Top 3 Compliance Mistakes That Can Cost You Big
Did you know that a whopping 25% of chiropractors face audits by Medicare every year? Non-compliance with coding and documentation rules can lead to denied claims, hefty fines, and even legal trouble. But fear not, fellow spinal adjusters! By understanding some common mistakes and utilizing valuable resources, you can ensure your practice thrives on the solid foundation of proper documentation. In this blog post, we’ll be diving deep with Kathy Weidner, a renowned expert in chiropractic compliance coding, to explore the top 3 mistakes chiropractors make. We’ll also unveil how KMC University can be your knight in shining armor, helping you navigate the complexities of compliance and avoid a financial and legal nightmare. Mistake #1: Medicare Mystery: Enrolling or Ignoring Part B? Here’s a shocker: you cannot treat a Medicare Part B patient without being enrolled yourself. Many chiropractors mistakenly believe they can avoid enrolling by seeing only cash patients or using ABNs (Assignment of Benefits) for everything. But this is a recipe for disaster. An ABN is only valid for services no longer covered by Medicare, and guess what? Most chiropractic adjustments are covered under Part B! Failing to enroll simply means you can’t bill Medicare for your services, leaving you hanging for reimbursement. Think of it this way: Imagine a patient with a valid Medicare card walks into your clinic. They need an adjustment for their chronic lower back pain – a service covered by Part B. If you’re not enrolled, you can’t submit a claim to Medicare. The patient might pay you upfront, but good luck collecting the remaining balance from Medicare. Now, multiply this scenario by dozens of patients each month, and you’ve got a serious financial headache brewing. Mistake #2: Medicare Advantage Maze: In-Network or Out? The world of Medicare can be confusing, especially with the rise of Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. Some chiropractors believe they must participate in these plans to treat patients. Not true! These plans are offered by private insurance companies, and patients have the option to choose in-network or out-of-network providers. Here’s the breakdown: In-Network: If you choose to participate in a specific Advantage plan, you agree to their terms and reimbursement rates. Patients with that plan will likely have lower out-of-pocket costs if they see you. But the flip side is the plan might dictate your treatment approach or limit the number of visits covered. Out-of-Network: You can choose to be out-of-network for all Advantage plans. Patients will likely have higher out-of-pocket costs to see you, but you have more control over your treatment decisions and fees. The best option for you depends on your practice philosophy and patient base. Whichever path you choose, understand the rules and ensure you’re billing correctly. Mistake #3: Code Quest: Google vs. Experts? Don’t Even Go There! We’ve all been there – a complex coding question pops up, and Google beckons. But hold on, partner! Relying on unreliable internet searches or asking friends for advice can lead you down a dangerous path. Coding and documentation rules are intricate, and a seemingly minor mistake can snowball into denied claims and audits. Think of it this way: Imagine confidently billing a specific code for a complex spinal adjustment based on a Google search. Months later, you receive an audit notice, and it turns out the code you used wasn’t appropriate for the service provided. Now you’re facing the hassle of justifying your billing, potentially having to repay received funds, and worst-case scenario, facing penalties. Yikes! The Key to Compliance: Partnering with KMC University Just like you wouldn’t perform a complicated spinal adjustment without proper training, tackling compliance shouldn’t be a solo mission. Here’s where KMC University, Kathy Weidner’s brainchild, comes in as your ultimate compliance companion. KMC University offers a treasure trove of resources designed specifically for chiropractors: Comprehensive Online Courses: Dive deep into specific topics like Medicare billing or documentation best practices. Quick Answer Library: Stuck on a specific coding question? Get instant clarity with their library of expert-vetted answers. Template Toolbox: Streamline your documentation process with customizable templates for chiropractic notes, progress reports, and more. Training Videos: Learn at your own pace with informative video tutorials that explain complex topics in an easy-to-understand manner. Expert Consultations: Need one-on-one guidance? KMC University connects you with certified compliance specialists who can answer your specific questions and help you navigate complex situations. Empower Your Practice, Safeguard Your Future Now that you’re armed with knowledge about common compliance mistakes and the valuable resources available through KMC University, take action to safeguard your practice! Download KMC University’s Free Compliance Checklist: Identify any potential gaps in your current documentation and coding practices. Browse KMC University’s Course Catalog: Find a course that addresses your specific needs, whether it’s mastering Medicare billing or staying updated on the latest coding regulations. Schedule a Free Consultation with a KMC Specialist: Discuss your unique challenges and get personalized guidance on achieving compliance success. Remember, prioritizing compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about protecting your practice’s financial stability and ensuring you can continue delivering exceptional chiropractic care to your patients with peace of mind. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the first step towards a compliant and thriving chiropractic practice today!
