Phone: 702.871.9200
Toll Free: 800.542.5435
Address: 6830 W. Oquendo Rd., Ste. 202
Las Vegas, NV 89118
www.jogoodmanassociates.com
Posted By Carolyn W
eaver, Executive Consultant
It’s still not to late!. I can not forget to remind everyone to wear red next Friday, February 6, 2009 in honor of American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women”. http://www.goredforwomen.org
* 52.6 % of the 864,500 deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease are female *
Posted By Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant
In the January 26, 2009 cover story of Modern Healthcare magazine, 63 hospitals did not receive the quality bonus because of issues related to the “paperwork” of filing quality information or confusion. Many of these issues are reflective of the overall issue of health care and our lack of sophistication in the field, particularly when it comes to information systems. Smaller hospitals are particularly challenged with the limited funds for support staff and systems to support all of the regulatory requirements. Larger hospitals are challenged in the sheer volume of information that must be processed. The answer of course lies in streamlining the whole process of required documentation in the healthcare field and standardized reporting systems from a standardize record, rather than requirements of abstracting and resubmission.
Posted By Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant
As I have discussed in the 
past, since physicians do not always understand when to refer vascular disease to the specialist, patients or the general public, particularly the older population, present an especially unique challenge to understand vascular disease and stroke. As many of you have experienced, patient arrive too late in the Emergency Department to qualify for emergent stroke care. As you put together the patient brochure, think about these questions:
Posted By Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant
Cardiac CT is always a hot topic across the country and my travels proved no different this week. The potential increases every day and particularly with the continuing expanding presence of the 256-slice CT. Yes - it is in your horizon. Of course the issue of payment always comes up. To quote from the Medicare transmittal:
“Contractor shall be aware that section 220.1, Computed Tomography, of Pub. 100-03 of the NCD Manual, Remains unchanged. Therefore, all claims for CTA used to diagnose coronary artery disease shall continue to be determined by local Medicare Contractor discretion.”
Medicare had been looking at restricting the use to symptomatic patients - so no change is good. Be sure and read the entire transmittal as it contains critical information for you.
June 27, 2008
Posted By Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant
Several key benchmarks can immediately define the health of a practice. For example, the health of a cardiology physician practice is directly reflective of the health of a heart and vascular program. In determining the health of your practice, the following are some areas that should be evaluated and questions that should be addressed:
In reviewing E&M (Evaluation and Management) codes:
In the mix of procedures:
Want to discuss your answers? Give us a call or leave a comment.
