At What Age Should I Start Getting Checked for Cancer?

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Posted by Amanda Guerrero on February 8, 2013 at 9:09 am

Cancer screening testAccording to statistics from the American Cancer Society (ACS), approximately 1.6 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2013 – and more than 500,000 lives are expected to be lost to the deadly disease this year alone. Many of these deaths can be prevented by avoiding risk factors and by undergoing regular screening tests for certain types of cancers.

Following are some recommendations from the ACS for when to start getting screened for cancer:

Breast

  • Breast self-examination: This type of exam involves checking the breasts regularly to help detect problems or changes. It is recommended for women over the age of 20, but not required.
  • Clinical breast examination: It is recommended that this type of exam be performed by a healthcare provider at least once every three years for women in their 20s and 30s.
  • Mammography: Women over the age of 40 should have one done each year.

Cervix

Cervical cancer screenings for women should begin at the age of 21 and can be done every three years with a regular Pap test. Between 30 and 65, tests can be done every five years with both the HPV and Pap tests, or every three years with just the Pap. Depending on different factors, women may be able to stop screening for cervical cancer after 65.

Colorectal

There are different tests that can be performed to screen for colorectal cancer (from a fecal occult blood test to colonoscopy); however, it isn’t necessary for men or women to start getting tested until the age of 50. How often screenings occur, depends on the type of test and recommendations from your doctor.

Lung

Past and current smokers ages 55 to 74 with at least a 30 pack-year history can undergo a low dose helical CT test to screen for cancer after being informed by their physician of potential harms and limitations. The ACS recommends smoking cessation as the  foremost form of lung cancer prevention.

Prostate

Men over the age of 50 should talk to their healthcare provider about prostate cancer screenings such as rectal exams and PSA blood tests, including benefits and potential risks. African-American men and those with a strong family history of prostate cancer should have a discussion with their doctor at 45.

For specific questions or concerns about the different cancers and their related screening methods, talk to your doctor.

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What Is the Difference between a Patient Portal and a PHR?

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Posted by Amanda Guerrero on January 31, 2013 at 11:21 am

What is PHR? What is patient portal?There are a lot of buzzwords being thrown around in hospitals, physician practices and medical facilities across the United States, and it can be easy for patients to get confused about which terms matter and what they mean. With federal programs incentivizing healthcare providers for engaging patients in their health, two terms that caregivers are using a lot lately are “personal health record” and “patient portal” – both extremely relevant to patients and crucial for getting them involved in decisions about their health. But what does each one mean?

Personal Health Record (PHR)

A PHR is an electronic record of an individual’s health information that can draw information from various sources. This can include data obtained by the patient (weight, height, current medications, emergency contact information and family medical history), as well as data obtained from providers (diagnoses, immunizations and lab results).

In stark contrast to an electronic health record (EHR), which contains data entered and controlled by a healthcare provider, many PHRs are managed primarily by the patient. The patient can share the data with a physician if they choose to, but they are not required to. This type of PHR is referred to as “standalone.”

The other type of personal health record, which is slowly becoming more common, connects to a healthcare organization’s EHR system so that both the patient and their provider can access and update data contained within the record, resulting in a more accurate and comprehensive medical record.

Patient Portal

An online patient portal is a tool that connects to a healthcare organization’s electronic health record software. It allows patients to view certain portions of their medical record, similar to a PHR. However, unlike a PHR, patients cannot always make changes to their record. Instead, they can view data such as clinical summaries and test results and benefit from features such as:

  • Secure electronic messaging
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Prescription refill request
  • Online bill pay

Though patient portals appear to be more comprehensive resources than patient-maintained PHRs, a major downside is that they do not contain data from all of a patient’s physicians. In fact, each healthcare group will have their own portal with data pulled from that organization’s own EHR.

Do your providers use a patient portal or EHR-connected PHR? Do you maintain your own personal health record? Which method do you prefer?

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What Is SEO?

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Posted by Amanda Guerrero on November 2, 2012 at 1:08 pm

Search engine optimization (SEO) may have played a part in helping you find this article. In fact, most – if not all – of the websites that we find by doing keyword searches in Google implement SEO.

In short, SEO is a process that involves editing a website’s content and programming code in order to help search engines figure out:

  • what the page is about
  • how useful the content might be to users

The goal of a successful SEO campaign is to increase the number of visitors a website receives from search engines, by increasing the site’s visibility in search results. The higher up the website appears in search results (the first three to five listings are prime spots), the more likely someone is to click on it.

