Just off the press, the NIATx Third-party Billing Guide, Second Edition, includes an expanded section on coding, more information on utilization review, and case studies and tips from organizations that are creating, improving, or maximizing their third-party billing system.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Free webinars from the Business Operations for Behavioral Health Collaborative
Don't forget to join us for this webinar series hosted by the Business Operations for Behavioral Health Collaborative (which NIATx is a part of).
It's a great opportunity to learn how to implement efficient and cost-effective business solutions at your agency.
And they're free.
The webinars cover 4 main topics:
1. Health Information Technology
2. Billing Operations
3. Compliance
4. Patient Eligibility/Access
Following is information on the next few webinars, including login information. To see the complete schedule visit the NIATx web site.
HIT: Due Diligence when Selecting an EHR or other HIT
7/14/2011, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/
Conference number: PW6109579
Audience passcode: 5350462
The Vendor Selection and Due Diligence Process: Electronic Health Record (EHR) acquisition requires a stringent due diligence plan - hear from successful Health Information Technology organizations about what to expect during the selection and contract negotiation process, and gain insights from lessons learned through successful EHR acquisition, adoption, and implementation.
HIT: EHR Workflow Redesign
7/21/2011, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/
Conference number: PW6109582
Audience passcode: 5350462
Workflow redesign is essential when implementing an Electronic Health Record. Processes change from the front desk check-in, to the point af care and ultimately to the actual billing process. In this session, we will review actual workflow redesign examples that may assist you in your EHR Implementation.
HIT: EHR Implementation
8/11/2011, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/
Conference number: PW6109582
Audience passcode: 5350462
Implementing and EHR may very well be the single largest project you will ever be a part of in your career. There are some important principles to be successful and well defined pitfalls to avoid. You have an opportunity to learn from those who have gone before you- to leverage what worked and what didn't. As you bring your practice into the 21st century with Health Information Technology, it's critical you are as well informed as is possible so that you are one of the organizations that experiences resounding success. This brief presentation will cover the most salient points so that you can help your organization make the EHR leap.
It's a great opportunity to learn how to implement efficient and cost-effective business solutions at your agency.
And they're free.
The webinars cover 4 main topics:
1. Health Information Technology
2. Billing Operations
3. Compliance
4. Patient Eligibility/Access
Following is information on the next few webinars, including login information. To see the complete schedule visit the NIATx web site.
HIT: Due Diligence when Selecting an EHR or other HIT
7/14/2011, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/
Conference number: PW6109579
Audience passcode: 5350462
The Vendor Selection and Due Diligence Process: Electronic Health Record (EHR) acquisition requires a stringent due diligence plan - hear from successful Health Information Technology organizations about what to expect during the selection and contract negotiation process, and gain insights from lessons learned through successful EHR acquisition, adoption, and implementation.
HIT: EHR Workflow Redesign
7/21/2011, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/
Conference number: PW6109582
Audience passcode: 5350462
Workflow redesign is essential when implementing an Electronic Health Record. Processes change from the front desk check-in, to the point af care and ultimately to the actual billing process. In this session, we will review actual workflow redesign examples that may assist you in your EHR Implementation.
HIT: EHR Implementation
8/11/2011, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/
Conference number: PW6109582
Audience passcode: 5350462
Implementing and EHR may very well be the single largest project you will ever be a part of in your career. There are some important principles to be successful and well defined pitfalls to avoid. You have an opportunity to learn from those who have gone before you- to leverage what worked and what didn't. As you bring your practice into the 21st century with Health Information Technology, it's critical you are as well informed as is possible so that you are one of the organizations that experiences resounding success. This brief presentation will cover the most salient points so that you can help your organization make the EHR leap.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Computer-based registries, Integration and FQHCs
I bet you're all way ahead of me on this. But recently I have begun to realize the essential role computer-based registries will play in the integration of behavioral healthcare and primary care. As you know, the Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) will be key players on the primary care side for our patients. FQHCs will screen for and even provide some SUD/MH services. They'll refer some patients to specialty agencies for more in-depth treatment, while providing some medication management along with treatment for co-occurring illnesses such as diabetes, depression, heart disease, and chronic pain.
So how will information flow back and forth between an FQHC and a SUD specialty agency? In some cases it will be through a common electronic health record (EHR). In many cases, the two agencies will have different EHRs. In yet other cases, the FQHC will have an EHR and the SUD agency won't. But in all these cases, one thing is true. Patients will receive better treatment if each agency knows what the other is doing. The substance abuse confidentiality regulations such as 42-CFR Part 2 present a challenge to this information sharing. Electronic registries offer one way to partially meet this challenge.
