#medical billing services florida

[medusahcs]

Discover top-notch medical billing service in Florida with MedUSA Healthcare Services. We offer tailored billing solutions to meet the unique needs of healthcare providers. Our services are designed to improve accuracy and efficiency in your billing processes.

[rmhealthcare]

Decoding the Differences: Medical Coding vs. Medical Billing Unveiled

In the intricate web of healthcare administration, two critical components stand out – medical coding and medical billing. While often used interchangeably, these processes play distinct roles in the revenue cycle management of healthcare providers. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the nuanced differences between medical coding and medical billing, shedding light on their unique functions and the pivotal role they play in the healthcare ecosystem. As we embark on this journey, we'll also discuss how medical coding companies in Florida are shaping the landscape of medical coding services, highlighting the synergy between accurate coding and effective medical billing services across the United States.

Understanding Medical Coding:

At the core of healthcare documentation lies medical coding, a meticulous process that translates medical procedures, diagnoses, and services into universally recognized alphanumeric codes. These codes, such as Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD), serve as a standardized language for healthcare providers, insurers, and regulatory bodies. Medical coders, equipped with an in-depth understanding of medical terminology and anatomy, meticulously assign these codes to ensure accurate representation of patient encounters. The precise coding of medical information is crucial for seamless communication between healthcare providers and insurance entities.

The Role of Medical Coders:

Medical coders act as the bridge between patient records and billing systems, ensuring that every aspect of a patient's encounter is accurately represented in a coded format. Their expertise lies not only in assigning appropriate codes but also in staying abreast of ever-evolving coding guidelines and industry regulations. Medical coding companies in Florida, with their specialized knowledge and commitment to accuracy, play a pivotal role in supporting healthcare providers nationwide by offering reliable and compliant medical coding services.

Deciphering Medical Billing:

While medical coding sets the stage for accurate documentation, medical billing takes the spotlight in the revenue cycle. Medical billing involves the submission of coded information to insurance companies for reimbursement. Billing specialists, often working in tandem with medical coders, ensure that claims are accurately prepared, follow-up on claim status, and navigate the complexities of insurance requirements. The ultimate goal of medical billing is to secure timely reimbursement for the services rendered by healthcare providers.

The Role of Medical Billers:

Medical billers are the financial navigators in the healthcare landscape, adept at translating coded information into monetary transactions. Their responsibilities include preparing and submitting claims, verifying insurance coverage, and addressing any discrepancies or denials. In the dynamic realm of U.S. medical billing, professionals must stay informed about evolving healthcare policies and reimbursement structures to optimize revenue streams for healthcare practices.

Synergy Between Medical Coding and Medical Billing:

While distinct, medical coding and medical billing are intricately linked in the revenue cycle. Accurate coding sets the foundation for successful billing, ensuring that claims are compliant and reflective of the services provided. The synergy between medical coding companies in Florida and medical billing services across the U.S. exemplifies the importance of a seamless collaboration. The accurate coding of medical information not only facilitates smooth billing processes but also minimizes claim denials, accelerates reimbursement, and enhances overall revenue cycle efficiency.

Key Differences and Overlapping Responsibilities:

To grasp the differences between medical coding and medical billing, it's essential to recognize their unique focuses. Coding primarily involves translating medical information into alphanumeric codes, emphasizing accuracy and compliance. On the other hand, billing centers on financial transactions, encompassing claim submission, reimbursement, and revenue optimization. While these roles may seem distinct, there is a notable overlap in responsibilities, underscoring the need for effective communication and collaboration between medical coders and billers to ensure a cohesive revenue cycle.

Challenges and Opportunities in U.S. Medical Billing:

The U.S. healthcare system's intricate regulatory landscape poses challenges and opportunities for medical coding and billing professionals alike. Keeping pace with evolving coding guidelines, staying compliant with ever-changing regulations, and addressing the complexities of insurance processes are ongoing challenges. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and the adoption of technology-driven solutions to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in medical coding and billing services.

