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MPPR is here. How will it impact private practices?
CMS has begun to apply a new Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR) to the practice expense component of select CPT therapy codes paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). This means that select codes billed in 2011 from private practice physical therapists will be subject to a 20 percent reduction of the practice expense component of the RVU. This news may have caught some therapists by surprise, but the Central Office began preparing for this change well in advance and was prepared to calculate the reduced reimbursements. The team proactively worked to create a manual summarizing the reduced MPPR rate for each applicable CPT code. With its proven operations and systems, the team has ensured that we are receiving the maximum Medicare-allowed reimbursement.
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Clinical Director accepts officer role in Orthopedic Special Interest Group
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Kevin Svoboda, PT arrives in New Orleans for the first day of the Combined Sections Meeting.
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Kevin Svoboda, PT had the unique opportunity to represent RMS on a national level at the APTA's Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans from Feb. 9-11. Kevin attended educational sessions and meetings with the Orthopedic Section's Occupational Health Special Interest Group, of which Kevin was chosen as the Membership Chair.
"I now have the opportunity to network on behalf of RMS and its clinics, which will allow unprecedented access to industrial rehabilitation programs nationwide," Kevin said. |
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Categorize referrals to help strengthen relationships
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Brad Skinner,
MPT, OCS, MDT, CSCS
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One Michigan physical therapist knew he wanted to target more physicians and had the statistics to know which to target - but he also knew he couldn't do it on his own. Using referral stats and integrating a proven strategy from the Marketing Team, he created a three-tier approach to referral relationship building.
Now, Sport & Spine Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists is exemplifying using teamwork to build referral relationships. The clinic is empowering its staff at every level - from the provider, Brad Skinner, MPT, OCS, MDT, CSCS, to its PTAs to its ATC to its FDC - to reach out to physician groups with face-to-face contact. Their efforts are setting an example of how to keep referral source relationships happy and productive.
Referral statistics reflect that Tier 1 physicians are your most established relationships. Tier 2 physicians refer less frequently and Tier 3 physicians refer the least. These groups should be engaged at different frequencies and in different ways - including sending an appreciative courtesy or educational content - for their display of confidence in the clinical staff. The Marketing Team can track referrals and enhance your clinic with a customized three-tier plan.
A key factor, Brad said, is that this personal engagement doesn't take a lot of time - about two hours a week. His clinic's goal is to establish relationships with referral coordinators and receptionists. Accountability is also important: Brad and his staff track their efforts through the use of referral logs, and a large board in the clinic helps them tally which staff member has visited whom.
Keep an eye out for another method of building referral relationships in the next newsletter. |
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 101
APTA: Avoid these Top 10 reasons for claim denials
With Medicare audits on the rise and documentation regulations and requirements always changing, it's important to submit a clean claim from the very beginning. According to the APTA, here are the top 10 payer complaints about documentation, i.e. the reasons for denials:
- Poor legibility
- Incomplete documentation
- No documentation for date of service
- Abbreviations - too many, cannot understand
- Documentation does not support the billing (coding)
- Does not demonstrate skilled care
- Does not support medical necessity
- Does not demonstrate progress
- Repetitious daily notes showing no change in patient status
- Interventions with no clarification of time, frequency or duration
For a complete guide on defensible documentation, including tips for documenting progress, what to include in visit notes and what to include in an initial evaluation, e-mail Kevin Svoboda, PT at rms-ks@tds.net. Additionally, for a sample checklist of documentation requirements, e-mail Kevin as well. |
FAMILY ALBUM: MARKETING TEAM
Promoting a PT network
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Mark Nelson, Steve Ziccarelli
and Justin Smith
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This issue, we're highlighting the work of our Marketing Team. Steve Ziccarelli, Project Manager » Time with RMS: 10 years » Family: 2 children (Alex, 11 and Eva, 3); wife Erica » Education: B.A. in Communication, University of Wisconskin-Parkside » Role: Steve serves as Project Manager, facilitating growth and development, staff recruiting and equipment needs. Steve also spearheads all external referral relationship building for the Marketing Team. Mark Nelson, Director of Advertising & Graphic Design » Time with RMS: 4 years » Education: B.A. in Communication & B.A. in Studio Art, Carthage College » Role: Mark coordinates the design implementation of all in-clinic promotional items and signage. Additionally, Mark performs strategic marketing consultation, art direction, printing specialties and web design. Justin Smith, Public Relations Coordinator » Time with RMS: 6 months » Education: B.A. in Journalism, Northern Illinois University » Role: Justin is the newest member of the team and works to promote the successes of RMS and its clinics to the public. Justin has more than five years of live newspaper experience and specializes in media outreach and strategic planning. |
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Hi, !
This Issue's Core Value is:
Teamwork
You've probably heard the tired phrase about the letter 'i' not being in team. But we'd like to rewrite the definition of teamwork in this issue. We think it has more to do with trust and communication than anything else.
From referring physicians outside the clinic to PTAs and FDCs inside the clinic, a therapist relies on countless people a day to achieve one goal: increasing the wellness of their patients.
And how do they do it? By trusting all those pieces of the puzzle to talk to one another - all for the benefit of the patient. It truly is a team effort.
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This Issue's Reading List:
» Book: Gung Ho! Turn On the People in any Organization by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles
» Webinar: "Medicare Updates 2011" Presented by Kevin Svoboda, PT and Connie Ziccarelli, COO
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Have a news tip?
Do you have a news tip or story idea for our family newsletter? Is there something or someone you'd like to see get more recognition?
Just drop our editors a note at rms-press@tds.net. We will respond to your message and set up a time to talk within 24 hours.
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From the desk of HR
» If you've already filed your taxes, you may have a better idea of how many exemptions you would like to claim for withholding purposes. You may request a 2011 W4 form from Marie.
Why do fish swim in schools? Look for the answer in an upcoming newsletter.
"Treasure the simple pleasures in life ... like a good cup of coffee or flavored water."
These words rang true recently for Central Office castmates after an exciting new partnership with refreshment vendor Aramark was announced. The vendor will supply gourmet coffees, teas and water-flavoring packets. The new water system is modeled on a "green" approach and is more economical than the previous one.
But better than the price was the fact that Aramark conducted a taste test with castmates featuring different coffees - and then supplied the winning flavor to launch the program.
"Only two out of 10 employers are willing to provide the culture to let employees choose their flavor," said Ray Slattery, Sales Representative for Aramark.
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Medicare Committee stays current with dynamic compliance landscape
The Medicare Committee has frequently monitored the changing landscape of compliance and documentation regulations since the year began. Since then, 2011 has brought an increase in the Medicare Cap, reductions in payments from MPPR and added a billable CPT code for physical therapists.
To keep up with all the changes, the Committee recorded and released a webinar on Feb. 14. It was distributed via e-mail for the convenience of listeners to fit into their schedules. The webinar contains the most current information to date relative to submitting claims and receiving reimbursement from Medicare.
Following the presentation, the committee distributed a survey to encourage feedback and better tailor future continuing education.
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