The Internet is an amazing thing. Thanks to dot coms, we now have an entire universe of information at our fingertips. Whether we want to find a recipe or figure out what’s causing that irritating rash, all we have to do is search for a couple of keywords and voila! The answers are right in front of us. That’s a good thing, but it’s also a mixed blessing. Even with all that information, we don’t know what we don’t know. And when it comes to important decisions like laser eye surgery, nothing replaces solid medical advice provided by a reputable, board-certified LASIK surgeon. Not only does he or she likely have many years of experience, but the answers you receive will be for you and your unique eyes. When you visit an ophthalmologist to find out if you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery, here are some questions you should ask: Q: Does your refractive surgeon provide a variety of procedures, or only LASIK and PRK? A: Many LASIK surgeons only offer LASIK, and for a variety of reasons are unable to provide the full range of FDA-approved vision correction options. LASIK is perfect for some people, but it is not the answer for everyone. Think of it this way: A carpenter needs more than just a hammer in his toolbox, because no matter how hard he pounds, he isn’t going to be able to get every job done with that one tool. Ophthalmologists need options, too. The risk for complications or the need for future surgery increases in patients whose eye anatomy or tear production isn’t ideal for LASIK. The best LASIK surgeons offer LASIK plus the full spectrum of vision correction options. In addition to SBK, an advanced form of bladeless LASIK, there are six modern variations: ASA, Visian ICL, SMILE, Kamra inlay, Raindrop inlay, and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). The more options your LASIK surgeon has at his or her fingertips, the more likely you’ll be to have the best possible outcome. Q: How safe is LASIK? A: The jury is in, and LASIK is now considered the most successful human surgical procedure in the world. Across the board, studies like the FDA-sponsored “Patient Reported Outcomes with LASIK” (PROWL) showed impressively and consistently high marks for safety, outcomes, and patient satisfaction. In comparison, the risk of sight-threatening infection from continuing to wear your contact lenses is much higher. The key is in the vetting process. This is why it’s so important to visit an ophthalmologist who does a thorough exam with the latest technology available. Q: I know LASIK is extremely safe, but I’m still scared. How do I get past my fear and move forward? A: Information is a powerful weapon against fear. The more you know, the better you’ll feel. Find a LASIK surgeon who spends time with you before surgery day (many don’t). Be sure your evaluation is comprehensive and that you feel comfortable with the choice. Free evaluations aren’t really free if they aren’t thorough enough to allow you to make an informed choice. If you feel rushed into surgery, pressured into a “sale,” or don’t feel like your LASIK surgeon is a good fit for any reason at all — visit another one. There are good ones out there, and there are great ones out there. A great ophthalmologist recognizes that your long-term vision is worth the investment of time, effort, and technology to make sure you receive the best care possible. Q: What if I move or do something to mess up the surgery? A: Refractive correction lasers are incredible pieces of technology. There really isn’t anything you can do to mess up your surgery. The tracking system built into the laser actually follows your eye at a rate much faster than you can blink. If your eyes move during the procedure, the laser moves with your eye, and if you move more significantly (such as if you cough or sneeze), the laser will temporarily turn off. Q: What if I have one of the rare complications? Will I be blind? Can the problem be fixed? A: Some people experience symptoms during their recovery, such as dry eye, light sensitivity, or night vision issues that, even though they aren’t experienced by the majority of patients, are still considered normal. These can be managed through medication or additional treatment and nearly always will go away over time. To date, there have not been any reported cases of blindness stemming from LASIK, and there are no facts that show that any serious, vision-threatening problems were encountered in the FDA studies for the surgery’s approval. The risk of even minor complications can be significantly decreased with proper evaluation. The key is making sure you really are a good candidate for the procedure you plan to undergo, and that’s where finding a surgeon you trust is so important.   St. Louis LASIK surgeon Dr. Jason Brinton is a board-certified, fellowship-trained medical doctor who specializes in refractive surgery. To determine if you are a candidate for LASIK eye surgery or any of its modern variations, call 314.375.2020 or schedule a consultation online. Brinton Vision is located at 555 N. New Ballas Rd. in Creve Coeur. We look forward to walking with you on your journey to visual freedom! ...read more

