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May 16, 2024

Transforming Behavioral Health Services: Improving Follow-Up and Timeliness with Alleva

Improving the landscape of behavioral health services is a vital mission, and with the innovative solutions offered by Alleva, a significant transformation is within reach. Acknowledging the challenges faced in the EMR world, such as lack of visibility and slow follow-up, Alleva has introduced a comprehensive program management platform tailored for behavioral health service providers. With a suite of tools including EMR, CRM, RCM, and data management systems, this platform aims to enhance workflow efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately elevate client care standards. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into how Alleva is revolutionizing the industry, highlighting the tangible benefits of their solution and inviting you to discover a new era of streamlined and effective behavioral health services.

Unveiling Problems in the EMR World

The Issue of Visibility in EMR

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems were designed to streamline workflows and improve client care. However, visibility within EMRs has been a persistent issue for many behavioral health providers. The lack of a clear, real-time view of client information, treatment progress, and documentation can lead to disjointed care and communication breakdowns. When administrative staff cannot easily access or share client data, opportunities for timely intervention and follow-up are missed. This can result in suboptimal outcomes for clients who rely on coordinated care strategies. Furthermore, inadequate visibility can hinder compliance with regulatory requirements, potentially exposing providers to legal risks. Alleva understands these challenges and offers a solution designed to enhance visibility across all aspects of behavioral health program management.

The Challenge of Follow-Up and Timeliness

Timeliness in behavioral health care is not just a matter of scheduling efficiency; it's a critical component of effective treatment and client satisfaction. The challenge of follow-up within the EMR systems can be daunting. Too often, there's a gap between client appointments and the subsequent actions needed by care teams, such as reviewing session notes, updating treatment plans, or coordinating with other healthcare providers. Delays in these areas can significantly impact the quality of care, potentially leading to setbacks in a client's recovery journey. Moreover, slow follow-up may result in decreased client engagement, as individuals may feel overlooked or undervalued. By recognizing these time-sensitive needs, Alleva has prioritized the development of features that aid in prompt follow-up, ensuring that each client receives the attention and care they deserve in a timely manner.

The Dilemma of Slow Census Growth

For behavioral health providers, developing a robust client census is essential for the sustainability and growth of their program. Slow census growth is a significant dilemma, often exacerbated by inefficiencies in the EMR system. When client intake processes are cumbersome, potential clients may seek services elsewhere, resulting in missed opportunities for the provider. Additionally, if the EMR system does not support effective marketing and outreach efforts, or fails to provide data insights that could inform strategic decisions, programs may struggle to attract new clients. The speed at which a program can onboard new clients and the ability to retain them through continuous engagement are key to census growth. Alleva confronts these challenges head-on, offering a platform that streamlines intake processes and provides the analytics necessary to understand and capitalize on market trends, driving growth in client numbers.

Introducing Alleva: A Solution to EMR Problems

Alleva: Your program Management Platform

Alleva stands out as a comprehensive program management platform engineered to address the prevalent issues within EMR systems. Focused on the unique needs of behavioral health service providers, it offers a seamless integration of EMR, CRM, RCM, and data management systems. This integration empowers providers with high visibility into client care and administrative processes, facilitating better communication and care coordination. Moreover, the platform enhances follow-up and timeliness, ensuring that critical client interactions are not delayed. By improving these key areas, Alleva aids in accelerating census growth through efficient client onboarding and retention strategies. The platform not only streamlines internal operations but also helps providers meet regulatory compliance with ease, providing a solid foundation for delivering exceptional client care and driving the success of behavioral health programs.

EMR, CRM, RCM, and Data Management: All in One Place

Alleva offers a unified solution that brings together Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), and data management into a single, streamlined platform. This all-in-one approach eliminates the fragmentation often seen with disparate systems, ensuring that every piece of client information is easily accessible and actionable. With CRM capabilities, providers can maintain and strengthen client relationships, while RCM tools help manage billing and collections more efficiently, improving financial performance. Data management features allow for the extraction of actionable insights that can inform better decision-making and strategic planning. By integrating these critical functions, Alleva not only simplifies the day-to-day operations for behavioral health providers but also lays the groundwork for improved outcomes, both programally and operationally.

Designed to Streamline Workflow and Reduce Costs

The design of Alleva's platform is built around the core objective of streamlining workflow and reducing operational costs for behavioral health providers. By automating routine tasks, the platform allows programal staff to focus more on client care and less on administrative burdens. Automated reminders, simplified scheduling, and easy access to client records are just a few features that contribute to a more efficient workflow. On the financial side, effective RCM tools within the platform help in minimizing billing errors and reducing the time it takes to receive payments, thus improving cash flow. By reducing the resources required for administrative tasks and enhancing revenue management, Alleva is equipping behavioral health programs with the tools needed to operate more cost-effectively, allowing them to reinvest savings into client care and service expansion.

Improving Client Care with Alleva

Enhancing Timeliness and Follow-Up in Behavioral Health Services

Alleva recognizes the critical importance of timeliness and follow-up in the delivery of behavioral health services. The platform is designed to send alerts and reminders to both providers and clients, ensuring that follow-up appointments, treatment updates, and care coordination tasks are completed promptly. This attentiveness to timeliness fosters a more engaged and trusting relationship between the client and provider. It also contributes to better treatment outcomes, as continuity of care is maintained and potential issues are addressed swiftly. Moreover, Alleva's reporting tools enable providers to monitor and analyze follow-up activities, helping to identify areas for improvement in client engagement and care delivery processes. By prioritizing these aspects of care, Alleva is leading the way in improving the overall quality and effectiveness of behavioral health services.

The Role of Alleva in Client Care Improvement

Alleva plays a pivotal role in enhancing client care by providing a platform that supports a holistic view of each client's journey. The platform's integrated EMR system ensures that all client interactions, from intake to treatment to follow-up, are logged and easily accessible. This comprehensive approach allows for personalized care plans that are responsive to each client's evolving needs. Alleva also offers robust analytics and reporting features, which enable providers to measure treatment effectiveness and client satisfaction. By leveraging these insights, practitioners can make data-driven decisions that lead to improved care strategies and outcomes. Additionally, by automating administrative tasks, Alleva allows providers to allocate more time and resources to direct client care, enhancing the overall quality of service and client experience.

The Benefits of Using Alleva

How Alleva Contributes to Efficient program Management

Alleva contributes to efficient program management by integrating key operational functions into a single, user-friendly platform. This integration reduces the complexity of managing multiple systems and data sources, thereby saving time and reducing the potential for error. With features like automated billing, intelligent scheduling, and streamlined communication channels, Alleva simplifies the day-to-day operations of a behavioral health program. These tools not only enhance the workflow but also free up providers to focus on client care rather than administrative tasks. Additionally, the platform's scalability ensures that it can accommodate the growing needs of a program, from solo providers to large programs. By offering a centralized system for all program management needs, Alleva enables behavioral health professionals to operate more efficiently and effectively, resulting in better business outcomes and client care.

