ICD-10 Implementation: An update for physicians and coders

The transition to ICD-10 is much more than a mere increase in codes and field sizes. The descriptions of diagnosis codes in ICD-10 may be very different to what coders are used to seeing and using in ICD-9. Therefore, the complexity in transition is significant and shouldn’t be avoided by medical coders.

An easier and successful transition before October 1, 2013 would require a well planned and efficiently managed implementation process. Although the ICD-10-CM/PCS implementation deadline is two years away, good training plans will ensure a smooth transition for physicians, inpatient and outpatient coders.

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Impacting Inpatient Coders:

The ICD-10-CM/PCS final rule estimates that inpatient coders will need 50 hours of training. In order to ensure a successful transition, inpatient coders must:

• Possess sufficient foundational knowledge of the biomedical sciences (e.g., anatomy, physiology, patho physiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology)

• Learn how to apply ICD-10-CM/PCS codes correctly on inpatient encounters

• Understand how to apply maps and crosswalks between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM/PCS

Impacting Outpatient coders:

Outpatient coders would require approximately 16 hours of effective training in ICD-10-CM/PCS, presuming that coders already has the necessary knowledge in biomedical sciences. Other requirements are same as inpatient coders.

Medical coders need to adhere to the stipulated timeline for the various steps of ICD-9 to ICD-10 transition. Though the first phase is already over, the coders can still take assistance from various online resources and webinars conducted by AMA, AAPC, AAHIMA, and many other associations to get the requisite training and prepare for the transition process. Proper training and guidance in using use ICD- 10 will help coders to remain abreast with the changing industry norms and play a vital role in the implementation process for their employers and clients.

Physicians should keep track of the envisaged timeline for implementation of ICD-10 and prepare their clinic for smooth transition through its various phases:

Phase 1: Implementation plan development and impact assessment (first quarter 2009 to second quarter 2011)

Phase 2: Implementation preparation (first quarter 2011 to second quarter 2013)

Phase 3: “Go live” preparation (first quarter 2013 to third quarter 2013)

Phase 4: follow-up post-implementation (fourth quarter 2013 to fourth quarter 2014)

Physicians should also ensure training for in-house coders, or hire coders trained in using ICD-10, as proper coding is required to keep their revenue cycle efficient and optimized. For physician practices or hospitals facing problems in getting their staff upgraded, outsourcing might be a feasible option.

Emergency Plumber London

Plumbing problems within your home can easily throw you into a panic, especially as they always arise at the most inopportune times likes in the middle of Christmas Dinner when you have the entire family round! Fortunately, it is now possible to call an emergency plumber London out whenever you experience water troubles.

Plumbing Issues

Plumbing issues can consist of anything from a pesky leak to a busted water heater, but both can easily cause chaos if left unresolved. It is extremely important that an emergency plumber London is called to your home as quickly as possible to fix the problem and to limit any damaged caused by the plumbing problem.

It can be easy, as you flap around in a wild panic, realising that your mother-in-laws new shoes have been ruined by a leaking washing machine, to delve into the yellow pages and call the first plumber you come across. However, it is important to stay calm and consider a number of choices before calling someone out to your home. The most important thing to make sure of is whether a plumber as a valid licence and insurance. If not then it is extremely wise to steer clear – you’re asking for trouble! His insurance will cover you should anything go wrong and pay for any mishaps.

How much?

One thing that you should be certain of, before agreeing to use a plumber, is how much you will be expected to pay. Often, the plumber will not be able to give you a quote until he sees the damage, but he should be able to give you a rough idea of his general charges. Once you have a quote, you can compare this to other plumbers’ quotes. You may be eager to get your plumbing issue resolved, but surely you don’t want to pay well over the odds to ensure this happens – be sensible and search for a good deal before committing.

You should also ask for references, as this will enable you to find a decent plumber who has provided a quality service to previous customers. In addition, you could search for online reviews and customer feedback, which can give you unbiased and honest views on a plumber.

When Should You Hire Your Own Insurance Claims Adjuster?

