurance company will reimburse a hospital or medical practice if they lack medical credentialing. A medical organization has to first get in-network with insurance carriers like Medicare, Medicaid, etc., to be able to cater to patients with health insurance. A non-credentialed medical organization is not complying with state and federal regulations. This alone can open a can of legal issues (more on this later.)

To put it more succinctly, an insurance carrier will deny reimbursement to a healthcare organization if they hire providers that aren’t credentialed. Furthermore, if a refund has already occurred and it is later revealed that the provider did not possess medical credentialing, they will be hit with fines and civil monetary penalties. Therefore, a healthcare organization must make sure a provider’s credentials are verified upon hire. Not doing so only leaves the practice open to a severe financial hit down the line.

Read More: 5 Things to Learn about Medical Credentialing Process

3. Medical Credentialing Helps Providers Avoid Lawsuits

In a lawsuit, Medical Credentialing has proven to serve as a cover protecting healthcare organizations. For instance, the first thing the law will consider when examining a lawsuit against a healthcare practice is whether or not it complies with state and federal regulations. If a medical practice follows best practices and possesses staff with the necessary accreditations and qualifications, the organization is more likely to imprint a good impression on the Justice System.

On the other hand, if a healthcare organization faces medical negligence and patient endangerment charges, its providers are excluded from medical credentialing. As a result, there is no way to win a lawsuit. Moreover, losing the lawsuit won’t be the worst thing that happens to the practice. The organization’s reputation will be destroyed in the media, leading to serious patient mistrust.

  The Bottom Line

Medical credentialing does a lot more than just verifying healthcare professionals’ legitimacy as you learn for yourself. Medical credentialing is such an integral part of our healthcare system today that no healthcare practice can thrive, let alone survive, without undertaking the process.

That being said, the credentialing process isn’t exactly child’s play. It can be complex, time-consuming, and overwhelming to undertake. Fortunately, we at DENmaar take care of the often excruciating credentialing process. Our credentialing specialists ensure you have error-free paperwork ready to help you get in-network with insurance carriers as quickly as possible.

Over the years, we’ve helped many healthcare organizations with their credentialing tasks, thus providing them with more leeway to focus on patient care and other core areas of their practice.

Contact DENmaar now to learn more about the medical credentialing process and how we can help your practice.

Impact of AI on Medical Billing and Coding

By Healthcare Tech Outlook

For virtually all of the significant health IT vendors, using AI to understand a customer’s behaviors, predict their expectations, and show the correct data at the right time is a top priority.

FREMONT, CA: For several, it is hard to envision the future of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) era. How does this technology accelerate the business cycle and affect healthcare back-office day-to-day work? It is unknown when AI will be the industry norm at this stage, but there is some speculation about potential advantages that AI can soon bring.

AI Will Simplify Workflows for Medical Billing

Deep learning of the users’ interaction with Electronic Health Record (HER) and billing applications may have the most critical effect on a medical biller’s everyday life. For virtually all of the significant health IT vendors, using AI to understand a customer’s behaviors, predict their expectations, and show the correct data at the right time is a top priority. The ability to retrieve and manipulate information instantly has the power to significantly minimize labor spent on manual billing activities and allow workers to make smarter choices about the next steps to overcome denials.

Enhanced Medical Coding Precision

Its capacity to analyze text and the spoken word would be a core feature of AI. For procedures and diagnosis, systems can learn the language and assign specific codes. After code set updates, this functionality will have a profound effect to ensure the correct codes are used and paperwork is compliant, reducing the change that arises with updates to coding. If AI had been included, think how much simpler the transition from ICD-9 (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision) to ICD-10 (Tenth Revision) would have been.

Immediate Pre-Authorizations

Its capacity to draw assumptions and forecasts will be one of the most critical facets of AI. It can take hours now, or even days, to get a payer’s pre-authorization. Future systems will interpret clinical data from a patient and assess the medical need of treatment within a few seconds. The good news for medical billers is that an automated mechanism will verify that authorization has been received and its related data collected, significantly minimizing (or eliminating) pre-authorization denials due to the absence of an authorization number.

    Clinical Data

Webinar: Collaborative Care in Behavioral Health

Nearly one in five adults in the United States is affected by one or more mental health conditions. Unfortunately, for those living with common mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety, care is rarely coordinated across the entire care team to yield long-term improvement and mental health outcomes.

Join our webinar to explore the unique challenges in managing behavioral health and the benefits that collaborative care can deliver to your customers.

Collaborative Care: The New Model for Solving the Challenges of Fragmented Care in Behavioral Health

Wednesday, February 24, 2021 |12:00 – 12:30 PM EST

Save My Seat

Our host, Colin Banas, MD, MHA, Chief Medical Officer of DrFirst will cover:

• •     The importance of uniting the care and family team (CFT)
• •     The necessity of marrying care collaboration with telehealth in a single, complete, and secure platform
• •     The operational, administrative, and clinical efficiencies that will save your clients time and money

Register Now

Colin Banas, MD, MHA,
CMO Medical Officer, DrFirst

Filling Up Your CAQH Profile without Issues

Getting on insurance panels requires one very crucial step. We are of course talking about CAQH registration. A provider needs to complete his CAQH profile to even entertain the idea of getting onto an insurance panel.

CAQH aka council of affordable quality healthcare is a program that allows insurance companies to use a single application system for all kinds of credentialing. Today, over 900 clinics, health plans and healthcare organization are estimated to be using it. They require a practitioner to complete their CAQH profile by filling up the CAQH attestation form mandatorily in order to submit their application.

The process although very simple in its premise, can be a little confounding for some to follow. That’s why we have decided to guide you through the entire process to avoid any room for doubts, so you can have a hassle free credentialing experience.

1 – Getting a CAQH Number

Many start their credentialing process before even approaching the CAQH profile. Chances are high that your insurance company is already using CAQH. You can check the list of participating organizations on the CAQH website to confirm this. If a particular company is using CAQH, then they send you a CAQH id number, probably in a letter via mail. You should wait for at least 2 weeks to ensure your application is received by the panel. If you still don’t receive it, then it’s time to give your insurance company a call.

Alternatively, you can choose to register yourself on the CAQH website. As such, you will receive your CAQH number via email. Do not lose this number as you will need it throughout the credentialing process. You need it to fill up your application and re-attest your information.

2 – Have all your information ready

The CAQH process is tedious and time consuming. Nobody expects you to finish it in one sitting as it can literally remove hours from your life. One way to speed up the process however is to make sure you have all the information and material you will need for processing ready.

Here’s a list of all the things you’ll need before you start filling up the CAQH attestation form

• •     Personal information
• •     Education and training information’
• •     Practice location information with certification, address, contact detail, practice type etc. mentioned
• •     Board certification
• •     Disclosure of malpractice history
• •     Malpractice insurance information
• •     Work history

And the materials you’ll need are as follows

• •     Resume
• •     State licenses
• •     Malpractice insurance policy
• •     UPIN, NPI and other ID numbers
• •     DEA certificate (if necessary)
• •     CDS certificate (if necessary)

Make sure all your information is accurate. Your resume should be formatted with the correct date format, which is MM/YYYY, and there should be no gaps in employment. Failure to abide by any of the above requirements can lead to the rejection of your application. So do not rush into your application. Take your time to make sure everything is in order. Remember, errors can cost you way more time and money. Finally, you need to have scanned copies of all the required material in handy as you will be required to upload it.

3 – Start Working on Your Profile

Once you have all the information you need, it’s time to start completing your CAQH profile. We recommend you only undertake this task online. Doing this physically means tackling a dozen pages long application form that only prints correctly in color and cannot be transferred conveniently without a data entry professional to assist you.

Like we said before, you simply cannot complete the profile in one sitting. So take your time, save your progress and continue later. Once you’ve finished the profile click ‘next’. The website will ask you to verify your information once and ask you to attest whether all the information you provided is accurate.

Once you attest, you will receive a message that your profile is complete. Once you’re done, you have a choice to make. You need to make a decision as to who gets to access your profile, whether you will allow any insurance company that exhibits interest in having you on your panel, or choose manually which insurance company gets to see your profile and which company doesn’t.

In our opinion, the first option is the best as it will open you to more possibilities of being invited on multiple insurance panels. Make sure to never lose your application information as you will be required re-attest to the information once in a while, or on a quarterly basis. Respond to the request to re-attestation quickly as not doing so can result in insurance companies refusing to pay your claims.

The Rising Popularity of Telemental Health Services in Modern Times

What constitutes the best medical billing software for mental health services? Is it an excellent user interface? Or Is it the ability to perform all tasks like scheduling, appointment booking, tracking payments, and billing automatically? Ask this question to a mental health practitioner, and the answer would be all of the above.

And why not? Why not have software that is not only easy to use but also relieves doctors and practitioners from the hassles of everyday billing and payments.

Keeping this frustration in mind, DENmaar set on a journey to bring the mental health industry a medical billing software that would work to rid mental health practitioners of their payment-related hassles. Our billing software comes with an easy to comprehend user interface that would fit right in with your daily medical choirs.

With a hard-earned reputation, DENmaar specializes in professional and facility billing for insurance claims and patient responsibility. Our clients receive our RCM and Mobile apps to easily create charges, which we later submit to insurance and bill patients. All associated expenses are included when used with our insurance billing services.

DENmaar’s fully automated and highly advanced software was developed to bring our clients the benefits of both professional and institutional billing. State of the art insurance claims processing will keep organizations and providers ahead of the game with automated eligibility verification, claims status updates, claims rejections and denial resolution processes.

Our system also allows for the tracking of your claim status. If due to some unfortunate circumstances, your claim does get rejected and denied, then our experts are at your service to take the necessary actions needed for the approval of your claim.

  What makes DENmaar’s Medical Billing Software Special.

Improved Patient Payment System

DENpay is HiPAA compliant and integrates a Virtual Terminal within our RCM to create a conveniently seamless way for patients to make their payments. For providers, it automates the entire payment tracking system and reconciling patient payments. Patients can safely store credit cards and balances automatically billed. Other payment options include emailing a blind statement requesting payment or making a payment with our patient apps. Statements may also be mailed by clicking a button, no printing or stuffing envelopes. How much does this patient payment system cost our clients? $0 It is included as a complimentary feature when using our insurance billing services.

Claim Issues Resolved

Claims which have been denied and rejected are immediately followed up on by DENmaar’s team. We leave no room for such claim issues to occur. Each account has a dedicated Claims Resolution Specialist, a Credentialing Specialist, and an Onboarding Specialist to handle adding insurance panels for billing. That is why DENmaar has a very high first-time claim submission pass through. Payments come in a timely. This allows for cash flows to be maximized, thus making an organization witness its highest revenue generation period.

Staff Claim Tools

All of our software modules, provider and patient apps include Intake and Assessment forms, Wiley Treatment Planners and Notes, Telehealth, Electronic Prescription and EMR, Scheduling, Eligibility Verification. Service accounts may use any or all of our features, we provide it as a complimentary product. Our system is cloud based, making transitioning to our platform a breeze.

  Choosing DENmaar

DENmaar has been working in the behavioral health industry since 2008 and understands the challenges of a practitioner engaged in within the specialty. Our medical billing software was designed and constructed keeping mental health medical billing in mind. By utilizing our own proprietary RCM system for claims processing we ensure continual advancement in this important financial area. The additional clinical tool for both therapists and medical doctors is a unique feature not typically found in a therapy notes product. We believe we are positioned well now and in the future and would like to take hard working mental health providers with us as we work together to serve the needs of an increasingly needed medical service.

How to Set Up Patient Payment Centers to Handle Self Pay Patients

Even as the Affordable Cares Act gains momentum, many Americans still don’t have access to health insurance. There can be a number of reasons for such a plight. It can be because patients simply cannot afford to purchase health insurance, or they simply fall through the cracks because of residing in states like Florida who didn’t expand on their existing healthcare plan.

As such, self-pay patients are becoming more common. However, many can’t find themselves proper care as practitioners are still reluctant in accepting self-pay patients or don’t have patient payment centers that undertake such practice. So to encourage doctors to accept more patients of such nature, we are going to explore some tips and tricks that can help doctors accept self-pay patients with ease.

But first, let’s understand the reason behind the reluctance of so many doctors in accepting self-pay patients.

The Issues with Self Pay 

It is estimated that approximately 81 percent of revenue collected from patients is never really recovered when it is self-paid.  Add to this woes, almost 30 percent of patients are said to default on their bills. 

Keeping these figures in mind, it is not difficult to understand why doctors are reluctant. Enabling Self-pay sure seems like a recipe for disaster for the functioning of any healthcare organization. However, there are effective ways to ensure there is a perfect patient payment plan in place to avoid the above scenarios of loss.

Establishing an Efficient Policy

Before accepting self-pay patients, it is highly imperative to have some formal payment policies in place. This will protect doctors from losses and payment defaulters. There are 4 factors that must be considered while establishing this policy.

1 – Insurance Co-pays

Set up the office to accept both cash and credit payments, as patients are responsible to fulfill their own co-pays anyways.

2 – Referrals

Referrals are required by insurance companies to recommend patients with specialists they should visit. It forms a big aspect of the primary care providers business.

3 – Payment Responsibility

Providers should set up convenient patient payment centers to allow patients with as much convenience as possible in making payments. Introduce the option of online bill payment to ensure bills are paid on time.

4 – Past Payments

Have a policy to ensure collection of past dues, not a single outstanding payment should be allowed to slip through the cracks.

Creating a formal payment policy will ensure each of these 4 problems are taken care of efficiently. The payment policy should be available on your practice’s website or in print hanging in your practice premises wherever it is visible to your visitors.

Does your Self Pay Patient have hidden healthcare coverage?

Many self-pay patients are opting to pay from their own pockets because they don’t have healthcare coverage. Check their records thoroughly for any past healthcare benefits they can exploit. Also, most self-pay patients do not remain the same as time progresses. They might opt for a health insurance program because they could probably afford healthcare now.

Implement a comprehensive healthcare insurance checklist to ensure a patient isn’t paying more than what he is required to, and that you as a provider are getting paid correctly and on time.

The Bottom Line

As you can tell by now, self-pay patients enjoy a bad reputation in the healthcare industry. However, they are also humans and in need of health care. Care providers can ensure flexible payment options, and clearly communicated payment policies to ensure patients receive the care they need, and providers get paid for the services rendered. Providers can state in their policies that payment is due when services are rendered, thus automatically setting a deadline for payment of dues.

Benefits of Telehealth Technology for Hospitals

We know how important Telehealth technology has been in transforming health care. We know of the benefits it offers to both Patients and Providers alike. Some of which are as follows

• •     Improved Access to Healthcare
• •     Cutting Wait Time
• •     Making Health care affordable

Individuals are already taking full advantage of this revolutionary technology. They have mobile apps installed in their smartphones, and wearables on their wrist or shoulders to track their fitness. We know of the benefits that patients can have with telehealth. However, what are the benefits of telehealth on hospitals, clinics and other healthcare organizations.

In this article, we look at some of the benefits that hospitals and other healthcare organizations can enjoy by using Telehealth technology.

  The many uses of Telehealth Technology on Healthcare Institutes and Organizations

Increased Revenue

Access to healthcare, for many American even today, is extremely challenging. Factors like transportation, distance to a nearby clinic etc.  all play an important role in being hurdles for the proper access of healthcare. This can be even more inconvenient in cases of senior citizens or people with disabilities.