Alleva: A Catalyst for Rapid Census Growth

Alleva serves as a catalyst for rapid census growth by equipping behavioral health programs with the tools they need to attract and retain clients efficiently. The platform's robust CRM functionality enables programs to effectively manage relationships and outreach, fostering a pipeline of potential clients. With automated marketing tools and targeted communication strategies, Alleva helps programs to increase their visibility and appeal to those in need of services. Additionally, the platform streamlines the intake process, making it easier for new clients to enter the system and for providers to manage their growing caseloads. By offering comprehensive analytics, Alleva also helps programs to understand trends and patterns in client acquisition and retention, further supporting strategic growth initiatives. This focus on growth not only helps programs thrive financially but also extends their reach to serve more clients in their communities.

Scheduling a Demo with Alleva

Why You Should Schedule a Demo with Alleva

Scheduling a demo with Alleva is the first step toward transforming your behavioral health program's management and client care services. A demo provides a hands-on, personalized look at how the platform can specifically address the challenges you face. You'll see the platform in action and understand how each feature can streamline your workflow, improve follow-up and timeliness, and contribute to census growth. The demo is also an opportunity to ask questions and envision how Alleva can be tailored to fit the unique needs of your program. With the insights gained from a demo, you can make an informed decision about implementing Alleva's solutions to achieve better outcomes for your clients and your business. Don't miss the chance to see how Alleva can make a difference in your program – schedule a demo today.

How to Schedule Your Alleva Demo Today

Scheduling your demo with Alleva is a straightforward process designed to get you started on the path to enhancing your program management without delay. Simply visit the Alleva website and navigate to the demo request page. Fill out the form with some basic information about your program, including your specific needs and the best times for you to attend the demo. Once submitted, a Alleva representative will get in touch with you to confirm the details and set up a time that aligns with your schedule. During the demo, you'll have the chance to see the platform's features in real time and to discuss how it can be adapted to your program's unique challenges. Don't hesitate to take this important step – schedule your demo with Alleva today and see how you can elevate your program management and client care.

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May 3, 2024

ASAP Updates: Why Behavioral Health Consultants Need to Implement The ASAM Criteria Changes

The recent release of the fourth edition of The ASAM Criteria by the American Society of Addiction Medicine marks a significant evolution in addiction treatment guidelines. With a key focus on providing whole-person care and recognizing the chronic nature of addictions, these updates are crucial for behavioral health consultants to implement promptly. The changes underscore the importance of adapting practices to align with the latest standards, ensuring that individuals receive the best care possible.

Understanding the ASAM Criteria Updates

The Importance of the ASAM Criteria Evolution

The fourth edition of The ASAM Criteria represents more than just an update—it is a significant evolution in the approach to addiction treatment. These criteria are widely recognized as the gold standard for substance use disorder treatment, and the recent changes reflect the latest science and clinical practice. By adopting a more comprehensive view of addiction, the criteria emphasize treating the whole person, not just the addiction. This shift is critical because it acknowledges the multifaceted nature of addiction and the need for a more personalized approach to treatment. Health consultants must understand that these updates are not optional, but essential for providing effective care. As addiction is increasingly viewed through the lens of chronic illness management, staying current with the ASAM Criteria ensures that treatment plans are both relevant and beneficial to those in need of support.

Demystifying the Confusion Around the Updates

While the updates to The ASAM Criteria are designed to enhance addiction treatment, they can initially cause confusion among practitioners. The transition to new guidelines often brings about a period of adjustment, with a need for clarity on how these changes impact current practices. To demystify this process, it's essential to break down the updates into actionable items. This involves understanding the expanded levels of care, the increased emphasis on client outcomes, and the integration of co-occurring mental health conditions into care plans. Education is key: By engaging in training sessions, reviewing the new criteria thoroughly, and reaching out to experts for clarification, health consultants can smoothly transition to the updated standards. Adopting these changes promptly not only aligns with best practices but also ensures that clients receive the most informed and effective care available.

Emphasizing Whole-Person Care

Shift Towards Holistic Health

Embracing the updates to The ASAM Criteria necessitates a shift towards a holistic health model, one that treats the individual as a whole rather than focusing solely on the addiction. This holistic approach is a vital component of the criteria's evolution, emphasizing the need to consider all aspects of a client's life, including physical, mental, social, and environmental factors. Behavioral health consultants must now assess and integrate multiple dimensions of health, ensuring that treatment plans are comprehensive and individualized. This shift is not just about addressing the symptoms of addiction but encouraging overall well-being and resilience. By considering the entire spectrum of a person's needs, consultants can design more effective care strategies that support long-term recovery and improve quality of life. The adoption of whole-person care is a progressive step towards a more empathetic, effective, and client-centered approach to addiction treatment.

How Whole-Person Care Benefits Behavioral Health

Whole-person care extends beyond treating addiction as an isolated issue, recognizing that a person's well-being is influenced by a combination of many factors. This comprehensive approach brings numerous benefits to behavioral health treatment. For one, it allows for more tailored therapies that consider a client's unique circumstances, including their physical health, mental health, social environment, and even economic stability. By addressing these variables, behavioral health consultants can help clients develop coping strategies that are more effective and sustainable. Moreover, whole-person care promotes stronger client engagement, as individuals feel seen and supported not just as clients, but as people. This leads to better adherence to treatment plans and improved outcomes. Ultimately, incorporating whole-person care into behavioral health practices ensures that treatment is compassionate, coordinated, and capable of fostering long-term recovery and wellness.

Changes Reflecting the Chronic Nature of Addictions

Recognizing Addiction as a Chronic Disease

The updates to The ASAM Criteria are rooted in the recognition of addiction as a chronic disease, which requires ongoing management rather than a one-time treatment. This paradigm shift is critical, as it aligns addiction treatment with the approach taken for other chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease. By acknowledging the long-term nature of addiction, behavioral health consultants can develop more realistic and effective care plans that include continuous monitoring and adjustments as needed. The chronic care model also supports the incorporation of relapse prevention strategies and long-term support mechanisms into treatment protocols. This recognition is a step forward in reducing the stigma associated with addiction, which can often be a barrier to seeking help. It underscores the necessity for sustained care and the importance of a compassionate, long-term approach to both treatment and recovery.

Implications of the Chronic Nature of Addictions

Understanding addiction as a chronic condition carries significant implications for treatment. It requires a shift from acute, episodic intervention to a model of continuous care that adapts to the changing needs of the individual over time. This approach emphasizes the importance of long-term support, regular check-ins, and the flexibility to modify treatment plans as the individual's situation evolves. The chronic nature of addiction also implies that recovery is a lifelong journey, which can involve periods of remission and potential relapse. Thus, behavioral health consultants need to prepare clients for the reality of managing their condition throughout their lives, equipping them with the skills and support systems necessary for sustained health. Moreover, this perspective encourages the development of policies and payment structures that support long-term care and maintenance, rather than short-term fixes, ensuring individuals have access to the ongoing support they need.

