document.write('\x3cmeta http-equiv=\x22x-dns-prefetch-control\x22 content=\x22off\x22/\x3e\x3col class=\x22tumblr_posts\x22\x3e\x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eIs Patient Education Worth the Time?\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3e\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3eIs Patient Education Worth the Time?\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3eby Dr. David Bo\x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3ehn, DC\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3eChiropractors will talk about educating patients and never question that an educated patient is more likely to begin care and then stick with a recommended care plan. When many chiropractors elect to educate their patients they usually fail to do it in a creative way that attracts and holds attention, answers the questions that really need answered, yet do not nag or annoy their patient.\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3ePeople today are not like the patients of the 1980\x26#8217;s. Attention spans are shorter, information on any topic is available with just the click of a mouse, and the competition to be noticed and heard is fierce.\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3eThis presents a dilemma. If we all agree that if our patient is educated about their problem and the solution we are offering results in a less stressful practice for us and a better outcome for the patient why isn\x26#8217;t this happening?\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3ePerhaps I can offer an example from my own life to help illustrate.\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0 \x3c/span\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3eAs an undergraduate college student I drank and apparently enjoyed low cost beer, sometimes to excess. I knew very little about how beer was brewed and really wouldn\x26#8217;t have cared to have it explained. Beer was important to me for the same reasons it is to all 21-year-old men. In chiropractic school a friend of mine introduced me to home brewing. I read every book I could find, spoke with people in the local shop that sold home brewing supplies and eventually mastered understood the importance of understanding the importance of balling degrees and terminal gravity. As the years past my interest and understanding in beer grew to the point that I cannot bring myself to drink a can of mass produced swill that many people find so satisfying. \x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3eWell enough about beer, here\x26#8217;s the moral to the story. The more you learn about something, the more interested you become in it and the more of it you begin to buy. You buy more and become more loyal to it until you become a valuable lifetime customer of the product. I will admit to you, I am now a loyal lifetime Samuel Smith\x26#8217;s Oatmeal Stout raving fan although I still enjoy experiencing fine microbrews as I travel. Applying this to chiropractic means that the better you educate your patient, the better client they will be, the more loyal they will be to your practice, the more money they will spend, and most importantly the better they will be able to explain your practice and what you do to their friends and family. This means you will get more referrals and have a better, less stressful practice.\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3eIt all comes down to increasing the value of each patient. Not just for 18-24 visits but for the lifetime of that patient, for the referrals and the new problems they may have over their lifetime.\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3ePatient education;\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3cspan\x3e1.\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 \x3c/span\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3eIncrease the number of internal referrals your practice receives.\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3cspan\x3e2.\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 \x3c/span\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3eIncreases the PVA (patient visit average) of each patient because educated patients comprehend the value of chiropractic.\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3cspan\x3e3.\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 \x3c/span\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3eEducated patients understand the value of maintenance.\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3cspan\x3e4.\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 \x3c/span\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3cspan\x3eThey are more likely to remain long term patients in your practice and educated patients are less concerned about fees.\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3eMy personal favorite example of quality, creative patient education is the take home report of findings. This would include copies of the patient\x26#8217;s x-rays with lines drawn on it demonstrating the patient\x26#8217;s biomechanical faults. Pictures of the patient preforming each range of motion. A posture analysis showing the patient the abnormalities. A listing of their subluxated segments with the corresponding effected organs and muscles, and a financial case presentation. I also like to provide the patient a copy of their first visit note in narrative format. This take home report allows the patient to fully understand and share their problem and my solutions will everyone. \x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\u00a0\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp class=\x22MsoNormal\x22\x3e\x3cspan\x3eDr. David Bohn, DC is the founder of \x3ca href=\x22http://www.chiroconceptions.com\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3ehttp://www.chiroconceptions.com\x3c/a\x3e and has been practicing chiropractic since 1988. For more information on software and other tools to increase your practice visit our website or call 301-777-3710 for more information.