Greetings, Azalea Friends and thank you for reading our May newsletter! As National Nurses Week is May 6-12, we would like to take this opportunity to tell our nurses how much we appreciate them and thank them for their hard work and dedication to delivering the best possible care to their patients!
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HIPAA Omnibus Rule: Compliance Tips for Provider Preparedness
The HIPAA omnibus rule will go into effect on September 23, 2013.
In order to meet the mandated guidelines, providers will need to consider some key areas when updating their compliance plans:
Immunization Records to Schools: Permits covered entities to disclose proof of immunization to schools without written authorization from student’s guardian in States that require immunization records for enrollment.
Patient Health Information (PHI) 50 Years After Patient’s Death: After a person has been deceased for 50 years, individually identifiable health information of a person is no longer considered to be “protected health information” and may be disclosed to persons involved with decedent’s care or payment, unless it conflicts with the deceased’s “prior expressed preference”.
Increased Rules Regarding Genetic Information: A health plan may not disclose genetic information for underwriting purposes.
Non-disclosure of Services Paid Out of Pocket: Should a patient pay fully out of pocket and request that services and/or procedures not be reported to their health plan, a covered entity must honor that request, unless non-disclosure is prohibited by law.
Providers should also keep in mind that the HIPAA omnibus rule still lacks clarification in several areas. Two such areas are: how covered entities should account for PHI disclosures and create PHI access reports, as well as the minimum “necessary” standards of disclosure of PHI throughout course of care.
For the full article from SearchHealthIT click here.
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New CPTs for Transitional Care Management Introduced by CMS and AMA
Recently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the American Medical Association (AMA) collaborated to create two new CPT codes (99495 and 99496) for Transitional Care Management (TCM). These procedure codes include coordination of care for all medical and psychosocial problems that require moderate or high complexity medical decision making during transitions of care.
When billing for TCM it is important to remember these tips:
- Only one provider can bill for TCM services provided to a patient and TCM services can only be reported once during the 30 day post-discharge period.
- CPT and CMS both allow you to bill for TCM even if two or more separate attempts are made. CMS expects contact to be attempted until the patient does reply and documentation of each attempt must be included in the medical record.
For more information about billing for TCM services click here or visit the CMS website.
Please contact us at info@azaleahealth.com or 877-777-7686 if you have questions or would like to know more about how our Azalea RCM services can help you improve your revenue cycle.
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Azalea Partners with VSU in LEAP Employer-Educator Compact
Azalea has partnered with Valdosta State University (VSU) on the Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP) Employer-Educator Compact which “recognizes that quality learning is a national priority for employers who are seeking college graduates with a broader set of skills and knowledge.” CEO of Azalea, Baha Zeidan explains the importance of working alongside the university: “VSU offers the largest pool of talent in this region, and as business professionals and community leaders, we need to foster this talent by working alongside the university.” As the first business to partner with VSU on this initiative, Azalea recognizes the value of introducing professional experience to college students and currently employs five VSU interns from both the business school and the computer science department, with plans to continue to increase these internship opportunities.
For more information regarding VSU’s involvement with the LEAP Employer-Educator Compact, please click here.
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Other News:
- Due to feedback from many of our users, we have decided to move our 2013 User Meeting to August 1-3, 2013. Please contact us for more information!
- Would you like to know what our clients are saying about us? Click here to access our video testimonials and more.
- Need a refresher course on any of our Azalea systems? Contact our Client Relations Department today to learn how to access short video tutorials and instructional tools on everything from billing to clinical documentation. Call (877) 777-7686 #3 or email cr@azaleahealth.com.
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Upcoming Events:
- The Georgia Charitable Care Network’s 9th Annual Conference in Cartersville, GA on May 2-3, 2013.
- The 2013 Spring Meeting & Pediatric Update hosted by the Alabama chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Destin, FL on May 2-5, 2013.
- Savannah Morning News Celebration of Nurses week event at the Charles H. Morris Center in Savannah, GA on May 9, 2013 from 10 am- 4 pm.
- The Florida Academy of Family Physicians’ 2013 Family Medicine Spring Forum in Sarasota, FL on May 9-12, 2013.
- The Florida Medical Group Management Association (FL MGMA) 2013 Annual Conference at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando,FL on May 13-15, 2013.
- The Alabama – Georgia Rural Health Clinic Conference hosted by the Georgia Rural Health Association in Opelika, AL on June 4-5, 2013.
- 2013 Azalea User Meeting hosted by Azalea Health will be held on August 1-3, 2013 at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront in Savannah, GA. Please contact us for more information!
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Current Job Openings at Azalea: Come join our team!
- Programmer/Web Developer, Valdosta and Atlanta locations
- Software Training & Support Specialist, Valdosta location
- Revenue Cycle Coding/Billing Specialist, Valdosta, Savannah and Macon locations
- Business Office Assistant, Valdosta location
To learn more about these positions and to apply online click here.
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Thank you!
Azalea Health
105 West Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601
Toll Free: 877-777-7686
Local: 229-269-4620
Toll Free Fax: 866-683-8679
Web: http://www.AzaleaHealth.com
Email: marketing@azaleahealth.com
Click the links below to stay in touch:
https://www.facebook.com/azaleahealth
http://twitter.com/azaleahealth
http://www.linkedin.com/company/1282963?trk=NUS_CMPY_TWIT
http://www.youtube.com/user/azaleahealth
Welcome, Azalea Friends, and thank you for reading this month’s newsletter! We have been keeping busy this past month; hiring 4 new employees, expanding our Valdosta office to occupy 2 floors, winning the Small Business of the Year Award, starting the Azalea Health scholarship fund for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College students, and more!