Registries are cool because they can work with all sorts of record systems, electronic and otherwise. What's more, they're not very expensive to develop and operate. I'm not saying they're cheap, but they are reasonably priced. Providers at all sites can enter data on services provided and patient response. With patient permission, that information can be easily shared across sites. The registry can send an alert if the patient is not responding well. For example, when an FQHC refers a patient to an SUD specialty agency, the registry provides a convenient means for transferring important information as part of care coordination.
These data can be used for a variety of populations and patient-specific purposes including tracking and status monitoring. Providers could enter treatment, adherence, and response data on a routine basis and have it displayed (numerically and graphically over time) for not only the SUD but also for key co-occurring illnesses.
The registry could also analyze data. From the registry, both agencies can easily aggregate and examine information about their patient population in several different ways (i.e. by patient, health problem, appointment dates, attendance at medical appointments, medication adherence, and behavioral adherence, over time and within a certain period). For instance, the registry could examine the full list of patients; print out a summary table of their status (e.g., appointment attendance), and identify patients needing attention.
Alerts. Providers could receive summary data before a patient's visit along with notifications if patient's indicator exceeds pre-defined thresholds. This would allow a timely intervention.
Treatment communication. The registry can store data on key treatments and outcomes at and between FQHC or SUD specialty visits and automatically share that information between agencies.
It's easy for an engineer who knows nothing about treatment to say, but these capabilities seem pretty important. If you agree, it might be useful to explore an electronic registry. I bet a lot of you already have. If so, share your thoughts with us.
Dave Gustafson
Director, NIATx
So how will information flow back and forth between an FQHC and a SUD specialty agency? In some cases it will be through a common electronic health record (EHR). In many cases, the two agencies will have different EHRs. In yet other cases, the FQHC will have an EHR and the SUD agency won't. But in all these cases, one thing is true. Patients will receive better treatment if each agency knows what the other is doing. The substance abuse confidentiality regulations such as 42-CFR Part 2 present a challenge to this information sharing. Electronic registries offer one way to partially meet this challenge.
Registries are cool because they can work with all sorts of record systems, electronic and otherwise. What's more, they're not very expensive to develop and operate. I'm not saying they're cheap, but they are reasonably priced. Providers at all sites can enter data on services provided and patient response. With patient permission, that information can be easily shared across sites. The registry can send an alert if the patient is not responding well. For example, when an FQHC refers a patient to an SUD specialty agency, the registry provides a convenient means for transferring important information as part of care coordination.
These data can be used for a variety of populations and patient-specific purposes including tracking and status monitoring. Providers could enter treatment, adherence, and response data on a routine basis and have it displayed (numerically and graphically over time) for not only the SUD but also for key co-occurring illnesses.
The registry could also analyze data. From the registry, both agencies can easily aggregate and examine information about their patient population in several different ways (i.e. by patient, health problem, appointment dates, attendance at medical appointments, medication adherence, and behavioral adherence, over time and within a certain period). For instance, the registry could examine the full list of patients; print out a summary table of their status (e.g., appointment attendance), and identify patients needing attention.
Alerts. Providers could receive summary data before a patient's visit along with notifications if patient's indicator exceeds pre-defined thresholds. This would allow a timely intervention.
Treatment communication. The registry can store data on key treatments and outcomes at and between FQHC or SUD specialty visits and automatically share that information between agencies.
It's easy for an engineer who knows nothing about treatment to say, but these capabilities seem pretty important. If you agree, it might be useful to explore an electronic registry. I bet a lot of you already have. If so, share your thoughts with us.
Dave Gustafson
Director, NIATx
Friday, June 3, 2011
The NIATx Story Database - A great resource just got easier
One of the most popular resources on the NIATx website is our collection of stories. Reading another organization's story and learning from their experience is a powerful tool. And with almost 3,000 participating NIATx organizations we've collected a fair amount over the years. But sifting through all those stories to find the ones most valuable to you and your situation can be a chore. So we've added some features to the NIATx story database to help you find what you're looking for.
In addition to being able to search the database you can refine your search by aim, level of care, NIATx initiative, and story type. You can also sort your results by state, organization, and story type.
So, if you're in need of some inspiration or feeling stuck, visit the NIATx story database. With over 500 stories it's a great resource.
And we're always looking to add new stories. If you have a story to tell, visit our Share Your Story page for detailed instructions.
In addition to being able to search the database you can refine your search by aim, level of care, NIATx initiative, and story type. You can also sort your results by state, organization, and story type.
So, if you're in need of some inspiration or feeling stuck, visit the NIATx story database. With over 500 stories it's a great resource.