\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eStill Using Handwritten Notes?\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3eStill Using Handwritten Notes? \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eI get several calls a week from doctors who are still using handwritten travel cards or antiquated computer technology because they either have very little computer knowledge or do not like to change. Well, let me be the one to break the news, computerized notes with EMR/EHR technology is here to stay.\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eIf you are one of those chiropractors who has been putting off moving into the future of documentation then QuickSOAP Notes is the program for you because at \x3ca href=\x22http://www.chiroconceptions.com\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3ewww.chiroconceptions.com\x3c/a\x3e we specialize in \x26#8220;technophobes\x26#8221;.\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eMoving your documentation into computerized touch screen technology will increase your compliance, decrease the time you spend doing new patient notes, and can even increase the number of referrals you get from primary care providers and attorneys. Even with these potential benefits many DC\x26#8217;s hesitate on moving forward.\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eWhen you buy QuickSOAP Notes we will \x26#8220;hold your hand\x26#8221; and help you get set up. This includes helping you get you computer set up and running and connecting your iPad if that is the way you want to go. QSN\x26#8217;s is intuitive and help videos are available on every screen so you can learn as you go without constantly turning to a manual to find out how something works. \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eOver the years I have discovered that doctors have a strong interest in updating their practice and their patient management with computerized documentation but have doubts about their ability to learn the software and work on a computer. We have had many self described \x26#8220;older\x26#8221; doctors update to QuickSOAP Notes and adapted to the technology very quickly. The biggest barrier to purchasing and upgrading seems to always involving expanding your headspace first, after that it is all downhill.\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eIt will take a few weeks to become completely comfortable with the program and then it will seem as if you had it made just for your practice.\u00a0 All of our screens can be customized to fit your practice and you have the option of adding unlimited template screens meaning that you can finally create a documentation that is uniquely yours for less than $2000.\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eThe main thing is don\x26#8217;t be afraid of expanding and growing. All of our staff from our graphic artist to our senior programmer will be glad to help you get the most of your software. You get 30 days of support when you buy and if you would like unlimited support and updates we will be only a phone call away, year after year, for only $295/year. We are happy to take suggestions for new screens or improvements from our support subscribers. \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eStop being afraid, we\x26#8217;re here to help. Call us at 301-876-4565 if you would like to move forward and add QuickSOAP Notes to your practice today.\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lu27t8WbsA1qabztt.jpg\x22/\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lu27twPrry1qabztt.jpg\x22/\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eReminder about your invitation from David Bohn\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3eLinkedIn\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eReminder about your invitation from David Bohn\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3eLinkedIn\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eInvitation to connect on LinkedIn\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3eLinkedIn\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eA GUIDE FOR LIVING IN 2011\x26#160;\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3cimg/\x3e\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cspan\x3e\x3cstrong\x3e\x3cspan\x3eA GUIDE FOR LIVING IN 2011\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/strong\x3e\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e \u00a0\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3e\x3cspan\x3eHealth:\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/strong\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e1. Drink plenty of water.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e3. Eat more foods that grow ON trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured IN plants..\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e4. Live with the 3\x26#160;E\x26#8217;s \x26#8212; Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e5. Make time to pray.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e6. Play more games\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e7. Read more books than you did in 2010 .\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e9. Sleep at least 7 hours.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e10.Take a 10-30 minute walk daily.\u00a0 And while you walk, smile.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e \u00a0               \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cstrong\x3e\x3cspan\x3ePersonality:\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/strong\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e11. Don\x26#8217;t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e12. Don\x26#8217;t have negative thoughts on things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e13. Don\x26#8217;t over do.\u00a0 Keep your limits.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e14. Don\x26#8217;t take yourself so seriously.\u00a0 No one else does.