MIPS Training Session 2022
National University Podcast: Bachelor of Science in Allied Health
This podcast provides an overview of the following opportunities:
- General information about National University
- General overview of the healthcare programs offered by NU
- Bachelor of Science in Allied Health program overview
- Career options after completing the Bachelor of Science in Allied Health
- A summary of recent student research projects
- Industry trends
If you are interested in learning more about National University’s Bachelor of Science in Allied Health, there are multiple ways you can connect with a NU representative:
- Call 855-773-1509
- Visit www.nu.edu and complete an online application
Don’t forget to mention you are a Scripps Mercy Physicians Partners’ member, staff, or family member to make sure you take advantage of our preferred partner discount!
Click on the orange “play button” below to listen to this podcast!
Presented by:
TSI Podcast: How the dollars turn!
Is it time to rethink your collection process?
Integrating with most practice management systems, Transworld Systems (TSI) provides a cost effective way to remind patients to pay their outstanding bills and collect delinquent accounts while maintaining positive patient relationships.
Click on the orange “play button” below to listen to this podcast!
Presented by:
National University Podcast: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
This podcast provides an overview of the following opportunities:
- General information about National University
- General overview of the healthcare programs offered by NU
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program overview
- Career options after completing the BS in Healthcare Admin
- Top 5 current industry trends
If you are interested in learning more about National University’s healthcare administration bachelors, there are multiple ways you can connect with a NU representative:
- Call 855-773-1509
- Visit www.nu.edu and complete an online application
Don’t forget to mention you are a Scripps Mercy Physicians Partners’ member, staff, or family member to make sure you take advantage of our preferred partner discount!
Click on the orange “play button” below to listen to this podcast!
Presented by:
National University Podcast: Scholarship & Grant Opportunities
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. In addition to the SMPP Tuition Reduction Scholarship, NU has many other opportunities available.
This podcast provides an overview of the following opportunities:
- SMPP NU partnership
- Fast track Scholarship
- The opportunity Scholarship
- Healthcare Promise Scholarship
- Associate Degree for Transfer Scholarship
- Transfer to Success Scholarship
- Public Safety Promise Scholarship
- Other ways to reduce tuition cost & financing options
For more information, please visit NU’s Scholarship Page.
Click on the orange “play button” below to listen to this podcast!
Presented by:
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Physician Partners COVID-19 Content and Updates
Physician Partners has created content and resources relevant to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This page will be updated as new content is made available.
CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act)
The bill addresses the economic impacts of, and otherwise responds to, the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The bill authorizes emergency loans to distressed businesses; with respect to health care, the bill -provides additional funding for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19;
- limits liability for volunteer health care professionals;
- prioritizes Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review of certain drugs;
- allows emergency use of certain diagnostic tests that are not approved by the FDA;
- expands health-insurance coverage for diagnostic testing and requires coverage for preventative services and vaccines;
- revises other provisions, including those regarding the medical supply chain, the national stockpile, the health care workforce, the Healthy Start program,
- telehealth services, nutrition services, Medicare, and Medicaid.
CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) Webinar Presentation & Forms
Please find attached the slideshow presentation and supplemental SBA Loan spreadsheet referenced during the CARES Act webinar. Please note, the spreadsheet shows Employee 1 and Employee 2 as samples with formulas in place.
Please find attached the slideshow presentation and supplemental SBA Loans / Employees Data spreadsheet referenced during the CARES Act webinar. Please note, the spreadsheet shows Employee 1 and Employee 2 as samples with formulas in place.
Telehealth
Health officials at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have communicated many reasons to self-quarantine and reduce travel as much as possible due to the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, many patients are concerned about traveling to and from a physician’s office because of exposure risk.
Providing telehealth services is crucial to protect caregivers, not just patients. Preserving the health of our doctors and staff is paramount so they can continue to provide the much-needed care for our communities.
Telehealth Webinar Presentation & Forms
Please find attached the slideshow presentation and supplemental documents referenced during the Telehealth webinar. We have included a sample patient Telehealth consent form in both PDF and Word Doc, in addition to an Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) document.
Download Telehealth Consent Form.pdf
Download Telehealth Consent Form.docx
Overview
A Telehealth Consult is defined as a “Two-Way” live audio & visual interactive communication between a patient and his or her health care provider. This interaction does not require direct patient contact; however, the patient must be present and be engaged throughout the consult aka – “e-Visit”.
More information can be found regarding Telehealth consults and the recently announced 1135 waiver by visiting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website – Click here to learn more
Please note – The use of audio-only telephone, facsimile machines, texting, or e-mail does not constitute a Telehealth consult. There may be differences in reimbursement and coverage between CMS and commercial carriers.