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Importance of Establishing an Online Presence for your Practice
In today’s technology driven world, it is no surprise that 80 percent of American web users look online for health information, making health searches the third most searched topic online. Establishing a strong online presence is crucial for any medical practice and can be developed in multiple ways; by launching a practice website, listing a practice on medical internet rating sites, and creating profiles on social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Perhaps the most important of these is launching a practice website. A website can be a center of knowledge for your current patients as well as for potential patients; allowing them to view your services, meet you staff, print out patient education and forms, alert them of financial policies, and can even facilitate patient interaction and healthcare management by adding a link to the practice’s patient portal. If managed by a web development third party, such as Azalea, a website can be developed and requires little maintenance from your practice.
To learn about Azalea’s web design and development services click here or contact us!
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Sequestration Affecting Medicare Fee-For-Service Program
On March 8, 2013, Medicare announced that “claims with dates-of-service or dates-of-discharge on or after April 1, 2013, will incur a 2 percent reduction in Medicare payment.” This reduction comes out of the Budget Control Act of 2011, which requires mandatory cuts in Federal government spending. Congress could push back the reduction in payment, but if it does not then providers would be subject to the 2 percent reduction. This reimbursement reduction would occur after patients’ deductibles and co-insurances are taken out of the charges’ allowable amounts. Any questions regarding reimbursement should be directed to your local Medicare claims administration contractor.
For the more information regarding sequestration from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) click here or visit the CMS website here.
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Azalea Wins 2013 Small Business of the Year Award
Azalea Health was awarded the 2013 Small Business of the Year Award by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, March 21, 2013. The Small Business of the Year Award is given to a business with 100 or fewer employees that exhibits growth and stability in the business community. “Azalea Health was chosen because of their management philosophy, work ethic and commitment to their employees and this community, which is shown through their impressive list of accomplishments in such a short period of time,” stated Jeff Sikes, a Selection Committee Member.
To read the full press release from Azalea Health click here.
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Other News:
- Due to feedback from many of our users, we have decided to move our 2013 User Meeting to August 1-3, 2013. Please contact us for more information!
- Azalea Health will award up to two (2) senior students per semester of the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s Health Information Technology program to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam. For more information click here.
- Would you like to know what our clients are saying about us? Click here to access our video testimonials and more.
- Need a refresher course on any of our Azalea systems? Contact our client relations department today to learn how to access short video tutorials and instructional tools on everything from billing to clinical documentation. Call (877) 777-7686 #3 or email cr@azaleahealth.com.
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Upcoming Events:
- Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA) 2013 Annual Session on April 11-14, 2013 at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, AL.
- HomeTown Health 2013 Annual Spring Conference at the Sea Palms Resort on St. Simon’s Island, GA on April 24-26, 2013 .
- Savannah Morning News Celebration of Nurses week event at the Charles H. Morris Center in Savannah, GA on May 9, 2013.
- The Florida Academy of Family Physicians’ 2013 Family Medicine Spring Forum in Sarasota, FL on May 9-12, 2013.
- The Florida Medical Group Management Association (FL MGMA) 2013 Annual Conference at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando,FL on May 13-15, 2013.
- 2013 Azalea User Meeting hosted by Azalea Health will be held on August 1-3, 2013 at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront in Savannah, GA. Please contact us for more information!
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Current Job Openings at Azalea: Come join our team!
- Programmer/Web Developer, Valdosta and Atlanta locations
- Software Training & Support Specialist, Valdosta location
- Revenue Cycle Coding/Billing Specialist, Valdosta location
- Business Office Assistant, Valdosta location
To learn more about these positions and to apply online click here.
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Thank you!
Azalea Health
105 West Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601
Toll Free: 877-777-7686
Local: 229-269-4620
Toll Free Fax: 866-683-8679
Web: http://www.AzaleaHealth.com
Email: marketing@azaleahealth.com
Click the links below to stay in touch:
https://www.facebook.com/azaleahealth
http://twitter.com/azaleahealth
http://www.linkedin.com/company/azalea-health
http://www.youtube.com/user/azaleahealth
Hello, Azalea Friends! March is a month full of celebrations; from National Employee Appreciation Day on March 1st to National Doctor’s Day on March 30th, we at Azalea have a lot to be thankful for. We would like to take this time to thank all of our physicians for their dedication and the wonderful care they provide to their patients on a daily basis!
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Telehealth Reduces Readmissions, Costs
A recent case study released by the Commonwealth Fund takes a closer look at how telehealth is used to “remotely provide care management” while facilitating patient communication with providers and specialists. The study explains how telehealth can “enhance care coordination, improve patients’ care experiences, and reduce hospital admissions and costs.” Telehealth also promotes a “culture of openness and preparedness” and reduces common obstacles to patient enrollment, such as cost.
For the full study from The Commonwealth Fund click here.
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Billing Tip: CAQH Revolutionizes EFT Enrollments
The Council for Affordable and Quality Healthcare (CAQH) now offers an online tool that will allow providers to securely enroll to receive electronic funds transfers (EFTs). Providers can select which insurance networks to enroll and can update banking information across all payers if needed. CAQH’s EFT Enrollment tool replaces the different, sometimes confusing, EFT enrollment forms required by each payer with a single and easy to use system.
This is especially important considering the EFT enrollment requirements found in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Effective January 2014, all payers will have to offer EFTs and Medicare will only reimburse providers through EFT.
