Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Medical Billing Rules

What is the main purpose of medical billing? Well it is just to make sure that the service provider receives a fair payment for services provided and also so that the payment is received in time. The medical billing procedures are governed by certain laws. What are the main laws that govern medical billing? They include the following 3 laws;

Fair debt Collection Act

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

The Privacy Rule

The Fair debt collection Act is a federal law that dictates how and when a debt is to be collected.
This act is for the protection of all the patients and other consumers from unlawful threats.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, better known as the HIPAA, was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1996. It has two titles.

Title I of HIPAA regulates the availability, breadth of group and individual health insurance plans. It amends both the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Public Health Service Act. This act also prohibits any group health plan from creating eligibility rules or deciding of insurance premiums for individuals in the plan based on health status, medical history, genetic information, or disability. Thus Title I also protects health insurance of workers and their families if they have to change jobs.

The second title of HIPAA contains a portion that increases the efficiency of data exchange for healthcare financial transactions and protects the privacy of electronic data transmission and the confidentiality of patient records. All medical providers are asked to send their claims electronically in compliance with the act to receive their payment. This includes electronic transmission of major financial and administrative dealings, including billing, electronic claims processing and reimbursement advice. Various offenses relating to health care are set and criminal penalties imposed. Besides creating several programs to control fraud and abuse within the health care system it imposes penalties when rules are violated.

The privacy rule regulates the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI). PHI is any information about health status, provision of health care, or payment for health care that can be linked to an individual. Any person who believes that the Privacy Rule is not being upheld can file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Older Adult Memory Challenges and Training Tips

Seniors and older adults general see a decline in their brain ability at some point, and yet, much of this can be avoided by simply getting them to use it more often. It's true what they say; "Use it or lose it" when it comes to the human mind, scientists, researchers, and neurologists have confirmed all this now. And like the anti-drug advertisements say a mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Many older people have complete faculties well into their late 90s and some centenarians over 100 years of age are quite sharp in the mind. But why is it that some lose their marbles and others seem to do fine? Perhaps, it is the types of activities they use their brains for such as doing the daily cross word puzzle suggest some brain scientists, and evidence does confirm this.

A senior that reads a lot, perhaps has joined a book club or discussion group uses their reasoning skills. A senior that does the cross word puzzles, studies interesting stuff on the Internet or does a little writing or journaling also seems to do much better. Even still, the sharpest older minds are those that do all these things, stay active socially, and listen to music too. Just because you or an older member of your family is getting up there in age and experience does not mean they are not with it mentally.

Perhaps, you need to do your own research on this topic, and challenge your mind or help an older member of your own family challenge their brain. Please consider all this.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Free Card Games

The human race has to be to their taste and preferences, to nourish brain cells and revive them has been prepared for the challenges to be fun. This is why we play games we can win, or somehow it seems that luck is on a temporary basis, on our side. This is why the casino and card games so popular with players of the virtual world.

People may think that rely ontest their fate and destinies, just for the sake of fun and try to satiate both their gaming and entertainment needs. One of the most popular online games related to the cards and casino games is the Card Quest game. Developed around an interesting storyline which involves the ruling King and Queen of fictional place being taken captives, the player has to work his or her way around the puzzles to fight the evil prince, in games of cards and reach the castle to save the King and the Queen in time.

More games are bringing in the game of poker online, which together with various strategies, tips, tricks and tactics of the game, the game in an updated way you like. Players can also choose which avatar Dating deal and get the features that increase their odds, bluffing, to purchase exclusive items, gifts and give-away worthy complement to enable their placement.

Those who look forward to quality, to relax after thechores of the day, this game is the perfect way to enjoy the evening or night can do so in a peaceful manner. This is the reason internet today has become a global phenomenon. As it not only introduces simplicity into our lives and lifestyles but has also provided us modes and channels to fulfill our many needs in a cost effective manner.