These individuals can barely make it to a clinic or hospital for proper care. However, with the help of telehealth technology, doctors and other practitioners can still schedule appointment and consult them live via a videoconferencing or live video tool.  So, these individuals, who would normally have never become a part of client base, can now become your most valuable clients, thanks to Telehealth.

The same rationale applies to people who don’t have access to healthcare due to them residing in rural or remote regions. They too can be catered to with the help of telehealth technology.

Greater Visibility

It is widely estimated that most people prefer telehealth over physical visits. According to a study done by American Well, it was found that over 65 percent of patients want to see their doctors over video. 

The rendering of virtual visits, mHealth apps, and remote patient monitoring solutions, a healthcare organization can attract positive media attention. Positive media attention, then eventually leads to new clients. 

Reducing Readmissions

Telehealth technology like RPM solutions can help keep tabs on patients who are considered high-risk. With the help of real-time patient data being provided by this technology, care teams can act immediately before the patient’s condition worsens. 

Hospitals are always seeking reduced readmission rates, more satisfied customers and avoiding penalties for subpar healthcare. A robust telehealth technology can help you accomplish that. 

Increasing Productivity

Hospitals and Healthcare institutes are busy places. As such doctors and nurses have a lot on their plate, and are constantly on their toes. Telehealth, by imbuing efficiency into the overall functioning of a hospital helps in boosting the productivity of their staff.

Telehealth helps patients schedule their own appointments, which means this burden is alleviated from the shoulders of the staff. Mobile communication also enables staff to collaborate effectively with each other. With so many mundane tasks taken care of, the staff can focus better on their patients. 

Better training

The science of medicine undergoes perpetual evolution. As such, people who practice medicine need to be constantly educated and informed of the developments in the world of healthcare. However, this can be very expensive. Some training programs charge exorbitantly high registration fees.

Thankfully, video conferencing technology today can help physicians attend training sessions remotely from the comfort of their own abode, without spending a ton of money. Virtual reality training solutions are also becoming very popular nowadays. They allow physicians to observe recorded surgeries from multiple angles and undergo simulation that offer hands-on experience to learn new techniques and procedures.

  DENmaar’s TeleHealth Services

At DENmaar, our telehealth solution offers both patients and providers with a communication technology that allows the access and management of health care services from homes of patients or the practices of doctors.  This tele-conferencing feature allows practitioners to attend to their patients, on their computer screens, where-in they can consult and serve their clients without having to make them wait in their clinics or making them transit long distances. 

All you have to do to access our feature, whether you are a provider or patient, is to sign up to our app and avail our telepsych feature.

The Present and Future of Telehealth Mental Health Care in the Workplace

The ongoing coronavirus crisis has already galvanized people into self-isolation. The isolation has already resulted in great stress among individuals across the US. Over 16 million Americans are estimated to be suffering from some form of depression; this number is likely to go up as the pandemic wreaks havoc on the streets.

As a result, many workers today are relegating to their employer provided mental health plans, widely encouraged by the employers themselves. They have realized the gravity of the disruption caused on their employee’s normal way of life, and how it can lead to unfathomable stress. There has also been a significant increase in the number of therapy sessions. 

Telehealth in Workplace

Telehealth Mental health platforms like Ginger have noticed a rise in their user base as well. This shows that employees are now turning to telehealth technology to find reprieve from their mental health problems. Glass – a company that deploys their tool to help users find behavioral health practitioners have reported a 25% increase in their client base. Modern health –  a virtual mental health app, on the other hand, has reported a 50 % increase in their user base. 

Headspace, a popular meditation app has also found a substantial increase in their users. They say that meditation on their app has become 13 times more often than any previous month. Headspace’s user base is mostly filled with Google and LinkedIn employees. Taking advantage of this opportunity, they have proceeded to create a free content hub to provide guided meditation and mental health exercises as the global lockdown continues. 

So as you can see, many telehealth apps are experiencing feats of success that they never dreamed of achieving. Addressing mental health has become a priority amongst businesses, who really want their employees to sail through these troubled seas without any problems whatsoever. Employees too, are relying on the available technology and programs in unprecedented numbers. Although mental health program existed before the pandemic hit, it had never been as popular as it is now.

Many Employers are actively encouraging users to take advantage of the EAP resources at the disposal of their employees. It is in times of such anxiety and uncertainty that behavioral health practitioners like counselors and psychiatrists are needed. However, with social distancing in effect, it is impossible to attend therapy sessions. This is precisely why Telehealth has come out as such a champion.  

Employers understand how crucial their staff’s mental health is. In times where conference, meetings and other office practices have halted, mental health care has become a need of the hour for employees to maintain their productivity.

It is estimated that people with mental health issues report 20% drop in their productivity. Companies have no choice but to think about the safety and wellbeing of their employees. Apart from work, the desire for some form of human connection has also lead to such technology gaining momentum, thus helping users connect with their loved ones.

 The Future of Telehealth Mental Health Care

Many epidemiologists have delivered warning signs of a yearlong fight with the novel coronavirus. In other words the virus is here to stay. In such a scenario, the work cannot be halted for an extended period of time. People will need to learn how to live with the crisis, and as a result people will need constant counseling. Thankfully, telehealth has never as advanced as it is today. With telehealth, you can rest assured your bread and butter continues while taking care of your mental health. Yes, the virus is here to stay, but so is the omniscient presence of telehealth.

DENmaar’s TeleHealth Services

At DENmaar, our telehealth solution offers both patients and providers with a communication technology that allows the access and management of health care services from homes of patients or the practices of doctors.  This tele-conferencing feature allows practitioners to attend to their patients, on their computer screens, where-in they can consult and serve their clients without having to make them wait in their clinics or making them transit long distances. 

All you have to do to access our feature, whether you are a provider or patient, is to sign up to our app and avail our telepsych feature. 

The Popularity of Telehealth in Behavioral Health Care

We’ve come a long way since the early days of telehealth. With constant advancements, innovations, and updates in technology, Telehealth has become relatively potent as opposed to its beginning years. Its relevance has been proven even more fundamental, owing to the current pandemic.

Read More: How to Expand Private Practice Using Telemedicine

Almost all healthcare practices, organizations, and professionals are now implementing technology to not only provide consistent care to their clients but also ensure their practice remains open for business. This is especially true for the behavioral health care sector as well. The implementation of Telehealth in Behavioral health has made mental health care better, more cost-effective, and less stigmatized.

Telehealth’s major selling point has always been its accessibility. It can be a tool that transcends socio-geographical barriers to ensure better care is delivered on time whenever needed. Rural areas have greatly benefited from Telehealth.

    How is Telehealth used in Behavioral Health?

Most behavioral health practices are aligned with psychiatry, counseling, and cognitive tests, there is barely any physical involvement in the rendering of behavioral health care. As such Telehealth and behavioral health go hand in hand. Behavioral professionals can still deliver efficient care via a mobile device with the help of telehealth.

Moreover, treating mental health with telehealth is easier, and cheaper as treatment is rendered in a virtual ambiance. There is also a stigma around mental health treatment, which dissuades many individuals from coming forward with their woes. It is estimated that about 42 million Americans have anxiety disorders, and at least 16 million are suffering from some form of depression. Telehealth, by providing a virtual incentive, helps patients get proper mental health care comfortably.

There are multiple research materials claiming that mental health issues come with medical comorbidity. For individuals who deal with multiple conditions like hypertension and depression at the same time, they can get the answers to their queries from a single virtual point, thus allowing for better access to care.

There are other incentives to telehealth as well. Patients no longer have to wait in long lines with patients who might carry contagious flu, which is one of the reasons why telehealth’s stock is up nowadays. There is also no long-distance travel, especially for residents of rural regions. There was a time when rural residents had to traverse on overnight journeys just to see a doctor. Telehealth has changed that.

The adoption of telehealth is already showing results in the behavioral space. According to the popular telehealth service Teladoc’s own research, practitioners have seen an impressive improvement in the mental health of their clients using telehealth. They have reported a 32% reduction in depression symptoms, a 31% reduction in anxiety, and a 20 percent reduction in stress.

DENmaar’s TeleHealth & Medical Billing Services

At DENmaar, our telehealth solution offers both patients and providers with a communication technology that allows the access and management of health care services from homes of patients or the practices of doctors. This teleconferencing feature allows practitioners to attend to their patients, on their computer screens, where-in they can consult and serve their clients without having to make them wait in their clinics or making them transit long distances.

All you have to do to access our feature, whether you are a provider or patient, is to sign up to our app and avail our telepsych feature.

Providing Telehealth in Nursing Homes during the COVID-19 Pandemic

So, what are the challenges facing telehealth in nursing homes?

Our older generation is more vulnerable to the novel coronavirus crisis. The stats and figures coming out from many severely affected regions around the planet have made it crystal clear. The symptoms are extremely dire in our elder community. This means nursing homes and other old-age care facilities are also facing significant risks.

Nursing homes are already taking precautionary measures like banning visits, canceling recreational activities, etc. to ensure the elders in their care are safe from this deadly virus. However, this may cause further problems. Isolating the elders from the outside world and canceling their recreational activities can take a heavy toll on their mental health.

Thankfully, psychologists and behavioral practitioners are considered essential workers and can render their services via an array of telehealth technology at their disposal. Medicare and Medicaid services are already allowing psychologists and other behavioral practitioners to use video conferencing tools such as Skype, Zoom, etc. to provide care to our elder community.

Now getting Telehealth to work in such facilities can be extremely challenging. Many clients do not have their own personal devices. Plus, a psychologist also needs to seek cooperation from nursing home staff who are already exhausted due to the ongoing crisis.

There are certain tips and methods that can be employed, to make sure care is provided to the elderly in the confines of their nursing homes or institutes. In this article, we will be exploring some of those tips.

So without much further ado, let’s look at a few tips that can make the Telehealth process run smoothly for nursing home staff and residents alike.

Tips for Smooth Functioning of Telehealth Process

Establish an Onsite Telehealth Liaison

Assign one staff member from the nursing home with the task of setting up and transferring telehealth devices from one client to another. Make him in charge of making sure everybody gets their time on the device. While executing this task, the staff member should ensure that all infection control protocols are being followed diligently.

Contact Staff

Reach out to your point of contact in the Tele-health facility, and collaborate with them to establish a comprehensive telehealth service plan. Check whether the facility has an appropriate device to deploy telehealth services, or whether you would be required to provide it to them. Find out whether they already have a telehealth program being used in association with other medical providers, and ask whether you can jump on-board with them.

Be Flexible with Your Schedule

Practitioners who render telehealth services daily are bound to be exhausted or overburdened by sessions. Conducting sessions across multiple platforms in one day may seem reasonable to neuter the stress of rendering care. Catering to six patients over a period of three hours is more efficient than catering to 10 in an 8-hour shift. This will allow reprieve for both the practitioner as well as the telehealth liaison. So it is wise to consider lesser sessions per site.

Educate the Staff

The nursing staff is present in nursing home facilities to take care of the daily needs of their elderly residents. As such they may not be well versed with understanding mental health needs. So it becomes the responsibility of a practitioner to inform and educate the nurses on the essential nature of mental health care. Explain to them how loneliness, anxiety, fear of the virus can lead to complications of mental health in their residents. Make sure you appreciate them for upholding the fundamental principles of telehealth technology as you need to build an amicable relationship with them. This is all necessary for the telehealth process to work effectively.

Think on Your Feet

We can assume that most residents of nursing homes do not have their own personal devices. This makes rendering of telehealth services all the more challenging. Therefore it is essential for practitioners to think on their feet to ensure these barriers are surpassed without a problem. If the facility you are working with does not possess such technology, then go ahead and provide them one yourself. For residents that do have their own telephonic devices, simply note down their number and connect with them directly via any teleconferencing tool like Skype and Zoom.

Inform the Site about Medicare’s Telemedicine Facility Fee

Medicare administrative personnel have lifted requirements to bill an originating facility fee for conducting telehealth sessions. The facility is now allowed to bill facility fees for the duration of the ongoing public health emergency. So the originating facility is now eligible for payments of originating site facility fee, which is independently billable under Medicare Part B.

The fee can easily cover payment of an hourly rate employee, who can be used to deploy and manage telehealth services in such institutions. Inform the sites of this benefit, and it will make your job of getting telehealth care available in such facilities a tad bit easier.

Funding

You can always consider funding a telehealth program in such facilities by applying for finance for technology and telehealth devices under the CARES ACT. Nursing facilities are already eligible for funding under this act, so why not exploit it for the greater good.

The Future of Telehealth Nursing amidst a Pandemic

As you can see, being more engaging and understanding of the regulations around telehealth in nursing facilities can make the implementation of telehealth easier in LTC sites. 

As the crisis reaches its zenith, the need for telehealth only becomes more and more prevalent. We have to assume that the threat of this pandemic won’t be over soon. Therefore reliance on telehealth technology might very well become a norm. 

As a psychologist or mental health practitioner, you should do everything in your power to ensure the elderly get the care they need pertaining to mental health. The above tips ensure you do just that.

DENmaar’s TeleHealth Services

At DENmaar, our telehealth solution offers both patients and providers with a communication technology that allows the access and management of health care services from homes of patients or the practices of doctors. This teleconferencing feature allows practitioners to attend to their patients, on their computer screens, where-in they can consult and serve their clients without having to make them wait in their clinics or making them transit long distances.

All you have to do to access our feature, whether you are a provider or patient, is to sign up to our app and avail our telepsych feature.

How Conventional is Online Child Therapy

Most folks have a very Hollywood image of what psych therapy or counseling is. They picture adults talking to their psychiatrists while resting on large couches or laid-back comfortably on sofas. However, there is so much more to that concept. Today online therapy has successfully replaced physical consultations, thanks to conferencing via smartphones and computers.

Therapy, however, is equally common if not more frequent with children. Many parents are reasonably cynical about signing up for online child therapy or counseling. They have doubts on what impact it might have on their child.

To clear the air around the topic, we will look at how exactly online child therapy works its pros, cons, and its implications on the future of therapy.

So How Does Online Therapy works

Thanks to the advancements in technology, there are many licensed practitioners and behavioral experts who conduct child therapy online. The process is similar to the treatment they would have received in physical sessions.

These appointments usually take place via video, live chat, phone, or simple messaging. Smartphones, tablets, computers are all effective players in the dissemination of therapy. If there are parents involved, then the therapist may request parental input into the matter affecting their child. Parent-child online therapy sessions may be conducted to find out more about the child’s history or history of the mental illness in the family.

Treatment options are discussed, once a thorough assessment of the child is conducted. Rest assured there is confidentiality between the practitioner and the parents regarding the diagnosis of the child.

The most popular form of Online Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most popular therapies provided online today. It helps individual practitioners identify and change destructive thoughts in children. Researches have proven that online sessions are just as effective in conduct as their physical counterparts. 

There are many other therapies as well that are equally important but cannot be provided online. Play therapy (Used to express emotions and act out situations) for example, cannot be done without physical presence.

Similarly, Sand tray therapy and other such interactive therapies are better performed in-person rather than online.