To register for CAQH’s EFT Enrollment tool click here.
To read the full press release from CAQH click here.
Please contact us at info@azaleahealth.com or 877-777-7686 if you have questions or would like to know more about how our Azalea RCM services can help you improve your revenue cycle.
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Providers Believe Mobility is Positively Affecting Healthcare
According to a recent study, healthcare providers are beginning to integrate the use of mobile devices into their daily “delivery of patient care and healthcare practice management”. Physicians are using smart mobile devices to monitor and manage medication, as well as to gain remote access to health records, and assist patients in managing their insurance claims.
For the full article from Healthcare Informatics click here.
Did you know all of Azalea’s software suite is mobile compatible?
We know that today’s provider is always on-the-go and understand that it is crucial that your practice is accessible from everywhere you go with internet access. Our flexible Azalea products are compatible with both smartphones and tablets, allowing your practice to be only a finger click away at all times. Contact us today for a free demo!
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Other News:
- Would you like to know what our clients are saying about us? Click here to access our video testimonials and more.
- Need a refresher course on any of our Azalea systems? Contact our client relations department today to learn how to access short video tutorials and instructional tools on everything from billing to clinical documentation. Call (877) 777-7686 #3 or email cr@azaleahealth.com.
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Upcoming Events:
- HIMSS 2013 Annual Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans, LA March 3-7, 2013 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
- Georgia Partnership for Telehealth (GPT) Spring Conference on March 18-20, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah, GA.
- Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) 2013 Summit on March 20, 2013 in at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, GA.
- National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) 2013 Spring Institute in San Antonio, TX on March 13-15, 2013.
- Azalea Health will be a sponsor for the Savannah Technical College 2013 Tribute to Community STARS, Friday, March 22, 2013.
- Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA) 2013 Annual Session on April 11-14, 2013 at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, AL.
- HomeTown Health 2013 Annual Spring Conference at the Sea Palms Resort on St. Simon’s Island, GA on April 24-26, 2013 .
- 2013 Azalea User Meeting hosted by Azalea Health. Please contact us for more information!
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Current Job Openings at Azalea: Come join our team!
-Programmer/Web Developer at the Valdosta location.
-Medical Billing Specialist at the Valdosta location
To learn more about these positions and to apply online click here.
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Thank you!
Azalea Health
105 West Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601
Toll Free: 877-777-7686
Local: 229-269-4620
Toll Free Fax: 866-683-8679
Web: http://www.AzaleaHealth.com
Email: marketing@azaleahealth.com
Click the links below to stay in touch:
https://www.facebook.com/azaleahealth
http://twitter.com/azaleahealth
http://www.linkedin.com/company/1282963?trk=NUS_CMPY_TWIT
http://www.youtube.com/user/azaleahealth
Greetings Azalea Friends and thank you for reading this month’s newsletter! This edition is filled with valuable industry news and exciting events in Azalea’s future, including the date and location of the 2013 Azalea User Meeting!
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HHS Releases HIPAA Final Rule
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services released modifications to the HIPAA Privacy, Security, Enforcement, and Breach Notification Rules in January 2013. The final rule includes four final rules (summarized below) which aim to “reduce the impact and number of times certain compliance activities need to be undertaken by the regulated entities.”.
1. Improvements to the Rules of the HITECH Act issued on July 14, 2010 include expanded HIPAA regulated entities to include business associates, “strengthening limitations” on the use of protected health data for marketing and fundraising purposes, increase individuals’ rights to obtain electronic copies of their own health information, and adoption of the additional HITECH Act enhancements to the Enforcement Rule.
2. Adopts changes to HIPAA Enforcement Rule to incorporate the tiered civil money penalty structure provided by the HITECH Act, published October 30, 2009.
3. Final rule on Breach Notification for Unsecured Protected Health Information under the HITECH Act, which replaces the “harm” threshold with a “more objective standard”.
4. Final rule modifying the HIPAA Privacy Rule as required by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination ACT (GINA) to prohibit health plans from disclosing genetic information.
To read the full article from Healthcare Finance News click here.
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Azalea provides Azalea EHR to Gordon State’s Health Services and Informatics Administration
After reading of another college using Azalea EHR in an article featured in the Georgia Health Information Management Association (GHIMA) newsletter, Associate Professor of Health Sciences & Informatics Administration, Nanci Cross became interested in adopting the simple, cloud based EHR. Cross was impressed with the streamlined and user friendly system;”Within a few uses I was able to easily navigate through the comprehensive system.”
The Health Services and Informatics Administration Program is currently in the development stage but intends to utilize Azalea EHR in several courses in 2013, adding additional courses in subsequent semesters. Cross expects students to gain superior skills and knowledge that are essential for today’s healthcare practice, “Students will love the hands-on training and direct interaction with their education that Azalea EHR will give them”. She continues to say, “We appreciate (Azalea)’s commitment to enhancing education and strengthening the healthcare industry’s workforce!”
To read the press release from Azalea Health click here
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Billing Tip: New CPT Codes For Psychiatric Billing
On January 1, 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) overhauled the CPT codes used for behavioral health/psychiatric billing. Click here for detailed information regarding the changes and new codes. Helping to smooth out the transition, many insurance carriers have allowed for a six month grace period beginning in January, during which providers will be allowed to continue using the 2012 codes. Please be sure to contact your behavioral health carriers to confirm whether or not they will be allowing this grace period.
Click here for a crosswalk table that will assist you in choosing the correct new codes. Providers are now able to include time with the patient’s family when selecting the appropriate CPT. Also worth noting is the new add-on codes for reporting interactive complexity, psychotherapy, and crisis.