Conclusion:    

In the complex interplay of medical coding and medical billing, each process plays a vital role in the financial health and operational efficiency of healthcare providers. As we navigate the distinctions between these critical components, it becomes evident that accuracy, compliance, and collaboration are key. Medical coding companies in Florida, alongside medical billing services across the U.S., exemplify the synergy required to decode the complexities of the revenue cycle successfully. By understanding the unique functions of medical coding and medical billing and leveraging the expertise of professionals in these domains, healthcare providers can optimize their revenue cycles and ensure financial stability in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

[ensurembs]

Qualifications for Patient Eligibility with Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint venture of state and federal programs whose aim is to facilitate low-income families and individuals with healthcare coverage. The patient eligibility criteria to qualify for this program is that one must be a state resident in which they receive this insurance program. The patient must be either United States resident or lawful permanent resident (non-citizen). Furthermore, some eligibility groups are limited by pregnancy, age, disability, or parenting status. In some states, Medicaid programs have expanded to cover older adults below a certain income level. Patient eligibility criteria for this program vary from state to state due to particular states’ Medicaid programs. However, specific qualification criteria for the Medicaid program are mandatory for all states to follow. The article will discuss the fundamental requirements for the eligibility of patients. Read More…

For further details and daily updates, Follow us on LinkedIn or Visit.

[gablesmedbill]

How to Optimize Physician Medical Billing for Increased Revenue

Physicians in Miami, FL, face the dual challenge of delivering excellent patient care while managing their practice's financial health. Optimizing medical billing is crucial for ensuring maximum revenue. However, with constantly changing healthcare regulations, it can be challenging to stay up-to-date on the latest billing strategies. Gables Medical Billing offers expertise with its Physician Medical Billing Services in Miami, FL, designed to streamline billing processes and improve cash flow. Here are key strategies to optimize billing and boost revenue for your practice.

1. Stay Up-to-Date with Coding and Billing Regulations

Staying informed on coding and billing regulations is essential for avoiding claim denials and ensuring timely payments. Gables Medical Billing emphasizes the importance of understanding updates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other regulatory bodies. To stay compliant, consider these practices:

Subscribe to CMS updates and newsletters.

Attend coding and billing workshops and conferences.

Utilize reliable online resources for coding and billing information.

2. Ensure Accurate and Complete Documentation

Accurate documentation is at the core of successful billing. Incomplete or inaccurate records can lead to claim denials and delayed payments. Physician Medical Billing Services in Miami, FL, offered by Gables Medical Billing, highlight the importance of maintaining thorough documentation. To reduce errors, implement the following:

Develop a thorough documentation process for all patient encounters.

Train staff on accurate documentation techniques.

Regularly review and update documentation procedures.

3. Utilize Technology for Billing and Coding

Leveraging technology is vital for optimizing physician medical billing. Digital tools can streamline processes, minimize human errors, and increase efficiency. Gables Medical Billing suggests adopting these technologies to enhance billing processes:

Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems for precise and efficient documentation.

Medical billing software for streamlined claims processing.

Coding software to ensure accurate and up-to-date coding.

4. Regularly Review and Analyze Billing Data

Regularly analyzing billing data is essential to identify issues impacting revenue, such as recurring claim denials or coding errors. To optimize physician medical billing services in Miami, FL, Gables Medical Billing recommends these steps for monitoring performance:

Utilize reporting tools within your medical billing software.

Regularly review and analyze denial reports.

Compare your practice's billing data to industry benchmarks.

5. Outsource Medical Billing Services

Outsourcing physician medical billing can be one of the most effective ways to optimize revenue and reduce administrative burdens. Partnering with experts like Gables Medical Billing ensures that billing is handled by professionals with in-depth knowledge of coding, compliance, and industry regulations. Benefits of outsourcing include:

Expertise in coding and billing regulations.

Access to advanced technology and software.

Reduced risk of coding and billing errors.

Improved efficiency and cash flow.

Optimizing physician medical billing services in Miami, FL, is essential for increasing revenue and ensuring the financial stability of a medical practice. By staying current on coding regulations, enhancing documentation, leveraging technology, analyzing billing data, and outsourcing to experts like Gables Medical Billing, physicians can improve cash flow while focusing on delivering quality patient care. For comprehensive support and customized billing solutions, contact Gables Medical Billing today and take the first step toward maximizing your practice’s revenue.

