Physician Practice Management
Over the last few years, practice management has been seen to be a growing business strategy. Practice Management intends to help companies absolutely overcome the challenges of fluctuating markets and go on to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of consumers.
Practice Management has made a huge impact in the health sector. With Medical practices today facing increasing challenges to control costs, check inflation, improve cash flow while not compromising on patient care, good Physician Practice Management is hugely valued. With many physicians, leaders in healthcare systems and policies simply not having the time nor opportunities including resources, audits and technological advances in hand, practice management is increasingly outsourced to business services companies.
This in turn has brought about an interesting and smart confluence of medical care, patient prioritisation and sound management perspectives in the health sector. Physician practice management can be broadly divided into three major aspects.
1. Operations
Operations is based out of expertise and healthcare knowledge which goes on to drive independent groups and health systems achieve financial goals and sustainability through business management and improvement. Broadly, this aspect covers strategic planning, growth management, getting physicians onboard and integrated health services, practice operations management, administration – financial, accounts, human resources, payroll support, compliance and data analytics. Decision support is a major part of this aspect as the data analytics function leads to more data driven decision making.
2. Financial
This aspect covers accounting and denials management, patient billing, collections, claims – including both submission and remittance posting, financial reporting, benchmarking and negotiation and contracting when it comes to payers.
3. Compliance, Coding and Risk Mitigation
This aspect covers the most complex part of Physician Practice Management. It mitigates compliance risk, enhances charge and improves accuracy. Key functions include ICD-10 prep and analysis, training and hand holding staff regarding coding and documentation to maintain all legalities, clinical documentation, monitoring compliance and ensuring checks and balances and providing extensive support.
In most physician practices, the medical practice management software is well in place. The medical practice management software lets users enter data regarding and track patients. This includes appointments and welfare. It also can be programmed to send out insurance claims and settle payments. It maintains a large and comprehensive data base of diagnosis, procedures, insurance companies, physician details, providers, facilities and more.
Thus, Practice Management covers patient demographics, appointment schedules, claims and statements and reporting while also assisting the health management personnel take data driven decisions and make required investments as per patient and physician needs. This is sure to take the health sector to new heights and make access and availability to health care a stress free and well managed aspect of human life.