You should consider hiring a claims adjuster if your insurance company isn’t acting quickly to replace your losses or you aren’t pleased with the terms of the settlement. In a crisis situation, caring for loved ones and establishing a temporary residence increase in priority. Do you feel confident that you will be able to negotiate the best possible settlement in regards to your insurance claim during this very difficult time?

Public adjusters are trained professionals that represent your best interests when you have a large property claim to file with an insurance company. An experienced insurance adjuster can offer the assistance and guidance necessary to bring your claim to an equitable and speedy resolution. They have specific industry knowledge and will be able to interpret your contract and better determine your rights and the insurance company's responsibilities.

Here are some cases when it could be practical to hire a public adjuster:

-When a portion of the property has been destroyed by water, fire or wind damage, and a public adjuster is needed to take inventory of which possessions survived, those that are damaged beyond repair.

-In cases when it’s too time consuming to follow up on your claim and you don’t have accurate records of your possessions or they were destroyed. Public adjusters will be able to provide the correct information for your file.

-If loved ones were injured or perish as a result of a natural disaster or accident, you might lack the piece of mind to negotiate with your insurance company

-If you are the owner of a commercial property, a certified public adjuster would allow you to focus on the operations of your business and negotiate a more favorable settlement.

Although you have to take a decision as quick as possible, you shouldn’t hire just any public adjuster. After you’ve contacted the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters and/or the Texas Association of Public Adjusters, you should consider interviewing possible candidates. Ask questions about their former clients and circumstances surrounding those claims. Determine if he/she performed over and above expectations. Contact their references to get their feedback. Follow up with the industry association to validate their credentials.

Is Mortgage Refinancing Right for You?

These days, it’s hard not to be enticed by the historically low mortgage refinancing rates. Now could be the perfect time to refinance, but is refinancing your loan right for you? Here are a few points to take into consideration if you’re thinking about refinancing your home loan.

The Benefits of Refinancing

Beyond potentially saving you thousands of dollars, refinancing your mortgage can also help you consolidate debt and pay off other bills. Your life has probably changed from the time you first got your home loan. Perhaps you got a better paying job or you have a new baby on the way. You may have new expenses that never existed before, or you may be making more money than when you started. In many cases, refinancing your home loan could save you hundreds, or even thousands of dollars – money which could be well spent in other areas of your life. Ideally, your mortgage should not be costing you above one third of your total gross income. If you’re dealing with a high interest rate, you’ve been hit with an adjustable rate that has skyrocketed, or you’ve experienced a drop in income for whatever reason – it’s a good idea to consider refinancing and locking in a better rate.

Working with a Trusted Lender

Working with a trusted lender is one of the best decisions you can make when you decide to refinance. Trusted lenders, like Aurora Bank (Equal Housing Lender, member FDIC) for example, understand a multitude of product options and can explain those options to you as well as the costs that are involved in the refinancing process.

Know Your Options

There’s no shortage of lending companies vying for your business. But it pays to do your own research as well.Take advantage of online mortgage calculators and run different scenarios based on your income, property tax, and extra payments you can afford to make.See exactly how much home you can afford and create a spectrum of possibilities for refinancing. Then, speak with a home loan consultant who can help you with your financing needs.You may be pleasantly surprised at just how much money you’ll save by refinancing at today’s low rates. Overall, honest, exceptional service and a dedication to customer satisfaction are what make the best mortgage refinancing lenders stand out.

Flip Charts - Successful Presentation Tools

Providing office products at your place are simply an effortless task these days hence, it appears to be cost-effective, time saving and very much convenient. Any company or business needs to be maintained by latest office supplies. Office products are the most important tools range from small pens to office furniture. These types of office products help your business or company grow in a better way. Clients always focus on what type of office supplies you use, how you carry them!

One of such office products is flip chart, an important tool mainly used in most of the business for presentation purpose. Flip chart is also used in elaborating your ideas and views. It can be availed in various styles, sizes, and shapes. Indeed a worthy investment, flip charts easily serve their purpose. Flip charts are the most usual tools seen in every office or in business.

Here are ten simple steps which will make your flip charts look quite professional.

- Make your flip chart pages in prior, so that your audience will not have to wait for what you have jotted things on the page.

- To give it more professional look, you should keep one page blank at least between each written page. In this way, extra information like comments of your audiences can be added.