[instapayhealthcare]

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Looking to streamline your billing process and cut down on claim denials? 🏥 Instapay Healthcare Services is here to help! As a trusted provider in optometry medical billing across Florida, Instapay specializes in maximizing revenue, ensuring compliance, and giving you more time to focus on patient care. 🌟

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Take the hassle out of billing with Instapay—your trusted partner in eye care success! 👓💼

Fax:- 9179607960 📞: +1(646) 851-2115 📧: sales@instapayhealthcareservices.com

[anantatechsolution]

This is where professional Medical Billing Services come into play. By outsourcing these tasks to experts, healthcare providers can reduce errors, enhance efficiency, and ultimately improve patient care.

[americanmedicalbillingservices]

American Medical Billing Services LLC

American Medical Billing Services LLC

Welcome To American Medical Billing Services LLC

We know you’re committed to taking excellent care of your patients, but when was the last time you took a close look at your business? We’re part of the nation’s largest network of Medical Revenue Management offices, and we specialize in practice management, revenue cycle optimization, and private practice business support.

Expert Medical Billing Services for Efficient Revenue Management

In the highly delicate world of healthcare, practitioners must juggle the demands of providing quality healthcare and effective finance management for long-term success.

At American Medical Billing Services, we provide a full suite of services to help your medical practice focus more on patient care through HIPAA-compliant, end-to-end medical billing services.

Healthcare providers who put their finances in the hands of inexperienced in-house staff are at risk of losing substantial sums of money every year because of non-reimbursed claims, missed charges, coding errors, and underpricing. We help eliminate these losses with high-quality and accurate billing services.

We are committed to helping healthcare providers streamline their revenue management process, reduce administrative burdens, and increase cash flow. We offer custom medical billing solutions to meet the needs of your practice thanks to our combination of experience, expertise, and state-of-the-art technology.

About Us

Our Comprehensive Medical Billing Solutions

At American Medical Billing Services, we offer a comprehensive range of services to address all the problems healthcare providers face in the area of revenue management. Our services include the following:

Denial Management

We analyze the cause of claim denials and implement strategies to reduce them. We’ll also analyze and address denial trends to help you collect revenues and prevent any recurrent issues from getting in the way.

Financial Analysis and Reporting

We provide periodic, detailed reports on the financial health of your practice in a simple, easy-to-digest format. We’ll highlight strengths, weaknesses, and solutions where applicable.

Consulting Services

Are you looking to improve collections and reduce overhead for your practice? We can help. We provide consulting services for small practices and large doctor groups with tens of partners.

Medical Coding

Successful medical billing is highly dependent on accurate medical coding. Our team of licensed and certified coders will ensure the correct coding for all procedures and diagnoses. The goal is to reduce claim denials and maximize reimbursements. We provide highly accurate coding services because we always keep up to date with the latest coding standards and regulations.

Claims Submission and Tracking

At American Medical Billing Services, we make claims submission and tracking hassle-free. We submit all claims electronically using powerful software to ensure speedy reimbursement. We monitor all claim submissions closely, following up on unpaid or denied claims to ensure maximum collections.

Revenue Cycle Management

The financial well-being of a practice hinges on proficient revenue cycle management. At American Medical Billing Services, we offer comprehensive solutions from patient registration to financial reporting. Our services enhance revenue while reducing operational expenses.

Eligibility Verification

With our medical billing services, you can know a patient’s eligibility before starting treatment. Thus, you can treat patients with the fullest confidence that you will receive payment every time.

Our Services

American Medical Billing Services is your trusted partner for comprehensive healthcare revenue cycle management. Our expert team is dedicated to maximizing your practice’s financial performance. We offer a wide range of services, including accurate claims processing, prompt reimbursement, and efficient denial management, all tailored to meet your specific needs.

American Medical Billing Services LLC

Crafting Excellence, Building Connections

3939 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005, USA

8887203733

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[360-medical-billing-solutions]

Florida Medical Billing Services

Welcome to Florida Medical Billing Services! We're here to make your life easier with 360 Medical Billing Solutions top-notch medical billing services. Say goodbye to the headache of managing your medical billing and hello to more time and money in your pocket! learn more about our services and how we can help you streamline your billing process.

