Frequently Asked Questions

• Medical Billing and Revenue Cycle Management
• Electronic Health Record
• Credentialing

Medical Billing and Revenue Cycle Management

Why should I outsource my billing processes?

Outsourcing the billing process is a management strategy that can be used to minimize the hands-on workload of the Office Manager and increase the expertise of the billing process. With all the activities that a practice must do to provide adequate care, the billing and revenue cycle management function can be an overwhelming task.

Renaissance Physician Services is an established company with over 20 years Medical Billing and Revenue Cycle Management experience. We provide the expertise for billing which allows the practice to focus on their primary purpose, providing quality care to their patients. In addition our Coders are Members of the American Academy of Professional Coders and adhere to the very latest coding standards.

Is outsourcing a bad strategy?

No, over 90% of all organizations outsource a component of their business. There are two starting points for organizations that are looking to outsource; those that are starting a practice for the first time forego the large initial capital outlay that is otherwise required, second those who have already provided the service, but choose to extricate themselves from the process which frees up resources for use elsewhere, or allow the office to cut costs by downsizing or minimizing utilized resources. In addition, offices wishing to change outsourcing companies due to poor service and are wishing to improve performance and service.

Renaissance Physician Services views our relationship as a partnership with the Client. We bring our expertise to the table to complement the Clinical service which in turn allows for a solid business plan.

What services should a billing company provide?

Basic services provided should include; coding and charge entry, processing claims electronically, posting of remittance advises/explanation of benefits, working denials and refilling claims as needed, mailing invoices to patients and third parties, routinely following up on unpaid accounts, researching and resolving credit balances, offering advice and assistance in billing management, expertise in using the necessary forms, and detailed financial reporting.

Renaissance Physician Services provides comprehensive monthly reporting including key operational indicators promptly at the close of each month.

How do billing companies charge for their services?

Typically a percent of gross collections. This is determined by your specialty, patient (transactions) volume and length of contract. Renaissance Physician Services charges an affordable, flat rate for gross collections, and we will beat any established billing company's rates for extra services.

What software does the company use?

A reputable billing company should use a leading automated Practice Management software. The PM system should provide ease of use with minimal clicks and ease-of-navigation, increased operational efficiencies through automation of routine tasks, true integration capabilities to ensure the seamless performance of your clinical and financial systems, enhanced security user based on the policies and procedures in your office.

Renaissance Physician Services uses Allscripts-Misys TIGER Practice Management and Allscripts MyWay^TM EHR software. The new Allscripts is the clear leader in software, services, information and connectivity solutions that empower physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver best-in-class patient safety, clinical outcomes and financial results. RPS maintains connectivity through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection to our host fileserver or to our Clients fileserver.

Why should I contract with Renaissance Physician Services?

The costs of employing your own billing operation can add up. Partnering with RPS allows our clients to take advantage of our specialized expertise. Outsourcing your medical billing allows you to eliminate hidden costs, and concentrate on production while someone else concentrates on collecting. Practices that outsource their billing typically see an overall improvement in the profits of between 5 to 10 percent over the cost of handling their billing internally. These improvements are realized both from increased charge capturing and better efficiencies with-in the billing process.

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Electronic Health Record

What is an Electronic Health Record?

The Patient’s medical record has gone from a paper chart to an electronic chart. Physicians are able to view your entire medical history via a computer system called an electronic health record (EHR). The electronic health record is organized in a way that permits physician or medical provider to easily see various aspects of patient’s medical history in an organized manner. The electronic health record is also referred to as an electronic medical record (EMR).

Renaissance Physician Services provides the Allscripts MyWay^TM product. Now every medical practice, regardless of size, can enjoy the same technology advantages as the largest enterprise operation. Allscripts MyWay^TM is a comprehensive “right sized” solution that gives small to medium size practices and even solo practitioners the key application features and functions necessary for EHR. 

What are the benefits of the EHR for the medical practice?

The benefits of the EHR are significant. The application of a computer allows the gathering of all medical information into the system. A provider can access all of the patient’s medical, surgical and clinical information at the push of a button.

The EHR also improves the practitioners’ office productivity by allowing better documentation that is standardized, legible and accessible by all associates. Because the information is entered into the EHR, it provides improved legibility which helps to reduce misinterpretation of clinical information such as medication and dosage information.

Communication of patient information from various other Community Care Physicians’ providers is another feature of our EHR. Providers can access patient’s medical records when they are not in the office. This is especially helpful when they are covering for another physician and need to review medical information when called by the emergency room.

Renaissance Physician Services Allscripts MyWay^TM solution provides the important attributes usually missing from healthcare IT applications:  simple, complete, and affordable. Simple in that it is easy to learn. Complete in that it is an integrated solution for clinical and business. Affordable in that it can be hosted or on-premise and you have the flexibility to pick the best approach for your practice.