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e15. Don\x26#8217;t waste your precious energy on gossip.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e16. Dream more while you are awake.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e17. Envy is a waste of time.\u00a0 You already have all you need.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e18.  Forget issues of the past.\u00a0 Don\x26#8217;t remind your partner of his/her  mistakes in the past, that will ruin your present happiness.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.\u00a0 Don\x26#8217;t hate others.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e20. Make peace with your past so it won\x26#8217;t spoil the present.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e22.  Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.\u00a0 Problems are  simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away but the lessons  you learn will last a lifetime.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e23. Smile and laugh more.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e24. You don\x26#8217;t have to win every argument.\u00a0 Agree to disagree\x26#8230;\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e \u00a0               \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cstrong\x3e\x3cspan\x3eSociety:\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/strong\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e25. Call your family often.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e26. Each day give something good to others.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e27. Forgive everyone for everything.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e28. Spend time with people over the age of 70, and under the age of 6.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e30. What other people think of you is none of your business.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e31. Your job won\x26#8217;t take care of you when you are sick.\u00a0 Your friends will.\u00a0 Stay in touch.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e \u00a0               \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cstrong\x3e\x3cspan\x3eLife:\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/strong\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e32. Do the right thing!\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e33. Get rid of anything that isn\x26#8217;t useful, beautiful, or joyful.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e34. GOD heals everything.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e37. The best is yet to come\x26#8230;\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.\x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.\u00a0 \x3c/span\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e \u00a0               \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cstrong\x3e\x3cspan\x3eLast but not the least:\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/strong\x3e \x3cbr/\x3e \u00a0               \x3cbr/\x3e\x3cspan\x3e40.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Consider forwarding this guide to those you care about.\x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_video_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_video\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cscript type=\x22text/javascript\x22 language=\x22javascript\x22 src=\x22http://assets.tumblr.com/javascript/tumblelog.js?720\x22\x3e\x3c/script\x3e\x3cspan id=\x22video_player_1187120438\x22\x3e[\x3ca href=\x22http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eFlash 10\x3c/a\x3e is required to watch video]\x3c/span\x3e\x3cscript type=\x22text/javascript\x22\x3erenderVideo(\x22video_player_1187120438\x22,\'http://quicksoap.tumblr.com/video_file/1187120438/tumblr_l9bmr4VumH1qajp8c\',400,225,\'orientation=landscape\\x26amp;poster=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_l9bmr4VumH1qajp8c_frame1.jpg,http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_l9bmr4VumH1qajp8c_frame2.jpg,http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_l9bmr4VumH1qajp8c_frame3.jpg,http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_l9bmr4VumH1qajp8c_frame4.jpg,http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_l9bmr4VumH1qajp8c_frame5.jpg\')\x3c/script\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_caption\x22\x3e\x0a                        \x3cp\x3eHere is the blue tooth mac keyboard with my iPad running quicksoap notes. Full features, no need to use a desktop touchscreen.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                    \x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eEHR Stimulus Funds for Chiropractic Note Programs\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3eOn July 16, 2010 the \u201cFinal Rule\u201d regarding  Meaningful Use criteria and EHR (Electronic Health Records) Financial  Incentives was released and has generated\u00a0 lots of questions and a lot of confusion for many  chiropractors about how to obtain stimulus dollars for documentation software (EHR/EMR). Several times a week a chiropractor will ask me if my program QuickSOAP Notes (\x3ca href=\x22http://www.chiroconceptions.com\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3ewww.chiroconceptions.com\x3c/a\x3e) meets the requirements.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eHere are what I believe are the key points regarding EHR eligibility for  those of you who don\u2019t care to read the original documents or fact  sheets on \x3ca href=\x22http://bit.ly/9CBg0b\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eMeaningful Use\x3c/a\x3e and \x3ca href=\x22http://www.cms.