medical Billing - Electronic Billing Pros and Cons

Everything in our world is becoming more and more automated. The days of paper are becoming things of the past. Who uses typewriters any more? True, they've been replaced by computers and printers, but with the coming of email and modems, data doesn't have to be printed at all any more. This is also true of healing billing to insurance carriers. With electronic billing, no longer do we have to send them a paper Hicfa, but is it all good? We're going to take a devils advocate advent to electronic billing and eye both the pros and cons of sending your bills electronically.

The pros are easy to see. With electronic billing, you obviously save a lot of paper. No longer do you have to print out each bill. With electronic billing, by using a modem, you can send that bill directly to the carrier. Not only does this save paper, but it also saves postage. The cost of that phone call, which in most cases is an 800 number, is a lot less than the cost of sending these bills snail mail.

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Another pro of electronic billing is accuracy. The programs that are created to send these claims electronically have built in checks for errors, since a human still has to enter the information. After the data for the bill is entered, you can run another agenda that checks to make sure that everything and we do mean everything, is filled out completely. whatever missing or in error is displayed on an error description which can whether be printed or viewed directly on the computer.

Another pro of electronic billing is speed, not only of how fast the claim gets to the carrier, since they don't have to wait for the mail, but of how fast claims are paid. The imagine claims are paid quicker in this manner is that the receiving carrier also has a agenda that checks for errors, so the claim itself doesn't have to be manually reviewed. This speeds up the process.

It would seem from all of this that there can't be whatever bad about electronic healing billing. Oh, if only that were the truth. Unfortunately, there are things that can go wrong and all too often, do go wrong.

For starters, computers act up. Programs have bugs, especially when they are new. Because the healing business is enduringly changing, these programs have to be enduringly updated. When this happens, bugs do pop up. When that happens, claims can't be submitted until the bugs are fixed. This can effectively shut down billers for days. Not a pretty sight.

Another qoute is with the actual transmission of the data itself. Modems can act up and often do. Sometimes there's just a qoute with the phone line. There may be noise on it. Unlike talking on the phone, the transmitting of data requires a excellent association or the data doesn't send properly. When this happens, the claims are rejected even though they may be valid. The data just becomes corrupted.

For the most part, electronic healing billing is a remarkable thing, but problems do occur and it is important to be ready for those problems.

medical Billing - Electronic Billing Pros and Cons

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New medical Inventions

The midpoint life span of human beings has improved considerably in the last century, thanks to the improve of medical technology. medical inventions have not only paved the way for improved diagnostic techniques, but also manipulation of chemicals and minerals to cure the human body of many ailments. medical innovations have led to the complete eradication of dangerous diseases like small pox.

The latest medical research is focused on inventing a cure for dangerous and fatal diseases like Aids and cancer that have already claimed the lives of many. New medical or preventive medicines for such diseases will be a major break straight through in medical technology.

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There are many drug companies that fund as well as aid in research and improvement for new medical inventions. Scientists and inventors with credible theories are also encouraged by governments of all nations to carry on research to come up with new medical techniques in diagnosis and rehabilitation as well as new medical cures and drugs. There are also corporations and companies that help inventors and physicians to put their innovative ideas into institution and organize new medical devices and healthcare products. Such companies also help to market the new products once they are ready for use.

For example, an ingenious medical invention was developed by Dr. Clyde Morgan with the help of Eureka Medical, a business that offers services to citizen with innovative ideas in medicine. He developed a new type of non-invasive rehabilitation to operate symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Few of these symptoms comprise loss of hand grip strength, interruption of sleep due to dullness in hands and aching shoulders and neck. The gadget helped patients to be in operate of the symptoms and go back to sound sleep while nights. The device, to be worn at night, comes with a explication that helps to keep habit sleep interruption in check.

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Medical Debt Relief - Check the Bill Carefully and Keep Loan Relief Options Open

When your son has met with an accident and is admitted in the hospital, do you ever keep track of the various procedures done and the medications provided? You are keen on making your son right again that you are prepared to follow any and every instruction that medical expert issues. In such a scenario, possibility of a mistake in the hospital bill and overcharging is always present.

