November 2008 - '09 Part B Annual Deductible $139.00 - As announced by CMS via Noridian Administrative Services - Read More

October 2008 - Nurse Anesthetists Now Have Online Option for Per Diem Insurance - Click Here

October 2008 - Medicare new Recovery Audit Contractors for Improper Medicare payments - Read More

July 2008 - CMS Update - Read More

July 2008 - Both houses of Congress today voted to override President Bush's veto of HR 6331... - Read More

July 2008 - Updated BCS Upcoming Events... - Click Here

July 2008 - Medicare Update Courtesy of MGMA.... - Read More

July 2008 - News from CMS: Questions and Answers on Announced 10 Day Hold - Read More

July 2008 - Latest Notification from CMS... Tuesday, July 1, 2008 - Read More

May 2008 - Commencing on May 23, 2008 all payers are to be in compliance with the Nation Provider Identifier -commonly referred to as NPI- provisions outlined under HIPAA regulations... - Read More

April 2008 - CRNA Anesthesia Practice Expansion Issues and Considerations - Read More

March 2008 - CMS Launches an Update ABN - Advanced Beneficiary Notification Document. - Read More

February 2008 - National Provider Identifier – March 1st is a Critical Date! - Read More

December 2007 - CMS no longer Requires NPI Notification Document with 855 Provider Applications.... - Read More

October 2007 - How are we certain we are maximizing CRNA reimbursement? - Read More

October 2007 - Courtesy of the American Academy of Professional Coders publication, Coding Edge, Federal Appeals Court finds no Private Cause of Action for HIPAA Violations... - Read More

October 2007 - CMS Regional Offices....an alternative to resolving Medicare issues.... - Read More

October 2007 - CMS Announces Medicare Premiums, Deductibles for 2008... - Read More

September 2007 - 'Sleep Incorporated' - Today's Anesthesia Practice Awakens to Business and Capitalism... - Click Here

August 2007 - NPI National Database Update courtesy of HBMA...... - Read More

August 2007 - Dissemination of Data from the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) to Begin September 4, 2007 - Read More

May 2007 - CMS NPI Tip Sheet ... Just because the NPI deadline was extended does NOT mean you can wait to obtain your NPI.... - Read More

April 2007 - NPI Implementation Extension to May 23, 2008 - Read More

March 2007 - Take a look...side by side, the new CMS 1500 is quite different.... - Read More

February 2007 - CMS Announces the 2007 PQRI -Physician Quality Reporting Initiative WebPages - Reporting to commence on July 1, 2007 to receive the 1.5% bonus payment for services rendered July 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007 The bonus payment will be made in one lump sum in mid-2008 for the 2007 activity. There will be a new set of quality measures announced later in 2007 Read More...

February 2007 - Nine digit zip code needed on certain anesthesia claim data or the claims will be returned unprocessable, cash flow will fall, appeal rights are lost.. See the zip code table and read more...

February 2007 - CMS 2007 Quality Initiatives Include Anesthesia for both Reporting and Bonus Payments .. Read More...

February 2007 - In essence, NPIs are now required or reimbursement may be lost even before the Implementation deadline of May 2007 .. Read More...

February 2007 - Latest on WPS - Medicare carrier on NPI Implementation .. Read More...

February 2007 - New CMS 1500 Claim Format for CRNA Services -and all other professional fee.. Read More...

January 2007 - Certain Medicare Part B covered services will reimburse the provider at a greater rate when performed in an office setting as opposed to a hospital setting, this is referred to as the Place of Service Bonus Payments from Medicare.. Read More...

January 2007 - A reminder of timely filing rules from Medicare, fail to meet these deadlines with claims submission will result in reimbursement reduction or denial. Find the details here... Read More...

December 2006 - NPI Stage 2 Implementation Update....BCS staff attended a phone conf on NPI implementation last week.. Read More...

November 2006 - NPI-National Provider Identifier Update....188 Days left and counting to get your NPI and communicate your NPI.. Read More...

November 2006 - National Provider Identifier Update --- According to WEDI - Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange- The total number of NPIs that have been issued is 1.28 million or less than 56% of the estimated 2.3 million expected to be issued. View NPIs issued by date.. Read More...

November 2006 - CMS Mandated Individual Provider File Updates or Potential Termination of Provider Numbers will Result.. Read More...

October 2006 - October 2006 NPIs Needed of Referring MDs as well as Performing Provider's NPI .... By May 2007 Read More...

October 2006 - Aetna has now officially reversed their previous decision to restrict reimbursement to anesthesia providers for providing anesthesia services to patients undergoing GI scope procedures... Read More...

October 2006 - Anthem Blue Cross Central Region announces GI Anesthesia Payment Policy - leaves decision for anesthesia necessity with the surgeon and agrees to recognize anesthesia reimbursement.. Read More...