Getting a high ranking can be achieved by targeting specific keywords that users frequently search for. For example, when optimizing a website for a pediatrician in Seattle, some specific keyword phrases that might be targeted ar” “pediatrician seattle” and “seattle pediatrician.”

The words on the page, however, are not the only important aspects of SEO. Search engine optimization also involves how a website is structured and how easy it is to understand (both for people and search engine robots). But the end goal is always the same: attracting visitors to the website.

Skeptical about SEO? Consider the fact that 90 percent of Internet users never look past the third page of search results – and 62 percent never even look past the first page. If you want to attract visitors to your website, ranking high in search results is critical. And to do that you need SEO.

Terms to know

Search engine: a tool/program that people use to search for information on the Internet (i.e. Google, Yahoo!, Bing).

Keyword/keyword phrase: a word or group of words used to find information online.

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How Can I Avoid Debt In Retirement?

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Posted by Amanda Guerrero on October 10, 2012 at 6:03 am

Reaching retirement should put an end to stress, but many over-65s are finding that even after retiring healthcare debt collection issues and other unpaid bills just won’t let them rest.

Breaking piggy bank for healthcare debt collectionMany of us spend our entire lives planning for retirement – from doing practical things like establishing retirement funds to doing less practical things like dreaming about what we’ll do once our permanent vacation begins. But as much as we like to idealize retirement, the fact is most of us won’t get to live out the Caribbean dream we planned out in our heads. In fact, for many, reaching retirement age won’t necessarily mean blissful unemployment; and one major reason for this is medical debt.

Healthcare expenses are often unexpected and almost always costly – and many people do not plan for them when saving for retirement. Therefore, many Americans over the age of 65 are finding that retirement isn’t all golf and poolside lounging.

To help you avoid dealing with unpaid medical bills and healthcare debt collection efforts from a medical collection agency in old age, we offer a few tips.

Don’t underestimate the importance of health insurance. Medical coverage can be expensive, and many of us don’t think it’s worth it. Why pay each month for something you never use, right? The thing is, most of us never get sick…that is, until we do. Although health insurance might not cover all of our medical fees, insurance companies cover a lot – and there’s a big difference between owing $1,000 and $30,000. For starters, the latter can be avoided by purchasing health insurance. If you want to avoid heading into retirement with towering debt, get medical coverage.

When saving for retirement, factor in medical costs. Even in retirement, you’re going to have to pay deductibles and co-pays, and maybe even out-of-pocket for some medications. Make sure you’ve considered this and have planned accordingly to cover these expenses.

File for bankruptcy if necessary. Filing for bankruptcy is sometimes the only way that many individuals are able to get clear of medical debt. If you think this might be your only solution, talk to someone about how it works and how you can start the process. Doing this before retiring can you help you start your golden years stress-free.

Do you have any other recommendations for navigating healthcare debt collection or other unpaid debts? Share them with us.

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How Big Of A Problem Is Medical Debt In Arizona?

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Posted by Amanda Guerrero on October 3, 2012 at 10:49 am

Arizona state flagHealthcare debt collection is a serious problem throughout the country, and Arizona residents are not exempt from the financial hardships brought about by medical debt. In fact, a study by University of Arizona researchers found that residents of the Grand Canyon State owed more than $2.4 billion in medical bills in 2008. What’s more, one in four surveyed adults were either paying healthcare-related debts or had had problems paying a medical bill in the last year.

Who is most affected by medical debt?

Although medical debt seems to affect Arizona residents in different age groups and economic classes, middle-aged Arizonans with low to moderate incomes have the highest rate of debt. Following is a breakdown by age group of adults who were paying off medical bills at the time of the survey:

•    Ages 18-29: 26 percent
•    Ages 30-39: 34 percent
•    Ages 40-49: 32 percent
•    Ages 50-64: 24 percent

Families with children are also greatly affected, especially those headed by couples or single females. In fact, these households are 60 percent more likely to have medical debt than those headed by a single male or those without children.

How does Arizona compare to the rest of the country?

Arizonans are, on the whole, better off when it comes to medical debt than the average American. A national survey of healthcare debt collection found that 65 percent of Americans with medical bills had problems paying for other necessities. In Arizona, however, only 39 percent of adults with medical debt reported being unable to pay for basic necessities.

What can healthcare organizations do to collect on unpaid debts?