Supercharge Chiropractic Patient Retention and Practice Growth
Let’s face it, retaining patients is a constant challenge in the chiropractic field. Studies show that the average new patient only visits 6 times before dropping off, and the national average for chiropractic retention rates hovers around a concerning 20%. But what if you could dramatically increase these numbers and build a thriving practice that thrives on patient loyalty? Dr. Miles Bodzin, a seasoned chiropractor with over 15 years of experience, has cracked the code on patient retention. By implementing these 5 key principles alongside Cash Practice, a comprehensive chiropractic management software, Dr. Bodzin not only improved patient satisfaction but also witnessed a significant surge in practice growth. Unveiling the Roadmap: Forecasting Care Imagine a patient walking into your office with a crick in their neck. They’re in pain, but they’re also anxious. How long will this take? How much will it cost? Dr. Bodzin emphasizes the importance of transparency. Instead of leaving patients in the dark, outline a clear care plan tailored to their specific needs. Visualize the Journey: Don’t rely solely on verbal explanations. Utilize charts, progress trackers, or infographics to visually represent the treatment timeline and milestones. This empowers patients to see the bigger picture and stay motivated. Breakdown the Costs: Be upfront about associated fees for each treatment stage. Consider offering flexible payment options or package deals to make chiropractic care accessible. Address Concerns: Openly discuss any potential roadblocks or setbacks patients may encounter during treatment. This proactive approach manages expectations and fosters trust. By providing a clear roadmap, you build trust and eliminate anxieties surrounding treatment duration and cost, leading to better patient engagement. Frictionless Flow: Streamlining Payments The last thing a patient experiencing pain wants to worry about is navigating a complex payment system. Make the payment process as smooth and invisible as possible. Automated Debits: Set up automatic debit options for patients who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach. This eliminates the need to remember recurring payments and ensures timely payments for your practice. Mobile App Integration: Integrate a secure mobile app into your practice. This allows patients to easily make payments directly from their phones, improving convenience and streamlining the process. Flexible Payment Gateways: Offer multiple payment options like credit cards, debit cards, or even health savings account (HSA) integration. This caters to patient preferences and makes chiropractic care more financially accessible. By minimizing friction at the payment stage, you improve patient experience and reduce the chances of them abandoning care due to financial concerns. The Power of Feedback: Keeping Patients Informed Patients often lack a clear understanding of how their treatment is progressing. Dr. Bodzin suggests implementing a “wellness score” system. This system translates complex medical data into an easy-to-understand format, like assigning A, B, C grades similar to a report card. Empowerment Through Visibility: Patients can see their progress objectively, leading to increased motivation and adherence to the treatment plan. Data-Driven Communication: Use the wellness score data to personalize patient communication. Highlight areas of improvement and celebrate milestones to keep patients engaged. Open Dialogue: The score system can spark conversations with patients, allowing you to address any concerns or questions they may have about their progress. This fosters a sense of partnership in their healthcare journey. Empowering patients with clear and regular feedback fosters a sense of partnership in their healthcare journey, leading to better long-term outcomes and improved retention. Stay Top-of-Mind: The Power of Frequent Communication In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for patients to forget about their ongoing chiropractic care. Regular communication keeps your practice name in front of them. Informative Email Newsletters: Develop engaging email newsletters with valuable content related to chiropractic health and wellness tips. Include patient success stories and practice updates to keep content fresh and interesting. Social Media Engagement: Utilize social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram to share educational content, patient testimonials, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into your practice. This allows you to connect with patients on a more personal level and build a sense of community. Personalized Outreach: Schedule automated appointment reminders and send follow-up messages after treatments. These messages express continued support and encourage patients to stay committed to their chiropractic care plan. By maintaining consistent and valuable communication, you stay top-of-mind and encourage patients to prioritize their ongoing chiropractic care. Convenience is King: Prioritizing Patient Experience Think of your favorite coffee shop. They offer comfy chairs, fast Wi-Fi, and maybe even a loyalty program. These small conveniences enhance your experience and keep you coming back for more. The same principle applies to your chiropractic practice. Online Appointment Scheduling: Allow patients to book appointments 24/7 through a user-friendly online platform. Extended Office Hours: Consider offering flexible appointment times, including evenings or weekends, to cater to busy schedules. Embrace New Technologies: Stay updated on the latest content creation tools like augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) and see if they can be integrated into your blog for a truly unique experience.