[reasonsforhope]

The loss of life and impact on the communities in Helene’s path is unfathomable — and both the immediate and long-term needs are vast. 

If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you want to help and care about making a difference for those who’ve been impacted by Hurricane Helene.

You’re in the right place. When we see tragedy like this happen in the news, it’s important to not tune it out. Instead, pay attention and truly feel the heartbreak of it — t​​hen, look for and be inspired by the people stepping in to help, and use that energy to make a difference ourselves.

Looking for the helpers

Instead of turning away from tragic events like the devastation from Hurricane Helene — we look closer for people stepping in using what they have, where they are, to make a difference for others.

Inspired by Mister Rogers’ famous quote, we call them the “helpers,” — and they’re usually found wherever there’s bad news in the world. Hurricane Helene is no different. Here are some people, businesses, and organizations helping right now:

Chef José Andrés and ​World Central Kitchen teams are serving thousands of meals to communities in need — from Mexico, and the Big Bend of Florida, and into Appalachia.

Volunteer pilots with the Port City Aviators Flying Club are flying supplies to storm victims in western North Carolina.

The national Disaster Distress Helpline is providing free multilingual crisis counseling to those in need.

Southern Smoke Foundation, an organization that supports food & beverage workers in crisis, is providing financial support for groceries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Volunteers with veteran-led disaster response organization Team Rubicon are on the ground in Greenwood, South Carolina clearing roads of trees and debris.

A local library branch in Asheville, North Carolina served as a hub for community members in need of internet service.

Workers at Waffle House were “unlikely heroes” providing food to people in need.

A local Fox News correspondent stopped his live broadcast to help rescue a woman trapped in her car in rising floodwaters.

Emergency response teams rescued more than 50 staff, patients, and caregivers from the roof of a hospital in Erwin, Tennessee.

The SPCA of Brevard rescued 20 animals from Hurricane Helene’s path — and it’s now helping them get adopted.

‍

How to make a difference

After we’ve allowed ourselves to feel the weight of the pain and heartbreak associated with bad news, and look for hope and helpers in the midst of it — we always have the opportunity to join in and make a difference, too. 

Here are some ways to help — whether you’re local or far away:

Donate to national organizations 

Here are just a few large-scale organizations that have helpers on the ground in the region.

American Red Cross

World Central Kitchen

Feeding America

United Way

Salvation Army

CARE

Donate to local organizations

Local organizations, recovery funds, and mutual aid groups have been deployed across the states impacted by Helene. Find donation links and updates below:

All States:

GoFundMe Hub for Hurricane Helene Relief

Mutual Aid Disaster Relief

Southeast Climate & Energy Network

Convoy of Hope

Appalachia Funders Network

Americares

Organizing Resilience

The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

Tennessee:

East Tennessee Foundation

First Aid Collective Knoxville

RISE Erwin

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee

North Carolina:

North Carolina Community Foundation

Hearts With Hands

Manna Foodbank

BeLoved Asheville

Foothills Food Hub

Haywood Christian Ministry

Samaritan’s Purse

Forsyth Humane Society

Hope Mill

‍

Volunteer locally

Organizations in the affected area are seeking volunteers to help distribute resources and support crucial aid efforts. While many of us are not local to the region, those who are nearby are encouraged to join in a myriad of volunteer opportunities.

(Note: If you aren't in the area, the best way you can help is by supporting local efforts with a donation. Keeping roads clear for rescue crews and local relief agents is vital in maintaining safety in these already devastated regions).

For local volunteers, check out:

World Central Kitchen

Operation BBQ Relief

Marco Patriots

Operation Airdrop

Baptists on Mission

‍

Contact your elected officials and ask them to take climate action

Climate scientists agree, the intensity and extent of the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene was made worse by climate change. 

While we can’t go back in time and burn less fossil fuels — we can make a difference now to secure a safer future and prevent future climate disasters. 

In addition to talking about how this disaster is connected to climate change in our own conversations and holding media outlets accountable for how they talk about climate change — this is a great time to tell your elected officials that you want them to take meaningful climate action.

We’re making incredible progress in the U.S. and globally in reducing emissions, but we need to work even faster — and incorporate climate mitigation efforts into our plans — to limit the most severe impacts of global warming.