- If you wish to draw diagram or chart, you can make light pencil outlines on the pages in prior; hence, this marks and lines can be seen by your audiences. Thus your charts and diagrams will look more professional.

- Ensure that, your conclusion page appears at the end of the flip charts, so that you can easily turn the pages.

- Each page should contain enough space for key points; some additional points can be added as you go through.

- Mainly you should use big letters but not the capital letters so that your audience can read your writing.

- Your text should be in dark colors something like, blue and black.

- If you wish to write on the flip chart while discussing with your audience, do stand one side, so that your audience can view what you have jotted down.

- After your presentation gets over, go through the pages of flip charts; make some notes based on points. Give information to those people who were present with you.

Details About The Rising Investments In Mexico

Despite significant hurdles, such as a national drug war, worldwide recession, and a decline in oil production investments in Mexico have continued to rise. In 2007 Mexico was only ranked 19th as an appealing foreign market to invest in, yet by 2010 it had sky rocketed to an impressive number 8.

Mexico indeed has it's issues. However, the country still attracts commerce from American companies seeking to lower operating costs. Additionally, as the world economy improves more investments is expected. The United States is the leader when it comes to making investments in Mexico, having increased by 400% over the last fifteen years.

Certainly, China has become a popular place for American investments, yet Mexico has that closeness attached to it. In other words, Mexico is right on our doorstep. NAFTA and other trade agreements have served to increase commerce and investments in Mexico. Services have overtaken manufacturing in FDI, foreign direct investments in Mexico, and an incredible increase for the lodging sector is expected.

An example of increased commerce into Mexico is when General Motors announced in January, 2011 an investment of $540,000,000 to make its new 4 cylinder engines. Mexico will also profit from the expected 500 employees that will be hired. Naturally, GM can conduct business anywhere on the earth, yet they have selected Mexico for their commerce. This action adds credibility to Mexico and it's work force.

Mexico is actively seeking a lot more Chinese investment and commerce. Their rationale being, their close proximity to the American market can eliminate long shipping delays that frequently occur between the United States and China. In a sense, Mexico is looking to act as a go-between, between China and the United States.

As an added advantage, Mexico can bypass California as China’s entry point to the American market, and drive their products by truck. Plus, Mexico has many free trade agreements, enabling China a tariff free environment to conduct commerce. While China and Mexico do have agreements in place; Mexico continues to pitch in exclusive physical closeness to the American market to Chinese companies.

Mexico, despite considerable struggles with the worldwide recession and an ugly drug war has managed to steadily increase the foreign investment it receives. Even GM has announced a new investment to build new 4 cylinder engines for it's cars. Mexico would profit from 500 new jobs. NAFTA has helped to increase investment and business into Mexico.

ProMexico is the Mexican Government institution in charge of strengthening Mexico’s participation in the international trade (comercio). With this objective in mind, the institution supports the export activity of companies established in the country and co-ordinates actions to attract foreign direct investment to national territory. ProMexico was established on June 13, 2007, as a sectoral public trust under the Ministry of the Economy, and operates through a network of 25 offices throughout Mexico and more than 27 offices abroad.

Achieving Your Full Potential through Landmark Education

It is true to say that a successful company or cooperative is made up of competent employees and not the physical structures. If the physical and mental states of these employees are both in check then your company is bound for success.

It is true to say that a successful company or cooperative is made up of competent employees and not the physical structures. If the physical and mental states of these employees are both in check then your company is bound for success. Landmark education has given employers the ability to improve the overall productivity of their workers. This means that the company’s overall productivity is improved without having to go through the daunting task of firing current workers and hiring other workers. This is a program that all companies should invest in because it assures close to one hundred percent productivity in their workers.

It is indeed possible for your workers to reach one hundred percent productivity but to believe this fact you need to fully understand what Landmark education is. Landmark Education is basically a personal development company that provides motivational classes on top of a learning experience that reaches out to people in an effort to help them realize their true capabilities and help them reach their full potential. The Landmark education program has been structured into several different levels with the first one being the Landmark forum, each of which has been carefully placed to ensure that the coverage is a step by step process with each step having its own gainful purpose.