Please contact us at info@azaleahealth.com or 877-777-7686 if you have questions or would like to know more about how our Azalea RCM services can help you improve your revenue cycle.
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Other News:
- Azalea Health will host its first user meeting in Savannah, GA on May 23-25, 2013.
- Need a refresher course on any of our Azalea systems? Contact our client relations department today to learn how to access short video tutorials and instructional tools on everything from billing to clinical documentation. Call (877) 777-7686 #3 or email cr@azaleahealth.com.
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Upcoming Events:
- Azalea Health will be both presenting and exhibiting at the 2013 Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA) Conference held on February 19 & 20, 2013 in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center.
- National Association of Rural Health Clinics 2013 Spring Institute in San Antonio, TX on March 13-15, 2013.
- 2013 Azalea User Meeting hosted by Azalea Health at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront in downtown Savannah, GA on May 23-25, 2013. Please contact us for more information!
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Current Job Openings at Azalea: Come join our team!
-Programmer/Web Developer at the Valdosta location.
-Pre-Certification Specialist at the Savannah location.
To learn more about these positions and to apply online click here.
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Thank you!
Azalea Health
105 West Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601
Toll Free: 877-777-7686
Local: 229-269-4620
Toll Free Fax: 866-683-8679
Web: http://www.AzaleaHealth.com
Email: marketing@azaleahealth.com
Click the links below to stay in touch:
https://www.facebook.com/azaleahealth
http://twitter.com/azaleahealth
http://www.linkedin.com/company/1282963?trk=NUS_CMPY_TWIT
http://www.youtube.com/user/azaleahealth
Happy New Year Azalea Friends! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and wish you all the best for the upcoming year. At AHI, we are very excited for the new innovations 2013 is sure to bring! Thank you for reading this months newsletter that is packed with important information. Topics include: Meaningful Use, Cloud-based Healthcare, Fiscal Cliff and SGR Updates, and much more!
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Meaningful Use Attestation Deadlines
As you may know, 12/31/12 marked the end of the 2012 reporting period. However, eligible providers (EPs) still have time to attest for the 2012 year. Below you will find the deadlines for EPs to register, attest, and receive incentive payments for the 2012 Medicare and Medicaid Meaningful Use program.
Medicare: The last day to attest for the 2012 reporting year is February 28, 2013.
Medicaid: The Medicaid deadlines vary from state to state. Click here to check your local agency.
In addition, January 1st, 2013 marks the start date of the 2013 calendar year reporting period for EP’s who are planning to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid Meaningful Use programs for their second year under Stage 1.
To learn more about attesting to Meaningful Use click here or contact us here.
For even more information visit the website for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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5 Ways Cloud Computing will Transform Healthcare
Cloud computing is a relatively new force but is making major headway in the healthcare industry.
Listed below are five major ways the cloud will transform healthcare.
1. Data security: resiliency. Large cloud service providers are able to build large redundant data centers that place a higher emphasis on backup, data resiliency and uptime for lower costs.
2. Data security: privacy. The level of cloud security is much higher than what is seen the average IT department.
3. Speed of innovation. “The cloud is all about rapid innovation.” Cloud-based services can upgrade and improve their services rapidly, cheaply, and with minimal or no interruption to service.
4. Mobile applications. By storing all of its data and computing power in the cloud, a healthcare provider enables staff to have access to information anywhere it wants to make it available.
5. Developing trends. The Cloud seeks to replace more uses and empower more people and systems. It makes sense to transition to cloud based services because they “enable doing similar kinds of things for less money on a bigger scale. They remove inefficiencies in IT.”
To read the full article from Healthcare IT News click here.
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Billing Tip: Fiscal Cliff and SGR Update
Early in the morning on Tuesday, Jan 1, 2013, the United States Senate approved legislation that would postpone the 26.5% cut in physician Medicare reimbursement. The House of Representatives passed the legislation Tuesday evening and the President is expected to sign the legislation into law. Congress plans to meet on the subject again in early March 2013. However, the Fiscal Cliff crisis seems to be averted for now. The legislation defers the 26.5% cut in physician Medicare reimbursement for one year. It also puts off the 2% sequestration cut set to take effect this week until early March.
Included in the compromise are provisions used to “pay for” the temporary fix. The Washington Examiner lists Payment for Certain Radiology Services, Competitive Prices for Diabetic Supplies, and Increase statute of limitations for recovering overpayments as provisions used to offset the compromise.
To read the full article from Washington Examiner click here.
Please contact us at info@azaleahealth.com or 877-777-7686 if you have questions about how our Azalea RCM services can help you improve your revenue cycle with these services and many more.
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Other News:
- Need a refresher course on any of our Azalea systems? Contact our client relations department today to learn how to access short video tutorials and instructional tools on everything from billing to clinical documentation. Call (877) 777-7686 #3 or email cr@azaleahealth.com.
- Azalea Health Innovations is a proud sponsor of the Greater Valdosta United Way. To find out how you can get involved and participate in this year’s campaign, go to www.unitedwayvaldosta.org.
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Upcoming Events:
- HomeTown Health Winter Conference to be held in Tallahassee, FL at the Holiday Inn Capitol Center on January 16 & 17, 2013.
- 2013 Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA) Conference held on February 19 & 20, 2013 in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center.
- KnowledgeLab 2013 held by the Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA) on April 7-10, 2013 at the Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
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Current Job Openings at AHI: Come join our team!
- Programmer/Web Developer at the Valdosta location.