Partnering with a medical collection agency whose employees are well-trained in collecting from patients is one way that healthcare professionals can increase collections. For example, instead of overwhelming patients by demanding full payment, medical collection agencies often work with patients to set up manageable payment plans. This not only brings in money for the healthcare facility, but it helps patients pay down their debts.

Source: arizonahealthsurvey.org

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What Should I Look For In a Medical Collection Agency?

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Posted by Amanda Guerrero on September 27, 2012 at 11:49 am

Medical collection agency repThere’s no shame in turning to a medical collection agency to help straighten out your practice’s accounts. Though debt collectors often get a bad rap, less than one percent of collection agencies actually get complaints filed against them for employing aggressive tactics. Most importantly, collectors are good at what they do, and they succeed in collecting millions of dollars for healthcare organizations each year.

If you are a physician looking to outsource your practice’s collections processes to experienced, third-party collectors, here are a few questions to ask yourself before settling on a revenue cycle partner:

Does the company work with other businesses similar to mine?

When it comes to choosing a collection agency, the most important part is finding out whether the company is a good fit for your practice. Because different collectors deal with different types of debts, and there are different laws regulating different industries, you will want to go with a company that knows the ins and outs of the medical industry and has ample experience working with businesses like yours.

How will the agency’s collectors treat my patients and represent my practice?

Even though the medical collection agency is a separate entity from your practice, the company’s collectors are going to be contacting your patients on your behalf. Therefore, it is important for the agency’s collectors to be courteous, professional and to treat your patients with respect. To protect your practice and your reputation, choose a company that agrees to:

  • Run through the collection process with you from beginning to end
  • Record their phone calls with patients
  • Show you sample collection letters for approval

Working with a healthcare debt collection service can be a smart decision for medical organizations struggling with collections. Experienced debt collectors can bring in more money, more efficiently, and for a fraction of the cost. Best of all, collections services allow physicians to focus on treating patients without fretting about the status of their accounts.

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What Are the Differences Between Obamacare and Romneycare?

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Posted by Amanda Guerrero on September 12, 2012 at 3:00 pm

Capitol domeFrom EHR law to health insurance reform, big changes are happening in healthcare and not everyone is in agreement about the direction those changes are taking. More recently, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which President Obama signed into law in 2010, has been topic of conversation, as people try to discern the differences between the so-called Obamacare law and a similar healthcare plan Mitt Romney signed into law in Massachusetts four years earlier.

In an article posted on this blog last month by Health News Watch, some of the main parts of the ACA were broken down and explained more simply. Here, I’ll talk about some of the ways the two health plans differ – which, as it turns out, is only slightly.

Is there a penalty for not buying insurance? Both plans have penalties in place for those who choose not to purchase insurance. Under Obamacare, the yearly minimum would be just under $700. Meanwhile, the yearly minimum for Romneycare is approximately $1,200.

Are employers penalized for not providing insurance? The ACA penalizes companies with more than 50 employees, while the Massachusetts plan does so for companies with more than 11 employees. The actually penalty per employee would be $2,000 and $295, respectively.

Do insurance companies have to cover pre-existing conditions? Both plans require coverage of pre-existing illnesses; however, the Massachusetts plan allows insurers to limit coverage of certain conditions to six months.

Until what age can children stay on their parents’ insurance plan? Both Romneycare and Obamacare allow children to remain covered by their parents’ insurance until the age of 26. The difference with Romneycare is that if a child has filed taxes on their own (not as a dependent) for at least two years, even if they are under 26, they must purchase their own insurance plan.

How are the plans funded? Romneycare is funded in large part by the federal government, which made it possible for the state not to raise taxes for residents. Obamacare, on the other hand, is a federal program, and funding for the health plan must come from new taxes. This includes a tax on tanning salons, some medical devices, and certain premium health plans.

The different changes being implemented in the healthcare industry can be confusing. With the help of healthcare professionals and EHR law experts, patients can learn more about those changes, including how they are affecting care delivery, access to medical treatment, and cost of care.

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I’m Divorced – Can I Still Be Held Responsible for My Ex’s Medical Debt?

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Posted by Amanda Guerrero on August 17, 2012 at 3:31 pm

Woman stressed about medical collection agency callGetting a divorce can mean a fresh start at a new life – from settling into a different home, exploring new-found interests, and even embarking on new relationships. But getting a divorce doesn’t always ensure a clean break. In fact, newly separated couples are often unpleasantly surprised when they receive a phone call from a medical collection agency regarding healthcare debts incurred by their former spouse.