The first course in the Landmark education program has been dubbed the Landmark forum. The Landmark forum provides a strong foundation by emphasizing on the importance of a strong self esteem in an individual. The Landmark forum also aims at teaching learners to create good relationships with other people in order to improve their personal productivity and overall performance. This will allow the individual to fully enjoy their life. The Landmark forum usually aims at changing an individual’s way of thinking and open up their mind to the limitless possibilities that are available to them. This enables you not only be successful in your personal life but will also help you in other areas such as your career and in the relationships you build with others.

Despite the amount of doubt revolving around Landmark education, there are several testimonials that can prove that Landmark education is indeed a good way to make you a better person. The program has been received worldwide and it is evident that it works. It is however not only focused on companies alone. An individual can also register for the program independently since the program aims at inspiring a single individual and not companies as a whole. However, for the Landmark forum to be useful and productive to you then you should be willing to increase your personal growth by acknowledging that something is missing in your life. The same applies to corporate companies who want to improve the overall productivity of their workers. If the individual is not ready to be receptive to the teachings administered to them then there is no point of even registering for the Landmark forum since they will only end up wasting the opportunity.

More Information On Professional Indemnity Insurance

Involved in a business service providers that require the ability and awareness, there can be a smart move for you 'professional liability insurance or PI. Any business may be covered by such insurance. Your organization has escaped all accidents and diseases created by the customer due to a misunderstanding about the service provided to an end. Legal fees can also be added to the insurance professional.

Today, there are countless web of insurance providers available. Of these, some are available, fast and customized features such as positioning of the requirement of their insurance online. Some others offer liability insurance quotes from top insurance companies to include a comparative study with other available insurance, this is the closest to you to choose the right liability insurance, suiting the needs of the customer.

Companies should always have a professional liability insurance to protect their riders. Professionals such as lawyers, accountants, insurance brokers and architects include liability on account of such possibilities at his disposal. In other words, PII is a requirement for any business fascinating, which includes service providers. This insurance is spreading worldwide at an exponential rate. You and your organization may be in the middle of the debts and obligations as defamation, the food is horrible, claims for negligence, violation of the laws, the virus download the judge group, slander, copyright, trademark, etc. If you are not engaged in professional liability.

For new online businesses, professional liability insurance is a necessity, because your body can be held accountable. It's not just the company that will be affected by this in spite of your customers give you the option to hide this information. Directors, officers and leaders of the organization might also be responsible for false statements. You and your organization will be in trouble in the neck if you are taking a more serious tone. Indemnity insurance will not face out of control debt and liabilities. The ultimate goal of professional responsibility is to protect all these mishaps that may adversely affect you and your customers.

Presentation Folder Printing: Making a Strong First Impression

Everyday you meet someone new, which later on can be your new boss or perhaps your new customer. Upon that first meeting, the person makes snap judgments about you: Are you someone trustworthy? Do you look like someone professional and credible? These judgments are often made at lightning speed, mostly in just a span of seven seconds.

In business, first impression is important. Although you can’t stop people from making snap judgments about you, you can always influence those judgments to work in your favor. You can tell them to make positive impression of you and encourage them to trust you. If you can do this effectively, you will be able to develop long lasting relationships with them. It will even result in a sale and repeat purchases if you are able to hold that impression.

So, if you are attending meetings, conferences, and other business events, what’s the best way to make a good first impression? A good marketing material you can invest in is presentation folder printing. Presentation folders when designed well will give you a competitive edge against other business. They will allow you to give your customers and prospects something they can take home with them. If your folder is able to make an immediate impact to your prospects, the more they are likely to keep it, which will help them remember you. If elegantly designed, the folder will serve as a subtle marketing tool that will impress your customers and prospects.

If you want to look professional and polished in front of people, it’s time you get your own presentation folder. Here are a few ideas to help you create the perfect folder to serve as your representation.

- Always include your business cards. Despite what other businesses claim that smartphones and social media are the best way to exchange contact details these days, you should still never go out of your home or office without your business cards. Be sure to include them in your folder so people will have an easy way to getting your contact details. When they open your folder, the first thing they should see is your card. If designed effectively, it would be so much easier for you to convince your prospects to keep your card.