Role of Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

Understanding the Continued Relevance of PHPs

Despite the changes introduced by the latest edition of The ASAM Criteria, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) maintain their crucial role in the continuum of care for addiction treatment. PHPs serve as a vital step between inpatient care and outpatient services, offering a structured yet flexible treatment environment for individuals who require more intensive support than traditional outpatient care can provide. By incorporating medical, psychological, and social services during the day while allowing clients to return home in the evenings, PHPs support the transition to independent living. The updates in the ASAM Criteria reinforce the importance of PHPs in providing a level of care that is adaptable to the severity of the client's condition and their specific recovery needs. Health consultants must recognize PHPs as an essential tool in offering comprehensive, step-down care that is aligned with the chronic nature of addiction recovery.

How PHPs are Adapting to the ASAM Criteria Changes

Partial Hospitalization Programs are evolving in response to The ASAM Criteria changes to better address the complexities of addiction as a chronic disease. This evolution involves enhancing their services to offer more individualized care that considers the whole person. PHPs are now expanding their therapeutic offerings to include a greater variety of evidence-based practices, integrating physical health services, and emphasizing the importance of mental health treatment. Moreover, they are increasing their focus on aftercare planning and community-based support, which are critical for long-term recovery. As PHPs adapt, they also work towards greater collaboration with other levels of care, ensuring a seamless transition for clients moving through different stages of their recovery journey. By adjusting their programs to align with the updated ASAM Criteria, PHPs are reaffirming their commitment to providing high-quality, comprehensive care that meets the evolving needs of individuals with addiction.

Implementing ASAM Criteria Changes ASAP

Why Immediate Implementation is Crucial

Immediate implementation of The ASAM Criteria's latest updates is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures that behavioral health consultants are providing care that is in line with the most current, evidence-based practices. Delay in adopting these changes could mean that clients are not receiving the highest standard of care possible. Second, by implementing the updates quickly, consultants demonstrate a commitment to professional development and best practices, bolstering their credibility in a competitive industry. Third, timely adaptation allows for the development of more effective treatment plans that can lead to better client outcomes. Finally, as healthcare regulations and reimbursement policies often align with standardized guidelines like The ASAM Criteria, prompt implementation is critical to maintain compliance and secure funding. In sum, immediate action to integrate these updates is not just beneficial—it's a fundamental responsibility of those in the field of addiction treatment.

Practical Steps to Implement the ASAM Criteria Changes

To swiftly implement the ASAM Criteria changes, behavioral health consultants can follow several practical steps. Firstly, acquiring the latest edition of The ASAM Criteria and distributing it among the staff is essential. Training sessions should be organized to familiarize everyone with the new guidelines. Secondly, reviewing and updating existing treatment programs to align with the new criteria can ensure that client care reflects the latest standards. This may involve revising assessment protocols, treatment plans, and aftercare strategies. Thirdly, leveraging technology, such as electronic medical records (EMR) systems, can facilitate the integration of the updates into daily practice. EMRs can be updated to include the new criteria, making it easier for clinicians to apply them in real-time. Lastly, open communication with clients about the changes can help them understand the improved care they will be receiving, reinforcing the trust and transparency essential to successful treatment outcomes.

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May 13, 2020

Going Virtual: How To Open An Online IOP

If there’s any silver lining to the current situation, it is that treatment centers are rushing to make treatment newly accessible for those who were previously or are now unable to physically receive treatment in person. 

Thanks to the FCC’s recent $200 million telehealth program, treatment centers can be reimbursed for efforts to transition into offering virtual treatment options. Virtual IOPs can be very effective, and they provide your clients with flexibility and convenience, which is necessary for moments like these. 

Now is the time for your treatment center to go virtual, and we can help. 

Why Virtual IOPs? 

With the spread of COVID-19 and social distancing measures, receiving care in a traditional, in-person setting has become difficult and inadvisable. However, this has actually been a growing problem for years. Work, school, or home life conflicts have kept many clients from receiving in-person care at a facility. Sometimes clients have transportation issues, do not live in a place where they are offered your level of high quality care, or they are uncomfortable in an in-person setting. 

For treatment centers that offer residential programs already, they may want to consider how the addition of an online IOP program increases their ability to meet the needs of their clients who have traveled to their location for treatment. Additionally, clients who are unable to afford sober living options and who must return home, would benefit from having continuity of care, and continuing their transition through the phases of your program, rather than requiring a referral to a local facility. Transitioning to an online IOP program from residential would allow clients to maintain connection with their primary therapist and build upon the foundation already established during their time in your residential program. 

Building in this flexibility allows your program to have a wider reach and appeal to those who may have thought that your expert services were beyond their reach. 

This is why Virtual Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) are a necessary resource for any rehab or treatment center looking to support their clients, both during and after COVID-19. They allow clients to receive the same quality treatment from the comfort of their homes with less interference to their daily lives. 

Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program 

COVID-19 has forced many clients to participate in IOPs from home. However, many clients are realizing that they are receiving the same high-quality care via Virtual IOPs with the added benefits of flexibility and convenience. All your clients need is a computer and an internet connection in order to receive the same great care. Alleva EMR also offers a client app that allows them to join a session right from their phone. 

In fact, many clients have also noticed that telehealth is more personal than they could have imagined. Because there are fewer group sessions, the therapy focuses on the needs of the individual patient and while it’s difficult to rival the sense of intimacy when you’re one-on-one in a room with your therapist, virtual sessions that take place in a calm and relaxed atmosphere do come close. Rather than seeing your therapist only in the treatment environment, using virtual IOP technology, you have now brought them into your home as well, making the transition through your phase program that much more successful. 

With Virtual IOPs, you can give your clients the flexibility to stay at home and receive their treatment at home as well. And along with concerns about discretion that follow traditional IOPs, Virtual IOPs provide a better sense of security. Clients who are afraid of physically going to a treatment center for professional reasons can get rid of that stress by going virtual. In terms of security, the software used for Virtual IOPs is encrypted and ensures therapy sessions are confidential and comply with HIPAA regulations. 

“IOPs are an important part of the continuum of care for alcohol and drug use disorders. They are as effective as inpatient treatment for most individuals seeking care.” 

- Dennis McCarty, Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine Oregon Health and Science University 

Furthermore, introducing technology into a therapeutic treatment can increase accountability and analytics. In terms of accountability, Virtual IOPs still have the opportunity to include drug and alcohol tests on a regular basis, but they also keep track of a patient’s attendance in virtual meetings and their progress in the educational portion of the IOP. If your IOPs include wearable tech, the data collected from those devices can be streamlined into the patient’s profile, adding information swiftly to provide your medical professionals with more resources. However you prefer to collect and use data, Virtual IOPs tend to make that process more efficient and easier on the patient because they can do every part of the treatment from home. 

Virtual IOPs can also provide the education offered through regular treatment methods, but once again, this education happens at home, where the patient is most comfortable. They can choose when and where they work, and follow a pace that feels pleasant. Clients with other responsibilities, like traveling for work or caring for a loved one, can take advantage of the virtual educational model and schedule their lessons when it is most convenient for them. 

With Virtual IOPs, you are given the opportunity to offer your clients the flexibility and convenience they might need to complete their treatment. Virtual IOPs give clients who may not be well-suited for in-person treatment the support they need to achieve long-lasting recovery and emotional wellness. 

