This week we are testing an integrated billing system to use with our EMR. Last week I had the opportunity to view three EMR and billing systems. I felt like Goldilocks and the three bears: One was way too expensive and required little effort, one was so complicated I was lost on the log in page, and the third was ''just right'' -- integrated ...

It has been a very busy fall for ECFC. In addition to general patient care and all the day-to-day administrative issues, we are faced with another task. The state of MN has mandated that all recipients of state-sponsored health insurance have access to and are members of a state-certified Health Care Home. Eagan Child and Family Care is one of ...

This past month we have been working toward dragging our office into the 21st century. As I have mentioned in the past, the state of Minnesota required all healthcare providers to have electronic billing by July 15, 2009. In addition, EMR is an essential component to healthcare home designation. Hence, July and August have been somewhat more ...

Should you open a practice? If so, what kind? During these unstable economic times it is difficult to decide if now is the time to take the risk and open your own clinic. A stable job with a guaranteed hourly wage is tempting. Even if it means you are working for someone else and have to punch a time-card. Still, in the back of your mind you ...

When you do a Google search on your name, what comes up? I just checked mine, and every instance of ''Jill Rollet'' for pages and pages referred to me. But if you have a more common name, like my colleague Jennifer Ford, you can kiss first-page Google results goodbye. Why should you care? Because if your patients - or potential patients who've ...

When I contemplate the changing employment scene for NPs over the last few months, I can't help but be reminded of a set of three ancient ''curses.'' The mystery of these ''curses'' is that they can be interpreted either as curses or as blessings. May you come to the attention of those in authority May you find what you are looking for May ...

Seventeen months ago when I opened Pace Clinic I was excited to be out on my own. No more working for somebody, I could set my own hours, come and go as I please, and do my own thing. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for myself. However, even though I no longer have (a) boss, I still work for now thousands of bosses (my clients). Sure, I can ...

What I dislike about my job: (OK, folks, this topic was a suggestion from someone. So, if you happen to be my boss reading this, please understand I truly mean every word I say. Including the fact that I know I work for a great company that does its best to respond to what we need. And considering some of the things that could happen - ...

Do you have your disaster plan ready?? The avian flu spurred organizations to evaluate their disaster plans and to revise or add provisions in response to a national biohazard or infectious disease disaster. Our county health department has been holding meetings for care providers to assist them in developing individual disaster plans as well as ...

Just say “non-compete” to a group of nurse practitioners and you will get a variety of reactions ranging from anxiety to confusion. Rarely does any NP feel confident when asked to sign a document chock full of legal jargon that has the ability to impact their future employment. The NPs I talk to tell me on one hand they feel uneasy signing but on ...