The Pros of Online Child therapy

• •   Kids can meet their therapists from the comfort of their homes
• •   Kids already comfortable with technology will find online therapy no big deal.
• •   Appointments can be scheduled more conveniently, according to the convenience of both the therapist as well as the child
• •   Online therapy is more accessible, reaching out to rural areas as well
• •   Online therapy is cheaper than its counterpart

Cons

• •   Technological problems can hinder the delivery of seamless therapy
• •   Parents may feel as If they are being left out
• •   Online therapy isn’t appropriate for all conditions, Therapies like Play therapy, sand tray etc. can only be delivered with in-person intervention.
• •   Online therapists might reject insurance

The Bottom Line

Online therapy provides children with a much more convenient way to communicate with their therapists. Depending on the child age, preferences and needs, a child can be allowed to communicate to his/her therapist in a way that best suits them.

Response to online therapy for children is quite mixed today. While some reports are positive, others claim that their experience was too impersonal. So while some children may struggle, others find it easier to cope with the technology. It depends and varies according to the conditions of the children.

DENmaar’s TeleHealth Services

At DENmaar, our telehealth solution offers both patients and providers with a communication technology that allows the access and management of health care services from homes of patients or the practices of doctors.  This teleconferencing feature allows practitioners to attend to their patients, on their computer screens, where-in they can consult and serve their clients without having to make them wait in their clinics or making them transit long distances. 

All you have to do to access our feature, whether you are a provider or patient, is to sign up to our app and avail our telepsych feature.

The Many Fundamental Applications of Telehealth Technology

As the world struggles to recover from the tragedy of an ongoing pandemic, Telehealth technology has emerged as a critical messiah that is not only helping save lives but is also determined to save our way of life pertaining to the impending economic crisis.

Telehealth technology has allowed patients to continue availing healthcare, while simultaneously making sure practitioners and their clinics stay operational and financially viable as the world faces an uncertain future in lockdown.

What is Telehealth technology?

Telehealth can very simply be defined as technology that facilitates the delivery of health care, health information and health education via remote technologies like computers or mobile phones. Telehealth provides patients with the tool to consult with their doctors from the comfort of their respective abodes. If recent times are taken into consideration, it allows for face to face communication without compromising on the concept of physical distancing. 

The Benefits of Telehealth include:

• •   Making Healthcare accessible for rural and isolated communities.
• •   Access to behavioral and other medical specialists
• •   Making services available for communities and people with limited mobility, or transportation options
• •   Improved communication between doctors and patients
• •   Improved self-management of health care practice

The below article is focused on how pervasive telehealth technology has become in our healthcare industry. We will be specifically focusing on some of its key applications in terms of providing efficient and adequate care.

So without much further let’s get started.

Telehealth Technology Applications

Today, many technologies are being pumped into the industry with the promise of forever associating telehealth with the service of healthcare. These technologies include mHealth – smartphones and tablets for telehealth, remote patient monitoring, digital photography, audio and video technology, forward and store technology and many more.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) 

Remote Patient Monitoring, aka RPM is technology that involves collection, reporting, transmission and evaluation of crucial patient health data via electronic devices. RPM technologies require patients to measure their health data and then transmit it to their physicians for further evaluation. RPM technologies in the form of wearable electronic devices are now being used to collect an array of crucial patient health information like cardiac stats, oxygen levels, and respiratory rates.

(mhealth) Mobile health Telehealth technology

You would be hard strung to find an individual today who does not own and use a smartphone. Smartphones have become tools that have defined human civilization at the turn of the 21st century. Smartphones can now be used for entertainment, calculations, business, education, financial purposes, and so much more.

So it is only fair that it be used to make healthcare convenient. mHealth basically refers to mobile apps and tools that patients use on their smartphones or tablets to avail healthcare. These applications allow users to set medications, appointment reminders and share information with their dedicated practitioners, just like DENmaar’s mental health medical billing application.

Thanks to mHealth, patients can now use asthma or diabetes management tools or talk face to face with their doctors via video conferencing. 

Video Conferencing

Perhaps the most relevant, considering the times we are living in; video conferencing has been such a sweet gift of science to mankind. Loved ones can now interact with each other daily and quite conveniently from anywhere around the world, path-breaking trade deals can be closed immediately without any communication barriers, and of course, doctors can advise their patients without making them wait in the clinic or travel long distances.

Real-time video communication platforms are helping doctors and clinicians take better care of their patients without meeting them in-person. This technology has facilitated healthcare for rural inhabitants and soldiers and militants stuck away from civilization.

Store and Forward

Store and forward technology refer to the usage of storage and transmission technology to capture, store and transmit patient health information for asynchronous healthcare delivery. Information like CAT scans, MRI’s, photos, videos, etc. are captured from patients and sent to assigned specialists and practitioners to assist with their healthcare. Technology like secure email platforms, servers, and routers are used to temporarily store this information and send it to the appropriate recipient in time.

Future of Telehealth technology

With many big players jumping in to meddle with this technology, you can bet Telehealth technology will be a key healthcare player in times to come ahead. Big names like Amazon and Wal-Mart have already begun operations on introducing their own version of telehealth technology. We can hope that telehealth technology can work effectively in bringing down healthcare costs and make healthcare more accessible to all.

DENmaar’s TeleHealth Services

At DENmaar, our telehealth solution offers both patients and providers with a communication technology that allows the access and management of health care services from homes of patients or the practices of doctors.  This teleconferencing feature allows practitioners to attend to their patients, on their computer screens, where-in they can consult and serve their clients without having to make them wait in their clinics or making them transit long distances. 

All you have to do to access our feature, whether you are a provider or patient, is to sign up to our app and avail our telepsych feature.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

It’s the month of April, also widely celebrated a World Autism Month among other events. However, given the severity of this condition, awareness about autism should be pervasive all year-round and not only for a single month. The awareness for autism commands a great amount of empathy from everyone as ASD’s vary among individuals suffering from it.

Certain therapies and treatments can do wonders for some while being completely futile for others. Caregivers like parents and nurses can also harbor different opinions on how to best deal with a condition of ASD.

This article is focused on not only spreading awareness about Autism but also helping parents and other caregivers better manage the conditions in their loved ones.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder, or as it is popularly known as ASD is a complex developmental condition that saddles individuals suffering from it with challenges like inept social interaction, speech problems, non-verbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. The severity of ASD’s varying from person to person. 

ASD is quite frequently first diagnosed in childhood, with signs first becoming noticeable around 2-3 years of age. Some children with autism may develop normally before ultimately losing all their previously gained skills. 

The CDC estimates that at least one in 59 children have autism. It is also more common in boys than in girls, and the girls who do have ASD exhibit less obvious signs than boys. Although ASD is a permanent condition, many children who are diagnosed with the condition go on to live normal and independent lives.

The Characteristic of People suffering from ASD

Like we said, no two people will show the same behavioral signs when dealing with autism. Symptoms can mild or severe and change as time passes by. Some of the common characteristics are as follows:

Social and Communication Problems

This includes exhibiting difficulty in having a straight forward normal conversation, not showing interest, or sharing emotions. Issues in trying to understand social cues like eye contact or facial expressions.

Difficulty in Empathizing with People, things and events

Trouble in making friends, interacting with people and not making eye contact

Repetitive behaviors

 This can include a number of things, mainly pertaining to hand flapping, flipping objects, lining up toys, speaking in gibberish or atypical manner, exhibiting interest in unusual activities, toe walking, etc.

It is important to note, that while many children with ASD have normal intelligence, some have very mild and significant intellectual delays. 

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of ASD is crucial in parents and caregivers being able to manage this condition. It is the only way by which a child’s symptoms can be reduced and his life ultimately improved. Like we said there is no definitive cure-all for autism spectrum disorder. It is mainly diagnosed by the obstinate observance of the child’s behavior like he talks and interacts with other children his age. 

Trained practitioners can easily diagnose the condition by talking to the child and enquiring with his/her parents and caregivers. It is in compliance with federal law that any child suspected of having any kind of developmental disorder should be given a free evaluation. It is highly recommended that the child undergo all sorts of screening procedures to identify developmental disorders, if any, by age three.

If you have doubts about whether or not your child is developing properly, then bring it to the attention of your practitioner immediately. Every second is precious in handling the condition of autism wisely. 

The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) identifies the following red flags as possible signs of ASD:

• •     Not responding to his/her name by 12 months of age
• •     Not pointing out to objects to display interest by 14 months of age
• •     Getting upset very easily
• •     Spinning in circles, flapping their hands incessantly
• •     Having unusual and intense reactions to sight, smell, taste and feel
• •     Avoiding eye contact
• •     Preferring loneliness
• •     Not playing ‘pretend’

As of now, no expert has clear answers on what actually causes autism. It can be due to genes, or the condition and environment in which a child is born and raised. A child is also at a greater risk of having autism, if there is a close family member who is already suffering from the condition.

How Autism is Treated

As of now there is really no cure for the condition of Autism. However, there are many therapies and treatments that can help people alleviate their symptoms and feel much better. 

Some of those treatments are listed below

• •     Behavioral Therapy
• •     Play therapy
• •     Occupational therapy
• •     Speech therapy
• •     Physical therapy

Alternative Treatments

Many alternative treatments are also in effect today, some of them include the following:

• •     High dose Vitamins
• •     Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• •     Melatonin to handle sleep issues

The research on these treatments is mixed, and results may vary from person to person. It is highly advisable to weigh the research and financial costs of such treatments before considering them for you or your loved ones.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Parents can really help their child overcome the problems posed by ASD by following the below simple tips:

• •     Learn and be well informed about Autism Spectrum Disorder
• •     Provide consistent structure and routine
• •     Seek professional help
• •     Build a rapport with other parents who are raising children with autism
• •     Take your time and be patient while dealing with your child

DENmaar Partners with Autism Lizard to Offer Efficient Autism Management Program 

A child with autism can be extremely stressful for the entire family. Handling it can be a headache, very time consuming and break your savings. DENmaar knows how important it is to take into account the emotional and physical health of the entire family, and thus have partnered with premier behavioral training service providers who offer legit, tried and tested autism solution for your family at an affordable price. DENmaar clients and subscribers can now avail tempting discounts for Autism lizards Family Autism Independence System program.  Offer is available for a limited time only, so HURRY!!

The Major Difference between Telehealth and Telemedicine

At first glance, both telehealth and telemedicine seem very similar terms, that however, cannot be any further from the truth. Today the fields of Mobile IT health, digital health and telemedicine are changing so rapidly, that it is hard to settle on one accurate definition for these terms, hence you will see both Telemedicine and Telehealth being used interchangeably. 

Both terms consist of very similar services which include patient monitoring, e-health, medical education, patient consultation etc. If you really want to get to technical with the terms then Telemedicine is a subset of Telehealth. 

Telehealth, on the other hand is much broader term in scope which includes all telecommunication services that offer or engage in health care. Telemedicine refers only to clinical services.

Here’s a definition that could clear your mind on the concept:

Telemedicine refers to traditional clinical diagnosis and screening provided by technology, whereas Telehealth encompasses many different types of diagnosis, management and education. Telehealth concerns itself with many different range of telemedicine services which include both clinical and non-clinical services. 

Telehealth being the more popular term can be found in general health care services, while Telemedicine deals specifically with a clinician that provides a very specific kind of health service.

Examples of Telehealth

• A video conferencing platform for consultation and education
• A health app that alerts people of impending outbreak
• Fit Bits that monitor your pulse and heart rate

Example of Telemedicine

• An app that helps physicians treat their patients remotely via video conferencing
• A software that allows patients to send photos of a rash or a mole that has been bothering them to their doctors.
• An app that schedules appointments with doctors within minutes.

As you can see Telemedicine is simply a small part of telehealth. Telemedicine has become even more popular and is being widely consumed thanks to the recent COVID-19 outbreak. If anything, it has proved its worth in times of emergency and will gain further validity once the pandemic is defeated.

DENmaar’sTeleHealth Services

At DENmaar, our telehealth solution offers both patients and providers with a communication technology that allows the access and management of health care services from homes of patients or the practices of doctors.  This tele-conferencing feature allows practitioners to attend to their patients, on their computer screens, where-in they can consult and serve their clients without having to make them wait in their clinics or making them transit long distances. 

All you have to do to access our feature, whether you are a provider or patient, is to sign up to our app and avail our telepsych feature.

Pros and Cons of Tele-Nursing

We all want our healthcare to be both effective in its treatment and affordable in its cost. When telehealth is implemented efficiently, both of the above aspects become easier to achieve. We can see improvements in patient satisfaction as well as management of healthcare amidst your own organization.

An advance in communication technology is only making things better for the telehealth industry. Smartphones today are faster and actually smart. Stronger internet connections are ensuring care is rendered uninterrupted. Today, telehealth is so much more than simply calling up your nurse to explain your symptoms.

In this article, we will look at Tele-nursing, its pros, and its cons. So without much further ado, let’s jump right into the meat of this article.

Pros and Cons of Tele-Nursing

Better management of Chronic Conditions

RPM aka Remote patient monitoring has replaced traditional clinical visits today to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and COPD. In RPM there’s less fragmentation of care when a patient lapses with their responsibilities. With fewer contact, there are less clinical visits and readmissions. In one study, participants of the ‘behavioral health intervention telehealth program’ experienced less hospital admissions than the patients who did not participate. 

Increased Access to Care

Patients who live in rural areas are the most significant beneficiaries of telehealth. Rural areas have always received the harsh end of a stick when it came to accessing to health care. Tele-health changed all of that. Now, rural areas, thanks to the strong internet connection and better smartphones have access to healthcare.

Avoid Risk

In the context of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Telehealth provides a great opportunity for doctors to still consult their patients via videoconferencing while adhering to the mandatory discipline of social distancing.

Save Time

With telehealth, patients don’t have to travel long distances to meet their doctors. They don’t have to wait in long lines as well. Tele-health saves time which is precious to both doctors and patients.

Cons

Some Visits are Necessary

Although telehealth is crucial in providing convenient health care to patients, it still cannot make up for physical consultation which is necessary for most situations. Doctors cannot feel your stomach through telehealth, they cannot swab your throat, or listen discerningly to your lungs or heartbeat.

Licensing issues

Licensing issues restrict nurses from providing health care to patients that do not fall in their state. Nurses can only practice and provide care in the states that permit them to practice health care.

Reimbursement

Insurance coverage for telehealth services is still shoddy and needs a lot of work. Only 21 states today require private insurers to cover telehealth services. Medicaid programs vary from state to state in paying for services offered by nurses through telehealth.

DENmaar’s TeleHealth Services

At DENmaar, our telehealth solution offers both patients and providers with a communication technology that allows the access and management of health care services from homes of patients or the practices of doctors.  This teleconferencing feature allows practitioners to attend to their patients, on their computer screens, where-in they can consult and serve their clients without having to make them wait in their clinics or making them transit long distances.

Cigna Embraces Telehealth Technology

Cigna has finally launched its own Telehealth services to offer its 12 million members access to primary health care services. The insurer has partnered with Florida based Telehealth service provider MDlIVE to bring its services to their insurers. 

This isn’t the first time MDlIVE has partnered with an insurance company, Humana and Blue Cross Blue Shield, came before Cigna. They have however, partnered with Cigna before to provide urgent care through their Telehealth services.

The move has pushed Cigna into a newly popular arena of advanced healthcare technology. Amazon and Walmart are also rumored to be bringing in their own telehealth services in the market. The telehealth service means to improve access to rural areas for better healthcare, and provide specialty care without any hassle. If recent stats are anything to go by, then the younger generation are already ignoring traditional methods of physical consultations and opting for such online services instead.

What is Telehealth technology?

