Question One
The revenue cycle role that I see myself performing a significant role is charge capture and coding role. There are various reasons supporting this notion. More importantly, I comprehend well with an array of concepts aligned with this role. Charge capture and coding role entail the documentation of services, which are translated into billable payments (Cleverly et al., 2010). I have an innate understanding of the manual means of documenting such services. Besides, I am well acquainted with technological competencies needed to electronically document the same services. I understand the fact using manual means for documentation takes time; hence, I am flexible in adapting electronic documentation means, which is more effective and reliable.
Question Two
The adoption of Electronic Medical Records is certainly beneficial for the health care industry. EMRs improve the quality of health care accorded to patients by providing an ample platform that allows for easy access to patient records by heath care personnel from different remote locations. This allows for a more coordinated patient care. EMRs are also beneficial to the health care industry because it enhances quality and timely reporting of patient data. EMRs is a good thing for patients because it allows patients to share information with health care professionals and collaborate in marking informed decisions. The greatest benefit of EMR adoption is that it eases tracking of patient information over a long time. On the other hand, the major risk of EMR is that it does not guarantee privacy and confidentiality of patient information (Cleverly et al., 2010).
Question Three
As I reflect on the implications of HIPPA and HITECH, it is apparent that HIPAA has the most a colossal impact on the seventh process segment of the revenue cycle; remittance, processing & rejections step. This is because of the primary fact that HIPAA clearly stipulates on matters aligned with insurance coverage, which is the major point of focus in the remittance, processing, and rejection part of the revenue cycle. On the other hand, HITECH Act has the most impact on the third process step of the revenue cycle; encounter utilization review and case management. This step of the revenue cycle entails the use of patient’s subjective information to develop the most appropriate treatment options for the patient. For this purpose, HITECH Act is highly applicable in this step because it clearly spells on the manner in which patient information should be used without infringing on the patient’s privacy and confidentiality (Ciampa & Revels, 2013).
Question Four
Outsourcing billing-related parts of the revenue cycle remains a matter of concern for various healthcare institutions. In the current case, I would consider various factors in helping the doctors make an adequate decision on whether to outsource the bill related parts within health care firm. In a practice involving less than 15 physicians, outsourcing of billing-related components of the revenue cycle is not recommended. In such cases, internal billing is recommended because is cost-effective. In a practice consisting of more than 15 physicians the decision to outsource will be determined by the experience of the staff in matters relating to collections and billings. Ensuing market conditions will also guide such a decision. The reputation of the proposed vendor to take up the billing will also be considered whereby the vendor should be reputable and conversant with an array of patient-related concepts. These are the factors to consider in helping the doctors in the current case to make a decision with regards to outsourcing billing-related aspects of the revenue cycle.
Question Five
The most challenging aspect of coding is diagnosis coding. This is because it requires an in-depth translation of illnesses and other medical conditions into codes. Notable is the fact that such codes are drawn from a particular classification, which is intertwined with clinical codes and intervention codes (Ciampa & Revels, 2013). Overall, diagnostic coding does not occur in isolation nor spontaneously. Instead, diagnosis coding requires the code to allocate medical codes such as HCPCS, ICD, and CPT to various patient claims. This is a thoughtful process that tracks an array of issues related to patient care such the core reason for the patients visit to the hospital or health care facility. In addition, it is important to realize that aspects of human anatomy that are needed in diagnosis coding are not well-understood; hence, transforming complex medical-related symptoms to clear diagnosis codes is difficult.
Question Six
Establishing ample relationships with employees is critical to the success of any organization. Precisely, employers should build relationships with the employees as a means of enhancing job satisfaction and enhancing employee morale. Adequate relationships between staff create a friendly working environment, which increases the productivity of the employees or staff. As an example, employers who are friendly in nature often inquire on various matters related to the employees. This expresses the concern that employers have over the employees and this makes the employees work hard towards satisfying the employers. Besides, employers with adequate relationships with employees eases the manner in which employees consult them. As an example, an employee with strong relations with employer will often consult the employer during times of crisis. Such consultations provide an ambient avenue for the resolution of different issues within the organization.
Question Seven
Cigarette Lighter: for making fire as a source of warmth and to signal rescuers of the survivors.
Ball of steel wool: as a good conductor of heat, this item will easily catch the sparks produced by the cigarette lighter.
Extra shirts and pant: can be used for various purposes such as keeping the body warm, as bandages, as beddings etc.
Can of Crisco shortening: the survivors will coat themselves with the shortening to prevent heat loss.
A sectional air map made of plastic: the survivors will wrap it on themselves as a source of insulation.
Small ax: clearing the survival site and for producing wood as a source of fuel for the lit fire.
20 x 20 foot piece of canvas: the survivors will use this item to protect themselves from snow and wind. Precisely, the survivors will use the canvas to make the tents.
Family size chocolates: will be the main source of food for the survivors.
Loaded 45 caliber pistol: the survivors will use it to protect themselves and as a sound-signaling item.
Newspapers: will be helpful in starting fire.
Compass: will help the survivors navigate to nearby human habitats where they can get help.
Quart of 100 proof whiskey: its contents can help start a fire because it acts as a fuel, which can light a torch.
