Tax season is here again and even for those who file quarterly for business expenses and liabilities, there are still plenty of changes afoot that have likely already impacted your personal and family taxes and deductions and those of your employees, vendors and other associates.
While there was much uncertainty amid efforts to reform some of the more troublesome regulations and reduce their impacts on patient and provider alike, some good news has finally emerged. The AMA and their various partners among many states have worked to reach consensus among the various industry advocacy groups and organizations among a number of areas needing reform: drug prices, improved EHR usability, insurance abuse and other critical issues. Overall, over 85 victories were won in areas as diverse as reducing gun violence, securing a greater degree of regulatory relief and improving physician reimbursement, according to AMA President, Barbara L. McAneny, MD.
Why do an annual risk assessment?
Smart clinicians make the time – ideally at the beginning of the year – to conduct a risk assessment of PHI sharing procedures, records management and cyber safety issues. Review the latest changes in governmental and payer regulations and requirements, with the help of your IT team as well as a legal adviser familiar with healthcare billing and reimbursement, to ensure that your practice is compliant with all guidelines.
With 2018 in the record book, it's time for physicians to start looking ahead to 2019. Changes to the ways in which payers reimburse physicians for services, competition from new providers, and changes to healthcare law will all play a major role in how medical practices run their business. As the year progresses, medical practices should keep the following trends in mind so that they're prepared for the road ahead.
Highlights of 2018 Reviewed
2018 has been quite a year within the healthcare industry for patients, providers and especially medical claims billing. Knowing what to expect can help you to improve and strengthen your own medical billing strategies in 2019 and beyond. Over the past year, we’ve seen new trends and changes in the following areas:
