Blog

Getting On Top of PT Workflow

October 13, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

Time to Grow Up, Not Just Grow Could empowering her staff help Shannon get on top of workflow in her physical therapy practice? Shannon was still upset when she got to work. She and her husband didn’t quarrel often, and this time they’d fought in front of the kids. “At least I’m on time,” she…

I’m going to need to clear my schedule, said the Physical Therapist

October 9, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Cartoon, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

This Physical Therapist just realized untangling an Octopus’s tied up legs is going to take a while. Have a laugh with “It’s a Stretch,” our weekly cartoon for physical therapists. And be sure to let us know what you think in the Comments section. Share it with friends, colleagues and co-workers.

Physical Therapy Software Enables Scalability

October 6, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

Lesson 1 Does Shannon really have the basics she needs to run her physical therapy practice well? Morning was always a rushed time at Mike and Shannon’s, but they were having an unusually tough morning. Their youngest child had mysteriously lost both shoelaces, the two oldest had been bickering since they got up, there was…

The pain’s mostly just in my knees. Physical Therapy for Bugs?

October 3, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Software, Uncategorized /by George Konold

Is Physical Therapy for bugs on your list of things to do? Would you do physical therapy on a giant bug with that many knees? Not me, but it’s a funny concept though. Have a laugh with “It’s a Stretch,” our weekly physical therapy cartoon. And be sure to let us know what you think…

Is Your Practice Ready for a Medicare Audit? – Part 8

October 1, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by David Alben

In this eighth in our series of Blogs asking the question, “Is your practice ready for a Medicare audit?” We discuss Discharge Notes. Though sometimes overlooked or hurried by clinicians, the Discharge Note is an important part of the overall documentation package. A thoughtfully prepared note can indicate to an auditor that the practice owner…

Well, it’s definitely a pinched nerve

September 26, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Cartoon, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software, Wellness /by George Konold

Is this Physical Therapy for the Fisherman or for the Crab? Have a laugh with “It’s a Stretch,” our weekly physical therapy cartoon. And be sure to let us know what you think in the Comments section. Share it with friends, colleagues and co-workers.

Let me guess, right foot red.

September 19, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Cartoon, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software, Wellness /by George Konold

Our Physical Therapy cartoon is becoming very popular. Have you ever needed Physical Therapy after playing the floor game called Twister? Have a laugh with “It’s a Stretch,” our weekly physical therapy cartoon. And be sure to let us know what you think in the Comments section. Share it with friends, colleagues and co-workers.

Understanding Through Images and Animations

September 15, 2014/in Continuing Education Webinars, Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Patient Education, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

Plugging In Will Shannon find her patient education solution in the cloud? “Aren’t we the modern family!” Mike laughed, looking around the room. His wife was at her laptop and he was at his, their youngest daughter was playing a game on a tablet, and the other kids were texting friends on their phones. The…

Wrenched m’elbow again

September 11, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Cartoon, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Here’s another Physical Therapy cartoon for your amusement! Have a laugh with “It’s a Stretch,” our weekly physical therapy cartoon. And be sure to let us know what you think in the Comments section. Share it with friends, colleagues and co-workers.

Physical Therapy Software Patient Education Promotes Compliance

September 8, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

A Handshake Will collaboration lead to improvement, or should Shannon take a more aggressive path? Teresa and Tana looked up when Shannon arrived the next day — and then exchanged looks. Shannon felt her muscles tense, but then decided that she wasn’t going to get defensive. They were all on the same side, and they…

Working the core

September 4, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Here’s a Physical Therapy Cartoon that’s kinda silly! If you work the core, will that keep it from becoming a rotten apple or keep it from going back to an apple shape? I’m just sayin’. Have a laugh with “It’s a Stretch,” our weekly physical therapy cartoon. And be sure to let us know what…

Physical Therapy Complex Documentation Made Easier – Part 2

September 4, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Dream Practice /by George Konold

The Problem – Within sections of a physical therapy note there are often many types of information that may need to be entered. Previously, navigating these has been slow and clumsy. The Solution – Use thoughtful design to display subsection navigation and develop a search tool that allows the therapist to filter to options to…

Physical Therapy Software Easy Patient Education

September 2, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Billing Webinars, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

Show Time Does Shannon need to show her patients more information so they’ll adhere to their treatment programs? “Shannon? The sitter’s here!” Shannon grabbed her purse and gave her hair a last touch. Her husband was dressed and ready, the kids were already engrossed in a game with the sitter, and she was looking forward…

Okay, how would you categorize your shoulder pain? Mild, serious or mythical, eternal curse of the gods?