Quick Facts 

● Research indicates Virtual IOPs effectively treat several afflictions like depression, addiction, or eating disorders 

● Virtual IOPs significantly increase quality of life 

● 97% of Virtual IOP clients feel treatment has increased their chances of improving their health 

● 100% of Virtual IOP clients have felt connected to facilitators and group members 

How To Transition 

If you are already offering an Intensive Outpatient Program, the transition to a virtual system can be very effective for both your staff and your clients. 

Before diving into setting up a Virtual IOP, we like to advise taking a look at your current business and organizational structure. The idea is not to create an entirely separate program, but rather simply transition the programs you already offer to a virtual format. In other words, what are some ways in which your current treatment program can be easily lifted to the web? Most likely your staff can be trained for virtual operation, but sometimes you may need to hire someone with online experience to spearhead the project. 

During this process, we also advise setting up your Virtual IOP budget. Thanks to the FCC’s $200 million financial package helping medical treatment centers go virtual, your treatment center can receive up to $1 million in aid toward your Virtual IOP. There are some fine details to the relief package and parts of the transition will not be covered, but the following are among the covered expenses: 

● Telecommunication Services: Voice communication services for providers or clients 

● Information Services: Internet connectivity services for providers or clients, remote patient monitoring technology, patient outcomes reporting technology, video conferencing services 

● Necessary Devices/Equipment: Tablets, smart phones, remote patient monitoring equipment for patient or provider use 

With our help, you can set up a budget to submit to the FCC and get reimbursed for your transition to virtual, a decision you will be thankful for even after COVID-19. 

To transition into Virtual IOPs, some aspects of your treatment will have to change, but these changes may be small and easy to implement. In order to best serve your clients, consider elements of your treatment programs and how they can be modified to fit a virtual medium. Here are some questions to start thinking about while creating your Virtual IOP: 

       ● Who: How many people per session? Will you need to have individual, group, and 

family sessions? Group meetings are definitely possible and perhaps even easier since non-essential workers are staying home. 

● How long: How many therapy sessions per week? How many hours of education related to their therapy? Other programs often suggest 10 or more hours a week of therapy, and most treatment lasts between 6-12 weeks. 

● Treatment: Which services will you be offering online? Which of your treatments are suited for virtual delivery? You will probably be able to transition all of your treatments into online IOPs, but it’s always good to keep this in mind. 

● Sponsorship: Will your clients have a sponsor who performs sobriety checks if needed, attends weekly support meetings, and verifies that your patient is following the regimen established by your center? If so, who will this person be? Some Virtual IOPs like to involve a family member or close friend, but others choose to have a staff member fulfill these tasks. 

● Analytics: What kind of data would you like to collect, and how will you use it to improve treatment? Virtual IOPs can help you collect more data, information you can eventually use to create programs that serve your clients’ individualized needs. 

Of course, we can help you with all of these queries. 

Alleva Can Help With the Transition to Virtual 

As you can see, providing your clients with Virtual IOPs is a necessary option, especially during the social distancing measures. 

At Alleva, we focus on helping medical and treatment centers conquer the online sphere and successfully make their treatment virtual. Whatever you treat, and however you do it, we can do it online. 

In the month of April, Alleva's clients logged over 1.6m minutes of Telehealth time. Rest assured, Alleva is ready to help you transition your current facility or start an online IOP.

We can help you set up the necessary technology and accounts, train your staff, and plan for any compatibility issues that may arise from moving your treatment online. And if you’re not using EMR, we can set that up and link it with your treatment for secure and simple patient information. 

Request a demo today and give your clients the care they need in the comfort of their own homes. 

Check Out The Latest From Alleva EMR By Booking A Demo Below

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April 27, 2020

The Ins and Outs of the FCC’s $200 Million COVID-19 Telehealth Program – What does it mean for your Addiction Treatment Facility?

The Ins and Outs of the FCC’s $200 Million COVID-19 Telehealth Program

As part of the government’s recent measures to curb the economic crisis brought in by the spread of COVID-19, lawmakers recently signed a bill called the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which contains numerous programs created to offer assistance for industries affected by the pandemic. 

One of these plans, the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, was recently adopted by the Federal Trade Commission (FCC), and it includes a $200 million financial package meant to support care providers who are following the social distancing guidelines. The goal is to help healthcare providers purchase telehealth and IT services to successfully treat patients virtually. 

As of April 13, eligible healthcare providers can request assistance from the FCC to help fund their newly acquired telehealth needs. Many have already taken advantage of the program; the FFC awarded $1 million to Ochsner Clinic Foundation, in New Orleans, Louisiana for telehealth-related services. 

Read below to learn more about how you can apply for telehealth assistance today.

What Does the Program Entail?

During a crisis any assistance is welcome, but the details of the program matter. The more informed you are about the Telehealth Program, the better equipped you’ll be to shift your practice towards a virtual approach. 

The FCC has selected a number of covered expenses related to telehealth services, which include:The Telehealth Program does NOT include funding for the following:
Telecommunication Services: Voice communication services for providers or patients
Information Services: Internet connectivity services for providers or patients, remote patient monitoring technology, patient outcomes reporting technology, video conferencing services
Necessary Devices/Equipment: Tablets, smart phones, remote patient monitoring equipment for patient or provider use		Staffing Costs: IT personnel and administrative/training costs are not included in the relief package
Websites: The Telehealth Program is not intended to fund the development or creation of new websites, systems, or platforms
Unconnected Devices: Devices that patients use at home and then manually report the results to their medical professional are not covered

Quick Facts

  • This is not a grant; Applicants receive reimbursement for eligible expenses and services. More details about compliance on the FCC website.
  • Retroactive costs are eligible for funding up to March 13, 2020.
  • There is currently no deadline for applications, and they are being accepted on a rolling basis. 

Eligibility

Now that you know what the program entails, the next question revolves around eligibility. How do you know if you qualify for assistance? 

Eligibility in this instance is two-tiered. You need to qualify through both categories in order to receive assistance. Without making this more complicated than it should be, let’s review the requirements for each level of eligibility.

Eligible to Receive Funding

This is the first category of eligibility. Please note: being eligible to receive funding doesn’t necessarily mean you are eligible to participate in the new Telehealth Program. It is simply the first step toward determining your eligibility.

The Telehealth Program follows the rules set in place by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which only includes nonprofit and public healthcare providers from the following categories:

  • Local health departments/agencies
  • Teaching hospitals, medical schools, and post-secondary organizations that offer health care instruction
  • Rural health clinics
  • Community health centers or health centers that provide health care to migrants
  • Community mental health centers
  • Not-for-profit hospitals 
  • Skilled nursing facilities 

Along with falling under one of these categories, you must also be registered with the federal System for Award Management (SAM) to receive COVID-19 Telehealth Program funding. If you are already registered, then you can simply move on to the next eligibility tier. 

If you have not yet registered, go to their online system and make sure you have the following information at hand:

  • DUNS number
  • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Employment Identification Number (EIN)
  • Bank account information (routing, account number, account type)

While you can still submit an application if you are not yet registered with SAM, we recommend registering as soon as you can because it can take up to eleven business days for your registration to go through. 