To learn more about these positions and to apply online click here.
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Thank you!
Azalea Health Innovations, Inc.
105 West Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601
Toll Free: 877-777-7686
Local: 229-269-4620
Toll Free Fax: 866-683-8679
Web: http://www.AzaleaHealth.com
Email: marketing@azaleahealth.com
Click the links below to stay in touch:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Azalea-Health-Innovations
http://twitter.com/azaleahealth
http://www.linkedin.com/company/1282963?trk=NUS_CMPY_TWIT
http://www.youtube.com/user/azaleahealth
Greetings friends and thank you for reading this months newsletter! The Azalea Health Innovations Team would like to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy new year!
Billing Tip: New Coding Guidelines for Nerve Conduction Studies
Coding for nerve conduction studies has always been a tricky task. However, the 2013 changes to CPT have made it much easier to code. You no longer have to worry about differentiating between motor and sensory nerves or if it includes F-wave and H-reflex testing. CPT codes 95900, 95903, and 95904 are being replaced with codes focusing on the number of studies performed. The new codes are listed below. Keep in mind the reimbursement for these studies will change depending on your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC).
95907 Nerve conduction studies; 1-2 studies
95908 Nerve conduction studies, 3-4 studies
95909 Nerve conduction studies, 5-6 studies
95910 Nerve conduction studies, 7-8 studies
95911 Nerve conduction studies, 9-10 studies
95912 Nerve conduction studies, 11-12 studies
95913 Nerve conduction studies, 13 or more studies
The 2013 CPT book says, “For the purposes of coding, a single conduction study is defined as a sensory conduction test, a motor conduction test with or without an F-wave test, or an H-reflex test. Each type of study (sensory, motor with or without F-wave, H-reflex) for each nerve includes all orthodromic and antidromic impulses associated with that nerve and constitutes a distinct study when determining the number of studies in each grouping (eg, 1-2 or 3-4 nerve conduction studies)…each type of conduction study is counted only once when multiple sites on the same nerve are stimulated or recorded. The numbers of these separate tests should be added to determine which code to use.”
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us regarding your medical coding and billing needs.
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Patient Access to Online Medical Records Increases Interaction with Providers
A recent study sought to determine whether giving patients access to online medical records would affect the amount of clinical services they utilized. Held from March 2005 to June 2010, the study focused on participants who were at least 18 years of age and enrolled in an “integrated healthcare delivery system” for at least two years during the study period. The results found a significant increase in patient interaction including office visits and telephone encounters as well as other health services.
To read more of this article from the Journal of the American Medical Association click here.
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SunLink Health Systems, Inc. to Implement Azalea EHR
After experiencing the successful implementation of Azalea PM in multiple clinic locations and physician offices, Jack Spurr, Vice President of Hospital Financial Operations, said “We teamed with selected employed physicians who are sophisticated computer users to look at multiple solutions. We decided that Azalea EHR is a robust and effective quality patient care system offered at a reasonable price and return on investment. We look forward to assisting our physicians, extenders and staff through our partnership with AHI.” SunLink training and implementation of Azalea EHR will begin in early December of 2012. “SunLink chose the cloud-based Azalea EHR in part because it is a user friendly system.” says Spurr.
To read the full press release from Azalea Health Innovations, Inc. click here
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Other News:
- Get a first-hand look at Azalea EHR in action! Click here to watch now.
- Azalea Health Innovations is a proud sponsor of the Greater Valdosta United Way. To find out how you can get involved and participate in this year’s campaign, go to www.unitedwayvaldosta.org.
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Upcoming Events:
- Health IT Leadership Summit 2012 presented by Atlanta Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta, GA on December 4, 2012 at the Fox Theater.
- 2013 Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA) Conference held on February 19 & 20, 2013 in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center.
- KnowledgeLab 2013 held by the Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA) on April 7-10, 2013 at the Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
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Current Job Openings at AHI: Come join our team!
- Programmer/ Web Developer at the Valdosta location.
- Medical Billing Specialist at the Valdosta location.
To learn more about all of these positions and to apply online click here.
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Thank you!
Azalea Health Innovations, Inc.
105 West Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601
Toll Free: 877-777-7686
Local: 229-269-4620
Toll Free Fax: 866-683-8679
Web: http://www.AzaleaHealth.com
Email: marketing@azaleahealth.com
Click the links below to stay in touch:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Azalea-Health-Innovations/145238319941?ref=ts
http://twitter.com/azaleahealth
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2791313&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
http://www.youtube.com/user/azaleahealth
Welcome
Hello AHI Friends! As you may know, November is American Diabetes Month sponsored by the American Diabetes Association and is held to focus the nations attention on the issues surrounding diabetes and the many people who are impacted by the disease. To learn more about the American Diabetes Association and American Diabetes Month click here.
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Medicare Auditor Targets E & M Services for Review
Medicare auditor, Connolly Inc. has been given the task of reviewing past claims for services provided by both physicians and hospitals beginning in 2007. Previously off-limits to auditors, claims for the billing of office visits and the frequency of use of the high-level, established patient evaluation and management code 99215 will be examined in order to gauge how many physicians were paid incorrectly.
Overall coding trends show an increased amount of usage of codes like 99215, which has caused federal officials to suspect the intentional utilization of higher-level codes on claims. States and territories to be reviewed by Connolly Inc., are: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For more information from American Medical News click here.
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Understanding Vaccine Administration Billing
The appropriate vaccine administration code depends on the route used to inject, whether there was counseling by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional, and the insurance company processing your claim.