August 28, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Cartoon, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Shoulder Pain this bad is epic! Have you ever had shoulder pain that feels this bad? Have a laugh with “It’s a Stretch,” our weekly physical therapy cartoon. And be sure to let us know what you think in the Comments section. Share it with friends, colleagues and co-workers.

physical therapy documentation

Physical Therapy Complex Documentation Made Easier – Part 1

August 28, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Dream Practice /by George Konold

The Problem – Physical Therapy Documentation has so much information it was hard for users to find what they were looking for. The Solution – Develop a familiar, fast, and rich navigation system that allows users to think physical therapy documentation and not where to find what they are looking for. Accounting for so many…

Is Your Practice Ready for a Medicare Audit? – Part 7

August 27, 2014/in Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy SOAP notes /by David Alben

In this seventh in our series of blogs asking the question “Is your practice ready for a Medicare audit?” we discuss Treatment Notes. “If you did not write it, you did not do it.” This is usually one of the first lessons we learn as clinicians. Simply stated, Treatment Notes are where you write what…

Physical Therapy Patient Education Increases Compliance

August 25, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Billing Webinars, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

Back to School? Is patient education the solution to Shannon’s problems with noncompliance? “Shannon, can I talk with you?” Shannon looked up, startled. She had been engrossed in a report and hadn’t heard Tana enter her office. She took one look at Tana’s angry face and took a moment to calm her own breath. Tana…

Physical Therapy Documentation Shortcuts

August 21, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Dream Practice /by George Konold

Our most popular xDocs templates: Insurance Verification: Have relevant insurance information right there on the page with our v.2014. Check lists: Create a custom checklist to review treatments with your patients, plan future treatments, or provide your patients with what they need to complete. Grids: Keep a top-down view of all the details you need…

Let’s start with some trunk rotation

August 21, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Trunk Rotation for an Elephant can be taken two ways. Trunk rotation is something that this PT is passionate about. Have a laugh with “It’s a Stretch,” our weekly physical therapy cartoon. And be sure to let us know what you think in the Comments section. Share it with friends, colleagues and co-workers.

Physical Therapy Software Embedded Analytics

August 17, 2014/2 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Dream Practice, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy profitability, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Can of Worms What do the numbers mean to you and your practice? Opening your own practice means opening a whole new can of worms. That’s because there are so many elements that they don’t teach you about in school: aspects of running a business that you’re left to learn on the fly — all…

Bruce, I think it’s time you start thinking outside the box.

August 14, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Thinking Outside the Box How often do you think outside the box when it comes to your Physical Therapy Billing practices? Have a laugh with “It’s a Stretch,” our weekly physical therapy cartoon. And be sure to let us know…

physical therapy billing software

Physical Therapy Software for data driven decisions

August 11, 2014/2 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing /by Tom Jorno

Just My Cup of Tea Can a chart about desserts inspire Shannon to find a solution for her physical therapy practice? “Tables that update themselves!” Shannon’s voice came from behind Mike as she brought cups of tea to the table where he was working. “Like in the fairy tale?” Mike asked, half his attention on…

Delays and Denials… But Why?

August 7, 2014/in Physical Therapy practice management /by George Konold

Picture this: Itâ€™s January 8, 2014, and youâ€™ve just submitted 27 claims across CPT codes 97001, 97010, 97140, 97530 and G0283 — totaling $5,500 in billables and, ultimately, $2,100 in revenue. The claims are earmarked for Blue Shield of Sarasota, and get submitted through the Emdeon clearinghouse. You wait, and you wait for your reimbursement.…

We need to look at metrics? I never learned the metric system!

August 7, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Do you use the metric system in your in your Physical Therapy Practice? The metrics typically used are for No Shows, No Future Appointments, Collections and other aspects of patient care. Have a laugh with “It’s a Stretch,” our weekly physical…

Physical Therapy Practice Management | Direct Mail Marketing Campaign

August 6, 2014/3 Comments/in Continuing Education Webinars, Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Dream Practice, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Practice Marketing, Physical Therapy profitability /by Steve Messineo, PT, DPT

Why Headlines and Graphics are Important in Your Direct Mail Marketing Campaign By Steve Messineo, DPT, Owner, YourBizSuccessCoach.com Have you ever sent a marketing letter to a local physician promoting your practice in the hope of seeing more patient referrals from that physician? Â If so, what did you do to the letter to help it…

Physical Therapy Software | New Network Members in July 2014

August 6, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Billing Network Members, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Five new members across four practices joined bestPT in July 2014. Congratulations! Each member benefits from and contributes to the size of bestPT’s billing network as we use the shared knowledge in the battle against the payers. We call this the ‘Billing Network Effect.” This proverbial strength in numbers helps you build your dream practice…

Practice Management Metrics for Physical Therapy

August 4, 2014/1 Comment/in Physical Therapy Billing /by Tom Jorno

Cool and Calculated How can Shannon make the numbers add up for her practice? Shannon strode into the office with a confident smile. “Oh, no,” came the greeting from Tana. The trainer was standing with Theresa, the office manager, and it looked as though they had been deep in conversation. Shannon’s smile was a bit…

Range of motion, what range of motion?!