Telehealth provides patients with the tool to consult with their doctors from the comfort of their respective abodes. It allows for face to face communication without compromising on the concept of physical distancing. Videoconferencing, Fit bits, Apple watches are all examples of telehealth technology

The Benefits of Telehealth include:

• •     Making Healthcare accessible for rural and isolated communities.
• •     Access to behavioral and other medical specialists
• •     Making services available for communities and people with limited mobility, or transportation options
• •     Improved communication between doctors and patients
• •     Improved self-management of health care practice

For many traditional health care professionals, Tele-health is still an uncharted territory. Venturing into something this unknown to them can seem intimidating. However, most Tele Health services today are easy to use and can be implemented with only minor level training.

DENmaar’s TeleHealth Services

At DENmaar, our telehealth solution offers both patients and providers with a communication technology that allows the access and management of health care services from homes of patients or the practices of doctors.  This tele-conferencing feature allows practitioners to attend to their patients, on their computer screens, where-in they can consult and serve their clients without having to make them wait in their clinics or making them transit long distances. 

All you have to do to access our feature, whether you are a provider or patient, is to sign up to our app and avail our telepsych feature. 

How Telehealth Technology is Transforming Modern Healthcare

Most people are not even aware, but Telehealth technology has been around since the 1980’s. Yes! That’s how old the technology is. Since then Telehealth has grown to become a revolutionary tech that can convey medical information throughout the globe in real-time. Medical professionals can now provide services to individuals and areas that previously had no access to health care.

Now that the entire world is reeling in the face of an unexpected pandemic outbreak, Telehealth has become more important than ever. It has already proven its mettle in saving countless lives by making individuals abode by the golden rules of social distancing that our current situation demands.

In this article, we will be looking at the 5 ways in which Telehealth technology is transforming modern healthcare.

So without much further ado, let’s get started

Spreading Expertise in All Areas

Telehealth has graced rural areas with its presence. These areas have suffered a lot due to inadequate health care. Usually, these areas have their own community doctor to take care of an entire community. However, he might not have the expertise to deal with all kinds of medical conditions. Telehealth act as a convenient assisting tool in this regard.

Let’s say a community doctor is dealing with a patient with stroke, with very little expertise in the field. With the help of Telehealth, he can consult an expert over video calls and take better care of the patient suffering from a stroke.

Helping People with Limited Access to Care

A majority of the world we inhabit still lives in conditions of great suffering and lack the basic privilege of proper healthcare. Before telehealth, deaths and aggravated medical conditions were typical in rural and underdeveloped regions of our planet due to the absence of expert medical personnel. Thanks to telehealth, there is no excuse anymore for healthcare professionals to transmit care over the internet, which can lead to many lives being saved.

It is Inexpensive

With telehealth, patients are rewarded with the benefit of affordable healthcare. Telehealth technology like Fit bit and Apple watches are now relatively affordable and can provide great health benefits to users. Insurance companies along with Medicare and Medicaid are also now reimbursing the use of telehealth, which has made Telehealth more trustworthy amongst insured individuals.

Pervasive Adoption

With the current pandemic, telehealth is likely to be adopted by all forms of healthcare channels, making it even more popular than it was before. Remote home care will quickly replace long wait times at clinics. More telehealth treatment options will be reimbursed by our healthcare system.

DENmaar’s TeleHealth Services

At DENmaar, our telehealth solution offers both patients and providers with a communication technology that allows the access and management of health care services from homes of patients or the practices of doctors.  This tele-conferencing feature allows practitioners to attend to their patients, on their computer screens, where-in they can consult and serve their clients without having to make them wait in their clinics or making them transit long distances. 

All you have to do to access our feature, whether you are a provider or patient, is to sign up to our app and avail our telepsych feature.

The Fundamentals of Telehealth for COVID-19

The recent novel coronavirus outbreak has cemented the fundamental nature of Telehealth in our health care system. It has quickly proven to be a lifesaving innovation in health care technology and many providers are making sure they facilitate their patients with TeleHealth services for continued, safe provision of health care.

The federal government has already expanded on the concept of TeleHealth services, deeming it to be the perfect tool in the face of COVID – 19. Tele-Health succeeds in the practice of healthcare provision by implementing the principals of social distancing and isolation, both of which are important to decimate the super contagious virus. 

Telehealth provides patients with the tool to consult with their doctors from the comfort of their respective abodes. It allows for face to face communication without compromising on the concept of physical distancing. 

Apart from social distancing, TELEHEALTH also offers the following benefits to both providers and patients.

The Benefits of Telehealth include:

• •     Making Healthcare accessible for rural and isolated communities.
• •     Access to behavioral and other medical specialists
• •     Making services available for communities and people with limited mobility, or transportation options
• •     Improved communication between doctors and patients
• •     Improved self-management of health care practice

For many traditional health care professionals, Telehealth is still uncharted territory. Venturing into something this unknown to them can seem intimidating. However, most TeleHealth services today are easy to use and can be implemented with only minor level training.

As of now, there are no legal certifications required by practitioners to provide TeleHealth services to their clients. However, there are many professional behavioral health associations that demand some level of competence in the part of providers to better implement the new service. 

As some states are relaxing licensing requirements, that is not the case with all states. Be sure to check with your local licensing boards on the formalities and rules that apply to your practice. Make sure that telehealth and cross-state services are covered under your policy before rendering the service.

DENmaar’s TeleHealth Services

At DENmaar, our telehealth solution offers both patients and providers with a communication technology that allows the access and management of health care services from homes of patients or the practices of doctors.  This teleconferencing feature allows practitioners to attend to their patients, on their computer screens, where-in they can consult and serve their clients without having to make them wait in their clinics or making them transit long distances. 

All you have to do to access our feature, whether you are a provider or patient, is to sign up to our app and avail our telepsych feature. 

Telehealth for Patients

Our telehealth feature offers patients with the following benefits

• •     Easy communication with doctors and nurses online
• •     Prescription refill requests
• •     Schedule appointments
• •     Review Test Results

Telehealth for Providers

• •     Counseling Patients Online
• •     Provide healthcare advice and services in remote and rural areas
• •     Schedule appointment or post-appointment reminders
• •     Review and deliver test results

Understanding Claim Denial and Claim Rejection – They are Not the Same!

At first glance, both claim denial and claim rejection can seem the same exact thing. Many practitioners use the term interchangeably. We are here to tell you how to grave a mistake that can be. This ostensibly simple misunderstanding can be detrimental to your practice and push your revenue cycle into disarray. It is extremely imperative to understand the differences between these two terms if you are to stabilize your practices cash flows.

The Difference

Claim Denial

Claim denial can be defined as claims that were received and processed by the insurance companies, but a negative determination was made. You simply cannot resubmit such claims; they need to be researched to understand why this particular claim was denied and then write an appropriate appeal for its resubmission. If this claim is resubmitted without an appeal, then the chances are that it will be rejected as a duplicate, thus costing you more time and money.

Claim rejection

Claim rejection is altogether a different concept. These are claims that do not meet specific data requirements or are formatted inappropriately, which ultimately resulted in their rejection. These medical claims cannot be processed as they were never received by the insurance companies and entered into their computer database. This type of claims can be easily resubmitted if the errors are rectified. The errors can be as simple as a missing alphabet in the name or a transposed digit from the patient’s user I.D

The Reason for Denial and Rejection of Claims

There are 5 major reasons for medical claim rejections, and they are as follows:

• •     Missing information, for e.g. missing address, pin code or phone number.
• •     Duplicate claim for service – claims that were mistakenly submitted more than once
• •     Service is already adjudicated
• •     Service is not covered by the payer
• •     The limit for filing has expired

Improving claim rejection and denial rates

Whether you are someone who has a dedicated in-house staff, or outsourced coding and billing to a third-party service provider, you need to follow some crucial steps to ensure your claims aren’t rejected or denied.

• •     Track and analyze patterns in payer denial and rejections. Once you have categorized these denials and rejections, you can devise a strategy to cut their rates.
• •     Train your billing staff on how to handle claim denials appropriately.
• •     Schedule routine audits to identify problems before claims are sent to the payer.
• •     Work with payers to avoid denials by discussing, revising and eliminating contract requirements.
• •     Use billing software or hire a vendor to take care of claim denial and rejections efficiently.

The Bottom Line

Claim denials and rejections are some of the most prevalent challenges that practitioners face today. A lot of care needs to be taken to avoid denial and rejections. Thankfully, we at Denmaar are here to clear the air surrounding medical billing and help you submit strong claims that have very low chances of denial and rejection.

Here at Denmaar, we partner with concerned practitioners to offer pre-authorization, third party billing, claims follow-up, and to assist with appeals for any denied insurance claims. With Denmaar, you get the assistance of our behavioural health billing specialists to make your billing process easier than ever.  

Avoiding Billing Errors for an Efficient Behavioral Medical Billing Process

Medical billing can be a crucial, but complicated process. It constitutes one of the most vital components of the health care industry, especially the behavioral healthcare sector. What makes the behavioral medical billing process concerning is the frequent billing errors that are pervasive throughout the industry.

Errors in coding are frequent sights to witness, especially when it comes to behavioral health, as such the diagnosis, treatment and coverage for a patient can be extremely messy. This, in turn, makes the claim submission process messy, resulting in most cases with denial of the claim.

Prominent Billing Errors

If we have any chance of combatting the issue of billing, we must first try to understand its cause. Some of the most common errors are listed below.

Clerical Errors

Errors such as incorrect spellings, typos in insurance ID’s are a major reason for insurance firms denying claims. The name, contact, and address of both the provider and insurance company could be entered incorrectly. This is because the medical bills can be influenced and changed by dozens of people, hence such errors are common

Outdated Information

Apart from incorrect information, outdated or obsolete information can also put a wrench in your claim approval ambitions. Outdated information may come from the patient themselves. Claims can be rejected if data is found to be outdated; hence keeping data up-to-date is crucial.

Incorrect Quantities

An incorrectly entered quantity can end up charging the patient extra. Even erroneously adding a zero at the end of a number might widely exaggerate the cost of the treatment. Such errors should be avoided at all costs.

Messy Documentation

Most physicians have illegible handwriting. At this point, this has developed into a cliché amongst various medical professionals. However, this can also result in claim rejections as the handwritten documents are simply too messy to be comprehensive.

Double Billing

Double billing, unfortunately, is a common Behavioral medical billing mistake that has been going on since time immemorial. A patient might be charged twice, once by the doctor and once by a nurse who wasn’t aware of the doctor’s actions. A patient might also be charged twice for both drugs prescribed and drugs administered.

Undercoding

Undercoding occurs when the act of behavioral medical billing for a service is less expensive than the treatment provided, or leaving out codes altogether. Patients might be undercoded by providers to minimize patient’s costs or avoid any audits. Unlike other errors, this error affects the provider more than the patients.

Upcoding

Upcoding occurs when the act of billing for a service is more expensive than the treatment provided. This happens when a billing code is incorrectly changed to represent a more severe treatment or diagnosis. Upcoding has been deemed illegal and can also inflate a medical bill.

Incorrect or Mismatched Codes
Incorrect or mismatched codes can occur when a provider upcodes a patient’s diagnosis without changing his billing code. Mismatched codes can also inflate claims due to upcoding.

Unbundling

Unbundling is an act of billing for individual services that can be covered under a less expensive treatment plan. This basically means that charges which were typically falling under one code are now being listed separately.

Best Practices to Avoid Billing Errors

With the above causes now crystal clear, let’s look at some of the best practices that can help you avoid billing errors, and thus prevent claim rejections.

• •     Double Check Patient’s Personal Information
  This is probably one of the easiest ways to avoid medical billing errors-simply verify and re-verify your patient’s personal information. Make sure all the information submitted by them is correct and devoid of any silly mistakes and omissions.
• •     Double Check  Patient’s Insurance Information
  Make sure to call your patient’s insurance company before you provide them with your services. Check whether their policy number and coverage are the same and that you have updated billing contact information.
• •     Establish a policy to compile billing information
  Establish a clear and precise policy that communicates accurately how billing information needs to be handled and managed by your staff. You have to ensure your patients aren’t being charged twice, hence make one person-in-charge of monitoring and managing the staff that handles billing.
• •     Follow up on your claims
  You can avoid errors by simply being diligent in your follow-ups with insurance companies. A representative working on your claim might be able to inform you of errors, allowing you to rectify and re-submit a polished claim again.
• •     Establish Clear Communication and Co-ordination
  Everyone working on a claim in your staff should be well aware of their roles and responsibilities. They should also be well organized and coordinated to know how to communicate with each other effectively. Stay up-to-date It is crucial that you stay up-to-date with your claim process and avoid the entry of any kind of obsolete information from your documentation.

DENmaar’s Mental Health Medical Billing Service

As you can guess from the article, behavioral health medical billing is not a walk in the park. A lot of effort, blood, and sweat goes into the entire process. It can be time-consuming and really frustrating for mental health practitioners who just want to tend to their client’s needs.

Here at DENmaar, we partner with concerned practitioners to offer pre-authorization, third party billing, claims follow-up, and to assist with appeals for any denied insurance claims. With DENmaar, you get the assistance of our behavioral health billing specialists to make your billing process easier than ever.

Behavioral Medical Billing VS Conventional Medical Billing

Behavioral medical billing is one thing that mental health practitioners simply wish to do away with. It is a special kind of frustration that is conjured when you try to file insurance claims for mental and behavioral health benefits.

Due to the types of services offered, or the pre-authorization needed, the challenges that mental health practitioners face are unlike any their contemporaries have to deal with.

What Makes Mental Health Billing so Complicated?

Lack of a standardized process as compared to other practices would be a simple answer to this question. In a Behavioral health practice, there are a number of variants when it comes to types of services offered. Major time in behavioral healthcare is spent on therapy sessions. Insurance companies take note of how long the duration of these treatments can go for, as well as how many of these sessions can take place in a day. Both counselors and psychiatrists simply have a very different way of dispensing their services.

These make it very difficult for them to balance their treatments with an adequate billing system. Another area that clearly distinguishes mental health billing from other conventional billing plans is the fact that the problems with behavioral medical billing are only amplified by office budgets.

Counselors will often try to process their own bills, to cut down on operation costs for their private practices. The lack of dedicated staff to update billing codes for behavioral health, changing regulations, and billing practices for each of the respective insurance companies, will result in rejection rates skyrocketing.

If you want to process your claims quicker, then the following can help:

File within the time allotted by the insurance company
Use only the billing format required by your client’s insurance company
Use the appropriate code for the delivered treatment
Limit the bill’s total to the fee allowed by your client’s insurance policy
Use the appropriate policy number for the bill claim
Submit the claim to the right address
Receive pre-approval for treatment as needed by the insurance plan

On average, only 85 percent of claims for behavioral healthcare is approved. Improving these approval rates is the biggest challenge facing behavioral healthcare providers today.

Make it a habit to double-check your client’s insurance plan before each and every visit. Sudden policy changes and lapses in coverage are common in the world of health insurance. Try to stay ahead of the game for your own benefit.

Be up-to-date on each of your client’s insurance company filing methods. Paper and fax have become a thing of the past, and are now being replaced by email, and online filing services. Stay in touch with the insurance companies, as you don’t know when they will change their billing method.

DENmaar’s Behavioral Health Medical Billing Services.