[fatehbaz]

Today, as you read this [...], there are almost 2 million people locked away in one of the more than 5,000 prisons or jails that dot the American landscape. While they are behind bars, these incarcerated people can be found standing in line at their prison’s commissary waiting to buy some extra food or cleaning supplies that are often marked up to prices higher than what one would pay outside of those prison walls. [...] If they want to call a friend or family member, they need to pay for that as well. And almost everyone who works at a job while incarcerated, often for less than a dollar an hour, will find that the prison has taken a portion of their salary to pay for their cost of incarceration. [...] These policymakers and government officials also know that this captive population has no choice but to foot the bill [...] and that if they can’t be made to pay, their families can. In fact, a 2015 report led by the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Forward Together, and Research Action Design found that in 63 percent of cases, family members on the outside were primarily responsible for court-related costs [...].

Rutgers sociology professor Brittany Friedman has written extensively on what is called “pay-to-stay” fees in American correctional institutions. In her 2020 article titled, “Unveiling the Necrocapitalist Dimensions of the Shadow Carceral State: On Pay-to-Stay to Recoup the Cost of Incarceration,” Friedman divides these fees into two categories: (1) room and board and (2) service-specific costs. Fees for room and board -- yes, literally for a thin mattress or even a plastic “boat” bed in a hallway, a toilet that may not flush, and scant, awful tasting food -- are typically charged at a “per diem rate for the length of incarceration.” It is not uncommon for these fees to reach $20 to $80 a day for the entire period of incarceration. The second category, what Friedman refers to as “service-specific costs,” includes fees for basic charges such as copays or other costs for seeing a doctor or nurse, programming fees, email and telephone calls, and commissary items. 

In 2014, the Brennan Center for Justice documented that at least 43 states authorize charging incarcerated people for the cost of their own imprisonment, and at least 35 states authorize charging them for some medical expenses. More recent research from the Prison Policy Institute found that 40 states and the federal prison system charge incarcerated people medical copays. 

It’s also critical to understand how little incarcerated people are paid for their labor in addition to the significant cut of their paltry hourly wages that corrections agencies take from their earnings. Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of incarcerated people work behind bars. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, those who work regular jobs in prisons such as maintaining the grounds, working in the kitchen, and painting the walls of the facilities earn on average between $0.14 and $0.63 an hour. [...] Arkansas and Texas don’t pay incarcerated workers at all, while Alabama only pays incarcerated workers employed by the state’s correctional industry. [...]

For example, if someone sends an incarcerated person in Florida $20 online, they will end up paying $24.95. [...]

Dallas County charges incarcerated people a $10 medical care fee for each medical request they submit. In Texas prisons, those behind bars pay $13.55 per medical visit, despite the fact that Texas doesn’t pay incarcerated workers anything. Texas is one of a handful of states that doesn’t pay incarcerated people for their labor. 

In Kentucky’s McCracken County Jail in Paducah, it costs $0.40 a minute for a video call; this translates into $8.00 for each 20-minute video call. [...] For those who need to use email, JPay charges $2.35 for five emails for people in the Texas prison system ($0.47 an email). [...]

People in Florida prisons pay $1.70 for a packet of four extra-strength Tylenol and $4.02 for four tampons. And with inflation, commissary items are priced higher than ever. For example, according to the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting, incarcerated people in Kentucky experienced a 7.2 percent rise in already-high commissary prices in July 2022. Researchers noted that a 4.6-ounce tube of Crest toothpaste, which costs $1.38 at the local Walmart, is $3.77 at the prison commissary. [...]

In Gaston County, North Carolina, incarcerated individuals who participate in state work release may make more than the state’s $0.38 an hour maximum pay, but they pay the jail a daily rate based on their yearly income of at least $18 per day and up to $36 per day. In fact, Brennan Center research indicates that almost every state takes a portion of the salary that incarcerated workers earn to compensate the corrections agency [...].

These room and board fees are found throughout the nation’s jails and prisons. Michigan laws allow any county to seek reimbursement for expenses incurred in relation to a charge for which a person was sentenced to county jail time -- up to $60 a day. Winnebago County, Wisconsin, charges $26 a day to those staying in its county jail.