August 1, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

How would you check the Statue of Liberty for range of motion? This week marks the debut of “It’s a Stretch,” our weekly physical therapy cartoon. Do let us know what you think in the Comments section, and then feel free…

Physical Therapy Practice Management | Getting Patient Referrals

July 30, 2014/in Continuing Education Webinars, Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Practice Marketing, Physical Therapy Software /by Steve Messineo, PT, DPT

Getting Patient Referrals “It’s all Who You Know and How Well You Know Them.” By Steve Messineo, DPT, Owner, YourBizSuccessCoach.com Physical Therapy and other health care clinic owners are always looking for ways to get more patient referrals from the variety of referral sources out there. In this article, I am going to specifically talk…

Physical Therapy Practice Management Decision Making

July 28, 2014/6 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

KPIs That Drive Results Can Shannon identify the metrics that should be driving decisions in her practice? It was one of Shannon’s favorite times of the day: the kids were tucked into bed, the house was quiet, and she could just relax with her husband. Mike was focused intently on a small adjustment he was…

Physical Therapy Practice Management | Outside The Box Strategies

July 23, 2014/5 Comments/in Continuing Education Webinars, Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Practice Marketing, Physical Therapy Software /by Steve Messineo, PT, DPT

Get What You Want for Your Clinic – Here’s How… By Steve Messineo, DPT, Owner, YourBizSuccessCoach.com In the last two weeks I have had two Physical Therapy clinic owners who are new clients tell me that they want a different type of patient population than the type they are getting. In both cases, they get…

Physical Therapy Practice Management Metrics

July 21, 2014/4 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

Number Soup How can Shannon really use the data she has available in her practice? “Things have been going really well at work,” Shannon started, ladling soup into bowls at the family dinner table. Mike added salad to the kids’ plates. “That’s good news! Profits are up, good growth this quarter, things like that?” “I…

Is Your Practice Ready for a Medicare Audit? – Part 6

July 15, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy SOAP notes, Physical Therapy Software /by David Alben

In this sixth in our series of Blogs asking the question “Is your practice ready for a Medicare audit?” we explore specific coverage guidelines and documentation requirements for some of the most common Modalities, Exercises and Activities therapists use in treating their patients. CMS is quite explicit in defining what the clinician is required to…

Physical Therapy Software Sweet Dream Practice Analysis

July 14, 2014/4 Comments/in Physical Therapy profitability /by Tom Jorno

Sweet Dreams Has Shannonâ€™s Dream Practice Analysis left her feeling like life is sweet? â€œHey, itâ€™s my favorite customers!â€ Mike kissed his wife and ruffled the kidsâ€™ hair as they slipped in through the back door of his restaurant. â€œHi, Shannon,â€ said the chef. â€œI think we might have some treats for the kids.â€ â€œTreats?â€…

Physical Therapy Software | New Network Members in June 2014

July 10, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Twelve new members across eight practices joined bestPT in June 2014. Congratulations! Each member benefits from and contributes to the size of bestPT’s billing network as we use the shared knowledge in the battle against the payers. We call this the “Billing Network Effect.â” This proverbial strength in numbers helps you build your dream practice…

Physical Therapy Software Practice Analysis

July 7, 2014/3 Comments/in Physical Therapy profitability /by Tom Jorno

If Life Could Be a Dream Will crunching the numbers in a practice analysis help Shannon and Theresa get closer to the dream? Shannon headed back in to work with a spring in her step. â€œTheresa,â€ she said, â€œdo you remember when we first opened this place?â€ Theresa smiled. â€œOf course. We were two crazy…

Physical Therapy Software Dream Practice Analysis

June 30, 2014/4 Comments/in Physical Therapy profitability /by Tom Jorno

Life is But a Dream For Shannon, it’s essential to look back in order to look forward Can a Dream Practice Analysis clarify Shannon’s real-world path? Tell me again what DPA is, said Mike, raising his voice to be heard over the shouts of the children. Mike and Shannon had come to the park to…

Physical Therapy Software Return on Investment

June 23, 2014/9 Comments/in Physical Therapy profitability /by Tom Jorno

The Numbers Game Learning to distinguish between expenses and investments Does ROI apply to Shannonâ€™s PT practice? Theresa stared blankly at Shannon. â€œI just donâ€™t understand the question,â€ she said. â€œIâ€™m asking about the ROI — the return on investment. Like, which of our patients are most profitable. What kind of merchandise gives us the…

Nearing the Finish Line? | Physical Therapy Documentation

June 16, 2014/7 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Billing Webinars, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy SOAP notes /by Tom Jorno

