Coffee with Coker

As healthcare business consultants, we are committed to helping healthcare organizations and professionals navigate the healthcare industry. Our discussion will focus on current events in the healthcare industry and how leaders in healthcare organizations can effectively overcome challenges.

Episode 122: Understanding Annual Wellness Visits for Healthcare Organizations 03/14/2024

Episode 122: Understanding Annual Wellness Visits for Healthcare Organizations In this episode, the discussion focuses on annual wellness visits, IPPE, and their implications for healthcare organizations. The conversation covers the requirements, coding, documentation, and common audit findings related to annual wellness visits. The speakers emphasize the importance of proper documentation, the use of resources, and a team approach to ensure compliance and successful reimbursement. · Jaci Kipreos and Erika Fisch discuss annual wellness visits (00:18) · Medicare's yearly benefit for beneficiaries called annual wellness visits (01:25) · Initial Preventative Physical Exam (IPPE) and annual wellness visits (02:32) · Difference between annual wellness visits and preventative physical exams (05:34) · Resources for understanding annual wellness visits (08:06) · Common audit findings for IPPE and annual wellness visits (14:16) · Handling patient refusal to answer questions during the visit (18:57) · Separate coding for additional services during the visit (22:58) · Screening EKG and its requirements (25:12) · Importance of a team approach to ensure proper documentation and billing (28:58) · Checking with your MAC for additional requirements or recommendations (32:52) · Next episode to cover the 25 modifier (34:55) Extras · (https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/preventive-services/medicare-wellness-visits.html) · (https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Prevention/PrevntionGenInfo/medicare-preventive-services/MPS-QuickReferenceChart-1.html) · (https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Downloads/clm104c12.pdf) · (https://edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/module/2757861) Podcast Information Follow our feed in , , , , or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review! We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. · Please email us: · Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Follow us on Twitter: · Follow us on Instagram: · Follow us on Facebook: /episode/index/show/coffeewithcoker/id/30220538

Episode 121: How Non-Provider Staffing Trends Affect Physician Enterprise Performance 01/16/2024

Episode 121: How Non-Provider Staffing Trends Affect Physician Enterprise Performance In this insightful podcast for leaders of physician enterprises, we delve into the dynamic landscape of staffing trends within the healthcare sector. The discussion kicks off with a comprehensive exploration of both physician and non-provider staffing trends, providing valuable insights into the evolving workforce dynamics. The conversation then navigates through the intricate factors that contribute to staff turnover, shedding light on the challenges faced by physician enterprises in retaining their crucial personnel. Episode Synopsis The podcast guides leaders in analyzing their physician enterprises with a data-driven approach, offering practical strategies to create staffing targets aligned with the unique characteristics of their practices. As the discussion progresses, listeners gain actionable solutions to common staffing challenges, including addressing salary increases in a declining market and handling healthcare turnover amidst current market conditions. The podcast also explores staff retention tactics and best practices essential for physician enterprise success. The latter part of the podcast delves into the impact of various technologies on staffing for physician enterprises, exploring the integration of AI and workforce automation. The discussion concludes by highlighting the crucial link between staffing, ROI, and the overall functionality of physician enterprises, providing valuable insights for leaders navigating the intricate landscape of healthcare management. · Physician and non-provider staffing trends (2:05) · Factors contributing to staff turnover (4:20) · How to analyze your physician enterprise using a data-driven approach (4:50) · How certain practice characteristics impact staffing levels (6:30) · Create staffing targets that make sense for your practice (7:22) · Solutions to staffing challenges (8:14) · Addressing salary increases in a declining market (8:30) · How to handle healthcare turnover in the current market (11:02) · Staff retention tactics (13:39) · Best practices for physician enterprise success (16:35) · Critical issues plaguing independent medical practices (20:12) · Embracing new trends and adjusting to patient expectations (21:30) · Other technologies affecting staffing for physician enterprises (23:45) · Addressing AI and workforce automation for your practice (25:00) · How staffing impacts the ROI and functionality of the physician enterprise (26:40) Extras · () · () · () Podcast Information Follow our feed in , , , , or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review! We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. · Please email us: · Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Follow us on Twitter: · Follow us on Instagram: · Follow us on Facebook: /episode/index/show/coffeewithcoker/id/29493473

Episode 120: Using Generative AI to Streamline Patient Navigation and Communication with Converse Health 12/07/2023