---

Text by: Lauren-Brooke Eisen. “America’s Dystopian Incarceration System of Pay to Stay Behind Bars.” Brennan Center for Justice. 19 April 2023. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me.]

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

I asked chatgbt to make an image of Florida running out of homeowners insurance and flooded by a hurricane.

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

September 27, 2024

Heather Cox Richardson

Sep 28, 2024

Last night, at about 11:10 local time, Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida, where the state’s panhandle curves down toward the peninsula. It was classified as a Category 4 storm when it hit, bringing winds of 140 miles per hour (225 km per hour). The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane wind scale, developed in 1971 by civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson, divides storms according to sustained wind intensity in an attempt to explain storms on a scale similar to the Richter scale for earthquakes. 

The Saffir-Simpson scale defines a Category 4 hurricane as one that brings catastrophic damage. According to the National Weather Service, which was established in 1870 to give notice of “the approach and force of storms,” and is now part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a Category 4 hurricane has winds of 134–156 miles (209–251 km) per hour. “Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.” 

Hurricane Helene hit with a 15-foot (4.6 meter) storm surge and left a path of destruction across Florida before moving up into Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky with torrential rain, flash floods, high winds, and tornadoes. A record level of more than eleven inches of rain fell in Atlanta, Georgia. At least 45 people have died in the path of the storm, and more than 4.5 million homes and businesses across ten states are without power. The roads in western North Carolina are closed. Moody’s Analytics said it expects the storm to leave $15 to $26 billion in property damage.

Officials from NOAA, the scientific and regulatory agency that forecasts weather and monitors conditions in the oceans and skies, predict that record-warm ocean temperatures this year will produce more storms than usual. NOAA hurricane scientist Jeff Masters noted that Helene’s landfall “gives the U.S. a record eight Cat 4 or Cat 5 Atlantic hurricane landfalls in the past eight years (2017–2024), seven of them being continental U.S. landfalls. That’s as many Cat 4 and 5 landfalls as occurred in the prior 57 years.”

President Joe Biden approved emergency declarations for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina before Helene made landfall. Tennessee governor Bill Lee, a Republican, did not ask for such a declaration until this evening, instead proclaiming September 27 a “voluntary Day of Prayer and Fasting.” Observers pointed out that with people stuck on a hospital roof in the midst of catastrophic flooding in his state, maybe an emergency declaration would be more on point. 

After a state or a tribal government asks for federal help, an emergency declaration enables the federal government to provide funds to supplement local and state emergency efforts, as well as to deploy the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help save lives, protect property, and protect health and safety. Before Helene made landfall, the federal government placed personnel and resources across the region, ready to help with search and rescue, restore power, and provide food and water and emergency generators. 

The federal government sent 1,500 federal personnel to the region, as well as about 8,000 members of the U.S. Coast Guard and teams from the Army Corps of Engineers to provide emergency power. It provided two health and medical task forces to help local hospitals and critical care facilities, and sent in more than 2.7 million meals, 1.6 million liters of water, 50,000 tarps, 10,000 cots, 20,000 blankets, 70,000 gallons of diesel fuel, and 40,000 gallons of gasoline to provide supplies for those hit by the catastrophe. 

FEMA was created in 1979 after the National Governors Association asked President Jimmy Carter to centralize federal emergency management functions. That centralization recognized the need for coordination as people across the country responded to a disaster in any one part of it. When a devastating fire ripped through Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the day after Christmas in 1802, Congress agreed to send aid to the town, but volunteers organized by local and state governments and funded by wealthy community members provided most of the response and recovery efforts for the many disasters of the 1800s. 

When a deadly hurricane wiped out Galveston, Texas, in 1900, killing at least 6,000 residents and destroying most of the city’s buildings, the inept machine government proved unable to manage the donations pouring in from across the country to help survivors. Six years later, when an earthquake badly damaged San Francisco and ensuing fires from broken gas lines engulfed the city in flames, the interim fire chief—who took over when the fire chief was gravely injured—called in federal troops to patrol the streets and guard buildings. More than 4,000 Army troops also fed, sheltered, and clothed displaced city residents. 