How can Shannon be proactive about the ONC certification requirements? â€œSo what did you decide about the meaningful use certification thing?â€ Mike asked Shannon. He could tell sheâ€™d had a long day, but she also looked more confident and calmer than she had when sheâ€™d told him about the problem facing her practice. â€œOh, Mike,…

New Feature – Client Invoice Lookup | Physical Therapy Software

June 12, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

For everyone who works on the finance side of our client practices, it can provide peace of mind to know where their money is going – and that the right amount is going to work for them. With bestPT’s new Client Invoice Lookup feature, you can get a preview of your monthly invoice, so you…

Physical Therapy Software | New Network Members in May 2014

June 9, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Seven new members across five practices joined bestPT in May. Congratulations! Each member benefits from and contributes to the size of bestPT’s network as we use the shared knowledge in the battle against the payers. This proverbial strength in numbers helps you build your dream practice using our physical therapy practice management software, billing, and…

Resistance

June 9, 2014/6 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

Will meaningful use requirements affect Shannon’s patients? “I just don’t see why we have to make a bunch more changes,” Tana grumbled. “You said yourself that PTs aren’t required to adopt Electronic Health Records at all.” Shannon darted a glance around the office, making sure there weren’t any patients within earshot. It sometimes seemed to…

Optional or Not?

June 2, 2014/14 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing /by Tom Jorno

Shannon has options when it comes to EHR — but whatâ€™s the best choice for her business? â€œLet me get this straight,â€ Mike said, spinning a chair around and straddling it. Shannon had come by the restaurant, since the kids were visiting their grandparents for the weekend. It seemed as though Mikeâ€™s hours at the…

3 Must-Haves for Credit Card Processing | Q & A from the Webinar

May 28, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

If your practice currently accepts credit cards, or if you are considering incorporating them into your payment options, you likely have questions regarding the policies surrounding their use. To help you get the answers you need, we have compiled all the questions that were asked during our recent webinar, 3 Must-Haves for Client Credit Card…

The Meaning of Meaningful Use

May 26, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

Is Shannon wasting her time worrying – or fooling herself by thinking she has nothing to worry about? Mike made a beeline for the sofa as soon as he got through the door of his home. He flopped down on his stomach with an arm and a leg dangling limply to the floor. “Rough night?”…

ICD-10: The Long and Winding Road

May 19, 2014/12 Comments/in ICD-10 for Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Compliance /by Tom Jorno

What a long, strange trip it’s been on the road to ICD-10. It has taken more than 30 years from inception to acceptance, with numerous detours and false starts along the way. To see where we’ve been, and where we’re headed, check out the graphic below. What do you think about the road ICD-10 has…

ICD-10 Redux | Questions and Answers

May 12, 2014/2 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

As your practice is preparing for the impending ICD-10 changes, you might have many questions concerning billing procedures and software requirements. To help you get the answers you need, we have compiled some common questions and answers. Feel free to add any new questions in the comment section below. Q: I have a question about…

Increase Pay per Visit In Spite of the Payors!

May 9, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

Can you increase your pay per visit in spite of the payors doing all they can to reduce it? Our average practice increased their pay per visit by 7.5% between $667,727 in 2012 and $717,543 in 2013. In Q1 2014 we are seeing additional pay per visit of 5.9% growth over Q1 2013 from $169,499…

Physical Therapy Software | New Network Members in April 2014

May 9, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Six new members across six practices joined bestPT in April. Each member benefits from and contributes to the size of bestPT’s network as we use the shared knowledge in the battle against the payers. This proverbial strength in numbers helps you build your dream practice using our physical therapy practice management software, billing, and profitability…

ICD-10 Strikes Back

May 5, 2014/4 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

by Thomas Jorno Believe it or not, there is a method to the madness of ICD-10. The system was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a means of standardizing the categorization of diseases, signs and symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances, and external causes of injury or diseases. Officially known as the International…

ICD-10: The Saga Begins

April 28, 2014/5 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Dream Practice /by Tom Jorno

by Thomas Jorno So, the changeover to ICD-10 got delayed from October 1, 2014 to October 1, 2015. And perhaps many of you are thinking, “Phew! That thing really sneaked up on us; thank goodness they’ve given us extra time.” It may be tempting to take comfort in the grace period you’ve been given. But…

Finding a Standard of Success

April 21, 2014/8 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

“How are you doing?” On a personal level, that question seems easy enough to answer. But when it comes to your practice, it’s not so simple. With so many factors in play — from patient visits to billing, from revenue to workflow — it can be a challenge to have everything go smoothly at the…

Is Your Practice Ready for a Medicare Audit? | Part Five

April 18, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

In this fifth in our series of Blogs asking the question, “Is your practice ready for a Medicare audit?” we discuss Certifications and Re-certifications of the Plan of Care. Medicare requires that a Plan of Care be prepared by a therapist or other qualified professional, who must sign and date the document. Additionally, the Plan…