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=3792\x26amp;intNumPerPage=10\x26amp;checkDate=\x26amp;checkKey=\x26amp;srchType=1\x26amp;numDays=3500\x26amp;srchOpt=0\x26amp;srchData=\x26amp;keywordType=All\x26amp;chkNewsType=6\x26amp;intPage=\x26amp;showAll=\x26amp;pYear=\x26amp;year=\x26amp;desc=\x26amp;cboOrder=date\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3eEHR Financial Incentives\x3c/a\x3e in their entirety:\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cul\x3e\x3cli\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eMeaningful Use Criteria which establish eligibility for financial incentives are for EHR \x3cem\x3eCertified\x3c/em\x3e programs only. \x3c/strong\x3eTranslation:  if your EHR is not certified, you may not receive any financial  stimulus.\u00a0 Many EHR companies are advertising that they are \u201celigible\u201d  for certification, although this is not the same as being certified.\u00a0  Buyer beware!\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3c/ul\x3e\x3cul\x3e\x3cli\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eYou know only need to complete 20 of the 25 Meaningful Use Objectives/Measures\x3c/strong\x3e as defined in the Final Rule issued by CMS.\u00a0 Even though you may  \u201cdefer\u201d 5 of these requirements, this is still an ambitious list for  most practitioners in order to qualify for the funds. \x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3c/ul\x3e\x3cul\x3e\x3cli\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eThe completion of these Objectives/Measures fulfills Stage 1 requirements only\x3c/strong\x3e (which make you eligible for the financial incentive portion).\u00a0 Stage 2  and Stage 3 objectives exist, but the exact requirements and penalties  are not as well defined.\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3c/ul\x3e\x3cul\x3e\x3cli\x3e \x3cstrong\x3eChiropractors \x3cem\x3eare\x3c/em\x3e Eligible Professionals\x3c/strong\x3e that may qualify for the EHR financial incentives\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3c/ul\x3e\x3cul\x3e\x3cli\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eChiropractors \x3cem\x3emay\x3c/em\x3e be eligible for EHR financial incentive payments as early as 2011;\x3c/strong\x3e payments can proceed for up to 5 years.\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3c/ul\x3e\x3cul\x3e\x3cli\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eThe total financial payments that chiropractors are eligible  to receive is a maximum of\u00a0 $44,000 over a 5 year period or equal to  75% of Medicare allowable charges for covered professional services\x3c/strong\x3e furnished by the chiropractor in an eligible year.\u00a0 \x3cspan\x3eThis is perhaps the biggest criteria EHR companies fail to mention\x3c/span\x3e.\u00a0  In other words, in one given year, you can receive up to $18,000 IF  (and only if) you provide at least $24,000 worth of covered services  (based on allowable charges) to Medicare patients.\u00a0 On the other hand,  if you have a small Medicare practice, your eligible financial  incentives will be reduced accordingly and capped at 75% of the  allowable charges for your covered services (which, in chiropractic, is  CMT only).\u00a0 Do the math to see if your practice qualifies for anywhere  near the $44K amount.\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3c/ul\x3e\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3e The Bottom Line\x3c/strong\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eMy feelings have not been changed by the \u201cfinal rule\u201d criteria.\u00a0 I  would highly recommend that most offices switch to some form of  electronic health records.\u00a0 However, this advice is NOT based on the  presumption that you are doing so to capture any potential financial  stimulus incentives.\u00a0 Rather, migrate to EHR because of its potential to  improve your documentation, level of care and overall record-keeping. I would add that you should search for a program that you WILL USE and not for the best deal or all in one package.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eHave You Recieved Your Medicare Audit Letters Yet?\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3e\x3cspan\x3e \x3c/span\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3e\x3cimg src=\x22http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7mg0bpjh11qabztt.jpg\x22 width=\x22228\x22 height=\x22152\x22/\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eI am hearing from many of my clients and some billing and coding professionals that I know that Medicare has stepped up its audits and reviews on chiropractors.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eMedicare carriers  around the country are sending out these audits as part of President Obama\u2019s Executive Order # 13520,  \u201cReducing Improper Payments and Eliminating Waste in Federal  Programs.\u201d\u00a0 The goal of this order is to eliminate payment  error, waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal program and requires federal  agencies to conduct semi-annual studies to identify and reduce  vulnerabilities in high risk areas.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eThis is happening right now, it started in mid-August 2010, Medicare carriers will begin increasing their recovery efforts and sending piles of CERT  (Comprehensive Error Rate Testing) letters aimed at chiropractors.  Although the program is not targeting chiropractors specifically (all  Medicare providers are under similar attack), they have made the  chiropractic targets public knowledge.\u00a0 Chiropractors who meet the  following criteria will be subjected to \u201crandom\u201d audits:\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cul\x3e\x3cli\x3eChiropractors who have submitted multiple claims for      the same Medicare beneficiary between April and June 2010\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eThe CERT audits will focus on determining whether      chiropractic  services billed to Medicare were medically necessary as acute       (active) chiropractic treatment.\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3eFor each claim selected, CMS will review medical      records up to 12 months prior to the date of service on the claim.