As you can guess from the article, medical billing for mental health is not a walk in the park. A lot of effort, blood, and sweat goes into the entire process. It can be time-consuming and really frustrating for mental health practitioners who just want to tend to their client’s needs.

Here at DENmaar, we partner with concerned practitioners to offer pre-authorization, third party billing, claims follow-up, and to assist with appeals for any denied insurance claims. With DENmaar, you get the assistance of our behavioral medical billing consultants to make your billing process easier than ever.

Guidelines for a Convenient Behavioral Health Medical Billing Process

Medical billing on its own is a seriously complicated process. However, medical billing for mental health is a whole new level of the headache-inducing choir. It comes with its own set of unique and complex challenges. When you take into consideration the size and time availability of office staff, unbundling concerns, pre-authorization, etc., behavioral health practitioners are always at a disadvantage compared to their contemporaries in other fields

Understanding the process of behavioral health medical billing is the only way for mental health practitioners to achieve salvation. As then and only then can practitioners spend more time and money on something that matters to them beyond everything else – their patients.

Having emphasized the importance of comprehending the process, we at DENmaar have designed an intricate and precise behavioral health billing software that aims to lift the unnecessary weight of medical billing off your shoulders, thus allowing you to focus on what you are good at, which is tending to your patients.

What Makes Medical Billing for Mental Health So Difficult

The variety in the types of services, the time, scope, and restraints put on mental health treatments, all of them work in conjunction to make the medical billing very difficult. For practices other than mental health, the process is easily standardized; hence the medical billing process remains fairly easier to understand and implement.

However, the very volatile and diverse nature of behavioral health treatment doesn’t allow the luxury of convenient medical billing to those who practice it. Behavioral health treatment differs vastly. The session length, the therapeutic approach, the location in which services are rendered – all contribute to the complex nature of behavioral health medical billing.

Behavioral Health Billing Guidelines

So how can you, as a Mental and behavioral health practitioner, combat the tedious nature of medical billing? Read on for the answer.

     1. Double Check Each Patient’s Insurance and Coverage

The very first thing you need to do as a responsible mental health practitioner is to learn about each of your patient’s insurance plans and coverages before each visit. Although this may sound like a time-consuming choir, knowing each and every patient’s insurance plan will reap greater returns in the end.

You can check all of your prospective client’s coverages by conducting verification of benefits for each of your patients before you begin treatment or serving the client in any manner.

Verification of benefits allows providers to unearth important information that is not available in the patient’s insurance card. By checking the VOB, you can rest assured knowing that they are insured for the services they are getting from you and will know how much the insurance company is willing to pay for the services of a client.

Many insurance companies provide online provider portals that can be used to perform verification of benefits by the provider. If a portal is not available, then you can directly call the insurance company to gather the needed information.

To conclude, it is very important to know the coverage and insurance plan of all of your patients, so you don’t end up with rejected claims and unpaid bills.

     2. Understand CPT Codes

CPT or ‘common procedural technology’ are codes used by insurance providers to determine the amount of reimbursement to be delivered to healthcare facilities. When dealing with billing, it is imperative to know the associated behavioral health codes for billing. It is extremely crucial to understand the services your facility offers and its respective CPT codes.

Some mental health practitioners use the same CPT codes for all their services. This is illegal, and we recommend our clients never to do such a thing. There are two types of CPT codes available for behavioral health practitioners – E/M Codes and Psychiatric Evaluation Codes

E/M Codes are used to evaluate new medical issues and must have three documentation elements provided. They are:

• History
• Medical Examination
• Medical Decision Making

On the other hand, Psychiatric Evaluation Codes are used for diagnostic assessment. It can include E/M services, but the time associated with E/M services is not counted.

     3. Submit Claims Properly

For you to get reimbursed for a claim without a hassle, not only do you need to file the correct code in reference to the correct insurer, but also submit the claim in the correct billing format. Make sure that you are well aware of the insurance companies filing method, and that you do file within the time allotted to you by the insurance company.

Learn More: How to Handle Claim Denials & Maximize Reimbursements

DENmaar’s Mental Health Medical Billing Service

As you can guess from the article, medical billing for mental health is not a walk in the park. A lot of effort, blood, and sweat goes into the entire process. It can be time-consuming and really frustrating for mental health practitioners who just want to tend to their client’s needs.

Here at DENmaar, we partner with concerned practitioners to offer pre-authorization, third party billing, claims follow-up, and to assist with appeals for any denied insurance claims. With DENmaar, you get the assistance of our medicare behavioral health billing specialists to make your billing process easier than ever. Call us on 844-727-3627 to get started!

Free Wiley Treatment Planner Now in Denmaar

We at Denmaar have always strived to bring our clients a reliable and powerful feature that helps in the faster creation of treatment plans. Well, what seemed like a vision for the future is now possible because of our new Partner Wiley and their robust invention in Wiley Treatment Planner.

An Insight on Wiley Treatment Planners

Wiley treatment planners are now an integral part of Denmaar’s Treatment Planners. Treatment planners, in general, helps mental health practitioners to not only define the problems they face on a daily basis but also helps provide them with goals, interventions, and objectives to create a fully executable, customizable treatment plan.

Here is How Wiley Treatment Planners Can Help You:

• Saves Time that would have been wasted in Paperwork.
• Offers Practitioners the freedom to develop a customized treatment plan.
• Includes Over 1000 Clear Statement describing in detail the behavioral representation of each relational problem.
• It includes long term goals, short term objectives, and clinically tested treatment options.
• Deploys an easy to use format that helps locate treatment plan components by behavioral problems.

Apart from creating evidence-based options and best practices for your clients, treatment plans can also be useful when it comes to treatment review.

Build an Effective Treatment Plan with Wiley

1. Problem Selection
Treatment planners allow you to sort and apply to present issues relevant to your client. Choose the problem that effectively represents the problem of your client.

Example: Anxiety

2. Defining the Problem
The treatment planner has the ability to clearly describe the behavioral definitions of the problem represented in the client. The symptom pattern should be associated with codes found in DSM 5 or ICD-10-CM codes.

Example: Motor Tension
                 Hypervigilance

3. Goal Development
The planners provide a variety of other goal statements for each problem identified, so it is easier for you to set a broad set of goals for the resolution of the problem faced by the client.

Example: Reduce overall frequency, intensity, and duration of the anxiety.

4. Objective Construction
A treatment plan includes objectives written in the behaviorally measured language. This makes it more clear to review agencies, health maintenance organizations, and managed care organizations. The objectives mentioned in treatment planners are defined to meet the demand in accountability.

5. Intervention Creation
Interventions are the actions that are designed for the completion of your objectives. You will find at least one intervention for one objective.

6. Diagnosis Determination
The determination of a clear diagnosis is based on your client’s complete clinical presentation. You must compare behavioral, emotional, cognitive and interpersonal symptoms with the criterion for diagnosis on the basis of the DSM-5 code. Remember it is ultimately your knowledge of the DSM-5 and client assessment data that will give you a valid diagnosis.

Treatment Planner with Denmaar

Our new feature now allows you to create treatment plans with unprecedented ease, NO TYPING REQUIRED!

It is well integrated into our platform to minimize both time and effort. The process is as direct as assigning a diagnosis to your client.

Wiley Treatment Planner is a gift we have been planning to deliver to our customers for a long time. Some of our community members have already tested the planner, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Treatment Planners are just another convenient way to empower healthcare professionals to run their businesses more efficiently.

If you are already a Denmaar Customer, then you can use Wiley Treatment Planners for free now.

Behavioral Health Medical Billing Advanced Software

Behavioral Health Medical Billing Software has become a necessity in today’s age of mobile technology. A behavioral health expert tends to a lot of clients, hence keeping track of payments and the process of billing and getting paid can become a headache.

On the other hand, Every healthcare provider is required to enroll in an insurance credentialing process to accept patients with insurance. Without credentialing a medical practice simply cannot exist. Behavioral network providers usually enroll with different networks than medical providers. And, that is just the icing of their billing related hassles.

Keeping this frustration in mind, DENmaar set on a course to bring the mental health industry a billing software that would work to rid mental health practitioners of their payment-related hassles. Our billing software comes with an easy to comprehend user interface that would fit right in with your daily medical choirs.

DENmaar’s Mental Health Medical Billing Software can help you get in-network with the nation’s most prominent medical plans, and also take care of other activities like scheduling and of course billing. Most commercial network plans have a separate network for behavioral health providers.

DENmaar has the credentialing experts who have experience with psychiatrists and psychologists to offer you a product that gives you the medical billing system your practice needs and deserves. With our billing software, you don’t have to worry about any paperwork, thus saving you valuable time and Money, our automated system takes care of everything.

Whether you are looking to outsource your billing or looking for a better billing company, DENmaar is your solution to a better behavioral health medical billing software.

Automated Behavioral Health Medical Billing at Your Service

1. Access to Credentialing Experts

Our teams of insurance credentialing experts are always at your service to provide you advice on which insurers to choose and help you get in a network quickly. Our experts have experience working with Medicare, Medicaid, and other commercial health insurance programs.

2. Real-Time Access

DENmaar’s credentialing portal offers you a fully automated system which allows you to monitor your progress. You get real-time access to all your information, files, the status of an application. You can log in anytime you want to retrieve or monitor your data.

3. Behavioral Health Networks

We are well aware behavioral health networks enrollment procedure. We have experience working with specialty networks that serve behavioral health networks specifically. This helps you save a lot of time and money on the extensive enrollment procedure.

4. UP-TO-DATE CAQH

As many insurers use CAQH for their credentialing process, DENmaar helps you create, update, and keep your CAQH current.

5. Automated PAR Status Updates

DENmaar’s RCM portal allows you to be up to speed with credentialing application status.

6. Expiring Documents Alerts

Our automated alerts feature promptly sends you an email notifying you about any imminent document expiry dates. DENmaar will also handle all your insurance panel revalidations, so you never have to go through the hassle of getting credentialed again.

Why Choose DENmaar?

DENmaar has been working in the behavioral health industry and understands the challenges of a practitioner engaged in that practice. Our medical billing software was designed and constructed keeping mental health billing in mind. With our software now launched for both Android and iOS devices, we hope to bring our billing application to all practices who seek a solution to their billing hassles.

The Best Medical Billing Software for Mental Health Services

What constitutes the best medical billing software for mental health services? Is it an excellent user interface? Or Is it the ability to perform all tasks like scheduling, appointment booking, tracking payments, and billing automatically? Ask this question to a mental health practitioner, and the answer would be all of the above.

And why not? Why not have software that is not only easy to use but also relieves doctors and practitioners from the hassles of everyday billing and payments.

Keeping this frustration in mind, DENmaar set on a journey to bring the mental health industry a medical billing software that would work to rid mental health practitioners of their payment-related hassles. Our billing software comes with an easy to comprehend user interface that would fit right in with your daily medical choirs.

With a hard-earned reputation, DENmaar specializes in professional and facility billing for insurance claims and patient responsibility. Our clients receive our RCM and provider phone apps to easily create charges, which we later submit to insurance and bill patients. All associated expenses are included with our software, billing services, credentialing, text and email messaging, eligibility verification, and patient billing systems.

DENmaar’s fully automated and highly advanced software was developed to bring our clients the benefits of both professional and institutional billing. And that’s not all. Our software also allows for 24 hours claims submission, to ensure you submit your claim on time always.

Our system also allows for the tracking of your claim status. If due to some unfortunate circumstances, your claim does get rejected and denied, then our experts are at your service to take the necessary actions needed for the approval of your claim.

What makes DENmaar’s Medical Billing Software Special.

Improved Patient Payment System

DENmaar’s P2P program is HIPAA compliant and integrates PAYPAL with our RCM to create a conveniently seamless way for patients to make their payments. For providers, it automates the entire payment tracking system. Patients can now make payments without an account. They can pay at the office or through an email link in a matter of a few minutes.

Claim Issues Resolved

Claims which have been denied and rejected are immediately followed up on by DENmaar’s team. We leave no room for such claim issues to occur. That is why DENmaar has a very high first-time claim submission pass through. Payments come in a timely. This allows for cash flows to be maximized, thus making an organization witness its highest revenue generation period.

Staff Claim Tools

All of our apps and software modules, which include intake forms, therapy notes, scheduling, treatment plans, and soon to be released elemental therapy app, are all free to use. We take care of all your setup requirements. This enables companies to make a seamless transition to DENmaar’s system.

Choosing DENmaar

DENmaar has been working in the behavioral health industry and understands the challenges of a practitioner engaged in that practice. Our medical billing software was designed and constructed, keeping mental health medical billing in mind. With our software now launched for both Android and iOS devices, we hope to bring our billing application to all practices which seek a solution to their billing hassles.

Letter of Interest for Insurance Credentialing -Tips To Mind

A letter of Interest is practically a letter you send to an insurance company of your Interest in hopes of getting paneled with them. Now, a letter of Interest in many ways is similar to a cover letter with one significant difference.

A cover letter is what you send before applying for a job at a specific point of time, whereas a letter of interest can be submitted at any time. Now, a letter of Interest with respect to credentialing should be sent keeping specific requirements in mind.

You are making an appeal to be welcomed as an in-network provider with an insurance company. Hence, it is essential to know how to approach a letter of Interest to make a compelling appeal to an insurance company.

Tips for Writing a Letter of Interest.

When a letter of Interest is written compellingly, it can become a powerful tool to persuade a payer to offer access to their network.

1) Identifying Information

As a provider, you must provide information that matches the enrollment application. Information like Name, NPI number, Tax ID, CAQH Number, the specialty and services provided by your company are all vital information to disclose in the letter of Interest.

2) Special Attributes

Don’t forget to mention any unique attributes associated with your practice. Any defining features like whether your business is family-owned or corporation, whether it is a minority or women-owned small business. Small details like these can be instrumental in enhancing your appeal.

3) Unique Services

Highlighting a service, your practice offers that your competitor doesn’t is also a good addition to your letter of Interest.

4) Geographical Locations

Specify your practice’s geographical location. State whether you work in rural or urban areas.

5) Patient Demographics

It is essential to define the kind of patients your practice caters to on a regular basis. Bunch them to include patient groups by age, income group, gender, etc.

6) Referring Services

You can also mention the services you offer which are available for referral. Services such as durable medical requirements, home health, and hospice care.

7) Competitive Rates 

Mention your competitor’s rate in comparison to yours as well. Mention if the competitors provide a rate slightly less than the competition. This bit of information can make you more appealing than to the insurance company.

8) Information on Test Programs

Panels are always at a risk of being full. They won’t accept a new practitioner to their already crowded network unless you entice them with something like test or trial programs of your services.

The other information you need to mention in a letter of Interest are as follows:

• IRS Form W9
• Applicable Licensure
• Marketing material or brochure
• Top billing codes or desired rates.
• Sample claim forms
• Invoice on products.

While writing the letter of Interest, do some due diligence, and find out the name and address of key decision-makers. Address the letter to them. Once you the information you need to send them the letter along with the application and any other attachments.

Make sure to address why you, as a provider, are unique and different from others in the market.

Challenges in Nurse Practitioner Credentialing

Insurance credentialing for nurse practitioners is as vital as for other practitioners in the field. However, the dynamics of credentialing is quite different for nurse practitioners than others. Its challenges are different and can cause a lot of distress for the uninformed.

In this article, we will look at some of the challenges faced by nurse practitioners that are exclusive to their faction. It is essential to know the hurdles you face, so when the time comes, you can jump over them with ease.