This is a significant factor contributing to high medical bills that people are facing today. Service providers charge for each and every small service provided to the patient. In such a scenario, increasing the number of instances of procedures done or adding a few phantom charges can easily increase your medical debt.

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Hence, you should take care to analyze and assess the bill very carefully. Keep in mind that doing such a thing is not sign of ungratefulness. Rather, you are merely helping the hospital service provider by checking the bill and making sure that there are no errors in the same.

It is very important to maintain your cool and calm when you are dealing with a medical emergency. Of course, watching our family members suffering pain because of an accident or disease is not an easy task. However, you should remain calm and composed because the hospital bills have a huge impact on your finances.

Most individuals make the mistake of immediately clearing the entire bill using their credit card. Once this happens, the debt would be transformed from a medical debt to a consumer debt. When your debt collectors contact you, they do not see whether you have incurred huge debt because of a financial emergency or because of sheer carelessness. This will significantly downgrade your negotiating position.

On the other hand, if you seek for more time to repay the medical bills, you always have option of getting in touch with a debt settlement or debt negotiation company and arriving at a mutually beneficial payment which may involve a fifty to seventy percent waiver. If you use your credit card to pay the bill, you will have less money to manage day to day expenses and you will have to run after your card issuers for a credit card debt settlement.

If you do not have the skills or the patience to undertake this task, you should get in touch with debt relief service provider even as the medical treatment is ongoing. This will ensure you always on top of your medical debts.

Medical Debt Relief - Check the Bill Carefully and Keep Loan Relief Options Open

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History Of Electronic Medical Records

In the 1960s, a physician named Lawrence L. Weed first described the concept of computerized or electronic medical records. Weed described a system to automate and reorganize patient medical records to enhance their utilization and thereby lead to improved patient care.

Weed's work formed the basis of the PROMIS project at the University of Vermont, a collaborative effort between physicians and information technology experts started in 1967 to develop an automated electronic medical record system. The project's objectives were to develop a system that would provide timely and sequential patient data to the physician, and enable the rapid collection of data for epidemiological studies, medical audits and business audits. The group's efforts led to the development of the problem-oriented medical record, or POMR. Also, in the 1960s, the Mayo Clinic began developing electronic medical record systems.

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In 1970, the POMR was used in a medical ward of the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont for the first time. At this time, touchscreen technology had been incorporated into data entry procedures. Over the next few years, drug information elements were added to the core program, allowing physicians to check for drug actions, dosages, side effects, allergies and interactions. At the same time, diagnostic and treatment plans for over 600 common medical problems were devised.

During the 1970s and 1980s, several electronic medical record systems were developed and further refined by various academic and research institutions. The Technicon system was hospital-based, and Harvard's COSTAR system had records for ambulatory care. The HELP system and Duke's 'The Medical Record' are examples of early in-patient care systems. Indiana's Regenstrief record was one of the earliest combined in-patient and outpatient systems.

With advancements in computer and diagnostic applications during the 1990s, electronic medical record systems became increasingly complex and more widely used by practices. In the 21st century, more and more practices are implementing electronic medical records.

History Of Electronic Medical Records

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Best Medical Careers for the Future

The medical field is fast becoming a steady career option for many professional workers who want an occupation that challenges them and keeps them on their feet. But with the economy the way it is, many people are not sure which career is right for them. Some people may be afraid to spend years in college just to find out that their field is not in demand and they cannot find a job doing what they love. In order to have a steady occupation, it's vital to understand what the best medical careers for the future would be. There has never been a better time to go back to school in order to expand your knowledge and start working in a career field that will enable you to make a very good living.

Anesthesiologists are definitely in demand, and this particular branch of medicine is included within the best medical careers for the future. The schooling is extensive, usually taking about eleven years, but you will have a career that is rewarding and makes you a steady and amazing income. Anesthesiologists, on average, earn about US5,000 a year. You will need a four-year master's degree, an additional four years of medical training which will make you a medical doctor, and then another four years of specialized training.

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Nurses are also another in demand occupation. With the aging population, many more people are becoming ill and in need of good, solid health care. It is the nurses' job to cater to their patients health needs and treat them well. To become a licensed practical nurse, you will only have to go to school for a year or two. To become a registered nurse, you will go to college for about three or four years. Nursing schools are very competitive, and sometimes it is very hard to enroll into one. The classrooms are usually very limited because of a shortage of nursing teachers. As a nurse, you can work virtually anywhere.