Fact: One of the best ways you can protect yourself from identity theft is to shred documents containing account numbers, social security numbers and other sensitive pieces of information. Fact: Shredding ranks somewhere between root canal and watching paint peel on the fun scale. Fret no more! The professional organizers of NAPO-St. Louis (National Association of Professional Organizers) along with the shredding professionals at Shred&Protect; Document Services are sponsoring a Shred Event on February 19, 2011 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Bring that boring box of documents to 1429 Strassner (Hanley Industrial Ct) in Brentwood (63144) for fast, secure shredding and service with a smile. By the way, that's a 25 pound or less box. Got more than one box? No problem, for $5 a box we'll take care of the rest. While you're there say "hi" to Clear Spaces' owner Denise Lee. ...read more

Want more traffic to your website?   More traffic = More customers. It is possible spending just 10-15 minutes a day to increase traffic to your primary website using Merchant Circle. Merchant Circle has systems in place that trigger Google and Yahoo Web Crawlers to look at your site every time you add new content to your website or create links on other sites to yours. Your search engine ranking will climb and create more traffic to your website.It can be a challenge on your primary website to update it on a regular basis especially if you are paying a webmaster to handle your site. Merchant Circle used properly can increase traffic to your primary website.I am going to share my tips with you to increase traffic.Set up your Merchant Circle SiteMake sure that you complete all the information and most importantly spell-check your work. You want to make a good impression.Invite other Merchants to Join your CircleStart inviting other Merchants to join your site. You can use zip codes in your local area to do a search to find even more merchants. Every time a merchant joins your circle you have new content added to your website. New content = Google and Yahoo Web Crawlers to move you up in the search engines.Leave a Comment in the “Talk to Me” section on their site.When someone accepts and invitation to join your circle you can leave a comment on their page. This will create a link to your site and Web Crawlers will see the link to your site on their page and create new content for them. You can also leave comments on pages of people who do not accept you in their circle. When someone leaves a comment you can respond and this also creates new content for the Web Crawlers.Comment:Please, be professional in the comments you leave on another merchant’s site… this is not the place to sell your business. This is the place to welcome them and network with them. I like to welcome and send them to my blog for some useful information to help them build their business. Another great way is to leave a comment for them to contact you about what a good referral for them might be.ReviewsGetting Merchant Reviews for your site is important and it is good to review other people’s site as well. Reviews also attract the Web Crawlers. Be creative in what you write on someone’s site. Remember you are reviewing their business, NOT pitching yours. If you want reviews on your site start by writing lots of reviews on other sites, if you help enough other people they will help you. That is what networking is all about. (Again this is a way to create new contact on your site as well) You can remove any reviews or Talk to me comments that you do not want on your site.Coupons, Newsletters and BlogsThese are additional ways to get new content on your site for the Web Crawlers. Web Crawlers like content rich unique websites with good information. You can write on topics that relate to your products or services or on topics that will relate to other merchants.Coupons can be used to promote your business in a variety of ways and also get a separate Google and Yahoo web address to give you additional exposure on the internet.Newsletters can be used to target new customers and I like to use them to also promote others in Merchant Circle and their business.Please take a moment to email me or give me a call and share what a good referral for you would look like and I will see what I can do to refer people to you.Susie Dickinson is a benefits consultant helping individuals, families and small business owners cut their dental and medical costs marketing AmeriPlan Dental and Health Plans nationwide.  Our plans start as low as $14.95/mo. Enroll today and see a dentist tomorrow! www.thetnvgroup.com,www.CutMyDentalCosts.comor  http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/AmeriPlan.Dental.and.Heath.Plans..866-615-8849 ...read more