And we're always looking to add new stories. If you have a story to tell, visit our Share Your Story page for detailed instructions.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
8th Annual INEBRIA Conference - REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
8th Annual INEBRIA Conference: September 21-23, 2011
Boston, MA, USA
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Early bird reduced rates available until July 15
Please register at: http://inebria2011.jbsinternational.com/Register.aspx
September 21: Implementing and Sustaining Alcohol and Other Drug Screening and Brief Intervention (AOD-SBI) Meeting: Lessons from Large Scale Efforts
September 22-23: INEBRIA Conference – New Frontiers: Translating Science to Enhance Health
At the Liberty Hotel, Boston, MA
These conferences will communicate new findings from research on screening and brief intervention (SBI, also known as early identification and brief intervention, EIBI), foster professional collaborations, and facilitate the development and dissemination of SBI research with a particular focus on implementation and sustainability.
To register for the conference, go to: www.inebriaboston.org or http://www.bumc.bu.edu/care/inebria/.
For more information contact: info@inebriaboston.org.
Boston, MA, USA
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Early bird reduced rates available until July 15
Please register at: http://inebria2011.jbsinternational.com/Register.aspx
September 21: Implementing and Sustaining Alcohol and Other Drug Screening and Brief Intervention (AOD-SBI) Meeting: Lessons from Large Scale Efforts
September 22-23: INEBRIA Conference – New Frontiers: Translating Science to Enhance Health
At the Liberty Hotel, Boston, MA
These conferences will communicate new findings from research on screening and brief intervention (SBI, also known as early identification and brief intervention, EIBI), foster professional collaborations, and facilitate the development and dissemination of SBI research with a particular focus on implementation and sustainability.
To register for the conference, go to: www.inebriaboston.org or http://www.bumc.bu.edu/care/inebria/.
For more information contact: info@inebriaboston.org.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
SAMHSA Business Operations Webinar - HIT: Overview of CMS Final Rule on Meaningful Use and Gap Analysis
Thursday, May 26
2:00 pm EST/1:00 pm CST
Register for this webinar
This session will provide an overview of the CMS rule on Meaningful Use and Medicare and Medicaid Provider Incentives for the use of health information technology.
The session will review which providers are eligible for incentive payments and review the specific Meaningful Use Criteria that must be met in order to obtain Medicaid and Medicare Incentive payments.
The presenters will identify how this information can be used to conduct a gap analysis and implement a plan to meet Meaningful Use.
Speakers:
Michael R. Lardiere, LCSW
Director HIT; Sr. Advisor Behavioral Health
National Association of Community Health Centers
mlardiere@nachc.com
Susan Chauvie, RN, MPA-HA
Vice President, Quality for Practice Transformation
OCHIN
chauvies@ochin.org
Michele Russell
Vice President, Business Development
Health Choice Network
MRussell@HCNetwork.org
Angela Strain, GPC
Organizational Advancement Director
CHC Alliance / AHIT
angela@chcalliance.org
Click here for more information on the Business Operations for Behavioral Health Collaborative.
2:00 pm EST/1:00 pm CST
Register for this webinar
This session will provide an overview of the CMS rule on Meaningful Use and Medicare and Medicaid Provider Incentives for the use of health information technology.
The session will review which providers are eligible for incentive payments and review the specific Meaningful Use Criteria that must be met in order to obtain Medicaid and Medicare Incentive payments.
The presenters will identify how this information can be used to conduct a gap analysis and implement a plan to meet Meaningful Use.
Speakers:
Michael R. Lardiere, LCSW
Director HIT; Sr. Advisor Behavioral Health
National Association of Community Health Centers
mlardiere@nachc.com
Susan Chauvie, RN, MPA-HA
Vice President, Quality for Practice Transformation
OCHIN
chauvies@ochin.org
Michele Russell
Vice President, Business Development
Health Choice Network
MRussell@HCNetwork.org
Angela Strain, GPC
Organizational Advancement Director
CHC Alliance / AHIT
angela@chcalliance.org
Click here for more information on the Business Operations for Behavioral Health Collaborative.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Organizing your process improvement resources with My NIATx
Use My NIATx to organize your favorite resources and stay up to date with the latest NIATx happenings.
The NIATx website is a deep and rich resource, with information, tips and inspiration to help you implement and sustain change within your organization.
With so much available, we wanted to provide a way to easily organize the resources you use the most.
The My NIATx page allows you to save your favorite documents or web pages in a single place on the NIATx website. It's your "go-to" page for the latest NIATx news, upcoming events, and posts to the NIATx support forum.
For more information, view the My NIATx Tutorial.
And let us know what you think. Leave a comment on this blog post or send us an email .
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