Also the Allscripts MyWay^TM EHR package bolts onto your existing Misys Tiger or Misys PM software without any additional interface cost.  Best of all, by implementing this solution your business office will not be disrupted.

What are the benefits of the EHR for the Patients?

The major benefit of the EHR for patients is the access our Community Care physicians and non-physician providers have in understanding the various aspects of your medical care. We no longer are working in the dark because a paper report isn’t available or filed incorrectly in the office. The EHR gives your provider access to your files when they are out of the office, so your records are immediately available when they’re needed. Patient records are immediately accessible so the doctor can provide care with the most current information at the time it’s needed.

All prescriptions are completed electronically as well. Your doctor can print and sign them or fax them directly to the pharmacy from the computer. Once the prescription is in the system, it is easy to renew. There is no need to question handwriting. Furthermore, this system provides better documentation in prescribing medications.

Renaissance Physician Services with Allscripts MyWay^TM solution can automate routine communications and keep patents in the know by providing lab results, health maintenance reminders and disease management recommendations.

Is Electronic Health Record secure?

Yes. An electronic health record is more secure than an ordinary paper chart. Confidentiality is a large part of healthcare and is upheld with the computerized system. The system is HIPAA compliant and requires password and log-in for each user. There are multiple layers of security- not everyone can access all aspects of a patient’s record. This differs from a paper chart that anyone can pick up at anytime and read. Audit trails are utilized to track which charts are viewed by which log-in and what part of the record is accessed. There is also a signature authority to track who accesses what in the electronic health record. Automatic log-offs ensure records aren’t accidentally left open for someone to breach.

Renaissance Physician Services with Allscripts utilizes a SAS 70 Type II certified data center supported by 24 x 7 x 365 onsite staff to ensure 99.99% MyWay^TM availability. Combined with the largest building and ASP security protocols, you can rest easy that you are protecting sensitive patient data and maintaining HIPAA compliance. Also MyWay^TM is hosted at an elite state of the art data center that features: steel structural supports and concrete walls, redundant power distribution and backup power generation, enabling indefinite operation, building strategically located outside of severe weather and semic zones, lighting and hurricane force wind protective throughout the data center, and leak detection system.  

How does Electronic Health Record change the daily process in the office setting?

The piles of charts, labs, and messages that sit on a desk, in a drawer or on a patient’s chart are replaced by electronic ‘tasks’ (a request to supply information or perform an action). This promotes effective communication and maximizes efficiency. For example, a telephone triage call to the doctor, review results, and signing notes are all sent to the specific provider’s task list so they know what needs to be completed. There is greater ease in coordinating test results, referrals and script writing.

The chart pulls among staff and chart prep for physicians are also eliminated. This reduces the amount of effort and time wasted so more time can be spent administering medical care.

Renaissance Physician Services Allscripts MyWay^TM product solutions offer a unique performance capability that match the way you like to work. First there is offline synchronization so no matter if you are online or off you can work and your information will be saved in the system. Next is adaptive learning so it will adapt to each user’s patterns and preferences and workflows. After that is intelligent navigation so it will display clinical content based on presenting symptoms and even suggesting the next logical entries. Next is template-free charting so you can move in and out of where you need to go so you can handle multiple complaints or multiple patients. Finally easy customization so any user can quickly customize screens to match there preferences.

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Credentialing

Why should I outsource my Credentialing?

Credentialing is an extensive and time consuming process. Because credentialing is done infrequently by the respective provider’s staff and most insurance firms use an automated phone call system it leads to provider staff frustration due to the inability to get clear, concise answers/instructions.

Renaissance Physician Services employ experienced associates that understand the process and can minimize the inherent confusion that permeates the credentialing industry. In addition our dedicated staff understand the linkage with the insurance billing requirements which provides a smoother process.

Is outsourcing a bad strategy?

No, over 90% of all organizations outsource a component of their business. Medical Office associates do credentialing so infrequently that gaining a high level of understanding is difficult to achieve. Due to the fact that every “i” must be dotted and every “t” crossed, unnecessary time delays can be experienced because of resubmission of document requirements.

Renaissance Physician Services deals with the various credentialing agencies daily and as a result of our experience can minimize the resubmission of forms to prevent the long delays.

What services should a credentialing company provide?

Basic services provided should include consultation of the full process, initial enrollment form completion, setup of web-based databases, and file request for National Provider Identification numbers.

Renaissance Physician Services provides a comprehensive initial enrollment service. In addition a monthly maintenance solution can be purchased for a nominal amount to provide ongoing service after the initial enrollment.  

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