Challenges with Insurance Credentialing For Nurse Practitioners

Restrictions with License

Nurse practitioners throughout America have to go through various forms of restrictions when it comes to licensure. It varies from state to state. Some states allow Full Practice license to nurse practitioners. This means that they are allowed to evaluate, diagnose, interpret diagnostic tests, initiate or manage treatments and prescribe medications in accordance with the exclusive licensure authority.

Read More: Importance of Nurse Practioner Credentialing for Nurses and Healthcare Organizations

In reduced practice states nurse practitioners require a regulated collaborative agreement with a physician. The collaborative agreement is mandatory if NP’s wish to offer patient care in these states. Without the above formalities, there is no chance for a nurse practitioner to ever get credentialed to undertake practice. It is highly recommended for nurse practitioners in these states to have the necessary collaborative agreements in place when the need arises.

And finally, we have “Restricted.” This kind of practice states requires thorough supervision, delegation, or team management by an outside health discipline for nurse practitioners to practice health care.

Admitting Privileges

Many insurance plans require practitioners to have to admit privileges at an in-network facility. If a practitioner does not have the required admitting privileges then he/she need to prove an “admitting relationship” with another provider.

The requirement can be frustrating for many practitioners who work in a setting that does not have situations that require admissions requirement. As we mentioned, the “admitting relationship” should be in the form of a letter, on the letterhead of the concerned physician who states that the physician in question will handle all inpatient admissions for the patients when necessary.

There is no way you can skip this requirement. Nurse practitioners must keep this requirement ready when undertaking the credentialing process.

Credentialing File

It is highly recommended for nurse practitioners to keeps their files ready. All the credentialing documents and copies that will be required need to filed and available. Documents will always be needed for assessment, whether it is for credentialing or re-credentialing.

Here is a list of documents that you need for credentialing

• State License
• Current CV
• Professional liability insurance
• Current Drivers license
• Collaborative Agreement
• DEA/CSR
• Board Certificate
• Admitting Arrangement Letter
• Prescribing Arrangement letter
• Copy of diploma from the highest level of education.

Get Ahead of the Curve

Credentialing is not a piece of cake and can go on for a better period of a year. If you are starting a new practice or hiring nurse practitioners for your practice, then be ready with all the necessary documents and copies needed. Prepare a credentialing packet for your nurse’s so that they can arrange for the required documents without any confusion.

Bankers Life Insurance Credentialing – Getting on the Panel

Let’s discuss the process of Banker’s life insurance credentialing.

Bankers Life insurance credentialing is a subsidiary of the very popular CNO financial group. CNO is a part of the fortune 1000 company list. As of 2019, Bankers life has around 1.4 million policyholders. It offers a variety of different insurance products like long term care, and life insurance, annuities, Medicare products including supplement lines, Medicare advantage plans, and Medicare part D prescription coverage and critical illness insurance.

Bankers Life Insurance credentialing has also partnered with Humana to provide vision and dental plans to their clients. They sell their plans with assistance from a network of over 5000 insurance agents based in over 320 offices throughout America.

As we mentioned, Banker’s life has over 1.4 million policyholders. Practitioners who want to tap into its client base need to get in-network with the credentialing process.

So let’s discuss the process of Bankers Life Insurance Provider Credentialing 

1. Getting Your Information in Order

As we mentioned before, Bankers Life insurance credentialing requires a lot of information and documents from the practitioner. They are:

• Licensure Information
• NPI Number
• Resume
• Proof of Malpractice Insurance
• Taxonomy Code
• Proof of Liability Insurance from Landlord (Applicable on if you are renting)
• Credentialing Paperwork

2. Fill Out Your CAQH

You will find many companies who use the Council of Affordable Quality Healthcare for the purpose of credentialing. Before filling out the CAQH form, you are required to hold an authentic resume with no gaps in employment. The application is supposed to be completed online via the CAQH hub.

The entire process can be extremely confusing to follow, but we at DENmaar assist you till the end.

3. Contact provider Relations

Once you have gone through the CAQH process, you are now afforded the liberty of choosing which insurance panel you want to be on. The insurance companies you choose may vary in the department of reimbursement rates, provider friendliness, payment speeds, etc.

Some companies may have their own sets of rules and requirements to apply. Now here you might face an issue of rejection, or not being accepted because the panel is full.

In such cases, you can do the following to build relationships with networks to gain access for future openings:

• Evening and Weekend Availability
• Experience with special populations
• Crisis services
• Handicap accessible facilities
• Being located in an underserved area
• Multilingual fluency
• Having an in-network referral source.

4. Submit Application

Once you have taken care of the documentation and decided on which insurance panel to join, it’s time to submit the application and wait. The entire process of getting paneled is relatively swift, culminating within 9-10 hours.

All you have to do now is a follow-up. You have to keep tabs on the status of your application. Chances are it might expire while still in the process if taken too long, and you don’t want to start again. The insurance companies have to be notified every time you submit a document to ensure it has reached them.

5. Review after Approval

Once you have received approval, it is still not an appropriate time to celebrate. Do the following to be on the safer side.

• Review your contract carefully before signing
• Keep a file with the agreement and any addendums ready for future reference.
• Learn more about the insurance provider’s portal on its official website.
• Collect a list of phone numbers for the claims department, pre-authorization department, and provider relations.

Being a Bankers Life in-network provider can be a very long and tedious process. The entire process requires at least 90 – 120 days to be completed and approved. There is a lot of paperwork, which makes the whole process quite frustrating for medical practitioners who want to accept clients with medical insurance.

Bankers Life’s network is extensive and harbors other insurance companies as well. You can get Meritain insurance credentialing, Coventry insurance credentialing services, etc. with the help of Bankers Life. That is where the professional assistance of DENmaar comes into play. With the help of our credentialing experts, we can walk you through the entire process without complications and hassle so that you can work on other core areas of your medical practice.

Top Insurance Companies to Be Credentialed With

What are the top insurance companies to be credentialed with?

It wasn’t long ago when practitioners considered credentialing to optional. You could start your own practice and derive profits from it without ever caring for credentialing. Plus, insurance companies weren’t even allowing certain medical practices like mental health clinics a place on their panels.

Fast forward to modern time, and things are not what they were just a couple of years ago. Credentialing has become crucial for medical practices to survive in an increasingly volatile and competitive industry.

Most American citizens today are covered by an insurance plan provided by some company or the other. If a budding practitioner fails to get credentialed with the insurance companies, then he will lose clients to his competitors.

Hence, having the knowledge of the top insurance credentialing companies is essential in a practitioner being able to thrive in the industry.

So let’s look at some of the top insurance companies to be credentialed within the USA.

So, there are a few ways to determine which top insurance companies in the USA are the biggest in terms of a client base. Their popularity can be due to the following factors:

• Companies Goodwill
• Lives Covered
• Company revenue
• Accessibility etc.

Based on the above factors, we were able to list down the following behemoths. If you are a provider looking to get credentialed, you might want to get in touch with them.

1) United Health Group

Our first name on the list is ranked 3rd on the 2019 fortune 500 lists. United Health Group is a for-profit healthcare company based in Minnesota. As of 2019, it is one of the largest healthcare insurance companies in the world with total revenue of $226 billion, along with 115 million customers. It is divided into four divisions that together provide health benefit plans and services for large national employers, to individuals age 50 and older, to serve state programs that care for the economically disadvantaged, and medically underserved.

2) Anthem 

Anthem INC is also one of the largest providers of health insurance in the United States. As of 2019, the company has over 40 million customers under its belt. It is one of the largest for-profit healthcare companies in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Today it operates as Empire blue cross blue shield in the state of New York and as Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in 10 other states.

3) Aetna

Aetna is recognized as one of the leading providers of health insurance in the United States. Aetna continues to grow stronger, with millions of users enjoying its medical plan. Hence many physicians and medical practitioners want to become participants in the Aetna healthcare network. The company’s extensive network includes over 22.1 million medical members, 12.7 million dental members, 13.1 million pharmacy benefits management members, 690,000 primary care doctors, 1,200,000 healthcare professionals, and 5700 hospitals. 

4) Humana

Humana Inc is a health insurance company based in Kentucky, Louisiana. Over the years, it is responsible for amassing over 13 million Americans into its healthcare program. With revenue of $41.3 billion, Humana was ranked 56 on the Fortune 500 list.

Now, Humana credentials and re-credentials all licensed independent practitioners including physicians, facilities and non-physicians who fall within its scope and authority.

5) Cigna

 Cigna is a popular American health service organization based in suburban Bloomfield, Connecticut, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their insurance subsidiaries are major providers of mental, dental, accident, and life insurance to American citizens.

Cigna is known to provide Medicare and Medicaid programs to an individual in the US and some international markets. Hence many physicians and medical practitioners want to become participants in the Cigna healthcare network. To become a participant, however, healthcare services need to apply for Cigna Insurance Provider Credentialing.

According to Market Share, US News and World Report rated the following top insurance companies to be the most popular in the US.

• United Health
• Kaiser Foundation
• WellPoint INC.
• Aetna 
• Human
• Independent Blue Cross Group
• Highmark
• Cigna
• Blue Shield of California

How Denmaar Can Help you Get On these Panels

Getting on insurance panels has never been as crucial as it has been today. With many American citizens now covered under an insurance program, it would be foolish not to get credentialed with an insurance company. However, credentialing has also become a challenge because most panels are almost full and are not taking in new providers.

Denmaar knows the credentialing world from top to bottom. We have assisted many practitioners, both group and private through the entire credentialing process and continue to do so till date. We are the insurance credentialing experts you need to crack the overwhelming process of credentialing for the best of your merits. At Denmaar we do the heavy lifting, so you can concentrate on tending to your clients.

Insurance Credentialing and Contracting-Their Merits

When it comes to insurance credentialing and Contracting, you have to understand that they are two sides of the same coin. Both need to seamlessly go hand in hand for an individual or group practice to get on insurance panels.

In this article, we’ll try to simplify the concepts of both Insurance Contracting and credentialing and find out how the two concepts intertwine with each other.

Insurance Credentialing

Credentialing is a process providers need to mandatorily undertake if they seek to serve clients covered by the federal insurance program. The applying provider needs first to verify his/her professional records to get credentialed.

This includes NPI, CAQH, professional licenses, diplomas, certifications, attestations, references, etc. All of these documents are essential to verify the accuracy and reputation of the concerned provider.

The same process applies if the Individual provider is applying for privileges in a group practice such as hospitals and surgery centers. They will be asked to submit a completed application which would be later sent to the credentialing entities for verification.

They will request the provider’s professional documents which may include National Data Bank records, credit card records, and criminal background searches.

They will also indulge in what is called primary source verification, which basically means verifying the source of the provider’s diplomas and educational certificates. There is no way to avoid this as hospitals are mandatorily required to check the above-mentioned documents to protect their patients from bad actors.

The Entire Credentialing process can be summed up as follows:

• Getting Information in Order
• Filling out the CAQH form
• Contacting Provider Relations
• Submit Application
• Reviewing Contract after Approval

As you can see, Insurance credentialing is a lengthy process. It is advised to seek help from third-party service providers like Denmaar to efficiently carry out the overwhelming process. The entire Insurance Credentialing and Contracting process culminates with the approval of the contract by the insurance company.

Contracting

If credentialing was the process of gathering and submitting information, contracting is the process of submitting the information and obtaining credentialing approval. This is where the provider finally obtains participation on an insurance panel. This means he/she can now take in clients that are covered by the health insurance coverage of that particular company. We often see providers enroll in these plans, only never to renew them again.

It is almost as if they forget that their application with a said insurance panel comes with an expiration date. A lot of time may pass by, and insurers may not review your contract, thus failing to reflect on the provider’s reimbursement rates. This spells a recipe for disaster as it can lead to thousands of dollars lost and payments interrupted.

Denmaar’s Insurance Credentialing and Contracting for Providers

Although time-consuming, there is a reason why credentialing requires such a high level of scrutiny. The affordable care act has raised the standards of such scrutiny to reduce fraud and abuse when it comes to Medicare and Medicaid enrollment.

The same applies to the contract. It is essential to be aware of the information contained in the contract of approval. Attention needs to be paid on when the period of credentialing may expire, to apply for re-credentialing quickly.

Denmaar is a mhBilling company that helps providers with both credentialing and re-credentialing. We offer a fully automated system to our clients that keep them updated in real-time with updates regarding their application. At Denmaar we are not just concerned with verifying your forms. We also ensure you are always in touch with your process to ensure your credentialing process is as smooth as possible.

Oscar Insurance Credentialing – Getting on Insurance Panel

Let’s understand the process of Oscar Insurance Credentialing

Oscar insurance company is a technology-focused healthcare company that was founded in 2012.
Headquartered in New York City, Oscar provides its services in 9 states across the USA. These 9 states include New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, California, Tennessee, Arizona, Michigan, and Florida.

The company has been popular for using advanced technology to engage with their clients. They use telemedicine; healthcare based technological interfaces, and transparent claims pricing systems.

Oscar began selling insurance the same year the affordable care act exchanges and individual mandates went into effect. In the first year, Oscar managed to secure 16000 members, and it has progressed into even more significant numbers ever since.

As of today, there are at least 25000 members covered under Oscar’s insurance program. They have not only partnered with 3500 nationally ranked doctors, but also work with 20 top health systems in the US.

Hence credentialing with Oscar is crucial if your practice falls under their jurisdiction. This will allow you to tap into a client base that is covered under the Oscar insurance program. So without much further ado, let’s look at the process Oscar Insurance Credentialing for providers.

Oscar Insurance Corporation Provider Credentialing – The Process

1. Pre Application

Before applying, Oscar requires practitioners to submit the necessary information to confirm that the applying practitioner is meeting basic guidelines of insurance credentialing with OSCAR. An Oscar representative is assigned to the practitioner who informs whether the applying party meets all the mandatory guidelines or not.

2. Submit Your Application

Once the practitioner is deemed compliant with Oscar’s guidelines, they send an e-mail containing all the information the provider needs to initiate the process.

If the application information already exists on the CAQH aka Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare, then OSCAR will with the provider’s permission, proceed to access it electronically.

The following information is essential from the provider, depending on :

•   Basic Personal Information
•   Education and Training Information
•   Specialties and Board Certification
•   Malpractice Insurance Information
•   Work History and References
•   Disclosure and Malpractice History

Here are some materials you’ll need:

•  CV or Resume
•  Malpractice or Insurance Policies
•  Drug Enforcement Administration Certificate
•  State Licenses
•  W9’S
•  Various applicable ID numbers

3. Follow Up

Once Oscar Insurance Credentialing receives the application packet, they will start the credentialing process. The entire process will take 45 to 60 days to culminate.

During this time, the provider will receive e-mails regarding:

• Confirmation of Application received
• Request any missing documentation or application information. If any fundamental document or information is found to be absent during the process, Oscar will send a notification, notifying about the closure of that particular application.
• Constant updates about the status of an application, including delays if any.

4. Oscar Approval

If Oscar approves a particular practitioner’s application, the practitioner becomes an in-network provider with OSCAR. Oscar health Insurance Credentialing will updates the provider information in their database within the next 10 business days.

Being an Oscar in-network provider can be a very long and tedious process. The entire process requires at least 90 – 120 days to be completed and approved. There is a lot of paperwork, which makes the whole process quite frustrating for medical practitioners who want to accept clients with medical insurance. That is where the professional assistance of Denmaar comes into play.