Immunization administration, any route, with counseling
CPT 90460 is used to bill for the first component of each vaccine administered. CPT 90461 is an add-on code used to bill for each additional component of vaccine with multiple components. You will bill for multiple units of 90461 if multiple vaccines are given. It’s important to remember that when billing these codes a qualified healthcare professional must provide and document face-to-face counselling of the patient or family during the administration of the vaccine.
Immunization administration, includes percutaneous, intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular, without counseling
CPT 90471 is used for the first vaccine administered. CPT 90472 is an add-on code used to bill for each additional vaccine. You will bill for multiple units of 90472 when multiple vaccines are given. These are used for vaccine administration whenever counseling is not performed during the administration.
Immunization administration by intranasal or oral route
CPT 90473 is used for the first intranasal or oral vaccine administered. CPT 90474 is an add-on code used to bill for each additional vaccine administered intranasally or orally. You will bill for multiple units of 90474 if multiple intranasal or oral vaccines are given. These are commonly used to code for the administration of the FluMist vaccine.
Insurance companies may have additional guidelines. For instance, Medicare wants the HCPCS code G0008 for the flu vaccine, G0009 for the pneumococcal vaccine, and G0010 for the hepatitis B vaccine. Typically, the codes listed above can be billed without modifiers but you should ensure the diagnosis codes are pointed correctly. The CPT code for the vaccine and the administration should be pointing to the corresponding ICD-9 code for that vaccine. If you have additional questions please do not hesitate to contact us!
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New Features of Azalea EHR
In Azalea EHR, users now have the ability to either “merge” or “override” templates when importing them into an encounter chart. For example, a patient suffers from hyperlipidemia and hypertension. The provider has a template for hyperlipidemia and a template for hypertension. The provider chooses both templates and is presented with the option to merge the two templates, override the existing template, or cancel the action altogether.
Another new feature is the “autosave”. Users will now be able to chart in the SOAP text fields of an encounter while Azalea EHR saves all data entered (either manually or dictated) every 3 seconds. This feature eliminates the risk of lost data due to accidental encounter closure without saving.
Interested in learning more about our many new features and updates? Select the “New Features” tab in your Azalea Dashboard to read more! Stay tuned for future blog posts about our new features.
If you have any questions concerning the new features please do not hesitate to contact us!
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Other News
- We hope you all had a very Happy Halloween! At AHI, we held a costume contest for all employees. To see the great costumes of the AHI staff visit our Facebook page by clicking here!
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Upcoming Events
-13th Annual Fall Conference presented by HomeTown Health at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA on November 7-9, 2012
- Florida Rural Health Association’s Annual Summit in Safety Harbor, FL on November 15, 2012
- Health IT Leadership Summit 2012 presented by Atlanta Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta, GA on December 4, 2012.
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Current Job Opening at AHI: Come join our team!
- Programmer/ Web Developer at the Valdosta location.
To learn more about all of these positions and to apply online click here.
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Thank you!
Azalea Health Innovations, Inc.
105 West Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601
Toll Free: 877-777-7686
Local: 229-269-4620
Toll Free Fax: 866-683-8679
Web: www.AzaleaHealth.com
Email: marketing@azaleahealth.com
Click the links below to stay in touch:
www.facebook.com
www.twitter.com/azaleahealth
www.linkedin.com
www.youtube.com
Welcome!
Greetings AHI Friends and thank you for taking the time to read the October newsletter! In this months newsletter we are bringing you valuable information such as deadlines for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program, billing tips of how to let technology work for you, as well as the details of our forum for the “Collaboration for Future Innovation”.
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Deadlines for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program
October 3rd marks two crucial deadlines for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program. This is the last possible day for eligible professionals (EPs) to begin the 90-day reporting period for 2012, meaning that EPs must begin the 90-day reporting period by October 3rd in order to attest to meeting meaningful use and be eligible to receive an incentive payment for 2012.
October 3rd also marks the last possible day for EPs to start participating and receive their maximum possible Medicare incentive payment. 2012 is the last year that EPs can begin participation in the Incentive Program and get the full payment of $44,000 per EP. If first-year Medicare EPs have not begun their 90-day reporting period by October 3rd, they will not be eligible for a 2012 payment, and can only receive $39,000 in Medicare incentives if they successfully participate in 2013.
For more information regarding the Medicare EHR Incentive Program click here or visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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Collaboration for Future Innovation Forum
Azalea Health Innovations (AHI) hosted the first “Collaboration for Future Innovation” forum which focused on ways two local educational institutions, Valdosta State University (VSU) and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (WGT), could collaborate with businesses to create opportunities for advancement throughout the Valdosta-Lowndes County area. The panel, comprised of Dr. McKinney, President of VSU and Dr. Perren, President of WGT, discussed different methods of educating Valdosta and the surrounding area’s future workforce in the field of Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) and other technology based industries. All participants agreed the forum should be the first of a series of discussions between both educational institutions as well as other influential local businesses in order to spark future community technological advancement.
To read more about the Collaboration for Future Innovation Forum click here.
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Are You Letting Technology Work for You?
In today’s technology driven world, knowing the basics of software and internet navigation can mean all the difference in the world. Many physician practices and hospitals are upgrading to web-based Electronic Health Records (EHRs) while major payors such as Medicare and Medicaid require electronic claim submission. All of these advancements mean we have to equip ourselves with the appropriate knowledge and skills to get the job done. Here are a few things you can begin learning and putting into practice:
- Sign up for electronic remittance advice (ERAs). ERAs come through your clearinghouse much faster than the paper remittance advice would come through the mail. Posting payments from an ERA is much easier and can be done automatically using Azalea EHR.