Episode 119: Navigating Patient Demand and Physician Shortages 11/02/2023

Episode 119: Navigating Patient Demand and Physician Shortages In this podcast episode, we delve into the critical topic of patient access and operational throughput. With growing demand for medical services and a looming physician shortage, it's essential to reframe patient access as a pivotal aspect of healthcare production, not merely patient satisfaction. Episode Synopsis Join us as we discuss current patient access challenges, highlight key focus areas for effective management, and explore the differentiation between patient access and operational throughput, emphasizing role clarity, optimizing staff utilization, and improving communication. The episode also delves into trends in patient access management, including the role of Advanced Practice Providers and the strategic integration of technology to enhance access. Patient access has never been more vital, as patient demand is projected to exceed provider supply. We offer practical strategies for healthcare organizations to excel in patient access and operational throughput. · Patient access and throughput in healthcare (0:11) · Patient access and physician shortages in U.S. healthcare (4:37) · Streamlining patient access and scheduling (9:20) · Patient access and appointment metrics (12:01) · Improving patient access and organizational performance (15:52) · Improving medical practice efficiency (20:15) · Improving patient access in healthcare (26:16) · Improving patient access and reducing no-shows (32:03) Extras · (https://cokergroup.com/overcoming-obstacles-with-performance-improvement-for-critical-access-hospitals/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-119-navigating-patient-demand-and-physician-shortages&utm_content=patient-access&utm_campaign=physician-services&utm_source_platform=podcast-app&utm_creative_format=blog&utm_marketing_tactic=solution) · (https://cokergroup.com/quantifying-patient-access-utilize-data-to-identify-improvement-opportunities-and-monitor-performance/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-119-navigating-patient-demand-and-physician-shortages&utm_content=patient-access&utm_campaign=physician-services&utm_source_platform=podcast-app&utm_creative_format=blog&utm_marketing_tactic=solution) Podcast Information Follow our feed in , , , , or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review! We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. · Please email us: · Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Follow us on Twitter: · Follow us on Instagram: · Follow us on Facebook: /episode/index/show/coffeewithcoker/id/28466561

Episode 118: How Provider Compensation Design Impacts Performance 09/21/2023

Episode 118: How Provider Compensation Design Impacts Performance This episode delves into the complex world of compensation design within the healthcare industry, focusing on traditional hospital/employed provider models. We explore the common pain points experienced by clients of all types when incentivizing strategic goals. Episode Synopsis Join us as we discuss the various considerations hospitals and health systems face, including concerns about provider compensation spending and fair market value. We also examine incentive structures designed to foster growth and meet strategic objectives, all while ensuring that compensation plans remain competitive in the challenging recruitment landscape. But it's not just about the financial aspect. We'll also explore how compensation design can be a powerful tool, acting as a 'carrot' to drive productivity and achieve organizational goals. And when compensation design isn't enough, we'll delve into the other factors influencing low provider productivity. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the critical intersection of compensation design and healthcare strategy. · Aligning physician incentives with organizational goals (4:25) · Designing physician compensation models (8:54) · Analyzing audio transcript for insights (14:39) · Redesigning physician compensation models (19:48) · Designing and implementing fair and equitable compensation (26:30) · Physician compensation model design (33:37) · Provider compensation and performance improvement (37:15) Extras · (https://cokergroup.com/episode-111-the-intersection-of-provider-compensation-and-value-based-reimbursement/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-118-how-provider-compensation-design-impacts-performance&utm_content=performance-improvement-compensation&utm_campaign=finance&utm_source_platform=podcast-app&utm_creative_format=podcast&utm_marketing_tactic=awareness) · (https://cokergroup.com/case-study-provider-compensation-misalignment/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-118-how-provider-compensation-design-impacts-performance&utm_content=performance-improvement-compensation&utm_campaign=finance&utm_source_platform=podcast-app&utm_creative_format=case-study&utm_marketing_tactic=solution) · (https://cokergroup.com/compensation-best-practices-for-physician-enterprises/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-118-how-provider-compensation-design-impacts-performance&utm_content=performance-improvement-compensation&utm_campaign=finance&utm_source_platform=podcast-app&utm_creative_format=white-paper&utm_marketing_tactic=solution) · (https://cokergroup.com/compensation-methodology-best-practices-true-up-payments/?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_term=episode-118-how-provider-compensation-design-impacts-performance&utm_content=performance-improvement-compensation&utm_campaign=finance&utm_source_platform=podcast-app&utm_creative_format=blog&utm_marketing_tactic=awareness) Podcast Information Follow our feed in , , , , or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review! We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. · Please email us: · Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Follow us on Twitter: · Follow us on Instagram: · Follow us on Facebook: /episode/index/show/coffeewithcoker/id/28079589