\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3c/ul\x3e\x3cp\x3eBased on the \u201crandom\u201d criteria listed above, CMS will deny claims for  services that the reviews have determined to be maintenance and not  active treatment.\u00a0 Accordingly, the Medicare carrier will then take  steps to recoup any over-payments.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eFrom my experience with chiropractors I would guess that these CERT  criteria will apply to just about every chiropractor in the country.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eAccording to data published by Medicare in the press release for this  new CERT launch, Medicare is going after $174.1 million in projected  improper payments to chiropractors. \u00a0 Taken across the board, that $174 million  could mean every DC in the country would be forced to cough up roughly  $3500.\u00a0 Since a sizable chunk of DC\u2019s on record are practicing  part-time, retired, or not practicing at all, it\u2019s possible that the  50,000 DC pool is much smaller.\u00a0 In half, that would mean $7000 per DC.\u00a0  Frankly, some of you don\u2019t have anything to worry about because you see  Medicare patients once every blue moon.\u00a0 This conceivably can chop the  available audit pool in half again, leaving all the remaining DC\u2019s to  foot a $14,000 bill.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eIf you are still reading and are concerned, here are a few brief recommendations to tackle this issue with a sober mind and some strategic planning:\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cul\x3e\x3cli\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eThe worst mistake is to ignore the CERT audit request.\x3c/strong\x3e You have 30 days to comply.\u00a0 Do it quickly.\u00a0      If Medicare deems  your documentation, billing or coding unworthy, they      will ask for  money back.\u00a0 If they don\u2019t even receive your      documentation, they  will still ask for their money back AND they can      pursue the  opportunity to charge you with fraud.\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eMedicare has stated that the primary causes of the      errors were payments for maintenance therapy and missing plans of care.\x3c/strong\x3e Two recommendations here: (1) if it walks, talks, quacks      like a  duck, it\u2019s a duck.\u00a0 When Mrs. Jones comes in like clockwork      every  first Monday of the month, with no rhyme or reason other than, it\u2019s       her scheduled appointment, it\u2019s going to be a long hard road to prove  that      this visit is not maintenance.\u00a0 (2)\u00a0 Include a plan of       care!\u00a0 Some docs mistakenly think that they are flying \u201cunder the       radar\u201d by not documenting any scheduled visits.\u00a0 If it\u2019s PRN, say       it\u2019s PRN!\u00a0 If you want them to come in 3x over the next 2 weeks,       state that!\u00a0 And remember, a treatment plan is more than a schedule       of care (but that\u2019s another topic for another day)\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3cli\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eSeize the opportunity! \x3c/strong\x3eScared?\u00a0 Some of you should  be!\u00a0 But being      afraid accomplishes nothing. Face your fears and fix  your      shortcomings!\u00a0 Get help instead of sitting there wondering if  the      Medicare monster is going to eat you for lunch.\u00a0 No third  party payer      \u2013 Medicare included \u2013 expects your notes to be  perfect.\u00a0 Your documentation should  meet standards and if you want to keep      yourself out of trouble, it  should look better than your peers.\u00a0 Why?      Because, statistically  speaking, many of your peers are getting it wrong \u2013      which is why we  are in this mess in the first place.\x3cstrong\x3e \x3c/strong\x3e\x3c/li\x3e\x0a\x3c/ul\x3e\x3cp\x3e\x3cstrong\x3eThe Final Word\x3c/strong\x3e\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eFor those of you who are feeling a bit paranoid, persecuted or just  plain peeved, take heart: Medicare is not trying to eliminate  chiropractic.\u00a0 What they are trying to do is to clean up errors within  their own systems \u2013 for physicians of all types \u2013 and in the process,  reclaim money that should not have been paid out in the first place.\u00a0 It  may not seem fair that they have \u201csuddenly\u201d raised the bar. In  actuality, the rules were there the whole time; they have recently taken  the opportunity to enforce them.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eAnd yes, it\u2019s about the money.\u00a0 When a cash-strapped government  entity discovers that it can recoup $900 Million in incorrectly paid  claims in about three years time, it wants to repeat that \u201cexperiment\u201d  over and over again.\u00a0 If you haven\u2019t been paying attention, that\u2019s  exactly what happened starting in 2005.\u00a0 And the nearly $1 billion  recovered was not just from chiropractors. In fact, we are only a small  piece of the pie.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the coffers are so empty, the powers  that be want to scrape up every penny they can get back.\x3c/p\x3e\x0a\x3cp\x3eWe do have the ability to defend ourselves here.\u00a0 First, we can make  sure our chiropractic billing, coding and documentation is as  bulletproof as possible.\u00a0 Then, our best defense will come in the fact  that Medicare (and every other third party payer) may take a few pennies  back from the chiropractic community, but it will cost them a few  dollars to do it!\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a        \x0a            \x3cli class=\x22tumblr_post tumblr_text_post\x22\x3e\x0a                \x0a                    \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_title\x22\x3eMedicare Publishes Chiropractic Assessment Findings on the first Quarter\x3c/div\x3e\x0a                \x0a                \x0a                \x3cdiv class=\x22tumblr_body\x22\x3e\x0a                    \x3cp\x3eThe other day, the Medicare service provider (Palmetto GBA) issued the company\x26#8217;s first Quarter findings regarding Medical Reviews they\x26#8217;ve recently been performing.