Pharmacists are also on the list of the best medical careers for the future. In fact, there is a large shortage of pharmacists and they are needed almost desperately. After you have completed a two-year college program, you can then go on to receive your doctorate in pharmacology. This will enable you to work in a pharmacy as a professional pharmacist. This particular field is great because it is steady work, good working hours, and it has a very good salary income. The choice to go back to school for any one of these medical careers may be the best decision you've ever made.

Best Medical Careers for the Future

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Medical Administrative Jobs

The medical field is a fast growing industry and with the demand for qualified professionals has opened the door to many opportunities. One of the fastest growing demands is for Medical Administrative representatives who can work with little or no supervision. The position requires the ability to administer patient information accurately, expedite paperwork in a timely manner. Correlate information through proper channels and display excellent customer service skills and excellent communication.

The primary functions of a medical administrative representative is to make sure that the office environment whether in a hospital setting or health care facility; runs efficiently and that the personnel are kept informed of proper information and patient information. The education required for the position is a high school graduate with some proficiency in medical terminology, medical administrative training and experience either in a hospital or health care facility. Depending on where the job is located having CPR training is a plus. Displaying proficient computers skills such as excel, powerpoint, outlook, MS Word is an absolute must.

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One of the characteristics for being a good medical administrator is exercising strong customer service skills and excellent communication on the phone as well as in person. Maintain a good rapport with the employees and public will ensure mutual respect and trust. The medical administrator's duties include the handling of confidential information and must instill within the team discretion. Scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, sitting and standing for periods at a time is important. The medical administrator is responsible for the team and office environment functioning.

Medical Administrative Jobs

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Medical Billing - Multiple Batches

One of the most confusing parts of medical billing and the electronic submission of claims is the batch. Most billers don't understand why you even need to have multiple batches. Can't all the claims just go inside one package and get shipped? Well, with paper, yes. But if you're a big billing house and billing for a number of providers, then the process isn't that simple. Before we go into our detailed review of the YA0 record, an explanation of batches is probably in order.

Because of the way claims are paid, especially by the big insurance companies or government agencies, keeping track of batches is very important. Why? Because when insurance companies cut their checks for the claims, they are cut and paid to the provider, not to the patient, unless designated to do so. If a large billing house is representing multiple providers, they may very well submit a large claim file representing multiple providers. These providers are identified in the BA0 record in field number 2, positions 4 - 18, which is the provider ID. This record designates the beginning of that batch and this field designates the provider associated with that batch. If the biller wants to bill a second provider, then another BA0 record must be used so that the insurance carrier knows who the second carrier is. Otherwise, the check will end up getting cut for one provider. This can obviously cause a lot of problems.

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In order to make sure this doesn't happen, most electronic billing software has what is called a multiple provider option. What happens is that somewhere in the system, a list of providers is kept in a large table. In very large billing houses, this table can contain hundreds of providers. Each one is given an ID number and a table number. The ID number is assigned by the governing agency. The table number is assigned by the software. Each patient in the system is assigned to a provider. When that patient's claim file is pulled, a cross match is made between the table number of the provider that is entered in the patient file and the provider number itself. If the provider number is different from the previous provider number that was billed, a new BA0 record is created. Before this is done, however, the YA0 record is created to sum up the previous batch for the first provider.

This is of course greatly simplified, but hopefully you get the general idea. Once the YA0 record is created and filled in and the new BA0 record is created, your multiple batch system has just gone into effect. You simply repeat this process for each provider. The hard part for billers is making sure that the provider table ID is properly entered for each patient. Otherwise, the wrong provider will be paid for the services rendered.

In our next installment of medical billing and the electronic transmission of claims using NSF 3.01 specifications, we'll be covering the YA0 record in detail.

Medical Billing - Multiple Batches

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Medical Loans- What to do When You Need Money for Medical Treatment

Medical treatment is very expensive, but unlike most pricey items, it's not an optional or luxury purchase for those in need of treatment. Unfortunately, not everyone has health insurance. Even those who do have health insurance may not have sufficient coverage for all of their medical expenses. Many medical facilities have links with financial institutions which offer medical loans. These loans are cash advances made specifically for the purpose of medical intervention only, and are a financing option for people who are not able to pay for medical treatment on their own.