Episode 117: How to Be Successful with Revenue Cycle Management 08/17/2023

Episode 117: How to Be Successful with Revenue Cycle Management The speakers will break down various areas they review when evaluating the revenue cycle and give examples of how they evaluated and helped clients achieve success around revenue cycle improvement. They will discuss some of the key pitfalls and areas where physician enterprises struggle, and offer advice, regardless of type and size, to consider as you optimize your revenue cycle processes and performance. Episode Synopsis In the context of revenue cycle management, it's essential to emphasize that the scope extends far beyond the billing office alone. The notion of "outsourcing the revenue cycle" often requires clarification, as it commonly refers to selectively outsourcing certain components, like billing or specific front-end operations. It's rare for an organization to entrust the entirety of its revenue cycle, spanning from initial patient intake and service provision to claims processing, payment reconciliation, collection endeavors, and comprehensive follow-up, to an external entity. This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of this comprehensive revenue cycle management process. · Opening Introduction (0:11) · Key pitfalls and areas to avoid when evaluating the revenue cycle (1:02) · The interaction between each functional area (6:05) · Why are we seeing more and more issues occur (9:28) · How to diagnose billing and billing issues (12:13) · Solutions and recommendations (18:37) · What do the leaders and managers think of the reports? (24:26) · Sustainability measures to help with implementation (27:40) · Using dashboard reporting for key performance indicators (33:16) · Question the status quo on revenue cycle management (38:07) Extras · · · Podcast Information Follow our feed in , , , , or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review! We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. · Please email us: · Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Follow us on Twitter: · Follow us on Instagram: · Follow us on Facebook: /episode/index/show/coffeewithcoker/id/27746670

Episode 116: Introducing Physician Enterprise Performance Improvement (PEPI) 07/20/2023

Episode 116: Introducing Physician Enterprise Performance Improvement (PEPI) This series aims to help physicians and practice administrators enhance their financial and operational performance across various domains. Episode Synopsis In this podcast series designed for physicians and practice administrators, our speakers will provide a deep dive into the reasons behind this series. They will emphasize the significance of performance improvement in healthcare organizations and specifically focus on physician enterprise performance improvement. Listeners will gain insights into how organizations can effectively evaluate their performance in relation to expectations, goals, and targets. Building upon these fundamental concepts, our speakers will explore the creation of a framework for achieving high performance. They will discuss practical methods for developing a data-driven culture that permeates throughout the organization, from leadership to staff to providers. Throughout the series, we will cover a range of important domains, including revenue cycle management, operational efficiency, physician compensation, and quality outcomes. By addressing these crucial topics, we aim to provide physicians and practice administrators with valuable strategies and knowledge to enhance performance and drive success in their healthcare practices. Extras · · · Podcast Information Follow our feed in , , , , or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review! We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. · Please email us: · Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Follow us on Twitter: · Follow us on Instagram: · Follow us on Facebook: /episode/index/show/coffeewithcoker/id/27489294

Episode 115: How Does the Physician Compensation Roadmap Look 06/22/2023

Episode 114: An Abundance of Options: A Survey of Current Alignment Trends for Physician Enterprises 05/25/2023

Episode 114: An Abundance of Options: A Survey of Current Alignment Trends for Physician Enterprises Justin Chamblee presented this webinar for the American Health Law Association. He analyzes the current state of the healthcare industry and take an objective look at options for physicians/physician enterprises, assessing some of the positives and drawbacks from each and what it may mean for the future. Podcast Information Follow our feed in , , , , or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review! We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. · Please email us: · Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Follow us on Twitter: · Follow us on Instagram: · Follow us on Facebook: Episode Synopsis In the not-too-distant past, the majority of physicians were in private practice. Then, the market experienced a shift wherein a number of physicians chose to be hospital affiliated, with either private practice or hospital affiliation seemingly being the only options. In recent years, the market has shifted again. Private equity money has created options for physicians that have not existed in the past, entities like VillageMD and Privia Health are rapidly developing employment models providing additional options, and health systems are assessing the financial viability of maintaining their physician enterprises in the legacy state, looking for future potential alternatives. Learning Objectives Survey the evolution of alignment options for physicians/physician enterprises over the past several decades. Dive deep into the current market, looking at current alignment trends and the positives/drawbacks from each. Ponder what the current alignment options may mean for the future of the healthcare industry. Extras · · · · · /episode/index/show/coffeewithcoker/id/26883582