Delving Deep into Personal Injury Practice
Welcome back to Genesis Nation! Today, we have the privilege of delving into the intricate world of personal injury practice with the esteemed Dr. Scott Tauber. With nearly 25 years of experience in coaching and consulting, Dr. Tauber is a renowned expert in the field, dedicated to helping providers navigate the complexities of personal injury cases. In our enlightening conversation, Dr. Tauber brings to light one of the most prevalent mistakes made by providers, particularly chiropractors: the tendency to overlook or dismiss certain symptoms because they may fall outside their perceived scope of practice. However, Dr. Tauber emphasizes the critical importance of every symptom in personal injury cases, stressing that nothing should ever be disregarded or underestimated. Dr. Tauber traces his journey into coaching and consulting back to a pivotal moment when a personal injury attorney approached him for assistance with another provider’s documentation. Recognizing the significant need for support and guidance in personal injury practice, Dr. Tauber founded the American Institute of Personal Injury Physicians (AIP IP), dedicated to equipping providers with the knowledge and tools necessary for success in this specialized area. But what exactly does successful personal injury practice entail? Dr. Tauber breaks it down into three fundamental rules: Thorough History Taking: Dr. Tauber underscores the importance of starting strong with a comprehensive patient history, leaving no symptom unaddressed. In personal injury cases, every detail matters, and a thorough history lays the groundwork for effective treatment and documentation. Effective Daily Notes: Dr. Tauber emphasizes the significance of meticulous documentation, particularly in daily notes. Providers must ensure clarity and readability in their notes, avoiding cloning and providing accurate, detailed accounts of each patient visit. With personal injury cases subject to intense scrutiny, high-quality documentation is paramount. Closing with Clarity: Wrapping up each case neatly is essential for preserving the integrity of the patient’s case. Dr. Tauber advises providers to provide clear conclusions and future care recommendations, avoiding loose ends that could potentially jeopardize the patient’s case. By offering comprehensive closure, providers can instill confidence in both patients and attorneys alike. But what about the inevitable challenges posed by gaps in care when patients miss appointments? Dr. Tauber offers practical advice on leveraging attorney relationships to address non-compliance effectively, minimizing the risk of case destruction and ensuring continuity of care for the patient. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Tauber underscores the importance of continuous learning and improvement in personal injury practice. Despite its inherent challenges, mastering this specialized field can yield significant rewards for providers, both professionally and financially. In conclusion, Dr. Tauber leaves us with a crucial reminder: the first visit is the cornerstone of success in personal injury practice. By establishing strong foundations and implementing effective systems, providers can navigate the complexities of personal injury with confidence and proficiency. For more insights and resources on personal injury practice, visit Dr. Tauber’s website at https://www.aipip.com/about-us/. Stay informed, stay diligent, and unlock the secrets to success in personal injury practice.
Fortis: Chiropractic Payment Solutions
In the intricate world of chiropractic practices, where patient care and business operations intersect, finding seamless and efficient payment solutions is paramount. Fortis, a pioneering player in the field of merchant services, has emerged as a game-changer, offering tailored payment solutions designed specifically for chiropractors. In a recent conversation with Jonathan McAleese, CEO of Fortis, we delved into the roots of their journey, the evolution of their services, and the future of chiropractic payment technology. A Legacy Rooted in Chiropractic Care Jonathan’s journey into the world of chiropractic payment solutions is deeply personal. It traces back to his family’s profound connection to chiropractic care, spanning generations. His father’s transformative experience with chiropractic treatment, amidst the challenges faced during his service in the Marine Corps, laid the foundation for Jonathan’s lifelong commitment to the chiropractic profession. With chiropractors woven into the fabric of his family tree, Jonathan’s upbringing immersed him in the world of chiropractic care from an early age. Genesis: A Pioneering Partnership Fortis’ foray into the chiropractic space was catalyzed by a pivotal partnership with Genesis, a leading provider of chiropractic practice management software. Recognizing the unique needs of chiropractors, Fortis Pay integrated seamlessly with Genesis, offering practitioners a comprehensive suite of payment solutions within their existing workflow. From processing credit card payments to managing recurring billing and beyond, Fortis’ integration with Genesis streamlined practice operations, enhancing efficiency and patient experience. Innovative Solutions for Chiropractic Practices Fortis’ commitment to innovation is evident in its relentless pursuit of solutions tailored to the specific needs of chiropractic practices. From simplifying recurring billing to enabling seamless inventory management, Fortis’ offerings are designed to alleviate common pain points faced by chiropractors. The introduction of features like Paylink, allowing for convenient online payments, and forthcoming advancements in inventory management underscore Fortis’ dedication to empowering chiropractors with cutting-edge technology. Looking Ahead: Redefining Chiropractic Payment Technology As Fortis continues to innovate and expand its suite of services, the company remains steadfast in its mission to be a long-term partner to chiropractic practices. Jonathan’s vision for Fortis transcends mere transactional relationships; instead, he envisions a collaborative journey, where Fortis’ technology evolves in tandem with the evolving needs of chiropractors. By staying true to their core principles of reliability, innovation, and customer-centricity, Fortis aims to be the go-to solution for chiropractic payment technology for generations to come. Conclusion In a landscape where technology plays an increasingly pivotal role in healthcare delivery, Fortis stands out as a beacon of innovation and reliability in the realm of chiropractic payment solutions. With a rich legacy steeped in chiropractic care, a commitment to continuous improvement, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of chiropractors, Fortis is poised to revolutionize the way chiropractic practices manage their payments. As chiropractors navigate the complexities of running their practices, Fortis Pay remains a trusted partner, empowering them to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional care to their patients. Genesis Nation, take note: the future of chiropractic payment technology is here, and it’s powered by Fortis.