- Keyboard shortcuts may seem too fancy but they can save you hours over the course of a month!
- To copy highlight the text, hold down the CTRL key and press the letter C: CTRL+C
- To paste highlight the text, hold down the CTRL key and press the letter V: CTRL+V
- Scanning documents into your computer will make them easier to store and find.
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Other News:
- Azalea Health Innovations (AHI) is set to donate Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, Azalea EHR to the Health Information Technology (HIT) Department of Ogeechee Technical College of Statesboro, GA. Click here to read more.
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Upcoming Events:
-13th Annual Fall Conference presented by HomeTown Health at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA on November 7-9, 2012
-Florida Rural Health Association’s Annual Summit in Safety Harbor, FL on November 15, 2012
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Current Job Openings at AHI: Come join our team!
- Business Development Specialist for the South West Georgia to the Central Florida area
- Business Development Specialist for the Carolinas to the Eastern Tennessee area
- Medical Billing Specialist for the Valdosta location.
- Pre-Certification Specialist for the Savannah location.
To learn more about all of these positions and to apply online click here.
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Thank you!
Azalea Health Innovations, Inc.
105 West Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601
Toll Free:  877-777-7686
Local: 229-269-4620
Toll Free Fax: 866-683-8679
Web: www.AzaleaHealth.com
Email: marketing@azaleahealth.com
Click the links below to stay in touch:
www.facebook.com
www.twitter.com/azaleahealth
www.linkedin.com
www.youtube.com
We hope that you enjoyed a safe and fun filled Labor Day holiday weekend! We are excited to bring you this month’s newsletter, which is filled with useful information including the newly released requirements for Stage 2 of meaningful use, billing tips on how to utilize modifiers, as well as choosing the best browser for your practice. Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s newsletter!
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Final Rules Released for Meaningful Use Stage 2
The final rule on Stage 2 for meaningful use was released on August 23, 2012. Participants can expect the new rule to take effect no sooner than 2014. The rules are part of the federal incentive program for Medicare and Medicaid physicians to adopt electronic health records and were co-written and issued in the Federal Register by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). The final rules will be published in the Federal Register on September 4, 2012.
A representative from the ONC explained that the newly released Stage 2 should be viewed as a continuation. He goes on to say, “Stage 1 was about collecting data, and moving toward using decision support” and that the main emphasis in Stage 2 is to “move beyond data collection to improving care”. The final rule contains 20 measures for physicians and 19 measures for hospitals.
We have recently updated our website with the newest information on Stage 2 of meaningful use. To learn more click here.
For the full article from Government Health IT click here.
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Billing Tip: Modifiers Help Tell the Whole Story
A modifier is a two-digit character reported with a CPT or HCPCS code, when appropriate. They provide insurance companies with additional information needed to process claims. Modifiers indicate that the performed service or procedure has been altered in some way due to special circumstances, but does not change its definition. Coders and billers may need to use a modifier under the following circumstances:
The service or procedure performed has both a professional and technical component. The modifier 26 should be used to indicate the professional component. The modifier TC should be used to indicate the technical component.
The service or procedure was performed by more than one physician. The assistant surgeon should report the modifier 80 on his/her CPT codes.
The complexity or performance of the service or procedure performed was increased or decreased. The modifier 22 should be reported when the complexity or performance was increased. The modifier 52 should be reported when the complexity or performance was decreased.
The service or procedure was performed on identical anatomic sites, such as the kidney. The modifier LT should be reported on the CPTs related to the left kidney; modifier RT should be reported for the right kidney.
The above examples are just some of the special cases in which modifiers can make or break your claim for reimbursement. If you have any further questions regarding when to use or not to use modifiers, please feel free to contact us, as we would be happy to help!
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User Tip: Importance of Choosing the Right Browser
“While all internet browsers will provide access to the internet, selecting a fast, simple, and secure one will ensure safe and enjoyable online browsing.” When choosing an internet browser it is important to take into account three factors: Security, Speed, and Simplicity.
Because EHR systems contain large amounts of precious personal data, security is crucial to keep in mind when choosing your browser. The browsers that consistently receives the highest marks in security are Google Chrome, Internet Explorer (version 9), and Mozilla Firefox.
An EHR system can only operate at its highest level when it is coupled with an equally fast browser. The speed of your browser has a direct impact on your practice’s workflow. On average, Google Chrome was the fastest overall, Internet Explorer came in second place, and Mozilla Firefox trailed 2 seconds behind Internet Explorer.
Finally, the simplicity and ease of use of a browser is essential when choosing which will work best for your needs. Again, Google Chrome received the highest marks in this department, with Internet Explorer coming in a close second, and Mozilla Firefox coming in third. It should also be noted that Internet Explorer offered the highest level of customer support.
We chose to review the three most widely used browsers, though there are many others.
At AHI, we encourage all of our clients to Google Chrome, as our programmers developed our software using Chrome. All Azalea products are cross-platform compatible, however clients will enjoy an optimal user experience when using Google Chrome.
TopTenReviews and Wikipedia were used as resources to write this article.
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Other News:
- We are excited to announce our partnership with the Lowndes County Partnership for Health (LCPFH). AHI recently provided the LCPFH’s Partnership Health Center with our Azalea EHR as well as donated full training and implementation services from our experienced client relations team. To read the full press release click here.
- We are proud to be hosting the “Collaboration for Future Innovation” forum with Dr. William McKinney, Valdosta State University President and Dr. Ray Perren, President of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Myrna Ballard, President of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce will be the moderator for the event to be held on September 21, 2012.