Eligibility to Participate in the Program

On to the next step: verifying your eligibility to participate. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a non-profit that aims to make internet connectivity accessible, affordable, and pervasive, is the organizing body tasked with determining the eligibility of healthcare providers for funding. 

Yes, it’s another form you have to fill out. You can apply on USAC’s portal, where they can notify you of any changes in your application process, or you can email Form 460 to RHC-Assist@usac.org.

Just a heads up—if your organization has separate sites, each site will have to apply separately for eligibility from the USAC (if they are seeking assistance through the Telehealth Program).

Once again, you do not have to wait to receive your eligibility determination from the USAC to apply. However, you will not be able to receive any funding until the USAC determines you are eligible. Our advice is to complete your application as soon as you can because needs are urgent and the funds are limited. 

Application Process

If you’ve made it this far, nice job! You’re almost there. The first step toward submitting your application is registering with CORES to obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN). 

Go here to set up your CORES account. Once you submit your registration, you’ll receive your FRN. If you’re not sure whether you already have an FRN, you can go to CORES, search for your name, TIN, or other contact-related information, and you’ll be able to find it there. 

Once you’ve received your FRN, you are ready to apply! The COVID-19 Telehealth Program application is right here. 

Which Applications Will Be Approved?

Every healthcare provider applying for assistance is anxious to know how the FCC will evaluate applications. Keep in mind, that the FCC has a set of goals and objectives it wants the Telehealth Program to achieve, so these will be a top priority. One of these priorities is to support areas that have been affected heavily by COVID-19. 

Along with these goals, the FCC will also take into account the conditions to be treated, geographic areas and population served by the applicant, whether or not the area has been suffering from shortages or closures, and what type of access the community has to broadband connections. 

Ideally, the $200 million financial packages will be used efficiently, so another factor to keep in mind is the metrics which the applicant will use to measure the impact of the services and devices provided by the program. If you can demonstrate that you will be using the funding for specific and necessary purposes and that you have the ability to monitor and enforce correct use, you will be much better off. 

Final Checklist

Make sure you run through these steps in the following order. If you’ve already completed a step, move to the next one.

  1. Make sure you will be using the funds for covered expenses
  2. Make sure your organization falls under the covered categories
  3. Register with SAM
  4. Register with USAC (alternatively, submit Form 460 via email here)
  5. Apply on USAC Portal or submit 
  6. Set up your CORES account and obtain your FRN
  7. Complete your application

Still Stuck?

The FCC has several resources to help you apply for assistance. 

Alleva Can Help During COVID-19

Hopefully, we were able to synthesize the information and make it easier to understand. There are a lot of moving parts, and it’s important to stay informed in order to make sure the COVID-19 Telehealth Program funding is used properly and effectively. 

At Alleva, we are here to help the helpers, those who are essential in moments like these, and who need help taking medical care to a virtual atmosphere. Due to the pandemic, a lot of telehealth services have not been able to acclimate properly with the surge in demand. We have specialized in offering user-friendly Telehealth platforms that aim to cultivate virtual connections between provider and patient.

If you are a healthcare provider and you need help transitioning to an online or virtual treatment system, we can provide the assistance you need while simultaneously making compliance and organization easier.

Request a free demo today and spend more time serving those in your care.

February 26, 2020

Compliance Specialists and the Clinicians They Review

Compliance Specialists and the Clinicians They Review

Compliance in the field of mental health services is very similar to the backstage crew on a Broadway production. Compliance specialists ensure the accuracy and timely submission of the documentation integral to mental health services provided by therapists around the world. Without their keen attention to detail, clinicians rushed for time would be facing serious consequences due to unintentional, incomplete or inaccurate documentation of services. 

Consumers and clinicians alike may find it hard to remember that event notes, intake reports, treatment plans, approval documents, and incident reports are all medical records and deserve to be treated with respect. Compliance specialists truly are the hidden heroes of mental health services, who tirelessly work behind the scenes to make sure these medical records are submitted with the client and clinician’s welfare in mind.

Behind the Scenes

As someone with the unique and often pressured task of reviewing mental health records, a dedicated compliance specialist once commented on the relationship between compliance personnel and the clinicians they review. She astutely stated that she would hope that clinicians would see her as a member of their team rather than as an adversary. 

As it is the task of compliance specialists to determine whether documentation reflects agency and accreditation standards, often they can be viewed in a negative light. During the review process, they ensure that the documentation is both correct and submitted in a timely fashion so that clinicians are compensated fairly for services rendered. Of course, this also means returning documents with changes to be made before it is determined appropriate for submission. 

Missing Out on Relationship

The “turn-in, have it returned, make corrections and turn it in again” cycle understandably creates a divide between the much-needed compliance specialists and the clinicians they serve. What gets lost in this shuffle is the relationship between them. 

Clinicians are prone to see their compliance specialists as other cogs in the wheel, standing in the way of their paycheck. Common to the human experience, clinicians often find it difficult to have documentation returned with corrections. Conversely, compliance personnel often solely interact with the documentation and know the clinicians only by name on a form. The relationship may then feel reduced to primarily error and correction. 

Time and time again, this results in feelings of misunderstanding, complaint, frustration, and/or resentment. A trusted supervisor once said, “Rules without relationship equals resentment.” The same applies to workplace relationships.

We’re on the Same Team

To address this (at times) problematic dynamic, compliance specialists and clinicians can embrace the all-important therapeutic tool--empathy. Clinician’s benefit from considering their compliance specialists intent-- to protect clinicians’ liability and support their effective documentation. 

Positive relationships may be fostered between compliance teams and their clinicians by developing personal interactions outside of the documentation cycle. Emails or personal conversations at the proverbial water cooler can go a long way in helping compliance personnel and clinicians appreciate the personhood of their coworkers. 

Compliance and clinical personnel may also consider using constructive compliments and criticism tools when discussing documentation. Compliance specialists can complement the areas of clinical growth or change they might observe in their clinicians. Likewise, they can address patterns of incomplete or inaccurate documentation with their clinicians to prevent correcting the same issue. Clinicians can complement the careful observations that compliance makes, and seek to expressly appreciate the time compliance takes to review the documentation on a time constraint.

Lastly, compliance and clinical personnel can recognize and challenge their own thoughts during the compliance cycle. When writing documentation, clinicians can consider their outlook on paperwork in general. Compliance specialists and clinicians alike can make note of how and what they are thinking of their counterparts while reviewing, correcting, and returning documentation. 

The reality is that difficulties and frustration exist in any workplace. If you desire to converse about your workplace woes, make sure you attempt to contribute a constructive idea to the conversation. Then come together as a team to present your ideas and concerns to the powers that be (director, supervisor, manager, etc.). 

We all have an integral part to play as members of the mental health services community. Let’s stop to appreciate the time, energy, and sacrifices of our team members. 

With Alleva on Your Team

When you digitize your practice with Alleva, many of the concerns between compliance specialists and clinicians are handled within the platform. Clinicians are able to have access to helpful software that makes documentation easy, and compliance specialists are able to shift their focus to more pressing concerns. Keep the relationships between your compliance specialists and your clinicians friendly, with the friendliest EMR around! Request a free demo today!