With the help of our credentialing experts, we can walk you through the entire process by accomplishing tasks without any complications and hassle so that you can work on other core areas of your medical practice.

Insurance Credentialing Specialists – Its Importance

You are probably thinking of whether to hire Insurance Credentialing Specialists or undertake the entire process solo if you are an individual or group practice. If you are even remotely aware of the workings of a typical credentialing process, then you know that going solo is probably not a good idea.

The credentialing process is long, and time-consuming, which can interfere with the efficiency of your practice. As medical professionals, that is something you can’t allow to happen. Hence, hiring credentialing specialists for health insurance payments becomes a wise decision.

What is an Insurance Credentialing Specialist?

The primary role of an Insurance credentialing specialist is to work with group, private or other such medical practices. Hence, helping ensure their medical professionals are complying with government credentialing standards. Insurance Credentialing specialists take it upon themselves to verify the legitimacy of medical professionals with regards to their background, work experience, and education.

An Insurance credentialing expert will have an intricately organized database of the training, education, licensing, and experience information. They ensure that the data thus collected from a healthcare professional is complying with staff policies, government laws, and regulations.

Importance of Insurance Credentialing Specialists

Hiring credentialing experts like Denmaar, helps healthcare organizations in a variety of departments including, of course, the process of credentialing itself. We just discussed the role of insurance credentialing specialists with regard to credentialing. Now let’s dive deep to know why they are absolutely essential players to aid providers in the process of credentialing.

Hiring Qualified Healthcare Professionals

Credentialing specialists can help hospitals and medical organizations hire only those professionals that are qualified and meet all of the credentialing standards set by the government. Specialists extensively verify documents to check whether they are compliant with rules and regulations. This helps hospitals and health care enterprises maintain a staff of competent professionals.

Getting In-Network with Insurance Companies

Getting on insurance panels is what credentialing is all about for many providers. They want to serve clients who are covered under a particular or federal insurance program. Without the necessary credentialing requirements, that is not possible, and the practice loses valuable clients. Third-party credentialing specialists like Denmaar, walk you through the entire process without any hassle so that medical practitioners can concentrate on their practice.

Denmaar also helps in speeding up the process with Medicare, Medicaid, and other commercial insurers, allowing you to now see patients faster and get paid for them sooner.

Credentials Management

The entire application process, diligence, and constant follow-ups can be overwhelming for a provider. However, credentialing specialist relieves providers of such a burden. They keep providers up to date on their application and expedite the process that would usually take months to complete.

Most credentialing specialists now use robust softwar9e’s to manage the credentialing process for their clients. We at Denmaar use a fully automated system that inputs all the relevant information from the provider. The system also provides automated updates on upcoming expiration dates to ensure credentialing is done on time, and providers can continue to accept patients.

Why We Need Credentialing Specialists Today

With a significant portion of the nation’s population already covered under a federal or commercial insurance program, credentialing has become vital. Without it, providers will continue to lose clients. On the other hand, we realize that credentialing is a complex process.

Hence Denmaar has a team of credentialing experts ready to deliver on our promise of efficient credentialing services. Our specialists meet the qualifications that any insurance credentialing specialist job description needs.

With our experts and an advanced system, we promise an efficient credentialing process, unlike any other in the market.

CAQH Insurance Credentialing-It’s Benefits in Credentialing

Let’s understand what CAQH insurance credentialing is and how to complete the CAQH profile
efficiently.

CAQH, aka Council for affordable quality healthcare, is essentially an online database that contains vital provider information. It is through the CAQH portal that providers grant insurance companies access to their documents, thus making the entire acquisition process quite efficient.

As of 2019, Almost 90 % of all National Health Insurance Companies use CAQH as their primary database for provider information. This includes over 900 health plans, hospitals, and healthcare organizations.

Benefits if Insurance Credentialing with CAQH

The CAQH was founded with a simple objective in mind, to simplify the data gathering process and allow physicians and other healthcare providers with a single source to submit their information. Without CAQH, a typical physician would have to apply separately to multiple insurance companies, each with their own time-consuming process.

However, with CAQH insurance credentialing, this process is simplified, and the time taken for the processing of applications is significantly reduced.

Another benefit of CAQH insurance credentialing is the security the portal offers its users. The CAQH database resides in a secure network operations network. All information here flows to and fro through redundant firewalls. Strict measures like secure internet access, use of passwords, electronic signatures, SSL certificates ensure that the data is only accessed by authentic users.

No cost is incurred by the providers to use the database, whereas health plans and other healthcare providers pay a certain fee per provider to access information.

Completing The Insurance Credentialing CAQH profile.

Completing the CAQH profile is a crucial step in achieving the credentialing process.

There are three steps to get acquainted with the CAQH system. They are as follows.

1) Getting a CAQH Number

There is a higher chance that the insurance company a provider wants to get into a panel that uses CAQH as its provider information database. Check the list of participating organizations on the Council for affordable quality healthcare website to make sure. If your insurance company does use CAQH, then you will receive a CAQH ID number via mail.

Alternatively, you can also self-register with the CAQH portal to get the CAQH number before applying for credentialing.

The number is significant and should not be lost as it will come in handy while re-attesting the information later down the line.

2) Keeping Information Ready

It is recommended to have all the information ready to complete the CAQH profile. The following are the information required:

•  Basic Personal Information
•  Education and Training Information
•  Specialties and Board Certification
•  Malpractice Insurance Information
•  Work History and References
•  Disclosure and Malpractice History

Here are some materials you’ll need:

•  CV or Resume
•  Malpractice or Insurance Policies
•  Drug Enforcement Administration Certificate
•  State Licenses
•  W9’S
•  Various applicable ID numbers

The information on your CV/ Bio Data needs to be perfect and devoid of any errors. It is mandatory to use dates in the CV complying with the following format – MM/YYYY. There should be no gaps in employment. If your date isn’t formatted correctly, or the gaps in your employment are not filled, then your application will be rejected.

3) Completing the Profile

Once we have all the information required to complete the CAQH profile, it’s time to complete it. It is recommended to undertake this process online. The paper-laden method is simply too chaotic to be conducted with efficiency.

It is not mandatory to finish the CAQH profile in one sitting. The application can be saved to be completed on a later date. Once the information is provided, the website will ask you to review the application and attest to its validity.

Once completed, you will have to choose who gets to access it. CAQH portal gives you two options.

• Allow any insurance company that indicates they would like to allow you on their panel to have access to it.
• Manually choose which panels you would like to have access to your information on CAQH portal.

Although the process is complete, you mustn’t lose your approved information. You will be required to re-attest to the information quarterly.
 
CAQH Insurance Credentialing With Denmaar

To complete the CAQH profile efficiently, you need a third-party provider you can trust. Denmaar with years of experience to its credit can help you complete the CAQH profile to make your credentialing experience as convenient and hassle-free as possible.

Affordable Insurance Credentialing Services-Cost Efficiency

  Why is the Insurance Credentialing Process So Long?

Thanks to credentialing, any newly hired health professional cannot start work at their new facility for the initial few weeks to six months. Normally, it shouldn’t take providers more than 3 hours as all they have to do is gather all necessary documents and submit them. 

For the facility staff, however, this process can be excruciatingly long. They are responsible for executing several crucial tasks, which include:

• •     Launching a Background Check
• •     Gathering and reviewing the health professional’s credentials, past reputation, and case history. 
• •     Reviewing claims, board history, and privileging
• •     Check sanctions with OIG (Office of Inspector General)
• •     Perform primary source verifications such as medical boards, education history, etc. 
• •     Present files to facility stakeholders, credentialing, and executive committees.

The process has to be repeated every time a new provider is to be credentialed. This makes insurance credentialing extremely frustrating. Communication is often a problem during the execution of these processes and the fact that each facility has its own way of spearheading the credentialing process, makes it even more challenging. 

Other factors, like incorrect or missing information in the application, can delay the process even further. If the credentialing board has a stuffed schedule, then you can expect further delays. As such, you can now understand why many health professionals and institutions consider credentialing to be a never-ending headache. 

  How Much Does Credentialing Cost?

One way to estimate Insurance Credentialing Services costs is by calculating the time a physician would spend on the actual credentialing process. On average, that would be 43 minutes per day.

Now, if we assume that a physician works on $100/hr, that’s approximately $20000/year in credentialing work per physician. This is excluding any paperwork; of course, you lose more money if you lose relevant documents.

In hindsight, you are spending way more than $20000/year. Medical Insurance Credentialing costs way less when outsourced to a third party like DENmaar. Refer to the below breakdown to understand – how much does physician credentialing costs?

Credentialing Cost Breakdown

Individual Physician Cost – 100-200$ per physician

CAQH Database

Initial Setup Costs can go up to $200-$500

Panel Application Cost

Physicians should expect to pay $100 per panel

So, the average cost to credential a physician is somewhere between $2000-$3000/per year. The average cost to credential a nurse practitioner will be more or less the same as well. 

  Why does Credentialing Cost So Much?

Most of the cost incurred in the process of credentialing is because of its lengthy nature. You lose money if you lose your documents. You lose money if you fail to follow up with the insurance companies, resulting in the expiration of your application. The entire process has too many pot-holes for medical practices to crash and burn.

An average physician can lose thousands in income due to this process. Let’s say that a physician makes $299,000. Waiting to render their services for a few weeks due to credentialing will cost them around $25000. Even worse, waiting for six months could cost them an income of around $150,000.

The problem isn’t limited to a few healthcare professionals. In fact, the entire healthcare industry loses billions every year in the USA due to an inept credentialing process. Fortunately, there is a way to avert this disaster and make the credentialing process more cost-effective. 

  Perform Credentialing in a Better way with DENmaar

Credentialing doesn’t have to be as time-consuming or costly as it has been for a long time. All you need are the right credentialing experts shouldering the responsibility on your behalf. This is where DENmaar’s insurance credentialing services come into play. 

DENmaar is home to the credentialing experts, resources, and insight needed to expedite and execute the entire credentialing process in an effective and efficient manner. 

DENmaar offers a fully automated system that provides practitioners with end-to-end solutions to credentialing. You are automatically updated about the status of your application. You get automated re-validation alerts, are assisted throughout the CAQH form filling process, and are alerted of your status application in real-time.

Affordable medical Insurance Credentialing Services cost is possible only when you outsource them to companies like DENmaar.

Fill out the form below or call now on 1-888-595-5100 to get a free estimate.

Credentialing Doctors to Your Group Practice

You have just started a new practice, and you now want to learn about the process of Credentialing Doctors to your group practice. There are many questions that storm the mind before the inception of such a process. Where to begin? Whom to approach? What insurance panels to choose, or how to panel with an insurance company?

The question can be baffling and complex, but not as complicated as the process itself. Those who have undertaken the process know-how stretched out and overwhelmingly complex it actually is. With lots of paperwork, constant follow-ups, and increased risk of loss of documents, it is one hell of an undertaking; many practices wish they would never have to go through. Thankfully, there are third-party Insurance credentialing service providers that can help you immensely with the entire dreadful process by avoiding all of its hassles.

Let’s look at some of the main questions that practices have with regards to insurance credentialing for physicians.

How to Know Which Insurance Companies to Panel With?

You start by asking your colleagues in the same field, or the providers in your own locality about which insurance they are using. Find out all the pros and cons of the insurance companies from them like their rates, promptness of payment, etc. Know which physician credentialing insurance companies are popular in your locality, and which have the most clients’ coverage.

Should You Set Up a Group Contract with Insurance Company?

Some insurance companies allow group contracts, and some don’t. It varies from one company to the other. What is more important to consider is that your clinicians get credentialed using the practices NPI2 and tax ID, and not their own social security numbers. You don’t want to chase all of your clinicians for the checks that were supposed to come to you. Let your clinicians fill out their w9 form with your name, TIN, and address, so insurers know to send the checks to you and not them.

Another benefit of applying as a group is that it is easier to negotiate rates this way than it is to negotiate to be a solo provider. Also, the process of adding clinicians is easier and less time-consuming.

What to do once clinicians have completed their application to participate?

Documents get lost all the time during the process of credentialing. In such a scenario, it is important to follow up with the provider relations departments regarding the receiving of a document. Follow up every week, but do not do it constantly so as not to annoy the already irate officials.

Like we said before, the entire credentialing Doctors process is not without its hassle. We would suggest putting together a Credentialing packet for all your clients with all the credentialing Doctors related information they will need. This will make the entire process easier as every entering therapist will have the knowledge needed for their individual credentialing requirements.

With the help of Denmaar’s credentialing experts,we can walk you through the entire process without any complications and hassle so that you can work on other core areas of your medical practice. You deserve the best physician insurance credentialing services, and we know how to deliver it.

Humana Behavioral Health Credentialing Services

Humana Provider Credentialing & Contracting Services

Join Humana as an in-network healthcare provider and expand your services to a wider base of patients with our Humana Insurance provider credentialing services. 

Let’s discuss the Humana Health Insurance Credentialing Process. 

Humana Inc is a health insurance company based in Kentucky, Louisiana. Over the years, it is responsible for amassing over 13 million Americans into its healthcare program. With revenue of $41.3 billion, Humana was ranked 56 on the Fortune 500 list.

Now, Humana credentials and re-credentials all licensed independent practitioners including physicians, facilities, and non-physicians who fall within its scope and authority.

The following elements are crucial for a practitioner to be credentialed by Humana:

1. Applying provider is in good standing with state and federal regulatory bodies.
2. Applying Provider has been reviewed and approved by an accredited body.
3. Every three years is still in good standing with state and federal regulatory bodies and is reviewed and approved by an accredited body.
4. Liability insurance coverage is maintained.
5. Copy of facilities State License.
6. CLIA certificates are current.
7. Completion of a signed and dated application.

As mentioned, Humana has at least 13 million Americans covered under its insurance program. Hence, it makes sense for Humana health insurance provider credentialing to get in-network with humans to tap into what could potentially be a lucrative market. The process, however, is overwhelmingly tedious with too many moving parts. Thankfully, DENmaar’s team of experts will help assist you throughout the Humana credentialing process.

Check out Credentialing Process Checklist.

The Process to Apply for Humana Health Insurance Credentialing

The provider credentialing process for Humana is as follows: 

1. Pre Application

Before applying, Humana physician Credentialing requires practitioners to handover some necessary information to confirm that the applying practitioner is meeting the basic guidelines of Insurance Credentialing with Humana. A Humana representative is assigned to the practitioner who informs whether the applying party meets all the mandatory guidelines or not.

2. Submit Your Application

Once the practitioner is deemed compliant with Humana’s Health Insurance Credentialing guidelines, they send an e-mail with an application packet containing all the information needed to get started.

If the application information already exists on the CAQH aka Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare exists on the CAQH or One Health-port website, then Humana will with the applying parties’ permission, proceed to access it electronically.

The Following application information is required from the applying party, depending on:

• •     Active and Unrestricted License in the State
• •     Drug Enforcement Agency Certificate (If Applicable)
• •     Good Standing With Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid Number
• •     Humana participation in-hospital clinical privileges
• •     letter of interest for insurance credentialing for Humana
• •     Board Certification Status
• •     Professional and Educational Training
• •     5 Year of Work History
• •     Malpractice Claims History
• •     Adequate Malpractice Insurance
• •     Prior Sanctioning Activities

3. Follow Up

Once Humana receives the application packet, they will start the credentialing process. The entire process will take 45 to 60 days to complete.