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Upcoming Events:
- AHI hosting “Collaboration for Future Innovation” forum on September 21, 2012
-13th Annual Fall Conference presented by HomeTown Health at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA on November 7-9, 2012
-Florida Rural Health Association’s Annual Summit in Safety Harbor, FL on November 15, 2012
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Current Job Openings at AHI: Come join our team!
- Business Development Specialist for the South West Georgia to the Central Florida area
- Business Development Specialist for the Carolinas to the Eastern Tennessee area
- Pre-Certification Specialist for the Savannah location.
- Part Time Office Assistant for Valdosta location
To learn more about all of these positions and to apply online click here.
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Thank you!
Azalea Health Innovations, Inc.
105 West Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601
Toll Free: 877-777-7686
Local: 229-269-4620
Toll Free Fax: 866-683-8679
Web: www.AzaleaHealth.com
Email: marketing@azaleahealth.com
Click the links below to stay in touch:
www.facebook.com
www.twitter.com/azaleahealth
www.linkedin.com
www.youtube.com
Welcome
Hello Azalea Health Innovations friends and thank you for reading this month’s newsletter! If you have been to our website lately you have noticed our fresh, streamlined look. We are very excited to show off our new web presence and to continue to make it better. Visit AzaleaHealth.com on your smartphone to access our website and software on the go! We invite you to take a look around to experience the site and provide us with any feedback that you may have. We would love to hear from you!
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Simple Tips for Billing in a Global Period
A global period is a period of time in which reimbursement for office visits and other procedures may be considered bundled into a previously performed major surgical procedure; minor procedures carry a 10 day global period and some do not have a global period at all. The global period is typically the day before the procedure and 90 days afterward for major surgeries. During this time many payors will reimburse you for procedures (related or unrelated) and unrelated office visits if you have the appropriate modifier on your claim. Unrelated office visits during the global period may be reimbursed with modifier 24 on the Evaluation & Management code. However, you will need to have appropriate documentation supporting your claim that the specified office visit is unrelated to the global period. If the physician sees the patient and decides to perform surgery the next day, you may be reimbursed for that office visit with modifier 57 on the Evaluation & Management code.
Unrelated procedures performed in a global period may be reimbursed by using modifier 79. Like the office visits, you will need to have appropriate documentation to back up your claim. Some procedures are related to the major surgery procedure and may be reimbursed with modifier 58 or 78 on the related procedures. Modifier 58 says the procedure performed is either staged or related to the global period. This modifier is quite common with specialists and other physicians who perform procedures during post-operative visits. Modifier 79 is used for unplanned returns to the operating room in a global period. Some payors may request medical records proving complications or some other reason for the return to the operating room.
If you have any questions regarding how to apply global periods, please feel free to contact us by calling (877) 777-7686 or emailing us at info@azaleahealth.com.
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E-Records Linked to Fewer Malpractice Claims
The number of malpractice claims has significantly decreased after Massachusetts physicians adopted electronic health records, according to a recent study performed by Harvard Medical School. Although it is not evident whether the new record keeping system was responsible for the decline, the research gives legitimate proof that electronic health records “improve quality and safety and, as a result, prevent adverse events and reduce the risk of malpractice claims.”
In the study, 275 physicians with malpractice cases were surveyed in 2005 and 2007. The results showed that of those, 49 claims related to alleged medical malpractice took place before place before electronic health record adoption, and only two occurred after adoption. The researchers concluded that medical malpractice claims were an estimated 84% less likely after electronic health records system adoption.
For the full article from HealthDay please click here.
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United Way Annual Campaign
The Greater Valdosta United Way is gearing up for another successful campaign season. They invite you to participate in the Kickoff Event, Day of Caring. This year’s Day of Caring will be held on Friday, August 24th. The event will be geared towards giving back to the local neighborhoods surrounding the agency locations. There are also a variety of other activities associated with the campaign, such as the “Amazing Race”, “Whale Watch”, as well as numerous stationary activities. The “Amazing Race” event will be a city-wide scavenger hunt with 30 participating teams; each made up of 5 members, ending with a cookout style lunch.
Azalea Health Innovations is a proud sponsor of the Greater Valdosta United Way and has 100% employee and company participation in the campaign. To find out how you can get involved and participate in this year’s campaign, go to www.unitedwayvaldosta.org.
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Other News
Azalea Health Innovations is excited to announce our partnership with Lowndes County Partnership for Health. We have donated our Azalea EHR system to the Partnership Health Center, which is a “free primary healthcare facility staffed by volunteer physicians, physician extenders and nurses who offer their time to serve the healthcare needs of the working uninsured in Lowndes County”.
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Upcoming Events
Georgia Rural Health Association’s Annual Conference in Pine Mountain, GA on September 17-19, 2012
13th Annual Fall Conference presented by HomeTown Health at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA on November 7-9, 2012
Florida Rural Health Association’s Annual Summit in Safety Harbor, FL on November 15, 2012
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Come join our team!
Business Development Specialist- to learn more about this position and apply online click here.
———-
Thank you!
Azalea Health Innovations, Inc.
105 West Central Avenue
Valdosta, GA 31601
Toll Free: 877-777-7686
Local: 229-269-4620
Toll Free Fax: 866-683-8679
Web: http://www.AzaleaHealth.com
Email: marketing@azaleahealth.com
Click the links below to stay in touch:
www.facebook.com
twitter.com/azaleahealth
www.linkedin.com
www.youtube.com/user/azaleahealth
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