- It’s important to consider the size and shape of your folder. If you want to draw attention to your folder, it would be best to invest in a big folder. You can also go for a unique shape that will add to the visual impact of your folder. Customizing the shape and size will surely stir the curiosity of your customers and prospects. Of course, this will cost you more than using a standard size and shape, but your investment would surely be worth it.

- Use a different material. For instance, instead of using standard paper, you can always opt for a recycled or texture paper. You can also opt for embossing or engraving to give a different texture to your folder.

- Full color printing is always a great way to brighten up your folder. Attractive colors never fail to capture attention. It would be best if you can invest in vibrant impressive colors to make your folder visually appealing.

Doing something unique with your presentation folder templates will surely help make them creative and attractive. Remember that a visually appealing folder can make the difference between a sale and bankruptcy, so make sure that you folder gives you the best first impression you can ever have.

10 Thing Sales People Need to Know About C-Level Decision Makers

Selling to high-level decision makers is challenging at the best of times. However, it can be easier if you understand a few business principles.

C-level decision makers are paid to improve their business results. Regardless of how the media portrays these executives, their primary concern is to improve their business. This includes increasing sales, market share, customer loyalty; reducing costs, errors, or employee turnover; improving productivity, employee engagement, customer service, etc.

How does your product, service or solution address one of these issues?

C-level decision makers deal with changing priorities. Improving customer engagement may be a top priority today but tomorrow that executive may be faced with cutting $250,000 in expenses. That means they sometimes go cold after expressing initial interest in your solution.

Do you have a strategy in place to keep your solution current?

C-level decision makersare extremely busy. The average executive arrives early in the morning and stays late into the evening. They get dozens of calls every day, receive too many emails, and attend too many meetings. This means that you need to maximize every minute you have when you connect with them. This applies to telephone conversations and face-to-face meetings.

Do you know EXACTLY what to say when you connect with these individuals?

C-level decision makersrely on others. Contrary to popular belief, these high-ranking big-wigs seldom make decisions on their own. They often defer to other people on their team and ask for feedback from peers and/or subordinates. This means you need to involve these people in your conversations and include them in the decision making process.

Do you have the ability to finesse this?

C-level decision makers don’t like to make mistakes. A major mistake can affect an executive’s reputation in their company. This affects the decision-making process which means you need to uncover their risk factor during your conversations.

How will you reduce your prospect’s risk factor?

C-level decision makers have big egos. Most executives have a healthy ego which is one of the things that helped them achieve their status in the company. This means that you need to be very confident in your own abilities when selling to these individuals. Don’t back down when you’re challenged. In fact, doing so could cost you the business because C-level execs want to deal with people who believe in what they do.

Are you confident enough to deal directly with C-level executives?

C-level decision makers spend the bulk of their day in meetings.The next time you’re in the office, watch an executive. Chances are you will see them dashing from meeting to meeting. Your prospects are in the same position. They aren’t sitting at their desk waiting for you to call them.

Are you persistent in your efforts to connect with these individuals?

C-level decision makers have at least 40 hours of work on their desk at any given time. Several executives I know have expressed these sentiment, “I will never get caught up” or “Just when I think I can’t get busier, I do” or “I never call a sales person back because I already have too much on my plate.” you need to give these individual’s an extremely good reason to meet with you or take your call.

Is your approach effective?

C-level decision makers receive upwards of 150 emails every day. Many sales people use email as their major form of correspondence and it can be ineffective because most C-level decision makers simply don’t have time to respond to every email. A Managing Director once told me that he prefers telephone correspondence because he simply can’t get to every email, even when he wants to.

Do you use a variety of strategies to connect with C-level decision makers?

C-level decision makers think big picture.Stop focusing on your product or your company and start looking at the big picture of your prospect’s business. Most C-level execs don’t get bogged down in the little details of their business—they pay others to take care of the details. I once met with the President of a $125 million company and made the mistake of asking her questions about front-line execution instead of top-level strategic issues.

Can you see and discuss the big picture?

Think about your responses to each question and adapt your approach accordingly.

© MMXI Kelley Robertson, All rights reserved.