In situations such as these, it can be confusing trying to figure out whether you genuinely have an obligation to pay the bill in question. Following are some questions you can ask yourself as you try to get to the bottom of the debt collection problem.

Where were you living at the time the debt was incurred?

In most states, both partners can be held liable responsible for any debts incurred during the course of the marriage – this especially includes medical bills, as they are seen as ‘necessary’ expenses. There is a catch, however. If you and your spouse were legally separated and living under different roofs, even if you weren’t divorced yet, you might not be responsible for the debt. To be on the safe side, be sure to verify this with an attorney in your state.

Were your debts divided up as part of the divorce settlement?

During divorce proceedings, it’s standard for a judge to divide debts up among both spouses. The amount of debt each party is responsible for can vary depending on different factors. In some cases, medical debts are divided up equally. However, if one spouse is unemployed, the full responsibility might fall on the other, regardless of whether the medical bills are theirs.

What can you do if you don’t think you should be held responsible for your former spouse’s medical bills?

If you are contacted by a medical collection agency for a debt you feel you shouldn’t have to pay, find out the specifics of the bill – when were the fees incurred, what services were performed, etc. Talk to your ex-spouse about contacting the medical debt collection agency and setting up a payment plan. If necessary, contact a lawyer to find out what options are available to you should your former spouse refuse to pay.

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What Can I Do About My Past Due Medical Bills?

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Posted by Amanda Guerrero on August 15, 2012 at 8:08 am

Dollar and dimes for medical bill collectionsMedical bills, though not the same as credit card debt often incurred through irresponsible spending, can still affect your credit score. The impact on your credit is most significant when accounts go more than 90 days past due. If you have unpaid bills that have reached a medical bill collections agency, consider taking the following steps to lower your debt and protect your credit score:

1. Contact your healthcare provider or the medical collection agency responsible for your account. Request an itemized statement and make sure that what you’re being charged for is accurate. Patients are often erroneously over-billed or charged for services that they didn’t receive.

2. Contact your insurance provider to find out whether they might cover some of your medical expenses. Oftentimes, medical claims get denied due to missing or inaccurate information. Though providers sometimes end up refilling the claims or writing the bills off, the service fees sometimes get passed on to patients. If you think that your insurance provider should be responsible for some of the services you’re being charged for, contact them to find out.

3. Suggest a settlement or work out a payment plan. Medical bill collections agencies will often settle for a lower sum if you offer to make a lump-sum payment. Find out what your ‘payoff’ amount is, or make a reasonable offer to the collections company. Paying your medical bill in full this way could be a lot more reasonable than what your current balance is. On the other hand, if can’t afford to come up with the entire ‘payoff’ sum, suggest working out a payment plan with manageable monthly payments.

4. File for bankruptcy. Exhaust all other options first, and consider filing for bankruptcy as a last resort. After you have filed for bankruptcy, be sure to send a letter to the medical collection agency, so that they can stop collection efforts. Depending on the type of bankruptcy you qualify for, your medical bills will either be erased or you will have a reasonable repayment plan set up for you by the courts.

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Is Using Social Media for Medical Debt Collection Acceptable?

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Posted by Amanda Guerrero on July 16, 2012 at 11:20 am

Social media networks are gaining popularity in the healthcare industry, as they help hospitals and medical providers reach wider audiences, increase patient engagement and improve communication. However, contacting patients through social media platforms for medical debt collection purposes is not recommended, as it can be easy to violate state and HIPAA privacy laws. If you are considering alternative methods for contacting patients, follow these rules:

Stay away from social media sites. You do not know who has access to your patients’ social media accounts; therefore, you should never attempt to contact them there. It doesn’t matter whether you send a public or a private message. Many users may leave their account logged in on a computer accessible by others.

Play it safe and stick to traditional contact methods. Though laws governing collections may change in the future to include new technologies, it hasn’t happened yet, so be careful. If you contact a patient on Facebook, you could wind up on the wrong side of a lawsuit for HIPAA non-compliance. Instead, use traditional methods of contact, such as mail and telephone.

Offer your patients the possibility of being contacted by email. If you find that you aren’t getting the desired results from contacting patients by phone or snail mail, consider using email as well. Just remember to have your patients sign a consent form before you contact them there for collections purposes.

If at any time a patient asks not to be contacted by email anymore, keep a record of that correspondence, and honor their request. Likewise, if a patient does not respond to your emails within a previously-determined amount of time, stop all emails to that account and use traditional medical debt collection methods.

Remember: when it comes to protecting patient privacy, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

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