We're supposed to help others, right?  That's what we were taught as children.  We were told it was how things were done long ago.  Our great-grandparents who lived in the rural areas of this great country knew the value of helping each other and depended on that concept.  Remember the "barn raisings?"  How would they have built their barns without neighbors coming to help them?  When a farmer was ill or when one died other farmers came to their neighbor's aid and took care of the planting or harvested the crops.  Neighbors helping neighbors was the way they lived...they had to...to survive.We've all seen pictures of Boy Scouts helping the elderly cross the street.  We've seen men and women give of their time and talents to build houses for Habitat for Humanity and known that was the right thing for them to do.  Churches and civic groups are still sending volunteers toto help re-build part of the city after Hurricane Katrina hit there in 2005 and more will be flocking to thearea now after Hurricane Ike.  We even have groups collecting much needed supplies for people inandafter those countries experienced natural disasters.Most of us have a heart for helping other people but sometimes we get too busy in our day to day lives and don't take time to do it.  Not that we wouldn't be there if a friend needed us, but you a small business and what about the other small businesses in your community who could use your help?  Some of them are just getting started and don't have large advertising budgets.  Some are struggling because of the current economic trends while others may be doing well, but can you ever have too much business?  Wouldn't helping each other help the economy as well?How many times have you eaten a wonderful meal in a restaurant and couldn't stop telling your friends they ought to go check it out for themselves?  We've done the same thing for years with a good book we've read or a movie we've seen and really liked.Helping other businesses is called Networking and it is done much the same way.  When someone you know or come in contact with has a business or service you know someone else needs, you take the time to spread the word and share that you know someone who can help them with that need.  In turn others in your networking group do the same for you with the people they know and the new people they meet.We've all started the process of helping others by joining MerchantCircle to network with other businesses to increase our internet traffic.  Let's not get too busy in our day to day lives and forget what we're here for.  If I run across someone who needs your service I will definitely tell them about your company and send them an Instant Message or email with your business information.  I hope, in turn, if you know someone who is uninsurable or unable to afford the high cost of traditional dental or health insurance you remember AmeriPlan Dental and Health Plans and give them my contact information. Just like our forefathers, we will do it because we have a heart to help others, but we will also do it in these tough economic times not only for our business to survive, but to thrive, and to help our neighbors' businesses thrive too.  Isn't that the Great American Way?Susie Dickinson is a benefits consultant who helps individuals, families, and small business owners cut their dental and medical costs with AmeriPlan Dental and Health Plans.  Our plans start as low as $14.95 a month. Enroll today and see a dentist tomorrow! www.thetnvgroup.com,www.cutmydentalcosts.com or  http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/AmeriPlan.Dental.and.Heath.Plans..866-615-8849 ...read more

We've just published a new edition of our newsletter! You can check it out on our website and get the latest information from Endurance Medical Billing Services. Let us know what you think! Read It Now Here ...read more

Do I have to sign a contract? NO.  EMBS does not require that providers sign a contract with us.  We are confident that you will be satisfied with our services and want to continue using our services.  The only exception to a signed contact is that providers per HIPAA regulations must sign a Business Associate Agreement.  HOWEVER, you do NOT have to sign any contract requiring you to use our services for any length of time like some other billing services require. Does EMBS charge any set-up fees? Unlike many other billing services, EMBS does not charge providers any fees to get set-up with us.  The only exception is for providers who want to access their data on EMBS billing software, must own a licensed copy of our software to access our database. We are always able to print reports and provide whatever information is requested. Do I have to submit a minimum number of claims to EMBS? NO.  Whether you submit one claim per week of 1000 claims per week, EMBS can handle your billing needs.  EMBS welcomes small practices; do not feel that your practice is too small for a billing service.  However, there is a minimum fee for claim submissions for providers submitting under the standard per-claim fee. How can I be sure that EMBS submits my claims in a timely manner? EMBS understands that the most important thing for a billing service is to submit claims accurately and in a timely manner.  We can send reports of daily transactions sheets and transmittals to our clearinghouse to you for your records.  Do I need special software for you to do our billing? NO.  Whether you already have Practice Management Software or if you are not computerized at all, EMBS can handle your billing.  NO COMPUTER IS NEEDED  Who receives the payments? Your office will receive the payments directly.  The time frame for when you receive the payments depends upon whether the claims are submitted electronically or on paper.  For electronically received claims, some payments are received by providers within as little as 4 days of submission.  For Medicare claims, providers generally receive payments 17 days after submission.  As a general rule, electronic claims are paid in the 7-17 day time period. Does your fee include follow-up of the claims?                        Yes.  Do you have available a list of insurance companies that you submit claims to electronically?We can provide a list of commercial & government payors to you to whom EMBS submits claims electronically.Does EMBS provide us any reports after the claims are submitted?After claims are submitted, EMBS will provide you via secure e-mail a detailed report of all claims submitted. Providers can also request numerous other special reports.               How do I get started with EMBS? To get started, email or call us and we will send you the Form and Business Associate Agreement to fill out. We can submit claims immediately for all payers EXCEPT for those requiring signed agreements (like Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare and Medicaid).  Approval time for payers requiring signed agreements is approximately 6-8 weeks.  We can submit claims immediately for all payers EXCEPT for those requiring signed agreements (like Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare and Medicaid).  Approval time for payers requiring signed agreements is approximately 6-8 weeks.  We can submit claims immediately for all payers EXCEPT for those requiring signed agreements (like Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare and Medicaid).  Approval time for payers requiring signed agreements is approximately 6-8 weeks.  ...read more