Thinking On the Run

April 15, 2014/8 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Webinar Q&A /by Erez Lirov

Thinking On the Run by Erez Lirov Stretching expectations to find an ideal solution Can Shannon find a credit card processing system that will meet her definition of excellence? Mike and Shannon rounded the bend of the track through the park. The weather had kept them from running for a couple of weeks, and Shannon…

Physical Therapy Software | New Network Members in March 2014

April 8, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing Network Members, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Sixteen new members across five practices joined bestPT in March. Each member benefits from and contributes to the size of bestPT’s network as we use the shared knowledge in the battle against the payers. This proverbial strength in numbers helps you build your dream practice using our physical therapy practice management software, billing, and profitability…

Boxed In?

April 7, 2014/8 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Webinar Q&A /by Erez Lirov

Boxed In? by Erez Lirov Breaking things down helps indentify needs, avenue to expore Will Shannon’s lack of knowledge keep her trapped in credit card inefficiency? How can she find the change she needs? â€œWhy Shannon, you look radiant!â€ Theresa said as Shannon stepped into the office. Theresa was cutting down cardboard boxes. â€œTaking a…

ICD-10 | Five Building Blocks | bestPT Webinar | Q&A

March 31, 2014/1 Comment/in Continuing Education Webinars, Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Billing Webinars, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Dream Practice, Physical Therapy practice management, Webinar Q&A /by George Konold

As you get your practice ready for the ICD-10 changeover, you are bound to have questions regarding documentation and compliance. To help you get the answers you need, we have compiled all questions that were asked during our recent webinar â€œICD-10 | Five Building Blocks,â€ along with the presenter’s responses. Feel free to add any…

Sorting It Out

March 31, 2014/8 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Webinar Q&A /by Erez Lirov

Sorting It Out by Erez Lirov Credit cards can create a variety of compliance issues for practices What are Shannon’s next steps to sort out her credit card system? â€œMike!â€ Shannon checked everything in the physical therapy facility with a practiced eye as she walked across the carpeted floor. She loved to see everyone busy…

Is Your Practice Ready for a Medicare Audit? | Part Four

March 25, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by David Alben

In this fourth in our series of Blogs asking the question “Is your practice ready for a Medicare audit?” we discuss The Plan of Care and the critical role we have seen it play in provider audits. Therapy services shall be payable when the medical record and the information on the claim consistently and accurately…

A Missing Piece

March 24, 2014/10 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Webinar Q&A /by Erez Lirov

A Missing PieceÂ by Erez Lirov In the budget of a busy practice, credit card fees can add up. Could Shannon handle credit cards better in her physical therapy practice? Getting the family out the door in the morning was always a challenge for Mike and Shannon, but they felt like they had a great…

Generating a Steady Stream of Referrals Is Not That Complex

March 20, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy patient relationship management, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

By Erika Trimble Yes, to generate a steady stream of referrals and grow your practice you need to market. But marketing need not be complex. In fact the easiest and most affordable marketing strategy open to you is to build your client referrals. This is a case of your clients doing your marketing for you.…

Stop Your Staff From Fighting | bestPT Webinar | Q&A

March 19, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Webinar Q&A /by George Konold

Does your office staff argue about who is responsible for completing tasks generated by your patient visits? How do you assign those tasks to your staff? How can you see if the tasks have been completed? Can you track those tasks automatically? Do you micro-manage your staff? How can you foster staff teamwork, promote staff…

Empathy-O & W Enterprises | Practice of the Month

March 19, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by Tom Jorno

Striving To Provide “Best in Class” Therapy When Brad Adams began his physical therapy after shoulder surgery, he wasn’t sure he would ever fully recover. He described the pain as “terrible,” and felt that his progress was extremely slow. On the other hand, Adams describes his first appointment with Empathy-O&W Enterprises in Bassett, Va. —…

A Job Well Done | Physical Therapy Billing, Software, Documentation, ICD-10

March 18, 2014/12 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Documentation /by Kathleen Casbarro, CPC

A Job Well Done Technology Holds Promise of Easing Office Tensions Can the right technology solution get Shannon’s team back together? â€œThanks, guys!â€ The last kitchen workers called a goodbye and headed out the back door, talking and laughing together. Mike tossed a towel over his shoulder and sat back in a chair in the…

Practice Makes Perfect | ICD-10

March 10, 2014/19 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Documentation /by Kathleen Casbarro, CPC

Practice Makes Perfect Waiting for the Deadline Can Pose Numerous Problems How can Shannon keep on track when ICD-10 transition seems to be a moving target? Iâ€™ll be putting both the ICD-9 codes and the ICD-10 codes on my forms,â€ the home health equipment supplier said through the phone at Shannonâ€™s ear, â€œand Iâ€™ll be…