\u00a0 Although Palmetto is just one of many companies that administer claims for Medicare, their results happen to be highly relevant to doctors of chiropractic as well as, in my own past experiences, reflective of tendencies throughout the chiropractic profession.\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eThe intention of the evaluation process is to decrease payment errors as a result of finding and correcting documentation and billing errors regarding insurance policy coverage and also coding. During the assessments, Palmetto GBA discovered 10 areas of concern for the first quarter of 2010. The top areas of concern from 1-10:\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 1. Split/shared visits\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 2. Signatures\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 3. Labels/Diagnostic Testing\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 4. Hospital \x26amp; Nursing Facility Discharge Services\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 5. Chiropractic Services\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 6. Therapy Services\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 7. Individual Psychotherapy Services\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 8. Evaluation \x26amp; Management Services\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 9. Legibility\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e10.\u00a0 Teaching Physician Services.\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3ePlease be aware that this isn\x26#8217;t an all-inclusive list although it does indicate most documentation concerns uncovered throughout the evaluation process.\u00a0 On this shortlist, three things happen to be relevant to chiropractic reimbursements in the Medicare program.\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eWhich means that we\x26#8217;ll go over the 3 \u201cFrequently committed errors\u201d:\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 1. Signatures.\u00a0 To explain, Medicare demands an \u201cidentifier\u201d for services provided or ordered.\u00a0 This identifier is your signature \u2013 either in handwritten or electronic form.\u00a0 Signature rubber stamps as part of your documentation aren\x26#8217;t acceptable per Medicare Signaure Requirements (See section 3.4.1.1\x26#160;B) Really, this really is so fundamental that it\x26#8217;s absurd that it actually makes the top 10. Evidently, in spite of its straightforwardness, most doctors apparently forget about it.\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 1. Chiropractic Services.\u00a0 Being a comparatively minuscule profession as a percentage of total Medicare claims, we should not actually make the top 10 hit list.\u00a0 But we did, which means that now it\x26#8217;s our responsibility to fix these types of issues as soon as possible as a profession.\u00a0 Palmetto commonly found chiropractic documentation to be inadequate with regard to Treatment Plans.\u00a0 They reported that chiropractors were missing treatment plans with specific objective, and measurable treatment goals. Follow thru with these specific objective treatment goals on subsequent visits was regularily omitted.\u00a0 Complicated?\u00a0 Not really.\u00a0 Documented?\u00a0 Evidently, not so often.\u00a0 Are you able to correct this, doctor?\u00a0 Absolutely!\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3e\u00a0\u00a0 1. Legibility.\u00a0 If this sounds the biggest commercial for EMR, It should!\u00a0 Once again, there isn\x26#8217;t any legitimate reason a chiropractor should get dinged for this one.\u00a0 Unfortunately, I\x26#8217;ve looked at plenty of your notes and I regrettably concur, that they\x26#8217;re rarely legible, oftentimes just to the highly trained eye (your own and the eyes of your longstanding office staff) \u2013 not to mention that sometimes, even you are unable to understand your personal records.\u00a0 To put it differently, if your current patient treatment records can\x26#8217;t be quickly read and understood by a third-party then it is now the time to get an EMR (Electronic Medical Record) System that you WILL USE! \u00a0\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eThere are many effective programs on the market.\u00a0 The truth is, ANY program that generates legible records provides great improvements over marginal handwriting.\u00a0 FYI,\u00a0 I haven\x26#8217;t yet experienced an EMR program which does not generate legible documentation!\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eAs a profession, chiropractors will need to get our act together right away, not just for Medicare, but also for every third party payer.\u00a0 The items previously mentioned are certainly not hard to correct, yet I understand that most of you happen to be overcome by the amount of work you need to do to bring your current documentation, billing and coding up to satisfactory requirements.\u00a0 Other individuals could possibly be so consumed with building your practice that you honestly do not have time to take a look upwards to see the arrow crusing straight at the bullseye on your chest.\u00a0 And some of you are simply sick and tired of putting out the fires in all these areas because of insufficient reliable methods that equally increase your reimbursements while minimizing your audit risk.\x3cbr/\x3e\x3cbr/\x3eFortunately help can be found. Check out \x3ca href=\x22http://www.touchnotes.com\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3ewww.touchnotes.com\x3c/a\x3e or \x3ca href=\x22http://www.chiroconceptions.com\x22 target=\x22_blank\x22\x3ewww.chiroconceptions.com\x3c/a\x3e for QuickSOAP Notes or call me at 301-777-3710\x3c/p\x3e\x0a                \x3c/div\x3e\x0a            \x3c/li\x3e\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a\x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a        \x0a\x0a                        \x0a    \x0a\x3c/ol\x3e');