During this time, the applying party will receive e-mails regarding:

Confirmation of Application received

Request any missing documentation or application information. If any fundamental document or information is found to be absent during the process, Humana will send a notification, notifying about the closure of that particular application.

Constant updates about the status of an application, including delays if any.

4. Humana Approval

If Humana approves a particular practitioner’s application, the practitioner becomes an in-network provider with Humana. Humana will update the provider information in their database within the next 10 business days.

Being a Humana in-network provider although tedious, is essential for providers to get clients who are covered under the Humana Insurance program. We at Denmaar, understand that medical practices would rather focus their energies on treating their patients rather than focus on the tedious task of credentialing. Hence, we offer a robust end to end credentialing solution that assists you throughout the process.

DENmaar’s Insurance Credentialing Services and its Benefits

The following are the major benefits you can enjoy by availing of our Humana Provider credentialing services. 

1. Access to Credentialing Specialists

We are home to highly skilled credentialing specialists who are with you from start to finish to make sure your credentialing process with Humana goes smoothly, without any hiccups. 

2. Expiring Document Alerts

We arm you with personalized credentialing software that promptly alerts you of expiring documents so you can take the necessary steps before the set deadline. 

3. Up-To-Date CAQH

CAQH is an integral part of the healthcare credentialing process. At DENmaar, we help you create, update, and keep your CAQH relevant. 

4. Automated PAR Status Updates

Be up-to-speed about your application’s status at each and every step of the Humana credentialing process with DENmaar’s special RCM portal. 

Who We Help with Insurance Credentialing & Enrollment?

We simplify the insurance credentialing & contracting process for the following entities.

• •     Physicians
• •     Physician Assistants
• •     Nurse Practitioners
• •     Urgent Care Facilities
• •     Audiologists
• •     Behavioral Health Providers
• •     Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists

Join Humana as an In-Network Provider with DENmaar

Humana contracting and credentialing is no child’s play. At DENmaar, however, we are home to Humana credentialing specialists who possess the experience, skills, and resources needed to help you get credentialed with Humana in a quick and efficient manner. We make sure all of your documentation is taken care of to make sure your submitted application has a chance of being rejected. If by any chance your application is denied, you rest assured that our specialists will do the necessary and resubmit the application in time to boost your chances of getting credentialed with Humana. 

Addiction Treatment Credentialing – Benefits

Addiction Treatment Credentialing have become absolutely necessary for medical practices who have taken it upon themselves to combat the crisis of substance abuse disorder.

The Addiction fighting workforce today is represented by at least 100,000 counselors, healthcare professionals, and educators. These professionals help in the treatment, recovery, and support of individuals suffering from substance issue problems.

However, rendering of such treatment and recovery process becomes impossible for medical professionals if they fail to get credentialed with government or private medical agencies like Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, etc. Private and group practices cannot offer addiction treatment or collect payments from patients who are covered by the federal insurance program.
 
Addiction Treatment Credentialing – What is it?

Credentialing is the process of assessing the legitimacy and background of a medical practitioner and establishing the qualifications they require to become licensed professionals. The concept is simple and is designed to protect ailing individuals from being exploited by fraudulent practices.

With the help of Addiction treatment Insurance credentialing, healthcare professionals have the necessary license requirements to legally serve new patients and get paid by these patients for the services they perform.

Why Get Addiction Treatment Insurance Credentialing

Rising Substance Abuse Disorder (Crisis)

The crisis of addiction our nation faces today is the stuff of nightmare. In 2017 alone, 70,000 Americans died of a drug overdose. This includes prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl abuse. The death rate has gone up from 6.2 per 100000 people in 2000 to 14.2 per 100000 people in recent years.

The numbers signal the imminent demand for Medical practitioners who have the skills and qualifications needed to provide medical attention to a population of people suffering from Substance Abuse Disorder.

Consistent Work

Probably one of its vital benefits is how it can get a medical practice onto an insurance panel, or better yet turn them into an in-network provider. This allows for dealing with billing codes, rates, and other reports and deliverables consistently. The overall uniformity this system offers can help healthcare enterprises make essential decisions more effectively and efficiently.

Better Customer Support

As many insurance companies, today have their own team of autism specialists, in-network providers such as licensed medical practitioners have the chance to socialize and build valuable relationships within the organization that can help with faster claim resolution, or helps resolve queries regarding claim issues. This allows for pre-authorization, re-authorization, and claims information online. All of these factors ultimately enable clinics to provide better customer support to their customers.

Electronic Claims

Getting credentialed allows medical practices to send bills to insurance providers electronically. Electronic claims are a faster, more convenient way of receiving payments quickly than traditional paperwork. Unfortunately, this benefit cannot be enjoyed by medical practices that don’t possess the necessary credential requirements.

The Process of Getting Addiction Treatment Credentialing.

The Addiction Treatment Credentialing process is a long and complicated one. The whole process can take between 90 and 120 days to culminate. It is highly recommended that the credentialing process be started as soon as possible, especially for new medical practices.

You also have to be ready to take 45-minute calls every day while your application is under process. Hence due to its length of time and complicated nature, it is highly advisable to seek the help of third-party support like denmaar who can get the job done for you.

The following is the process to get Addiction Treatment Credentials.

1. The first step towards getting credentialed requires medical firms to apply for an NPI aka National Provider Identifier. An online application requires the input of information like social security number, BCBA certificate number or BCaBA certificate number, Taxonomy code for behavioral analysts, and BA license number if applicable. The NPI is usually acquired within a day and is essential to receive reimbursements for ABA services with any carrier.

2. After the acquisition of NPI, the next step is to become a member of The Council for Affordable Healthcare. A medical practice can only become a part of CAQH. The medical practice needs an invitation from the insurance provider. Once the firm can log in to the CAQH system, they are required to submit a plethora of information such as employment history, references, resume, and W9, BCBA, or BCaBA certificates, educational history, information about medical practice.

3. After the application is completed, insurance companies will have access to the information provided. They will use the information to verify it with their agency.

Stop Losing Patients with Insurance

Medical practices need to be privy of all the plans and terms of coverage offered by insurance companies. Almost all Americans are enjoying the benefits of some of the other health insurance programs. Without the necessary credentialing requirements, there is no point in even starting a medical practice that treats addiction, no matter how noble your intentions may be.

Addiction Treatment Insurance Credentialing is essential for medical practices to continue to accept new patients and receive payments to justify their services. The process to get credentialed can be tedious, a problem that can be alleviated by hiring third party professionals like denmaar who can do the heavy lifting for a medical practice.

Affordable Insurance Credentialing Services-Cost Efficiency

Given the lengthy, tedious nature of Affordable Insurance Credentialing Services, the question that most physicians and medical practitioners are left with is if there is such a thing as Insurance Credentialing. Most of the cost incurred during the Insurance Credentialing is directly related to the time that physicians spend in the process.

The typical duration of the entire process is around four months. During these four months, the medical practice has to go through a variety of steps to get the credentialing process right. Frankly, it varies according to various factors.

The Affordable Insurance Credentialing Services may vary based on:

•  Current Credentialing Service
•  The number of physicians needed to be added.
•  How quickly you grow your practice.
•  Changes in insurance contracts
•  Additional services rendered from the credentialing service provider.

One way to estimate the Affordable Insurance Credentialing Services cost in calculating the time a physician would spend on the actual credentialing process. On average, that would be 43 minutes per day.

Now, if we assume that a physician works on a $100/hr, pay, that’s approximately $20000/year in credentialing work per physician. This is excluding any paperwork; of course, you lose more money if you lose relevant documents.

In hindsight, you are spending way more than $20000/year. medical Insurance Credentialing cost way less when outsourced to a third party like Denmaar.

Credentialing Cost Breakdown

Individual Physician Cost – 100-200$ per physician

CAQH Database

Initial Setup Cost can go up to $200-$500

Panel Application Cost

Physicians should expect to pay $100 per panel

So, on average, the general cost of Affordable Insurance Credentialing Services is somewhere between $2000-$3000/ year.

Most of the cost incurred in the process of credentialing is because of its lengthy nature. You lose money if you lose your documents. You lose money, if you fail to follow-up with the insurance companies, resulting in the expiration of your application. The entire process has too many pot-holes for medical practices to crash and burn.

This is why third-party Insurance Credentialing is so essential in getting on insurance panels. Denmaar offers a fully automated system that provides practitioners with end to end solutions to credentialing. You are automatically updated about the status of your application. You get automated re-validation alerts, are assisted throughout the CAQH form filling process, and alerted of your status application in real-time.

Affordable medical Insurance Credentialing Services cost can be availed only when you outsource them to companies like Denmaar.

Fill the form below or call now on 1-888-595-5100 to get a free estimate.

Psychologists Insurance Credentialing Services

Psychologists Insurance Credentialing Services and counselors have become extremely important today. Psychologists, just like other practitioners, need to go through an extensive credentialing process to validate their practice.

Mental health specialists have become an integral part of the modern society reeling with record-high numbers of people suffering from a mental ailment of one form another. Psychologists Insurance credentialing Services need to have access to insurance panels to continue to cater to clients covered under the federal insurance program.

Below are some reasons why Insurance Credentialing for Psychologists Services is vital. 

Flexibility

If you are a professional working for a firm or a group practice then, of course, you can get away with not getting credentialed as your firm is already an in-network provider. But what if you want to start your own practice? In such a scenario, not having the valid credentials will pinch. Having the necessary Psychologists Insurance credentialing Services requirements helps individual psychologist tend to clients who are covered under the federal insurance program.

HMO’s

Not long ago, it was the norm for psychologists to rely on PPO’s (preferred provider options) being used by their new clients. This allowed psychologists and counselors to avoid the need for being on insurance panels.

However, today, HMO’s are used more extensively than PPO’s, which have become very rare. PPO’s simply isn’t financially viable anymore, and practice will incur fines and penalties for using PPO’s if you are out of their network.

Universal Healthcare

Our times are different than our predecessors. The affordable healthcare act launched by the US has created an amicable environment where everyone can afford to see a counselor. This is excellent news for counselors on insurance panels, and not so much for those relying on the cash-based system.

With cries for more progressive healthcare policies like Medicare for all becoming deafeningly louder, it is beneficial for Psychologists Insurance Credentialing Services to get in-network with insurance panels.

Panels are closing

Many group and private practices are vying for the same panels at the same time. This is leading to many reputed and well-known insurance panels rapidly closing down. The competition is just too intense. Insurance companies cannot afford to be in-network with everyone as it is just not financially viable for them. Hence, jumping at the opportunity sooner than competitors is important.

Just like other practitioners, psychologist credentials with insurance companies need to get in-network. With universal healthcare, they simply cannot afford to lose clients that are on insurance programs. Getting on insurance panels is crucial for Psychologists Insurance Credentialing Services and counselors to accept new clients and expand their practice.

That is where the professional assistance of Denmaar comes into play. With the help of our credentialing experts, we can walk you through the entire process without any complications and hassle  so that you can work on other core areas of your medical practice.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider Credentialing & Enrollment Services

BCBS aka Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a widely recognized federation of 36 separate Health Insurance organizations, and Companies. This association, which includes different well-known insurance providers, covers more than 106 million citizens in America. Publicly traded and privately owned insurance companies like Anthem, CareFirst, Highmark, Premera, Cambia Health Solution, etc. are all part of the BCBS Insurance Credentialing Services.

As such, applying for BCBS Provider Credentialing is crucial for practitioners who seek to tap into the pool of potential clients who are covered by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Now, becoming an in-network provider is a three-part process. It is lengthy and fairly complicated. It is advisable for the group and private practices to seek help from third-party credentialing service providers like DENmaar to simplify the entire process.

  Let us look into the BCBS Credentialing Process:

As mentioned before, becoming an in-network provider with BCBS is a three-part process.

• •     Getting Credentialed or Re- Credentialed with BCBS
• •     Register Your NPI (National Provider Identifier)
• •     Have a Signed Contract with BCBS in your state.

1 – Getting Credentialed or Re- Credentialed

BCBS first checks the credentials of medical practitioners who apply for Insurance Credentialing Services. They have to submit their resume, work history, and other vital information for the purpose of background verification. The applying party can send their applications and documents online or manually.

Online application with BCBS Insurance Credentialing Services is only exclusive to providers. The information is sent to the Universal Credentialing DataSource (UCD). BCBS works closely with the Council of Affordable Quality Healthcare, thus making the entire process quite simpler.

BCBS Provider enrollment also requires that facilities that are not providers have to send their applications manually.

2 – Obtain an NPI (National Provider Identification Number)

The NPI, also known as National Provider Identifier, is a ten-digit unique identification number used to replace provider identifiers such as the unique provider identification number in HIPAA standard transactions.

Healthcare providers must obtain an NPI in accordance with HIPAA regulations. AN NPI should be obtained before applying to get into BCBS network.

3 – Get a Signed Contract with BCBS

Before getting a signed contract with BCBS you have to register your NPI Through the enrollment application process. You need to register to be able to access Explanation of Payments (EOP), and sign an EFT to receive claims payment.

The entire process can take 30 – 45 days from the date of NPI enrollment.

As you can probably guess by now, becoming an in-network provider with BCBS can be a very long and tedious process. The entire BCBS behavioral health credentialing process requires at least 90 – 120 days to be completed and approved. There is a lot of paperwork, which makes the whole process quite frustrating for medical practitioners who want to accept clients with medical insurance. There is also a higher risk of application rejection when you go about the BCBS credentialing process alone.

That is where the professional assistance of DENmaar comes into play. With the help of our BCBS Insurance Credentialing Services, we can walk you through the entire process without any complications and hassle so that you can work on other core areas of your medical practice.

  Benefits of utilizing DENmaar’s Credentialing and Enrollment Services

The following benefits await those who seek DENmaar’s Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider Credentialing.

• •     Get Assisted by Highly Skilled BCBS Credentialing Experts
• •     Get Credentialing Assistance from Start to Finish.
• •     Our Credentialing experts ensure your applications are submitted to BCBS on time. 
• •     We regularly follow up with BCBS at your behest to get updates on your applications
• •     We will help you update your CAQH profile
• •     Get real-time status updates with a real-time RCM portal
• •     Stay informed and get alerts on expiring documents on time.

  Who We Help with Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider Enrollment

• •     Physicians
• •     Physician Assistants
• •     Nurse Practitioners
• •     Urgent Care Facilities
• •     Audiologists
• •     Behavioral Health Providers
• •     Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists

  Join BCBS as an In-Network Provider with DENmaar

Getting on the BCBS network is no easy task. However, it is essential if you want to accept and care for patients with BCBS-sponsored health insurance. At DENmaar, we offer end-to-end BCBS Credentialing services that help your behavioral health practice expand its reach and provide care to more patients in the process. You can rest easy knowing that our credentialing experts will be working closely with you and guide you throughout the often long BCBS Provider enrollment process. 

We are home to credentialing specialists who possess the insight, experience, and resources needed to get you to that credentialing finish line without a hassle. We will make sure your claims filed are clean to avoid claim rejections and accelerate the process of getting you in-network with BCBS. 

With DENmaar by your side, you can expect to overcome BCBS’s credentialing challenges effortlessly while making sure that other core areas of your healthcare enterprise receive your undivided attention.

Contact us at DENmaar, to start your journey to becoming an in-network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield

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