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February 10, 2020

What You Need to Know About CARF Accreditation: What is it, and Why Does it matter?

In today’s wired and tech-savvy world, we belong to an era of individuals that are finally learning to do their homework. With the integration of technology into nearly every aspect of our lives, rarely will we go to a new restaurant or make a large purchase without first reading reviews online, let alone make a choice about what organization to entrust with something as important as our sobriety, or journey towards improved mental health. Carefully researching and selecting our options are essential steps to finding the services that fit our needs.  

Often, we look to trusted reviewers to help us make these types of high-stakes decisions and want to be ensured that we are in good hands each step along the way. While deciding where next to eat, or whether or not to buy that new air fryer, there requires some thought and planning, decisions about behavioral healthcare should not be left to amateur reviewers. This is the importance of accrediting bodies such as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) that have streamlined the process of vetting organizations to ensure their credibility.

When you are a behavioral health organization, the seal of accomplishment that accompanies a CARF accreditation is an aspirational beacon proclaiming to those who view your site online that you have endured the rigorous accreditation process in order to provide them with a higher level of care and continue to meet expectations year after year. 

Whether you are a consumer looking to learn a bit more about CARF, or an executive still undecided about whether you will elevate your practice to be in compliance with CARF standards of practice, the aim of this article is to provide a framework of understanding for all things CARF. 

What is CARF?

CARF International, officially the “Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities”, is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves as an accrediting body in the health and human services industry in the states and worldwide. Their mission is to advance the quality of services existing today that range from programs for children and youth to employment to treatment for opioid addiction. Another large area of focus is in “Aging Services”, and evaluating Continuing Care Retirement Facilities. 

All CARF-accredited service providers have earned recognition for their compliance with the company’s leading-edge set of standards, especially as it relates to business and service delivery practices. The standards referenced have been developed collaboratively over 50 plus years across disciplines and updated regularly based on input from professionals and consumers alike. Working from this framework, it is CARF’s role to consult and advise health and human service organizations to help improve their service delivery and quality. Earning accreditation signifies that the organization has demonstrated compliance with these standards, and remains committed to continuous quality improvement, as one’s status is periodically evaluated with an on-site visit and reviewed annually. 

CARF International has been an accrediting body since 1966, but was officially recognized in 2001 by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) for its work related to opioid treatment programs, and expanding services in 2013 to also include standards for eating disorder treatment.  

What is the difference between a facility with CARF accreditation and one without?

In the world of human service organizations, accreditation is more important now than ever. Consumers today want to make educated choices about their health care, and take seriously the quality of service provided to them. More and more, consumers are looking for accredited organizations as leaders in the field and as a sign of quality. An agency’s commitment to accreditation sends a message to consumers that the organization in question is committed to encouraging feedback, continuous improvement through the implementation of updated practices that reflect the cultural landscape, and to serving the needs of the community. 

What is the CARF Accreditation process?

The entire CARF accreditation process can be quite lengthy, lasting about 9-12 months for first-time applicants. Undergoing this tenuous and arduous process truly demonstrates the facility’s commitment to its community, working towards the well-deserved reward of achieving accreditation status.

  1. After a service provider commits to accreditation, the process begins with a thorough internal examination of its programs and business practices and how they compare to CARF standards. 
  2. The organization will next seek to schedule an on-site survey with the CARF team of expert practitioners in order to evaluate their performance and organizational practices and whether they truly abide by the applicable standards. CARF is unique in its approach as consultative rather than inspective, and ultimate desire to improve the provider’s operations and service delivery. Included also in this portion of the process are interviews of staff, persons served, and their families. 
  3. In the time following the on-site survey, the CARF team will provide a written report of their findings, including identified strengths, as well as areas for improvement. Depending on the data collected, they will render a decision regarding accreditation and may require updates to be implemented and written notice be issued upon doing so. 
  4. While the accreditation period may last 1-3 years, an Annual Conformance to Quality Report is required each year to demonstrate ongoing compliance. 

Is the accreditation process worth the effort it takes?

Although it can be a trying and difficult process in order to update your organization’s policies to be in line with CARF standards, the answer is yes. Ultimately, the process is rewarding, especially in that CARF will work with you in an effort to enact its mission of advancing the quality of services available today and they are determined to help elevate your practice and implementation. 

During the on-site survey, using their hallmark “consultive” approach, specialists will work with you to offer feedback and suggestions regarding meeting the standards and prioritizing accountability and quality. With over 50 years of experience, this nuanced approach will also allow for the standards to reflect your organization’s unique mission, vision, and identity. 

While it may not be as simple as paying dues and obtaining a certificate, CARF accreditation is much more than a simple certificate on the wall. Rather, it is a testament to the dedication of your agency and staff in their efforts to improve efficiency and provide the highest quality of care for your clients or residents. Insurance companies and third-party payers are likely to respond well to organizations with CARF accreditation and view their services as a better risk. 

What are the benefits of accreditation for a provider?

When you are an organization considering updating your practice, you’ll want to consider how alignment with CARF standards will reflect positively on your commitment to improve service delivery, manage risk, and distinguish yourself from the competition.
Other reasons to consider CARF include:

  • Joining the ranks of those who have aligned their practice to meet internationally accepted standards.
  • Receiving guidance in developing (or refining) your person-centered and individualized approach to services and outcomes.
  • Creating opportunities for feedback and improved communication with those you aim to serve.
  • Learning responsible management techniques that are efficient and cost-effective.
  • Demonstrating accountability to funding sources, referral agencies, and the community.
  • Providing evidence of quality and seeking transparency about the management of federal, state, provincial and local government’s funding
  • Using accreditation status as a tool to market programs and services 
  • Accessing support from CARF during and after the accreditation process, through consultation, publications, conferences, training opportunities, and newsletters
  • Assurance to the community that your organization is committed to providing the best quality of care possible and is consistently putting the needs of those you service at the center of everything you do, respecting their rights and individuality.
  • In addition, a recent review of CARF-accredited programs found the following average changes in the time period between their first and latest survey:
  • 26% increase in persons served annually
  • 37% increase in conformance to quality standards
  • 37% increase in annual budget dollars

Alleva can work with you to achieve or maintain that all-important CARF accreditation.

As the friendliest EMR platform around, Alleva can help you to elevate your practice in all the ways that really count, so you can spend more time doing what you do best, serving those in your care. When you partner with Alleva and digitize your practice, sleep soundly knowing that you have all the tools at your disposal to keep yourself up to date and compliant with CARF standards, in a format that is meant to endure. Your investment will be in the kind of software that will grow with you and our ever-changing industry. 

Alleva offers fully customizable Forms Management to allow for the creation and updating of consents and policies, all built and accessible within your own portal. Additionally, Alleva boasts a multitude of tracking methods to allow for data collection for continued compliance and improvement, like initial medication count for programs that employ med management. 

We have continued success helping our clients navigate the CARF accreditation process within Alleva and access other features that help with the constant evolution in this industry. If you want to learn more about how Alleva can work for you, request a demo today!