Reimbursement & Billing
Physician Partners recommends each provider’s office contact the insurance carrier to determine if a patient’s current policy will cover Telehealth services. The office may also obtain a signed waiver from the patient prior to the Telehealth consult, acknowledging the patient’s financial responsibility should the insurance carrier refuse to cover the service.
Most insurance payers will reimburse using the visit code, along with the modifier (95), and place of service Telehealth (02).
CMS has created a list of services that are payable under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule when furnished via telehealth. Click the button below to visit the CMS website and download a file that lists covered telehealth services and their corresponding codes.
Recent Changes in HIPAA Policy for Telehealth – via Office of Civil Rights (OCR), Effective March 6, 2020
CMS has made drastic changes to its HIPAA policy which allows for Telehealth consultation and treatment for nearly any type of outpatient encounter.
A covered health care provider in the exercise of his or her professional judgment may request to examine a patient exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms using a video chat application connecting the provider’s and patient’s phone, tablet, or desktop computer in order to assess a greater number of patients while limiting the spread of infection.
Likewise, a covered health care provider may provide telehealth services in the exercise of his or her professional judgment to assess or treat any other medical or mental health condition, even if not related to COVID-19.
Under the recent notice provided by CMS, covered health care providers may use popular applications that allow for video chats, including Apple FaceTime, Facebook Messenger video chat, Google Hangouts video, or Zoom, to provide telehealth services without the risk of a penalty for noncompliance with HIPAA rules. Providers are encouraged to notify patients that these third-party applications potentially introduce privacy risks and providers should attempt to enable encryption and privacy modes when using such applications.
Under this Notice, however, Facebook Live, Twitch, TikTok, and similar video communication applications are public-facing, and should not be used.
Covered health care providers who insist on additional privacy protections while conducting telehealth consultations should utilize a paid service with one of the recommended vendors noted below and enter into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with them.
Secure & Non-Secure Technologies
(Allowed by CMS & OCR during COVID-19 Pandemic)
Web Cameras
All Telehealth technologies will work on mobile devices, including iPhones and Androids. This is the easiest way to get up and running.
A stationary camera connected to a computer provides the best viewing experience for patients. Currently, many online retailers are either out of stock or back-ordered due to the recent high demand. It is not a requirement that you wait to purchase or use a web camera to begin providing telehealth services to your patients. Using your mobile device is, again, the easiest way to get started.
If you would like to search the internet for a USB capable web camera, click here.
If you elect to use your mobile device or tablet to conduct a Telehealth consult, consider using a workspace stand to hold your phone or tablet in place during the consult — click here to view stands.
Technology Services – Contact Information
Zoom Healthcare – To view Zoom’s website and begin setting up your healthcare provider account, please visit their website at https://zoom.us/healthcare. Please note – You may use the temporary promotional code “PORTFOLIOPARTNER-ZOOM” to save up to $399.80 on your annual subscription fees.
Vsee Telehealth – To learn more about Vsee and their services, please visit https://vsee.com/. Please note -Vsee offers other valuable features, such as patient intake, consent, and a virtual triage queue.
Apple Face Time – To learn more about using Apple Face Time video meetings, please visit Apple’s website by clicking here.
Google Hangouts Video – To learn more about using Google Hangouts video meetings, please click here. Please Note – You will need to download the Google Hangouts app to your Android device first, which can be found by clicking here.
***Using Apple Face Time or Google Hangouts Video may share your personal mobile phone number or personal contact information with patients. It is recommended that you review your settings in advance.
Affiliate Resources
If you have any questions about instituting & billing for telehealth services at your practice, please contact Absolute Solutions at (858) 251-0351 or email them directly at [email protected]. Their company, a trusted member of our Physician Resource Center, has developed a comprehensive telehealth training program that has been discounted for Physician Partners members.
If you need assistance setting-up a virtual office or a remote workspace, contact Edge-tech Solutions, another trusted affiliate partner in our Physician Resource Center. You may reach them by phone at (619) 535-6911 or via email at [email protected]. Their company also extends preferred services and pricing to Physician Partners members.
CMA Resource Guide | Financial Assistance for Medical Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The California Medical Association has provided a resource guide of financial assistance available to medical practices during and after this difficult time so physicians have the information they need to make the right decisions for their businesses and families.
Aviacode Offers Special Medical Coding and Audit Pricing for Scripps Mercy Physician Partners
Aviacode, Inc. has delivered superior medical coding and compliance services to large-scale healthcare systems, individual hospitals, physician groups, surgery centers, and imaging centers, as well as payers for 20 years. They code over ten million encounters/charts a year for clients throughout the country, including the San Diego area. Their 700+ certified coders are experienced in pro-fee, facility, and HCC/risk adjustment coding for over 60 specialties. Using innovative technology, their proprietary workflow helps improve coding quality, reduce risk, accelerate the revenue cycle, and optimize reimbursements.