Physical Therapy Software | New Network Members in February 2014

March 5, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing Network Members, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Ten new members across six practices joined bestPT in February. Each member benefits from the size of bestPTâ€™s network as we use the shared knowledge in the battle against the payers. This proverbial strength in numbers helps you build your dream practice using our physical therapy practice management software, billing, and profitability coaching services. Letâ€™s…

Piecing It Together

March 3, 2014/10 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Documentation /by Kathleen Casbarro, CPC

Piecing It Together ICD-10 changeover doesnâ€™t present a pretty picture How can Shannon solve the puzzle of improving clinical documentation? Shannon leaned back in her chair, gazing out the window with a dreamy look in her eyes. Her husband, Mike, watched her with a smile. Theyâ€™d been married for years and their life often seemed…

Weighty Issues

February 24, 2014/14 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software /by Kathleen Casbarro, CPC

Weighty Issues The changeover to ICD-10 presents a number of burdens Are the clinicians in Shannonâ€™s practice ready for the new documentation requirements that go with ICD-10? Mike strolled into the physical therapy practice. It always made him feel energized just to walk in — the bright colors and happy faces gave the room a…

Is a $100 budget enough to add cash pay to your business? We think so…

February 18, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy profitability /by George Konold

Most (if not all) independent practitioners wonder about the potential for cash based business. At first, it seems like a giant shift, but actually, if you have patient traffic of any sort, your already â€œsetupâ€ to participate in this growing market segment. Hereâ€™s the simplest way to get started with a plan everyone can execute…

Robot to the Rescue?

February 17, 2014/14 Comments/in Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy Software /by Reuven Lirov

Robot to the Rescue? Automating processes can help ease office tension What would a tech solution look like? Shannon took a deep breath. She had gathered her team again, and this time she had everyoneâ€™s attention. â€œI know yesterdayâ€™s meeting didnâ€™t go that well,â€ she started, â€œand I appreciate everyoneâ€™s coming back today. I want…

PQRS | How These Four Letters Affect Your Practice | Webinar Q&A

February 14, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Webinar Q&A /by George Konold

Unless you are billing the right set of PQRS codes on 50 percent of your qualifying visits, then you will lose two percent of your allowed reimbursement in 2016 and forward. As a result, you might have concerns about the changes that this reporting system brings to your PT practice. To help you get the…

4 Steps to Keep Your Staff from Fighting | Webinar

February 13, 2014/in Continuing Education Webinars, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy profitability /by George Konold

Your practice success depends on your staff teamwork. Learn how to to automate staff teamwork problem identification and solve policy/procedure problems. Learning Objectives: Define effective staff teamwork How to measure staff productivity How to promote staff autonomy and foster teamwork This Live Webinar meets the criteria of the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management…

ICD-10 | 100x More Complicated | Q&A

February 12, 2014/1 Comment/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Webinar Q&A /by George Konold

As your practice is preparing for the impending ICD-10 changes, you might have many questions concerning physical therapy billing procedures and software requirements. To help you get the answers you need, we have compiled all questions that were asked during our recent webinar ‘ICD-10 | 100 Times More Complicated,’ along with the presenter’s responses. Feel…

Time for a New Recipe?

February 10, 2014/18 Comments/in Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy profitability /by Reuven Lirov

Time for a New Recipe? Quality ingredients donâ€™t guarantee success Does Shannon need new workers, or a new approach to practice management? Mike set a dish before his wife with a flourish. Shannon eyed it uncertainly. â€œIt looks like chocolate mousse,â€ she said, â€œbut I thought you said you were working on healthy new dishes…

All-Access: More Than Just a PT Clinic

February 7, 2014/in Physical Therapy Dream Practice, Practice of the Month, Wellness /by Tom Jorno

â€œI came in hobbling,â€ explains Sophia Knight of her introduction to All-Access Physical Therapy in Shrewsbury, Mass. â€œI had a problem with my knee. It hurt a lot to do normal things in my day, driving the car.â€ All-Access Physical Therapy is more than just a PT clinic. Â With its partner All-Access Fitness Academy, the…

OIG Work Plan 2014 | Your Practice in Medicare's Cross Hairs

February 5, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing /by David Alben

Each year the Office of Inspector General releases their action plan for the following 12 months. Â It is the ultimate To Do List; giving us insight into where they will be dedicating resources. Â Not surprisingly, the OIG is looking at areas of high utilization, improper or incomplete documentation, and providers and suppliers billing for services…

Physical Therapy Software | New Network Members in January 2014

February 5, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing Network Members /by George Konold

Twenty-one new members across eight practices joined bestPT in January. Each member benefits from the size of bestPTâ€™s network as we use the shared knowledge in the battle against the payers. This proverbial strength in numbers helps you build your dream practice using our physical therapy practice management software, billing, and profitability coaching services. Letâ€™s…