Episode 113: Clinical Co-Management Arrangements 03/09/2023

Episode 112: Announcing the 2023 E/M Impact Calculator 02/23/2023

Episode 112: Announcing the 2023 E/M Impact Calculator Jaci Kipreos, Alex Kirkland, and Matt Jensen join Mark Reiboldt to discuss the evaluation and management coding section changes and announce the update to our popular E/M Impact Calculator. What does your organization need to do to address these changes? Podcast Information Follow our feed in , , , , or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review! We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. · Please email us: · Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Follow us on Twitter: · Follow us on Instagram: · Follow us on Facebook: Episode Synopsis Alex, Jaci, and Matt present what the road map looks like and what prompted CMS to give a directive. Outpatient changes started in 2021, and the inpatient changes were effective on January 1, 2023. Their advice is to treat 2023 as a preparation year, measuring high volume codes and conducting operational reviews by the provider to determine if the documentation will meet the new guidelines. These changes will also affect your compensation plans because there are material changes to the wRVUs. The impact calculator estimates the potential economic impact your organization may face with a partial listing of changing codes. Please note that the results of the calculations include the national Medicare reimbursement impact based on the volume input. As such, the calculation results are meant for planning purposes only and do not represent an estimation of value. For a more in-depth assessment of your providers’ payment calculations and how this may affect your commercial and other payers, please contact us to speak with one of our physician compensation experts. Extras · · · · /episode/index/show/coffeewithcoker/id/25939890

Episode 111: The Intersection of Provider Compensation and Value-Based Reimbursement 01/19/2023

Episode 110: How Upcoming Billing and Coding Changes Influence Healthcare Economics 12/01/2022

Episode 110: How Upcoming Billing and Coding Changes Influence Healthcare Economics Beth Balcom, Brandt Jewell, Alex Kirkland, and Richard Romero presented this webinar for the American Health Law Association. Our team will cover upcoming billing and coding changes affecting healthcare organizations in three areas: coding and compliance, operations, and finance. Podcast Information Follow our feed in , , , , or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review! We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. Please email us: Connect with us on LinkedIn: Follow us on Twitter: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on Facebook: Episode Synopsis Upcoming billing and coding changes will affect healthcare organizations in three areas: coding and compliance, operations, and finance. Our team will cover these areas as they discuss how billing changes will impact physician practice operations and economics, including provider compensation and fair market value considerations. Learning Objectives Understand the financial impact of critical changes within the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule and what they may mean from a valuation perspective. Discuss the operational implications and considerations resulting from the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. Provide an overview of the expected coding changes and associated compliance considerations. We recommend you speak with your key stakeholders about performing three actions to prepare for the upcoming changes which go into effect on January 1, 2023: Develop a coding communication plan that considers tools and checklists to help front-line resources acclimate to the changes Audit current EHR scheduling templates to ensure they consider the changes Conduct a chart audit to verify the accuracy of coding and documentation If Coker Group can assist you with developing a plan or implementation for any of the above, please get in touch with us to schedule a free consultation to discuss the specific needs of your client(s) or organization. Book Your Free Consultation ---> Extras /episode/index/show/coffeewithcoker/id/25165743

Episode 109: Is Your Advanced Practice Provider Compensation Strategy Successful? 10/13/2022

Episode 108: What is the Precision Experience for Medical Professionals? 09/29/2022

Episode 107: How will Split/Shared Visits Change Between APPs and Physicians? 09/15/2022

Episode 107: How will Split/Shared Visits Change Between APPs and Physicians? Alex Kirkland and Chris Marrs join Mark Reiboldt to discuss changes to the split or shared billing between advanced practice providers and physicians. Alex and Chris encourage healthcare organizations to understand these changes and update processes before the changes take effect in 2024. Podcast Information Follow our feed in , , , , or your preferred podcast provider. Like what you hear? Leave a review! We welcome all feedback from our listeners. Email us questions on any of the topics we discuss or questions about issues that interest you. You can also provide recommendations on matters for future episodes. Please email us: Connect with us on LinkedIn: Follow us on Twitter: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on Facebook: Episode Synopsis A split/shared visit, defined as “an E/M visit in a facility setting that is performed in part by a Physician and an NPP who are in the same group,” is billed based on which provider performed the “substantive portion” of the service. For non-critical care split/shared visits in 2022, a “substantive portion” is considered “all or some portion of the history, exam or medical decision-making key components of an E/M service.” However, for critical care visits in 2022 and all applicable visits beginning January 1, 2023, a “substantive portion” is more specifically defined as greater than 50% of the time spent on the encounter. If the physician spends more than 50% of the time with the patient, CMS will reimburse the visit at 100%. However, if the advanced practice provider spends more than 50% of the time with the patient, they will reimburse the visit at 85%. The provider attached to the service will also receive the wRVU credit for those professional services. Listen to the episode and learn how these changes could impact how your providers are reimbursed and compensated for their professional services. Extras /episode/index/show/coffeewithcoker/id/24388074