When the Mississippi River flooded in 1927, sending up to 30 feet (9 meters) of  water across ten states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana, killing about 500 people and displacing hundreds of thousands more, President Calvin Coolidge appointed Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover to coordinate the federal disaster response and pull together the many private-sector interests eager to help out under federal organization. This marked the first time the federal government took charge after a disaster. 

In 1950, Congress authorized federal response to disasters when it passed the Federal Disaster Assistance Program. In response to the many disasters of the 1960s—the 1964 Alaska Earthquake, Hurricane Betsy in 1965, and Hurricane Camille in 1969—the Department of Housing and Urban Development established a way to provide housing for disaster survivors. Congress provided guaranteed flood insurance to homeowners, and in 1970 it also authorized federal loans and federal funding for those affected by disasters. 

When he signed the Disaster Relief Act of 1970, Republican president Richard Nixon said: “I am pleased with this bill which responds to a vital need of the American people. The bill demonstrates that the Federal Government in cooperation with State and local authorities is capable of providing compassionate assistance to the innocent victims of natural disasters.”

Four years later, Congress established the process for a presidential disaster declaration. By then, more than 100 different federal departments and agencies had a role in responding to disasters, and the attempts of state, tribal, and local governments to interface with them created confusion. So the National Governors Association asked President Carter to streamline the process. In Executive Order 12127 he brought order to the system with the creation of FEMA.

In 2003, after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the U.S., the George W. Bush administration brought FEMA into its newly-created Department of Homeland Security, along with 21 other agencies, wrapping natural disasters together with terrorist attacks as matters of national security. After 2005’s Hurricane Katrina required the largest disaster response in U.S. history, FEMA’s inadequate response prompted a 2006 reform act that distinguished responding to natural disasters from responding to terrorist attacks. In 2018, another reform focused on funding for disaster mitigation before the crisis hits.  

The federal government’s efficient organization of responses to natural disasters illustrates that as citizens of a republic, we are part of a larger community that responds to our needs in times of crisis.

But that system is currently under attack. Project 2025, a playbook for the next Republican administration, authored by allies of the right-wing Heritage Foundation and closely associated with Republican presidential candidate Trump and vice presidential candidate Ohio senator J.D. Vance, calls for slashing FEMA’s budget and returning disaster responses to states and localities. 

Project 2025 also calls for dismantling the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and either eliminating its functions, sending them to other agencies, privatizing them, or putting them under the control of states and territories. It complains that NOAA, whose duties include issuing hurricane warnings, is “one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry and, as such, is harmful to future U.S. prosperity.” 

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[medusahcs]

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, efficient medical billing and consulting services are essential for healthcare providers to maintain their financial health and focus on patient care. In South Windsor, a range of services are available to help medical practices navigate the complexities of coding, billing, and compliance. Let’s explore the benefits of professional medical billing services, coding & consulting in South Windsor, and how these services can enhance operational efficiency.

[ensurembs]

Unveiling Patient Eligibility Coverage with Medicare

Medicare is a national health insurance program the US government administrated by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). This program first pays for services, but Medicaid never pays first for services but after. Generally, This program provides health services to those who are 65 years and, other individuals with disabilities, and those suffering from end-stage renal disease. This program covers everything from hospital insurance to Medicare insurance and even drug coverage for patients. The program is specially designed to offer health insurance coverage to eligible patients who best fit the patient eligibility criteria. The article will unveil patient eligibility coverage. There are several factors to consider to determine patients’ eligibility. These factors are described in the following paragraphs. Read More…

For further details and daily updates, Follow us on LinkedIn or Visit.

[gablesmedbill]

The Benefits of Using Medical Billing and Coding Software for Your Practice

As a healthcare provider, managing your practice's financials can be a daunting and time-consuming task. With the ever-changing landscape of medical billing and coding, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest updates and regulations while also ensuring accurate and timely reimbursements. That's where medical billing and coding software comes in. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using such software for your practice and how it can improve your overall financial management.

Streamlined Billing Process

One of the most significant advantages of using medical billing and coding software is the streamlined billing process it offers. With traditional paper billing, there is a high risk of human error, which can lead to claim denials and delays in reimbursements. However, with the use of software, all billing and coding processes are automated, reducing the chances of errors and ensuring accuracy. This not only saves time but also improves the efficiency of your practice's billing process.