Prickly Issues

February 3, 2014/11 Comments/in Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy profitability /by Reuven Lirov

Prickly Issues Bringing up concerns results in pointing fingers, casting blame. How can Shannon improve performance in the office without losing workers or hurting morale? Shannon looked around the conference room. She had borrowed the room from a neighboring office and called all her staff in early, hoping it would seem more official than if…

Avoid Medicare Penalities | PQRS Webinar

January 27, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Billing Webinars, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy profitability /by George Konold

Not knowing the PQRS requirements can cost you thousands per month in Medicare reimbursements. Â What is PQRS? It’s the Physician Quality Reporting System – Medicare’s way of making the billing system more complex and keeping the money you’ve earned. Â Unless you’re billing the right set of PQRS codes on 50 percent of your…

The Right Combination

January 27, 2014/13 Comments/in Physical Therapy practice management /by Reuven Lirov

The Right Combination Work with patients and office management is like PB&J How can Shannon get her practice back on track? â€œI feel like all I ever talk about nowadays is work,â€ Shannon sighed. â€œAm I getting boring?â€ â€œIâ€™m your husband,â€ Mike pointed out. â€œYou donâ€™t have to entertain me.â€ Shannon smiled. â€œI canâ€™t decide…

ICD-10: 100x more complicated | Webinar

January 17, 2014/in Continuing Education Webinars, Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Billing Webinars, Physical Therapy Compliance /by George Konold

Start the new year by preparing your practice for ICD-10. Learn the necessary changes you’ll have to make in order to avoid a drop in your billing performance.Â Â Objectives: Billing and Collections: avoid denied claims and underpayments Compliance: reduce audit risk This continuing education webinarÂ meets the criteria of theÂ Professional Association of Health Care Office Management…

Right on Target

January 15, 2014/7 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance /by Kathleen Casbarro, CPC

Right on Target Narrower focus makes it easier to hit the bullâ€™s eye with ICD-10 How will software help Shannon make the reporting code changes right on target? Mike leaned back in the bleachers, laughing helplessly. His wife, Shannon, tried to glare at him, but she couldnâ€™t keep from joining in. They were watching their…

How I Fell in Love with Being a Therapist

January 9, 2014/in bestPT Contests, Physical Therapy Software /by Melanie McGriff

As a speech therapist, there was a moment when I â€œfell in loveâ€ with being a therapist. I was in college and was working with my very first patient. He was two years old, but had very few words. I had been given family pictures to work with, so along with other words I worked…

Recipe for Disaster?

January 7, 2014/8 Comments/in Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation /by Kathleen Casbarro, CPC

Recipe for disaster? ICD-10 carries the ingredients for a perfect storm Why wonâ€™t the reporting changes be a piece of cake? Mike looked for Shannon as soon as he stepped in the door. The dinner service at the restaurant he owned had been busy and it was late, but his wife had been upset when…

Physical Therapy Software | New Network Members in December 2013

January 3, 2014/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Billing Network Members, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Three new members joined bestPT in December. Each member benefits from the size of Â bestPTâ€™s network as we use the shared knowledge in the battle against the payers. This proverbial strength in numbers helps you build your dream practice using our physical therapy practice management software, billing, and profitability coaching services. Letâ€™s welcome bestPTâ€™s newest…

Preparing for the Worst

January 2, 2014/16 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy profitability /by Kathleen Casbarro, CPC

Preparing for the Worst Without proper implementation, ICD-10 could spell disaster How will the change to ICD-10 codes affect Shannonâ€™s physical therapy practice? Shannon was in a bad mood. Mike could see it on her face as she came through the door, even though she tried to greet the kids in the usual way and…

Medicare Cap and Payment Reductions for 2014

December 31, 2013/1 Comment/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software /by David Alben

MEDICARE THERAPY CAP FOR 2014 On December 26, 2013, President Obama signed into law the Pathway for SGR Reform Act of 2013. This new law prevents a scheduled payment reduction for physicians and other practitioners who treat Medicare patients from taking effect on January 1, 2014. The new law also extends several provisions of…

Breaking the Codes

December 26, 2013/11 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy profitability, Physical Therapy Software /by Kathleen Casbarro, CPC

Breaking the Codes For physical therapists, ICD-10 coding changes are fast approaching How should Shannon prepare for the switch to ICD-10 reporting codes? â€œI think youâ€™ll find that the exercises will really make a difference for you,â€ Shannon told her last patient of the day. â€œBut only if you do your part. You come in…

The Roller Coaster of Collections | Where is My Money III

December 17, 2013/8 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy profitability /by Michelle Corrigan

The Roller Coaster of Collections | Where is My Money III The Ups and Downs of Cash flow Give a PT Practice Owner Anxiety Which areas of Shannonâ€™s practice are most difficult to track? Shannon was sick of the roller coaster. The ups and downs of her practiceâ€™s revenue â€“ hurtling ahead from month to…

Tracking the Variables | Where is My Money II

December 13, 2013/4 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy profitability, Physical Therapy Software /by Michelle Corrigan

Tracking the Variables | Where is My Money II Physical Therapy Practice Owner Must Address Billing and Payment Delays What variables affect how quickly Shannon gets paid? Shannon was nervous. At her husbandâ€™s suggestion, she was meeting with Steve, a profitability coach, in an effort to find and address the cash flow problems she was…

Where's My Money?