Medical loans are normally unsecured loans that are awarded on the basis of the applicant's credit record and earning capacity. The advantages of obtaining a medical loan are that you can undergo whatever medical procedure you require at the time when you need it without worrying about paying for the entire procedure at once. Medical loans typically have regular interest rates and so are not difficult to repay. Getting a medical loan is definitely much better than charging the medical bill to your credit card which could result in long term, high interest debt.

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Medical loans can be used not only for emergency medical interventions, but also for those that are not covered under health care insurance, such as cosmetic surgery, liposuction, dental cosmetic surgery, detoxification and similar other procedures that you feel are important to you but that your insurance company does not deem as medically necessary.

Where Do You Get Medical Loans?

There are many places to find medical loans. Before taking out a medical loan, you might want to run a search on the Internet to find out about the different sources of medical loans. You might also want to contact medical practices in your area to determine which lenders they recommend to their patients and check out their terms. As with any type of loan, it is a good idea to compare terms and conditions before signing a contract.

You could also get this information from your own doctor's office as well as from online and from other medical practices. Just make sure that you know the prevailing interest rates before you make a decision. Also be aware that sometimes the financial institutions offer medical practitioners a percentage for every person referred. Therefore, when you take the advice of your doctor's office without making comparisons, you cannot be sure you are getting the best offer.

Other Loans For Medical Treatment

In case you find that the medical loans are not suitable for you, you could always go for a regular loan. For example, homeowners might find a home equity line of credit or a second mortgage to be better a better option for them. Research carefully before you make your decision, so you can avail of the best possible offer.

Medical Loans- What to do When You Need Money for Medical Treatment

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When Can I Sue My Doctor? How Can a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Help Me?

Are you not satisfied with the medical treatment you received? Did you suffer any kind of a loss or an injury due your doctor's negligence? If yes, you can sue him/her based on the right you are due under the federal and state laws. However, as suing a health professional is not very easy, it is very necessary to hire a skilled, reputed Medical Malpractice Lawyer of your state in order to claim a reasonable compensation allowed by the law. The attorney will not only defend your case, but will also help you protect your rights.

Some element of risk is always present in all medical treatments, especially in cases that involve surgeries. If the patient has suffered an injury or a loss during any surgical procedure, and you feel that the physician or the surgeon is at fault, consulting a medical malpractice lawyer would prove beneficial.

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Similarly, in case of erroneous medical treatment, misdiagnosis, faulty prescriptions, or oversight, it is advisable to get in touch with an attorney with a proven winning record of mitigating such malpractice cases. Alternatively, you can also consult a malpractice attorney to seek legal advice. He may refer you to another reputed attorney having rich experience in dealing with cases similar to yours.

Reasonable compensation can also be claimed for the patient and his/her family in case of unapproved off-label use of an inappropriate medication or neglect, leading to improper dosage levels or schedule. Other common cases in which you can sue your doctor for negligence are as follows:

1) Medication errors in the field of Pediatric medicine.

2) Birth Injuries in newborns caused due to improper hospital setting, negligence on the part of the OB/GYN practitioner, nurses, or other health professionals, usually form strong lawsuits. In such case, one can claim huge compensation for lasting mental or physical issues, if any. The largest settlements allowed in such suits have been won in the past by the New York Medical Malpractice Lawyers.

Thus, if you or your loved one has been victimized at the hands of negligent hospitals and health professionals, it is high time to get in touch with a medical malpractice lawyer. In order to take full advantage of all the rights granted to you under the law, you need to act now.

When Can I Sue My Doctor? How Can a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Help Me?

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Steps to Take Before Applying for Medical School

If you think getting into medical school is easy, think again. The whole application process can be very stressful and expensive, depending on how many schools you want to apply to. To get started, you should have an idea of which medical schools you want to apply to.

When you have a list of schools you want to apply to, start off by visiting each school's website to find out what the admission's requirements are. Many medical colleges require prerequisites in many science courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, and more. Be sure to talk to your campus science department to determine the general science classes you have to take. In most cases, medical schools require a minimum of B in all the major prerequisite courses before any consideration is given to students that are applying. It is important to note that lab is also required with every science class.