According to a study by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), practices using medical billing and coding software saw a 65% decrease in claim rejection rates compared to those using manual billing methods. This shows the significant impact that software can have on the billing process, leading to increased revenue and reduced administrative burden.

Increased Revenue and Cash Flow

In addition to streamlining the billing process, medical billing and coding software can also help increase revenue and cash flow for your practice. By automating the billing process, software can help reduce the time between submitting a claim and receiving payment. This means that your practice can receive reimbursements faster, leading to improved cash flow.

Moreover, software also helps identify any coding errors or missed charges, ensuring that your practice receives the full reimbursement it is entitled to. According to a survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), practices using medical billing software saw an average increase of 7% in revenue. This increase can be attributed to the software's ability to catch coding errors and streamline the billing process, leading to fewer denied claims and increased reimbursements.

Compliance with Regulations

The healthcare industry is heavily regulated, and non-compliance can result in hefty fines and penalties. With the use of medical billing and coding software, your practice can ensure compliance with all regulations, including HIPAA and ICD-10 codes. This is because the software is regularly updated to reflect any changes in regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance.

Additionally, software also helps with accurate coding and documentation, which is crucial for compliance and avoiding audits. According to a survey by the Healthcare Billing and Management Association (HBMA), practices using medical billing software had a 60% lower chance of receiving an audit compared to those using manual billing methods. This further emphasizes the importance of software in ensuring compliance and avoiding potential penalties.

Cost Savings

Many healthcare practices outsource their medical billing to third-party companies, which can be costly. However, with the use of medical billing and coding software, your practice can save on outsourcing fees and reduce overhead costs. This is because the software automates many billing and coding processes, reducing the need for manual labor.

According to the MGMA, practices using medical billing software saw a 40% reduction in billing-related labor costs. This cost savings can be reinvested into other areas of your practice, leading to overall financial growth.

Expertise and Support

Medical billing and coding software often come with expert support and resources to help your practice navigate the ever-changing healthcare landscape. This can include training on how to use the software, updates on regulations and coding changes, and assistance with any issues or questions that may arise. This support can be invaluable, especially for smaller practices that may not have the resources to hire a dedicated billing and coding expert.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using medical billing and coding software can bring numerous benefits to your practice, including streamlined billing processes, increased revenue, compliance with regulations, cost savings, and expert support. With the constantly evolving healthcare industry, it is essential to stay ahead of the game and utilize the latest technology to improve your practice's financial management.If you are looking for a medical billing expert in South Florida, look no further than Gables Medical Billing.

Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch medical billing and coding services to help your practice thrive. Contact us at 305-928-1945 or visit our website at Gables Medical Billing to learn more about our services and how we can help your practice succeed. Outsource your medical billing to us today and experience the benefits of using medical billing and coding software for your practice.

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[darkmaga-returns]

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance has warned that rural hospitals are closing down as they buckle under the exploding cost of caring for illegal migrants who cannot afford medical bills.

Vance recently spoke about the pressures hospitals are facing, and he was asked about the closure of several hospitals and clinics in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Vance said that rural hospitals are shutting down because they are “bearing the burden of providing health care to millions of people who shouldn’t be in this country to begin with.”

“Now you might not think that rural health care access is an immigration issue,” he said. “I guarantee it is an immigration issue because we’re bankrupting, bankrupting a lot of hospitals by forcing these hospitals to provide care for people who don’t have the legal right to be in our country,” the Ohio senator added.

“We’ve got to stop that, kick these illegal aliens out, focus on American citizens, and we will do a lot to make the business of rural health care much more affordable,” he said. All of this is due to Harris “open borders” policies.

The issue was s clearly highlighted in Florida when the state legislature put Senate Bill 1718 into effect, requiring hospitals to report the amount of unpaid services they deliver to illegal aliens.

The legislation quickly exposed how much Florida’s hospitals are losing by treating migrants who cannot pay their bills. Breitbart reported: With SB 1718 recording the costs to the Sunshine State in real-time, it is clear that the costs of caring for indigent illegal aliens are quickly adding up.