Claim Submission      Medical Billing Professionals will enter your data, transmit your electronic claims and submit your paper claims.  Weguaranteethat claims will be submitted accurately by the next business day at the latest. Accounts Receivable Posting   Medical Billing Professionals will post all payments from patients and insurance companies and properly post adjustments and deductibles this is included in the fee quoted to you. Follow-Up of Outstanding Claims     For any claims that remain open at least 30 days after claim submission, Medical Billing Professionals will aggressively follow-up on the claims to determine why the claims have not been paid.     For any claims that have been improperly denied by payers, Medical Billing Professionals will follow-up with the payer to have the claim processed correctly. How to Provide Billing Information to EMBS The primary way providers submit patient demographics and billing information is by completing our Patient Form and our Billing Form, which we can mail to you. A second way to provide information is by sending SECURE email.  You then can either attach a print out from your system or in an email provide patient demographic  information (including patients insurance).  Because of HIPAA, you cannot send unsecure e-mail with patient demographics and billing information. Your office can fax to us any forms you may have. HOWEVER, these forms cannot be handwritten. They must be either typewritten or computer-generated. On a monthly basis EMBS will e-mail providers all Patient Remainder Statements, which you can review and send to your patients. ...read more

NPI DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING! HERE'S HOW TO KEEP GETTING PAID May 23, 2008 is right around the corner and as you know, all healthcare providers should be prepared to begin using their National Provider Identifier (NPI) on all electronic and paper claims sent to payers. The new NPI number will eventually replace all ‘legacy’ payer identifiers. However, for the time being, we recommend that you include both numbers on your claims to ensure continuous cash flow. Payers, other than Medicare, may begin enforcement of CMS’ NPI requirement at any time in order to process claims. Any payer has the option to reject or suspend claims that do not include a registered NPI. Therefore, we strongly encourage all providers to contact their insurance carriers to verify the carriers’ specific requirements and timeline. We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you make sure you are ready for NPI and the associated timelines. NATIONAL PROVIDER IDENTIFER (NPI) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) Does NPI only affect Medicare and Medicaid providers and their claims? No. All healthcare providers who send or receive standard electronic transactions need to obtain an NPI. If a provider does not already have one, they can apply for an NPI by calling the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) at 800-465-3203, or send an email to customerservice@npienumerator.com. Failure to obtain an NPI may be viewed as a violation of the good faith provisions of CMS’ contingency guidance. . Failure to obtain an NPI may be viewed as a violation of the good faith provisions of CMS’ contingency guidance. What about NPI for those who file paper claims? If a provider only bills claims on paper, providers need to be aware that some health plans, including Medicare, are requiring the use of NPI’s on paper transactions (such as paper insurance claims). In addition, if a provider refers patients to another provider whoisfiling claims electronically, that practitioner will need to obtain the referring provider’s NPI in order to process the electronic claim. In short, all healthcare providers are encouraged to apply for and share their NPI. is filing claims electronically, that practitioner will need to obtain the referring provider’s NPI in order to process the electronic claim. In short, all healthcare providers are encouraged to apply for and share their NPI. When will Medicare begin rejecting non-revised CMS-1500 (12-90) paper claim forms? CMS announced that they will continue to accept the old HCFA forms until June 1st, 2007. This date is tentative. CMS will announce a firm date for the termination of the form soon. st, 2007. This date is tentative. CMS will announce a firm date for the termination of the form soon. What does an NPI look like? An NPI is a 10-digit number. All characters are numeric. The first digit is always a 1, 2, 3 or a 4. The first 9 characters are the identifier and the last character