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The next step that isn't on the school curriculum but is just as important are extracurricular activities, try to find an activity relevant to the medical field. The best thing to do is to volunteer at the local hospital or health clinic so that when the time comes, they will write a recommendation letter for you which will boost your chances of admittance. Some schools require recommendation letters. The best thing to do is to get them from your professors and from places you have volunteered at.

Now, one of the most important things that are required for any consideration into any medical school is your MCAT score. It is the exam that determines whether or not you have the competency to pursue a medical degree. Many schools require a minimum MCAT score of 22 to apply but don't make that your goal when taking the exam, you want to aim for 30 or higher.

After completing the previous requirements, the next is the actual application. Many schools require applicants to apply on the AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) website and each school usually requires a fee to apply, ranging from -0 which is not refundable. Once again, be sure to go over each medical school's admission requirements as each college requires something different so it's best to double check everything before applying.

It is definitely a much more stressful experience applying for medical school than it is to take premed courses to obtain eligibility because every medical school receives thousands of applicants and only a small percentage gain acceptance. The competition is fierce but having the right mindset to becoming a doctor and obtaining a medical degree will pay off.

Steps to Take Before Applying for Medical School

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Free Medical History Forms

Having hard time drafting a medical history for your patients? Then, make your move online to check out same free medical history forms. The format is available there to be your guide. Basically, the form includes questions such as name, date, reason for current visit, family's hereditary sickness, symptoms, medication allergies, current medication, pregnancy, history of tobacco use and illegal drugs, experience of falls or falling injury, and alcohol consumption. These are all necessary to the medical history form because these can improve the accurate determination of the current condition of the patient. Simply, the medical history form is the narration of the past to trace out the causes and roots of the current condition of a patient.

Aside from the format, you should also know the things that will come under every question. Obviously, the name should include the first name, last name and middle name. The data should be completed to keep track of the file properly to avoid confusion and mismatching. The date should also be filled out, because it is essential in documenting the patient's visit. After the date, the reason for the visit comes next. This is the most significant information that should be given so that the doctor could have a hint what the problem is. The family's hereditary sickness is a great factor in anyone's health so it will also contribute substantial information on the medical history of the patient. After it the symptoms form comes next, this should be filled out completely because it will help the doctor assess the real problem to address proper remedy. The information on medication allergies and pregnancy should also be present so that the doctor could avoid prescription that is not suitable for the patient. The rest entries on the forms such as the history of tobacco use and illegal drugs, experience of falls or falling injury, and alcohol consumption are also included because these factors could help out a lot to ascertain the best medication program to be given to the patient. The overall data on the accomplished free medical history form given by the patient will draw out the actual situation thus helping doctors assess what should be done.

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The free medical history forms online will really help you a lot in practicing your medical profession. It gathers all the information that you need from your patient so that you could wisely give prescription and remedy to the illness that your patient is currently experiencing. Tracing out the patient's medical history is very substantial because the root of the current illness is usually interconnected to the past sickness that the patient had. With this information from the free medical history forms you will surely do extremely well in your profession and treat all of your patient's sickness the best way.

Free Medical History Forms

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Medical Care - Methods for Getting Medical Care Without Health Insurance

You will find countless People in America who are living without having medical health insurance. This is often due to joblessness or lack of employment, or perhaps a minimum spending work, or company isn't going to provide them with health advantages. Listed below are ten ideas for getting medical care without having health insurance.

1. Take a listing in the doctors together with dental practitioners in your area that you'd like to have to be a doctor. A number of doctors might not exactly agree to patients with out insurance consequently always be versatile using the alternate options which may be generated for medical doctors, dental offices, clinical function, hospital solutions, and prescriptions.

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2. Investigate community medical together with teeth schools to know whether they have an incredible hospital center. Medical universities usually currently have cheaper charges when compared to a doctor that's currently in practice. The particular younger doctors obtain only determined the contemporary understanding inside their region. However, because they are going to be brand-new, they are often monitored through qualified specialists. A lot of health-care universities are designed for sufferers with out medical health insurance.