Want to Learn More?

https://helloalleva.com/a-guide-to-the-joint-commission-what-is-it-and-why-does-it-matter

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February 4, 2020

A Guide To The Joint Commission: What is it and why does it matter?

What is The Joint Commission?

The Joint Commission, previously known as The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations or JCAHO, is a nonprofit 501(c) that since 1951 has led the way in accreditation for healthcare organizations in the states and worldwide. 

Although The Joint Commission’s predecessor was focused on hospital care, for more than 50 years, they have operated in the realm of behavioral health, helping organizations understand and adhere to their standards. This aligns with the vision of the company to improve and enhance the quality and safety of healthcare delivery. 

The official mission of The Joint Commission is described as follows:

“To continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.”

The Joint Commission provides a service to the public, by establishing standards of practice, and reviewing and vetting organizations that have risen to meet them. Accreditation can be earned by organizations across the spectrum of health care, whether it is a hospital or doctor’s office setting, or a behavioral health treatment facility.

Those who seek accreditation through The Joint Commission will receive practical support and counsel through education on the standards before and during the on-site survey, as well as supplementary tools such as The Leading Practice Library or Targeted Solutions Tools. The latter is comprised of interactive web-based tools that offer a means of performance measurement to organizations that seek them out, along with customizable solutions. 

Those who pass the on-site survey are rewarded with a golden seal of approval and awarded accreditation status for three years. Through this process, organizations learn performance-improvement strategies to address issues of safety and improve the quality of care, reducing the risk of errors and subsequently, the cost of liability insurance coverage.

Why Pursue Accreditation?

While the coveted gold seal of approval is a much sought-after prize, at the outset of any journey to accreditation, obtaining it may appear to be a daunting and intimidating task. It is not uncommon to wonder whether it is worth it or not to venture on such a laborious undertaking. However, there are many reasons to consider that may shift the direction of your thoughts. 

  • Helps organize and strengthen efforts to improve patient safety
    Strengthens confidence in the quality and safety of the care, treatment, and services you provide to the community 
  • Provides a marketing advantage and a competitive edge in a competitive health care environment and improves your ability to secure new business
  • Improves risk management and risk reduction by focusing on performance-improvement strategies, that ultimately can reduce the risk of error or low-quality care
  • May reduce liability insurance costs by demonstrating attention to areas of needed improvement
  • Provides continuing support and education services through Joint Commission Resources® (JCR®) and The Targeted Solutions Tool®
  • Provides a customized, intensive review that will help identify areas of needed growth
  • The team of Joint Commission Surveyors offers professional advice and counsel, and education services to staff members during the on-site survey
  • Enhances staff recruitment and development, attracting qualified personnel, and providing opportunities for staff to develop their skills and knowledge
  • For some organizations, reduces the burden of duplicative federal and state surveys as it may fulfill regulatory requirements in some states and allow organizations to qualify for Medicare and Medicaid certification without undergoing a separate government quality inspection 
  • Provides a framework for organizational structure and management and provides guidance to an organization’s quality improvement efforts.

What’s the Difference Between The Joint Commission and CARF?

In the world of behavioral health, there are two big names in the accreditation industry, The Joint Commission and CARF International, or formally, The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

While they perform the same task, the primary difference between them is their individual collection of standards by which they evaluate the organizations applying for accreditation. 

In order to see what’s required by each accrediting body, contact the companies directly, as both CARF and The Joint Commission will allow free access to their standards for a limited time (3-6 months) and have manuals available for purchase. (The Joint Commission provides free access once an organization has officially applied)

Some additional differences between the agencies:

  • The Joint Commission is more medically-based, while CARF is more active in the healthcare market
  • They may have differing preferential relationships with third-party funders including states and insurance companies
  • Accreditation fees vary between the bodies, typically based on the size of the organization seeking accreditation. An estimate can be easily obtained by contacting them directly. 
  • Depending on your accreditation needs, whether you are looking to accredit the entire organization or just specific programs, you’ll want to seek out  CARF, which allows for one program’s accreditation at a time, or The Joint Commission accordingly.

Why Choose The Joint Commission?

The Joint Commission has over 65 years of experience, has accredited over 22,000 organizations during their tenure, and brings all of that experience to you when you join them on an accreditation journey. 

For years, they have led the way to shape best practices in the industry and establish the most rigorous performance standards, earning their place as one of the most respected names in health care. In working with these thousands of agencies, they know what works and what doesn’t, and offer their expert perspective when you’re making important decisions about the structure of your organization and treatment practices. 

During the review process, you will be matched with a team of experienced surveyors based on their background and your organization’s needs. Through collaboration and communication, they aim to provide the support needed to navigate this journey, along with practical tools and resources to help you maintain excellence even after accreditation.

What is the Accreditation Process?

Initial steps in the accreditation process begin with learning as much as you can about the accreditation process, both by reading articles by third-party reviewers or accreditation experts, visiting and reviewing the many resources available to you on The Joint Commission website, and contacting them to request free online access, to review their standards and requirements directly. 

Once you’ve chosen to pursue accreditation through The Joint Commission and confirmed your eligibility, the next focus will be conducting an internal review, identifying areas of focus, and aligning your practice to meet standards as described in the manual. During this time, you will have access to a number of tools and experts to question and fully understand the standards and their implementation. 

In order to officially apply and decide upon a survey date, the following steps are recommended:

  1. After reviewing the requirements, conduct an analysis to see where there are gaps in your performance. Document and target these areas. 
  2. Schedule and conduct a mock survey, with your staff if possible. Consider your service delivery from the vantage point of one of the individuals you serve and walk throughout the entire process. 
  3. Develop a timetable to implement changes to areas identified in Step 1. Breaking up large tasks into smaller ones with their own completion date can be helpful in settling on a readiness date for your on-site survey. 

Once your survey is scheduled (up to one year from the application date), spend the rest of your time preparing for the visit from the surveyors. As they undergo the comprehensive review, you will be able to borrow from their perspective and feedback and know where you stand. Drawing from their collaborative approach, they may identify areas for improvement, and suggestions for implementation along the way.

Scoring and The SAFER Matrix

When it comes to the scoring and decision-making process, The Joint Commission takes seriously its mission to hold organizations to a higher standard, especially as it relates to the quality and safety of patient care. 

Requirements for Improvement (RFIs) are scored based on the criticality of the standards, the likelihood of the issue to cause harm, as well as how widespread the problem is. The visual representation on which all RFIs are represented is the SAFER Matrix and is based on the surveyor’s observations. This allows surveyors to perform the on-site evaluations of deficiencies, and denote the timeline for compliance.

  • Accurate and Reflective of an organization’s performance 
  • Transparent and Easily Understood- The Joint Commission wants to ensure that all applicants are fully aware of each step of the process
  • Graded Based on Impact- Some standards are “critical,” or have a more direct effect of the patient than others

The hallmark principles for this process rely on the results to be: 

How Does Alleva Help You Achieve Joint Accreditation Status?

Alleva can help you to elevate your practice no matter if you are considering accreditation from The Joint Commission, CARF, or are not quite ready to make the jump towards either. Whether you’re just beginning the process, have decided to wait to get started, or have been accredited for years, when you partner with Alleva, you will have access to all the tools and software that will grow with you, and this constantly updating industry.