is a check digit. The check digit helps detect invalid NPI’s. For example, if a provider’s Tax ID is 123456789, he or she cannot start sending 1234567890 and expect it to be processed as an NPI. If a provider has applied for and received an NPI, what’s the next step? Providers using our clearinghouse services (Stratus, Phoenix, or Claims Manager) need to notify us of their NPI, regardless of claim processing platform. What about insurance carriers? Providers should contact their insurance carriers to find out what the carriers’ specific enrollment requirements are. Some carriers may take this information over the phone; some may require notification on letterhead or may have a form that needs to be filled out. How do I get my NPI number? If you don’t already have your NPI number, you can apply for an NPI number by calling the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) at 800-465-3203 or send an e-mail to customerservice@npienumerator.com. . What if the provider starts billing NPI on claims without notifying the carrier first? Carriers may reject or suspend payment on claims sent with an unregistered NPI. I’ve heard about a May 23rddeadline but then I heard that it was moved. Which is correct? rd deadline but then I heard that it was moved. Which is correct? CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) announced a contingency plan on April 2, 2007. It was determined that the percentage of providers outputting NPI information was too low. Providers and payers now have additional time to comply (through 05/23/2008), as long as they are making a “good faith effort”. This means that providers who were outputting both an NPIanda legacy Medicare ID should continue doing so. Providers who have obtained an NPI, but haven’t been using it, should do so now as long as the payer and clearinghouse have been previously notified. We want to make sure that our customers don’t wait until they start getting rejected claims. They should take steps towards compliance now. and a legacy Medicare ID should continue doing so. Providers who have obtained an NPI, but haven’t been using it, should do so now as long as the payer and clearinghouse have been previously notified. We want to make sure that our customers don’t wait until they start getting rejected claims. They should take steps towards compliance now. What about BCBS and other commercial carriers? Many carriers will model their plans after CMS’. However, they do have the right to implement NPI edits at any time within the next year. We encourage providers to output dual ID’s until they receive notification that only the NPI will be required. Are there any exceptions? Currently, the only known exception is Delaware Medicaid, who implemented NPI edits on 02/12/2007. They require NPI on all claims. If a legacy number is also supplied in addition to the NPI, the claim will be accepted. However, legacy ID’s are not required. What if a provider is filing electronically but through another clearinghouse or using free software from Medicare? Providers who are using another clearinghouse or print image software from Medicare need to do these three things: 1) Notify their clearinghouse/Medicare that they intend to start outputting NPI. 2) Make sure that their software version and format has the ability to output NPI. 3) Re-map their electronic claim output in order for their clearinghouse/Medicare to be able to “recognize” the NPI data within their files. ...read more

I opened my business in 2007. It had been a long-term goal to open my own business and after many years of planning I was able to find the right location. The location is great for my business - it's close to St. Louis Lambert International Airport . The best part is beginning my own business, learning new things about customers and what appeals to them most. I make every effort to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable as well as making sure work is completed in a timely fashion. ...read more

16 years Healthcare/Customer Service experience. Skilled professionally in the medical coding & billing industry. Solid market knowledge in Physician and Facility claims and reimbursement.  All facets of Medical Billing and Claims operations including but not limted to: Charge entry, payment posting, rejections, Accounts Receivables, Medicare & TPA rules and regulations.  Proven ability to transmit clean claims with minimal rejections. Affordable rates! Let Endurance Medical Billing & Claims Reimbursement Specialists show you the money!! Contact us via email @endurancemedicalbilling@yahoo.comor 314-625-4255. ...read more