3. Easy use in the group of required physicians a standard practitioner or doctor, the dental practice, an orthodontist for those who have youngsters, and a consultant you probably have a specific health problem.

4. Speak to your doctor's business office and obtain to talk to work manager. Get their personal insurance coverage concerning getting brand new patients without having health insurance in addition to the quantity of the first appointment charge. Ask if these are saying yes to brand new individuals at the moment along with the period of time prior to primary check out. Write down this particular information on your checklist.

5. Pare their email checklist to potential customer physicians who will provide medical treatment without having health insurance. Look into the physicians training and experience on the internet.

6. Analyze the track record. Examine education, understanding, and the doctor appointment cost. If you don't possess a auto, next prune the track record to individuals physicians as well as dental offices who are on or maybe near to the coach lessons. As a final point, determine which doctors you should choose to rely on for the health-care and dental care.

7. Result in the session while using the physician of your deciding on. It isn't unusual to attend around Four-six many weeks for the new sufferer visit. You will not desire to delay this specific expanded if you're sick and tired consider getting set up nowadays. When you do you may be not well along with harm you can actually obtain slated quickly for just about any regular check out just as one formerly confirmed sufferer.

8. Ask for any kind of office staff whether they'd like to recommend a low-cost laboratory with regard to bloodstream function and many others because you are leaving behind the surgeon's workplace round the original visit. They regularly assist sufferers that will be fighting fiscally and will be capable of offer tips.

9. Make contact with the neighborhood colleges which often coach college student's easy methods to grow to be laboratory specialists. Frequently these people use people and definitely will have reduce costs. This kind of methods will help you to acquire medical act on an appropriate cost without having health insurance.

10. Decide to acquire care at the dental organization for many kinds of dental care operate. The particular charges in dental hygiene universities are usually reduce which a dentist in special exercise and all of the job is carried out in a supervised establishing. If you don't stay near to the dental hygiene school, ask your dentist when he has a repayment schedule. Lots of dental practices will certainly do this if you perhaps might produce a down payment for their companies.

Medical Care - Methods for Getting Medical Care Without Health Insurance

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Medical Billing and Coding - What is a Medical Insurance Specialist and What is the Salary Range?

If you've been thinking about going into the medical billing and/or the medical coding field you may be interested in becoming a medical insurance specialist. A specialist is usually knowledgeable in both billing and coding procedures.

A medical billing and coding specialist such as a medical insurance specialist works closely with patients, insurance companies and office staff. They handle charges, submit claims, respond to inquiries from medical insurers and do all the follow up for payments that are overdue. They know claims processing and billing regulations. They know how to appeal claims that are rejected by a medical insurance company or claims medical insurers only partially pay.

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The specialist also is responsible for getting pre-authorization for certain procedures and post treatment reports.

Medical billing specialists are familiar with all the health plans that are offered in their geographic area. They can read medical bills and know what the costs are for various procedures.

Duties include discussing the patient's medical insurance coverage to determine what co pays may be due for a planned procedure, if any, or if the health insurance company or provider will pay all the costs. This is important so the patient will know what payment will be expected, if any.

The medical billing and coding specialist reviews charges, and submits claims to health insurance providers. It's important that this is done correctly. The specialist also works with the billers to make sure that the statements for services are billed correctly. If it's not done accurately it delays payment for the health care provider.

The specialist usually has good knowledge of medical coding although many times the forms will come to them already coded. This coding is standard and is used by all health insurance companies and medical billing services.

The medical insurance specialist makes sure that all the patient's medical records are accurate and up-to-date.

Medical billing and coding specialists or medical insurance specialists work for doctors' offices, billing services, hospitals, dentists, assisted living centers, skilled medical facilities, clinics, medical insurance companies and all types of medical and healthcare professionals and providers.

If you're interested in becoming a medical insurance specialist or medical billing and coding specialist make sure to do plenty of research and find the best training for you whether online or on campus. Check out what the salary range is because it may vary depending on whether you're working for a doctors' office, billing service, insurance company or hospital. Starting out it could be anywhere from to an hour or more depending on experience, knowledge and training.

Make sure to check the online federal money and financial aid that's available for online classes too and beware of scams. Don't sign up for classes or courses that you don't need.

Medical Billing and Coding - What is a Medical Insurance Specialist and What is the Salary Range?