September 2006 - CMS-Medicare Tests New Claims Processing Software Using NPIs only, Final implementation of NPI with CMS is May 27, 2007 in the mean time use BOTH your Legacy -current Medicare Provider ID in addition to your NPI.. Read More...

September 2006 - 2007 Medicare Deductibles will be $131.00 annually for Part B services -all professional services including CRNA services- and $992.00 -every 60 days- for inpatient hospital services. Read More courtesy of WPS...

September 2006 - NPI - National Provider Identifier Update --- According to WEDI - Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange- The total number of NPIs that have been issued is 1.1 million or less than 50% of the estimated 2.3 million expected to be issued. Read More..

September 2006 - PHCS - Private Health Care Systems one of the largest PPO networks serving 16 million plan members will soon be acquired by MultiPlan of New York. Together these two PPO networks will serve more than 42 million plan members. PHCS in some markets across the US has been reluctant in the past contract and credential CRNAs, the impact this acquisition may have on this important issue is yet to be determined.

September 2006 - Anthem Blue Cross - Latest payer to set forth anesthesia GI policy restriction only to later suspend it before implemented.. Read More..

September 2006 - Anthem Blue Cross - Latest payer to set forth anesthesia GI policy restriction only to later suspend it before implemented.. Read More..

September 2006 - Medicare Payment Freeze Sept 22 - Sept 30, 2006 - Payments will be withheld from all Providers..... Read More..

August 2006 - Aetna suspends new GI policy set to be implemented Sept 1, 2006.

May 2006 - Aetna GI Anesthesia Payment Policy Modification Effective Sept 1, 2006. Read More..

May 2006 - Effective May 1, 2006 CMS -Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have modified the Medicare provider enrollment application. This new version of the 855 is referred to as the 04/06 Version of the CMS-855. Read More..

March 2006 - Medicare to Stop Mailing Standard Paper Remittance (SPR) for Those Providers/Suppliers Also Receiving the Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA) Read More..

March 2006 - Complex and Comprehensive Medical Procedure / Diagnosis Coding on the Horizon - ICD-10 Implementation, Read More..

March 2006 - The finalization of another UHC acquisition - UnitedHealthcare and PacifiCare Merger complete, read PacifiCare's Provider Bulletin. DirectLine - here

February 2006 - United Health Care Acquires John Deere Health Plan as UHC becomes more of a predominate player in the nations healthcare system. Read More..

January 2006 - Start the new year out by mapping out your practice's strategy to implement the required National Provider Identification number process or NPI... Read More..

October 2005 - CMS - 1500 Professional Charge Format - Paper and Electronic Set to Change.. Read More..

September 2005 - PA Medicare Medical Policy Recognizes CRNAs/MDs only providers to use MAC Drugs -Propofol, Fentanyl.. Read More..

September 2005 - Diagnosis Coding Update: ICD9-CM Coding Changes Effective October 1, 2005 Read More..

August 2005 - Non-HIPAA Compliant Electronic Claims Denied after October 1, 2005... Read More..

May 2005 - BCS Announces the completion of the National Provider Identification Application...Provider ID Assigned Instantaneously... Read More..

May 2005 - BCS Launches BCS PassView - BCS's own Digital Document Storage and Imaging System... Read More..

May 2005 - Physician / Specialist Scarcity Bonus Payment from Medicare Available only to Physicians Performing in Specific Zip codes...Read More.. - HPSA Zip Code List

May 2005 - BCS Completes Another Year on Context Publishing Editorial Staff... Read More..

April 2005 - National Provider Number -NPI- Implementation to begin 05-23-2005 ... Compliance Deadline is 2007...Read More..

March 2005 - Anesthesiology News: Propofol Use Unsafe when Administered by non-Anesthesia Providers - Read More..

March 2005 - Hot Practice Issues:Payment for Performance (P4P)-The Measuring Stick of Quality of Today's Healthcare Provider - Read More..

March 2005 - The latest enhancement to BCS’s state of the art Practice Management System is BCS PASSDirect - Read More..

January 2005 - BCS President Asked to Join AANA National Anesthesia Reimbursement Panel - Read More..


    Since 1985, BCS Incorporated has been specializing in the management of private and hospital based groups of anesthesia and surgical healthcare practices. We have provided our proven practice management and consulting services to private practices and hospitals of all types in more than 48 states nationwide...from Pennsylvania to Texas and from Florida to Washington state and the Islands of Hawaii. BCS's Practice Management philosophy is comprehensive, unique, and tailored to each practice's specific needs.

Comments directly from BCS Clientele:

“...Thank you also for all of the work you have done and time you have taken throughout this year in assisting me personally and our members as well when we are in need of some solid "BCS Guidance.”

"...Thank you [BCS] for your help throughout the years. Your services have been outstanding..."

An anesthesiologist from the Eastern US

"....Lee, Thank you for the reply. Am looking at attending your next meeting. Thanks again for coming to our meeting!"

