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Are we headed
into a Brave New World where the number and complexity of coding
systems will increase, further taxing the ability of coders to keep
abreast of changes? Or, are we moving toward a kinder, gentler
future with fewer, but more user friendly, systems? Will there be a
seller’s market for professional coders, or will they be forced to
compete for work in downsized coding and billing departments? |
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When he’s
asked what qualifications he brings to the role of HIPAA project
officer at one of the nation’s largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield
organizations, Jim Mikula replies “I’m the son of a steelworker and
I was a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam.” A well-respected and
experienced executive known for his candor, Mikula believes the
provider community needs to take a hard look at its readiness for
HIPAA — a labyrinth of regulations that, among other things, will
drastically affect coding, billing, and reimbursement procedures. |
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The good news
for health care providers, of course, is that a new ambulatory
payment classification system (APC) has been created by the Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that will allow separate
payment for outpatient observation services associated with three
common diagnoses. While not bad news, exactly, the other
news is that coders will have to get up to speed on the many
restrictions and requirements wrapped around the new opportunity. |
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As odd as it sounds, it’s not
unusual to become so frustrated by the inability to reach one’s
stress management goals, that practicing stress management
techniques can become stressful!
If too much importance is given to
reaching goals, they become distractions that can make Ornish
participants forget the techniques and tools they have learned for
reducing stress. Instead, people begin to berate themselves for not
achieving their expectations.
The solution is
to be satisfied with wherever your stress-management program takes
you. Stress management is a journey, not a destination. |
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