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Non-Eligibility and the Family and Medical Leave Act

The Family and Medical Leave Act was originally passed in 1993, providing American workers with the right to take time off of work in order to address serious health concerns, be there for family members in their times of need, or be present for the birth of a child. As a result of the law, millions of Americans are granted unpaid leave of their job with full protection of their position at work upon their return. However, there are several exceptions to the law, providing employees who leave no such legal protection of their job status.

There are certain thresholds in place to protect small businesses that cannot handle the strain of losing an employee for a maximum of 12 weeks out of a year. This law does not affect employers who have fewer than 50 employees. However, there are certain exemptions to this employee threshold, namely in terms of educators and workers in public agencies.

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Other workers considered non-eligible include part-time workers who have clocked in fewer than 1,250 hours while working in over the year prior to time off. This does require a part-time worker to, at the very least, work for a particular employer for at least one year before he or she may benefit from the Family and Medical Leave Act.

In addition to these exceptions to the law, there are some less well-defined situations that may make a worker non-eligible for protected time away from work. Particularly, workers who tend to their pets are not granted job protection. If an ailment is short-term, relatively common, and does not drastically damage a person's health, they may not be permitted these protections. Also, if a routine visit to physician is scheduled during work hours, an employer does not need to honor the Family Medical Leave Act.

For more information regarding what is and what is not allowed under this law, contact an employment lawyer.

Non-Eligibility and the Family and Medical Leave Act

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Medical Coding Schools - What to Look For and How to Become a Medical Coding Specialist

With the new Health Care bill passed, medical coding is expected to boom in the coming years. An already growing industry, medical coding schools through out the United States are maxing out their capacity. This guide will give you a basic rundown on how to get into this exciting field.

Medical coding specialists work in doctor's offices, clinics and sometimes from home. The job entails submitting claims to insurance companies to make sure doctors are properly reimbursed for their services and costs. Medical coding professionals tend to deal mostly with private insurance companies and the agencies of state and federal governments who pay medical claims such as Medicare. The medical coding department is also responsible for collecting co-payments from patients directly.

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Now that you have a better understanding of what medical coding specialists are, the next step is to create a plan. The first thing to work out is do you have the time to go to school for medical coding. With most of us having to work a full time job, it can be real tough to juggle school, employment and family life. There is no point on going for this if you can't make a schedule that allows you to graduate in a reasonable amount of time. Even then, you will need to make sacrifices such as hanging out with friends and other activities to make sure you study and pass your tests.

The big factors in finding the right school are location and cost. The average price of schooling is around two thousand dollars. Keep in mind that there are some schools that will offer it cheaper and be sure to take advantage of federal aid. You can also take out a student loan at your local bank. If you decide to fit the bill yourself, make sure to ask about a payment plans. It's real tough to come up with money upfront in today's economy so this might be the way to go. Location is probably more of a concern as it adds to the burden of driving time. I would first look at all local community colleges and scout out their programs. The great thing about getting your certification from a community college is it provides a lot more credibility and they will have advisors on board to help you find employment after you've completed the program. Also, your teachers should be able to point you in the right direction. Another way to find schools is to look online. There are plenty of programs listed and online directories that can show you a detailed list of all the schools in your area. The last thing you can do is check out online schools. This is the best way to go if you don't have a lot of time. The downside to online school is that you have to be a self-starter and motivate yourself. It can be a lonely gig studying on your own. If you decide to go for online schooling, make sure to check the school is an accredited institution.

Medical Coding Schools - What to Look For and How to Become a Medical Coding Specialist

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All About Medical Billing, Coding & Claims Modifiers

Importance of Using Proper Modifiers:

1. The physician performed multiple procedures

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2. The procedure performed was bilateral

3. The E/M service was done on the same day of the procedure

4. The procedure was increased or decreased

5. The procedure has both professional and technical component

6. The procedure was performed by other provider (Anesthesiologist, Surgeon Physical Therapist, Speech Pathologists etc.)

7. Procedure on either one side of the body was performed

8. The E/M service was provided within the postoperative period

9. The E/M service resulted to Decision of Surgery

10. Unusual Circumstance

Maximize your reimbursement for bilateral procedures by using the correct modifier.