December 11, 2013/7 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy profitability /by Michelle Corrigan

Where’s my money? Physical Therapy Practice Owner Struggles with Cash flow What should Shannon do to correct her cash flow problems? â€œYou ready for lunch?â€ Shannon looked up from the pile of bills on her office desk to see her husband, Mike, standing in the doorway. â€œOnly if youâ€™re buying,â€ she said. â€œThat bad, huh?â€…

Physical Therapy Billing Compliance | How to audit-proof your practice

December 4, 2013/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy profitability, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

That was definitely NOT money well spent. Shannon felt red-hot anger building up inside her like boiling lava in a volcano right before its eruption. She still had a hard time accepting that Blue Insurance fined her $30,000 for failing the audit and made her refund the payments she had received for all failed claims.…

Physical Therapy Software | New Network Members in November 2013

December 2, 2013/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Billing Network Members, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Four new members across three practices joined bestPT in November. Each member benefits from the size of Â bestPTâ€™s network as we use the shared knowledge in the battle against the payers. This proverbial strength in numbers helps you build your dream practice using our physical therapy practice management software, billing, and profitability coaching services. Let’s…

Physical Therapy Billing Compliance | Can you reduce your audit risk?

November 27, 2013/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Practice Marketing /by George Konold

Shannon could have thought of better ways to spend those $30,000 with her husband, Mike, and their two small daughters, Heather and Laurie. Like taking that vacation to Europe as they had always wanted. Or buying a new family car so Mike would not have to drive the old, rusty van anymore. It seemed like…

Physical Therapy Billing Compliance | Can you afford to fail an audit?

November 20, 2013/4 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

When it rains, it pours. Just when Shannon thought it could not get any worse for her physical therapy practice after failing a recent audit, she received another letter from Blue Insurance. This time they wanted her to pay back the money she had already received for the claims that failed the audit in addition…

Physical Therapy Billing Compliance | Can you avoid getting audited?

November 13, 2013/3 Comments/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Compliance, Physical Therapy Documentation, Physical Therapy practice management /by George Konold

Shannon just received a penalty letter after failing an audit of her physical therapy documentation a few weeks ago. $30,000. She shook her head in disbelief as she kept looking at the letter and said:”Where am I going get this kind of money?” Her husband, Mike, looked up from his morning newspaper and saw the…

Is your practice ready for a Medicare audit? | The Initial Evaluation

November 5, 2013/in Physical Therapy Compliance /by David Alben

In this third in our series of Blogs asking the question â€œIs your practice ready for a Medicare audit?â€ we continue our discussion of the critical importance of the PT/OT Evaluation. Medicare assigns significant weight to the patient information gathered and presented by the therapist during The Initial Evaluation. The initial evaluation records objective measurable…

Physical Therapy Software | New Network Members in October 2013

November 4, 2013/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Billing Network Members, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Four new members joined bestPT in October. Each member benefits from the size of Â bestPTâ€™s network as we use the shared knowledge in the battle against the payers. This proverbial strength in numbers helps you build your dream practice using our physical therapy practice management software, billing, and profitability coaching services. Letâ€™s welcome bestPTâ€™s newest…

Physical Therapy Software | Improve Patient Retention with Care Plans

October 23, 2013/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy patient care, Physical Therapy patient relationship management, Physical Therapy practice management, Physical Therapy profitability, Physical Therapy Software /by George Konold

Are you worried about paying next month’s bills because your patients don’t show up for their appointments? If your patients are noncompliant with your prescribed care plans, you cannot predict the cash flow at your physical therapy practice. What’s even worse is that your patients won’t get better. Without consistent patient flow your practice cannot…

Physical Therapy EHR Software | Healing Star Dream Practice of the Month

October 16, 2013/in Physical Therapy Billing, Physical Therapy Billing Network Members, Physical Therapy Dream Practice, Physical Therapy profitability /by George Konold

Healing Star Physical Therapy is a shining example of a growing dream practice with steady improvements in billing, workflow optimization and patient relationships. Building a dream practice requires a concerted team effort, expertise, and hard work. At Healing Star, Philip Joshua MPT, COMT, OCS, Varghese Paul MPT, COMT, and Front Desk Coordinator Trina Peduto Colford…