Services provided:
- Medical Coding
- Coding Compliance and Audit Services
- Coding Denial Management
Save Up to 20% Off Your Coding/Auditing Services for Scripps Mercy Physician Partners
*Estimated pricing can change based on findings during discovery call and workflow. In addition, there are implementation & interface development and remote connectivity setup & configuration fees. We offer a special offer to Scripps Mercy Physicians to absorb those costs over the full term of the agreement. Subject to terms and conditions.
What makes Aviacode different? Aviacode contractually guarantees coding service accuracy to give you peace of mind. How can they make a guarantee?
- 700+ certified coders – AAPC or AHIMA certified with the requested years of experience by the practice.
- Specialty-focused coders – Knowledgeable coders for each specialty.
- Proprietary QA process – Routine monthly quality assurance reports by coding management.
For more details and information, please contact:
Mike Enger, Aviacode National Account Executive
(801) 828-7726 | [email protected]
Edge Tech Solutions, Inc. joins the Physician Partners Resource Center
We are excited to announce that Edge Tech Solutions, Inc. has connected with Scripps Mercy Physician Partners to bring an exclusive Managed IT Solutions offering to our members.
Every 40 seconds, a company gets hit by a ransomware. How prepared are you to recover? Eliminate the break/fix approach to your IT issues.
Edge Tech Solutions, Inc. is a San Diego-based managed IT services and support company committed to providing clients with a full spectrum of managed services to reduce the burden of day-to-day IT management. In the medical field, it is important to ensure that critical IT systems are always available to support core business functions.
Services & Offerings
- Server and PC management – Edge Tech Solutions, Inc. proactively updates, backs up and manages your computers / servers remotely. Every aspect of the network is closely monitored so issues can be detected ASAP.
- IT Strategy – Their team helps you plan a strategy that makes sense within your budget, while addressing current and future technology needs.
- Server Backup Solutions – Edge Tech Solutions, Inc.’s server backup solution uses an easy-to-deploy local appliance that provides local backup, cloud backup, file level restoration, as well as local and cloud server business continuity in the event your server hardware fails.
- IT Support – Edge Tech Solutions, Inc. can remotely access your organization’s IT systems and initiate remote support to address problems as they arise. When remote support isn’t enough, their engineers are available for onsite visits to evaluate the problem and initiate repairs. These services include after hours and weekends.
- Vendor Support – Edge Tech Solutions, Inc. has plenty of experience working directly with different EHR and PM vendors. Let them be your first line of defense, and act as your liaison between you and your vendors.
- HIPAA Compliance Support –Are you protected against cybercrime and ransomware? Edge Tech Solutions Inc. offers HIPAA Risk Analysis, IDS/IPS firewall services with logging, managed endpoint security, disaster recovery planning, offsite compliant backup and more.
For more details & information, please contact:
Ricardo Cabrera | President
(866) 643-7138 or mobile (619) 300-1095
[email protected]
Aviacode Offers Special Pricing on Medical Coding & Audits
Aviacode, Inc. is an industry leader in technology‐enabled medical coding and compliance/coding audit services, which have been meeting the needs of physician groups, surgery centers, hospitals, and payers for nearly 20 years. They code over seven million encounters/charts a year for clients throughout the U.S., including San Diego. Their certified coders are experienced in pro‐fee, facility, and HCC/risk adjustment coding for over 60 specialties. Using innovative technology, their proprietary workflow helps improve coding quality, reduce risk, accelerate the revenue cycle, and optimize reimbursements.
Services provided:
- Medical Coding
- Coding Compliance and Audit Services
- Coding Denial Management
Save up to 20% Off Your Coding as a member of Scripps Mercy Physician Partners!
*Estimated pricing can changed based on findings during discovery call and workflow. In addition, there are implementation & interface development and remote connectivity setup & configuration fees. We offer a special offer to Scripps Mercy Physicians to absorb those costs over the full term of the agreement. Subject to terms and conditions.
What makes Aviacode different? Aviacode contractually guarantees coding service accuracy to give you peace of mind. How can they make a guarantee?
- Certified coders – AAPC or AHIMA certified with 3+ years of experience.
- Specialty‐focused coders – Knowledgeable coders for each specialty.
- Technology‐enabled solution – Use of a Coding Analyzer & Rules Engine (CARE™) rules engine for code validation or other tools to seamlessly work with your charts.
- Proprietary QA process – Routine monthly quality assurance reports by coding management.
For more details & information, please contact:
Mike Enger | National Account Executive
Aviacode
(801) 828-7726
[email protected]