With Alleva, you can get back to doing what you do best. You’ll save yourself the headache of lost forms, the tediousness of compliance checks, and endless paperwork fatigue. When you digitize your practice with Alleva, rest soundly knowing that when you’re ready, we have continued success helping our clients obtain The Joint Commission accreditation.  If you want to learn more about how Alleva can work for you, visit our home page, and request a demo today!

February 14, 2018

How To Bill Insurance Like A Pro – Insider Tips for 2022

Shelley Mangum of Illuminate Billing gives us expert advice on how to bill insurance.

Billing in 2022 continues to be a challenge for all, in particular, the predominantly out-of-network (OON) provider. Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximum levels continue to rise. Fewer plans provide OON benefits. Here are some tips to help navigate these and other relevant challenges

  • Complete a thorough Verifications of Benefit (VOB) before admit: Accurate and timely VOBs are vital to getting paid. Verification of Benefits is one of the most valuable tools in identifying if a client’s insurance will cover treatment or if other financial resources will be required. Verification of Benefit efforts do not stop once a client has entered treatment. Benefits must be checked at the beginning of each month and policy renewals must be reviewed. When policies renew, while in treatment the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum will reset, possibly causing a significant financial burden for clients.
  • Document the essentials: This may be one of the least favorite activities yet mandatory in the claims payment process. Best practice documenting to medical necessity criteria is vital. The tried and true statement: “If it is not documented, it didn't happen” is more true now than ever before. Claims continue to be denied for lack of documentation. Here are a few claim denial causes:
    • Start and stop time of session missing or inaccurate
    • The number of participants in a group not noted
    • Documentation is not signed by a credentialed individual
    • Medical records are not signed by the physician
    • The physician has not ordered specific treatment services
    • Medical records do not support the level of care billed
    • Credentials and/or dates are missing
  • Be aware of fraud trends: With fewer available insurance plans offering OON benefits, some insurance brokers have started getting creative by signing clients up on insurance plans in states other than where they reside. Then clients seek treatment in their home state. This is fraudulent in nature. Insurance companies will take action to recoup any revenue paid on such claims. It is not a matter of if, but when.
  • Don’t leave money on the table! Appeal: It has been reported that 25%-30% of claims are underpaid. Tracking allowed amounts and appealing for these funds is a fundamental part of running a successful billing organization. (Illuminate Billing Advocates brought in $1,034,000 in 2017 on these and other similar appeal cases.)
  • Engage in regular self-care: This item is vital to all aspects of treatment and life. With greater expectations and higher demands on our time, it is easy to get burned out, become apathetic or cynical about our work. The work we do is more than just a job it changes lives. The more we practice self-care the more impact we will have on those we influence. We focus on teaching structure, healthy patterns of living, and recovery skills to our clients but often fail to practice them with the same intensity. For this last item consider doing one or more of the following and note how it improves your overall feelings of well-being:
    • Be kind to yourself
    • Do an act of service outside of work
    • Try a new activity
    • Meet someone new
    • Schedule your own therapy session
    • Connect with friends

Click here for more industry knowledge!

February 8, 2018

Industry Crisis: Shortage of Substance Abuse Specialists

“If you put someone on a waiting list, you won’t be able to find them the next day,” says Becky Vaughn of the National Council for Behavioral Health. Anyone who has worked in addiction recovery knows that all too well. So why does it happen so often? Why are there individuals who finally find the courage to change, and then find that help is just out of reach? It’s not a shortage of beds, facilities, or insurance coverage. Instead, we find a shortage of substance abuse specialists in the workforce. This happens for a few specific reasons:

  1. Retirement. The workforce in the addiction recovery industry is older on average than other areas of healthcare and social work. As the older generation moves into retirement, treatment centers say goodbye to their most seasoned and expert therapists, case workers and others.
  2. Burnout or compassion fatigue. This is a common issue among substance abuse counselors. They do a hard job and often take their work home with them more than they realize. Many therapists face exhaustion and their work in addiction recovery lasts for only a few years until they move into other types of recovery and therapy.
  3. Salary. Some of the greatest champions in the recovery field are also the most underpaid. The average salary for social workers in the addiction field is $38,600, compared to $47,230 in the rest of the healthcare industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

These three factors contribute to a high rate of turnover in the industry, creating a shortage of substance abuse specialists that is on the verge of crisis. This shortage in specialists comes at a time when insurances are covering treatment at higher rates than ever and rates of addiction are soaring. The crisis is the worst in Nevada where there are only 11 psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors and social workers available to treat every 1,000 people with SUDs. Nationwide, that average sits at about 32. By 2020, the need for addiction services professionals will reach 330,000, a number that will be hard to reach based on current trends.

The professionals who are treating addiction are among the bravest people working in addiction recovery. They are the warriors in this industry. Supporting clinicians and social workers, among others, needs to be a top priority for treatment centers so that they can continue their life-saving mission.



 

Click here for more information on industry trends.

January 31, 2018

The Huntington’s Overdose Capital of America

All across the United States, we hear daily news of the opioid crisis in our country. Nowhere has this epidemic hit harder than in the small town of Huntington, West Virginia. It’s become known as the overdose capital of America. 

On a normal day, Huntington’s overdose death rate is ten times the national average. But August 15, 2016 goes down in history, as the tiny town saw 28 of their friends and family members overdose on heroin in a single afternoon. Those 28 were a small fraction of the 773 opioid overdoses that occurred between January and September of that year.

The overdose capital of the US is home to 49,000. An estimated 12,000 of those citizens have a substance use disorder of some kind. As the epidemic takes hold on Huntington, even the smallest members of the community are victims. At Cabell Huntington Hospital, one in every ten babies born has to suffer through a withdrawal from some sort of drug. That’s 15 times the national average.

Huntington’s limited, small-town resources are strained. Medical personnel, emergency responders, government workers and social services are overwhelmed with the task of responding to emergency situations. With all of the resources being poured into reversing overdoses, there’s not much left to treat addiction. If you're looking to overcome addiction or help a loved one, you can learn more about which drug addiction treatment is best here. You can also check out our post on how to overcome symptoms of recovery. 

The few treatment centers in Huntington cannot possibly tend to the needs of 12,000 addicts. And in many small, conservative towns like this one, spiritually based programs are strongly favored, to the exclusion of evidence-based medical treatment, further complicating the search for a solution.

The crisis in Huntington, the overdose capital of America, is a scary glimpse into what happens when addiction takes over a community. That’s why it’s so important that lawmakers, treatment centers, service providers and concerned citizens to work together to combat the opioid epidemic. There are some great drug advocacy and awareness groups out there

If you provide help to those struggling with drug addiction and mental health, let us help you with a free demo of our mental health EMR. Click here to get a free demo.

Related articles:

5 Major Drug Use Policy and Advocacy Groups

 

Sources:

www.pewtrusts.org

www.cnn.com



 

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Copyright 2019 - Alleva Corp. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2019 - Alleva Corp. All Rights Reserved.