Bilateral Modifier (-50)

Depending upon the insurance payer, processing claims with bilateral procedure should be paid 150%

Medicare Part B requires one single line of bilateral procedure code with Modifier 50. They normally process the claim with 150% reimbursement. But again, you have to check on this in your state and in your region.

Some commercial insurance would prefer Two Lines of the same code, once with 50, second without 50. Then second modifier on the 1st line is RT or LT, modifier RT or LT on second line, with 1 unit of service each code. Must be reimbursed at 150%

Some commercial insurance would prefer two lines of the same code with modifier LT or RT on each line with 1 unit of service each code. Must be reimbursed at 150%

Always check on your Physician's Fee Schedule if the procedure code is billable as bilateral J.

Using LT & RT modifier is used to specify which side of the body the procedure was done by the physician. Medicare Part B based on my experience requires specific modifier, either LT or RT. Example you may report procedure 64626 done on the Right C4-C7 Facet Joint Nerve Ablation as 64626-RT.

Modifier -26. Professional Component.

Example: Report procedure code 77003 - Fluoroscopic guidance and localization of needle or catheter tip for spine or paraspinous diagnostic or therapeutic injection procedures (epidural, transforaminal epidural, subarachnoid,, paravertebral facet joint, paravertebral facet joint nerve or sacroiliac joint) including neurolytic agent destruction) with modifier -26 to indicate the physicians Professional Component only reimbursement and not technical component. If the provider's office owns the fluoroscopic equipment, do not append -26 modifier.

Modifier -25. Significant, Separately Identifiable Evaluation and Management Service by the Same Physician on the Same Day of the Procedure or Other Service.

Example: Report E/M code 99213 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient) with Modifier -25 for procedure code 20610 Knee Joint Injection done on the same day of the procedure. Modifier -25 indicates significance and separate identifiable E/M service outside the procedure done on the patient. DO NOT use modifier -25 to report E/M service that resulted for initial decision for surgery.

Instead use modifier -57 for Decision for Surgery

Modifier -24. Unrelated Evaluation and Management Service by the Same Physician During Postoperative Period

Example: Report E/M code 99213 with Modifier -24 if the patient came back during the postoperative period. The physician must identify this service as completely unrelated with the recent procedure done on the patient. A detailed medical documentation is a good support for medical necessity.

Modifier -51 for Multiple Procedures.

Modifier -59 for Distinct Procedural Service

Modifier-GP Services Rendered under Outpatient Physical Therapy plan of care

Modifier-GO Services Rendered under Outpatient Occupational Therapy plan of care

Modifier -GN Services Rendered under Outpatient Speech Pathology plan of care

Always check your up to date CPT Book. Check the CMS CCI Edits. Check the insurance payor's policies and guidelines.

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW MIGHT HURT YOU. IF YOU DON'T KNOW IT, DON'T MAKE IT UP. FIND IT.

All About Medical Billing, Coding & Claims Modifiers

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Life Insurance With No Medical Questions

Life insurance with no medical questions at all?

Not exactly. A life insurance company is not in the business of just giving away insurance. While you might not find an application without any medical nosiness by the insurer, there are many policies that ask only a few health questions and no medical exam.

Health Check

No Medical Exam Insurance

These types of policies go through much of the same underwriting process as traditional life insurance, except for one major thing. There is no physical exam involved, so the carrier relies on your answers to the health questions as well as information available in public databases. The health questions can get pretty extensive. Some companies will want to know anything and everything about you. For example:

- Your health history
- What prescriptions you take
- Your family's health history
- Your driving history
- Your occupation and activities you participate in
- Your height and weight

Those are just a few examples. The application and underwriting standards will vary from company to company.

Simplified Issue Insurance

This means that there is no exam and usually just a short application with a few health questions. The carrier will verify your answers with information on the Medical Information Bureau and prescription databases.

Guaranteed Issue Insurance

This type of life insurance policy is exactly what it says- guaranteed issue. The application can be as short as 5 to 7 health questions, and the company really just wants to know of any terminal illnesses, recent diagnosis', and recent heart attack. This type of policy is good for someone who might have major health issues (though not terminal), who has been denied for life insurance elsewhere.

Life Insurance With No Medical Questions

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