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