A CRNA from the Midwest.

".....I will tell you though, now, that I think they {Sessions by Broadston} were by far the favorites for the weekend ...You really opened some {CRNA Attendees} eyes and made some people {CRNAs} think."

A CRNA from the Upper Midwest.

"....Do you have your presentations on video- something I could present to our workplace?..."

A CRNA from South Dakota

"...Do you think you could come back next year and expand on what you shared this year?..."

A CRNA Educational Program Director

“BCS has worked for me for 10 years and please let everyone know what a wonderful, professional and personable organization BCS is. Thanks to everyone for their commitment to my success in private practice and billing.... ”

A CRNA Practice in Colorado.



"From my very first interaction with you, to my review of the packet your company presented ... I have been impressed to the highest possible level. Every conversation ... has been carried out with a highly professional tone ... has made me feel that I am a very important client, and not just another customer.

The professionalism speaks loudly."

A CRNA Anesthesia Practice



"...you have been a tremendous help with my new assignments. I really appreciate all you and your staff have done ..."

A BCS Hospital client from the southern USA.



"BCS...thanks for the special practice analysis... very prompt, very useful.. Thanks a whole bunch!"

A CRNA Practice from the Upper Rockies

"profuse thanks for being a friend to CRNA's..."

A Michigan CRNA "BCS has done a great job for us. We thank you,and recommend you to other CRNA groups.

Your presentation at the SD meeting was excellent."

A CRNA from Central USA



Comments directly from BCS Clientele:

“…Lee, you and your staff are the greatest contribution anesthesia can have…”

“…Lee, please share with all of the BCS staff our overwhelming satisfaction with all aspects and interactions with BCS…”

"Hello, BCS... hope you are all well and prospering ... thanks a million, BCS is the best!"

"...I appreciate the great work BCS has done. I would be bankrupt now if it weren't for you."

“Excellent service…refreshing from what we experienced previously…”

“Always prompt in your replies, thanks to all BCS staff…”

“…practice projections were right on target…”

“…I appreciate the certified coding staff at BCS…”

“…believe me, we sincerely appreciate and acknowledge the complexities that BCS provides to our group…”

 

    In 1999, as a result of our continued growth, practice management services were developed and implemented for the specialties of pathology, ophthalmology, and mental health. BCS continues to respond to the practice management needs of the healthcare industry and expects to open both practice management and consulting services to additional specialties as our growth continues.

    Today, the BCS Practice Management and Consulting Center encompass 12,000 square feet supporting a practice management and consulting staff which exceeds 40 members located just 20 minutes west of the Minneapolis metropolitan area in the City of Waconia, Minnesota. The combined healthcare management experience of BCS's top seven management team members is more than 90 years. This leadership experience is put to work each and every day to provide your practice with proven success.


    Our Consulting Services, whether involving a private practice or a hospital-based provider group, will analyze and develop enhancements that are attainable and measurable. Our proven OnSite Consulting Services have worked with some of the nation's most prestigious institutions as well as with numerous private and publicly owned facilities.

    BCS's Practice Management, Practice Consulting, and OnSite Services, are dedicated and committed to your success in today's ever changing healthcare marketplace. The BCS Team's commitment to quality are unmatched by any other organization in the nation. BCS for Your Success!

Q. How are we certain we are maximizing CRNA reimbursement within our facility?

See Answer.

Q. What is the necessity of obtaining an NPI -National Provider Identifier?

See Answer.

Q. Does an entity as well as an individual provider need an NPI?

See Answer.

Q. What does the term "most favored nation" mean as it appears in many third party payer reimbursement agreements and participation agreements?

See Answer.

Q. What is an RFP?

See Answer.

Q. Does it make any difference if I select CPT-4 codes from the Surgical or Anesthesia Sections?

See Answer.

Q. Since the Medicare Modifier -QS is not valid for actual reimbursement calculation, does it really need to be used?

See Answer.

Q. How long will it take to develop a cash flow from a new practice opportunity?

See Answer.

Q. I have graduated from Anesthesia School, but have not taken my certification examination, can I still bill for my services since I have completed my required anesthesia program?

See Answer.

Q. In evaluating a practice opportunity what questions or data should I be requesting from the practice?

See Answer.

Q. I plan to do all of my own procedure and diagnosis coding, -CPT-4 and ICD9-CM coding) is this a good idea?

See Answer.

Q. Is it necessary to have type of contract with a facility/hospital before I commence providing anesthesia services?

See Answer.

Q. Why would I use an ABN-Medicare Beneficiary Advance Benefit Notification document?

See Answer.


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Copyright 2008 BCS, Incorporated All Rights Reserved. All materials here not otherwise noted, are the sole property of BCS, Incorporated and Lee S. Broadston. Downloading is not permitted without written permission from BCS, Incorporated prior to publication.