16 I Spring 2018 www.anjc.info updated software, or writing out every step of the process needed as a checklist for each claim – so staff doesn’t miss a step and you’re likely to get fewer denials. This can be time-consuming, but getting claims right the first time is key to saving time and getting paid. Compliance Yes, the dreaded “compliance” bit of it all. It’s not fun to think about when you just want to treat more patients! However, not following the regulations that have been bestowed on you as a doctor can turn into a real mess down the road. The one thing you never want to have to deal with is an audit, and if you’re not paying attention to the compliance aspect of documentation – you could get hit with a huge recoupment from the payer. Here I have two suggestions that should be followed. First, keep yourself educated on compliance issues and trends. Keep current with CPT and ICD-10 code books, sign up for webinars on compliance, documentation, and billing practices, and of course – read the latest news from your chiropractic board, state association, and Medicare. Having a general understanding of it all will help you incorporate what you need into your practice, and ease the changes needed as new regulations evolve. Second, find chiropractic software that is designed to keep you compliant from the beginning. There are some platforms that make it easy to care for your patients efficiently, while guiding you through documen- tation in a way that automatically improves your compliance. Contact your software provider and ask if they have recommendations on how to use the software in the most compliant way to protect you as best as possible should you get audited. There are steps you can take, and if you can make a routine out of compliant documentation and coding – you’re likely not only to make more money – but also hopefully keep it if an audit comes along. Software Already mentioned several times in this article, having the right chiropractic software is vital in our new and ever-changing environment. Finding a single “billing” software system doesn’t really apply anymore, however. Due to the changes over the last several years, we’re all paperless, and many software systems now offer seemingly “all-in-one” capability for most of your needs. This typically includes the billing, clearinghouse, patient profile, and sometimes even integration with credit card processors so you can manage and track cash/ co-pay transactions directly to each patient. It’s never easy to find the right software, and it’s even more difficult to change the software you already have. Keeping our focus on the compliance side of it, as I mentioned above, it’s worth making sure you have software that easily allows you to update your fee schedules, maps to proper coding from your treatment plans and daily notes, and produces claims easily or automatically – without high denials from payers. So what’s next? Fundamentally “reimbursement” can mean so many different things, but at the end of the day what it really means is making sure we get paid as much as possible for the work we provide. Depending on your practice, some simple changes to your process and setup could make a big difference in your revenue stream. Carriers are going to continue to beat us up, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit and take it. Find a compliance, coding or audit expert to consult with you. If they’re good, they’ll be able to offer excel- lent and actionable advice after the first meeting. Then, make sure your software is able to help improve how you get paid, or even automate much of it. Stay educated, and if you’re able to tie up just a few loose ends, you may find yourself smiling at the bully soon enough instead. David Klein, CPC, CPMA, CHC, is the co-founder of PayDC, a web-based fully certified EHR system that focuses on compliance and reimbursement. He is a certified professional coder and auditor through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and is certified in healthcare compliance through the Health Care Compliance Board (HCCB). He is the Founder and President of DK Coding & Compliance, Inc. a healthcare consulting firm that focuses on audit defense, education, compliance and reimbursement issues. O N L Y U B . UB College of Chiropractic The only accredited chiropractic college in the metro-NY area. bridgeport.edu/chiro The Chiropractic EHR That Gets You PAID. • All Systems Fully Integrated • EHR-Certified & Fully Compliant • Secure Access Anywhere, Any Time • Affordable, Expandable & Easy to Use • Faster Payments & Better Accuracy 99% Claims Acceptance! SCHEDULE YOUR FREE DEMO NOW! Call 888-306-1257 or visit PayDC.com