Technology (4)

Welcome to part 2 of our “New Year, New Rules” #rtblogseries! With the finalized Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) rules for 2022, there’s a lot of changes to cover and explain. That's why we’ve gathered all the essential information regarding billable units and modifiers to make sure you aren’t caught off guard when it comes to receiving payments. Let’s go over the basics together.

In June of 2021, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a new physician payment rule that focuses on improving healthcare equity and increasing patient accessibility. With this rule being finalized in November of last year, its changes are now in effect and will influence not only how your practice operates but also how your patients receive care.

Like many other industries, healthcare took an unexpected turn during the height of the COVID pandemic, pushing providers to adapt quickly to the rapid adoption of telehealth. However, now that the new normal is starting to emerge, many healthcare organizations wonder if the emphasis on telehealth will continue as well as if patient behaviors will keep evolving with upcoming engagement and practice management innovation. Keep reading to review the trends of recent years and gain a better understanding of what we can expect in 2022.

Digital technology is evolving fast, and with it, the healthcare industry is undergoing unprecedented transformation. As a provider, you now have to cater to a growing population of tech-savvy clients who prefer electronic interactions over paperwork. This shift makes sense since patients are now accustomed to the flexibility and convenience of engaging with every type of business online or through their mobile phones 24/7. However, to keep up with evolving patient expectations as well as deliver outstanding care, you must stay on top of emerging digital technology trends, including advances in patient portals and business intelligence (BI).

To treat the complex needs of a patient — physical, behavioral and mental — providers need reliable sources of information that are available promptly, including access to insight from a multidisciplinary team of professionals. As a result, electronic health or medical records (EHR/EMR) have transformed how healthcare professionals practice their craft. 

Any therapist or provider must find the right balance between delivering quality patient care and promoting patient engagement, while also facing the unique challenges of running a business in the healthcare industry. So, in order to manage the evolving demands of the therapy and rehab market, you'll need a practice management system that streamlines clinical operations as well as fosters routine attempts to engage patients.