Another interesting game of poker that can be enjoyed online is the Governor of Poker. This card game promises endless fun options for all. This game offers a refreshing play mode that can be enjoyed by a number of people. One can choose their genders and will have to battle their way in poker tournaments. Moreover, one also has to fight for the cash games in order to be able to win cash prizes and even lotteries. In order to be able to fire all one has to master is the moves of the mouse and use the left click to its best.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Older Adult Memory Challenges and Training Tips

Seniors and older adults general see a decline in their brain ability at some point, and yet, much of this can be avoided by simply getting them to use it more often. It's true what they say; "Use it or lose it" when it comes to the human mind, scientists, researchers, and neurologists have confirmed all this now. And like the anti-drug advertisements say a mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Many older people have complete faculties well into their late 90s and some centenarians over 100 years of age are quite sharp in the mind. But why is it that some lose their marbles and others seem to do fine? Perhaps, it is the types of activities they use their brains for such as doing the daily cross word puzzle suggest some brain scientists, and evidence does confirm this.

A senior that reads a lot, perhaps has joined a book club or discussion group uses their reasoning skills. A senior that does the cross word puzzles, studies interesting stuff on the Internet or does a little writing or journaling also seems to do much better. Even still, the sharpest older minds are those that do all these things, stay active socially, and listen to music too. Just because you or an older member of your family is getting up there in age and experience does not mean they are not with it mentally.

Perhaps, you need to do your own research on this topic, and challenge your mind or help an older member of your own family challenge their brain. Please consider all this.

Free Card Games

The human race needs to be entertained according to their tastes and preferences in order to nourish their brain cells and revive them to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead. This is the reason we like to play games that provide us a chance of winning or somehow make us feel that the luck even on temporary basis; is on our side. This is the reason why the card and casino games are so popular among the players of the virtual world.

People like to think that they are putting to test their fate and destinies, just for the sake of fun and try to satiate both their gaming and entertainment needs. One of the most popular online games related to the cards and casino games is the Card Quest game. Developed around an interesting storyline which involves the ruling King and Queen of fictional place being taken captives, the player has to work his or her way around the puzzles to fight the evil prince, in games of cards and reach the castle to save the King and the Queen in time.

More games are related to the online game of poker, which bring together the various strategies, tips, tricks and the tactics of the game to enjoy the game in a refreshed mode. The players can even choose the personals avatars and indulge in the feature that allow them to raise their stakes, bluff, buy exclusive items, giveaway worthy gifts and augment their rankings.

Those who are looking forward to spend quality time in order to relax after getting done with the chores of the day, this game is the perfect way to enjoy the evening or night can do so in a peaceful manner. This is the reason internet today has become a global phenomenon. As it not only introduces simplicity into our lives and lifestyles but has also provided us modes and channels to fulfill our many needs in a cost effective manner.

Another interesting game of poker that can be enjoyed online is the Governor of Poker. This card game promises endless fun options for all. This game offers a refreshing play mode that can be enjoyed by a number of people. One can choose their genders and will have to battle their way in poker tournaments. Moreover, one also has to fight for the cash games in order to be able to win cash prizes and even lotteries. In order to be able to fire all one has to master is the moves of the mouse and use the left click to its best.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Freelance Writing - Ten Characteristics of Successful "Working" Freelance Writers

Anyone can become a freelance writer. But successful "working" freelance writers all share ten characteristics. If your freelance writing career isn't what you'd like for it to be, maybe you need to develop a few more of these characteristics.

1. A "working" freelance writer writes on a regular basis. That should be no surprise. But it's probably the number one difference between people who dabble at freelance writing and those who make a living at it. "Working" freelance writers write every day. Even if they aren't working on a particular writing assignment they're usually writing something, even if it's just updating their blog, posting to their website, or writing promotional materials for their writing and writing services.

2. A "working" freelance writer knows how to study the freelance markets. He takes the time to get to know the publications he wants to write for BEFORE he queries them. He studies each publication's guidelines, reads several months' worth of back issues, and digs around online to find the editorial calendars for publications so he knows the best times to "pitch" his article ideas.

3. A "working" freelance writer knows how to write winning query letters and book proposals. He knows editors want to read a query that "hooks" them in the first paragraph and is written in the same style and tone as the proposed article. He knows all the components of a winning book proposal and he also knows how to find an agent and/or a publisher to submit it to.

4. A "working" freelance writer knows how to write for specific markets. He knows that an article he writes for AARP Magazine should not have the same tone as an article for TEEN magazine. Obviously, the subject matter for these publications should be different, also.

5. A "working" freelance writer knows how to find many lucrative writing assignments. He doesn't sit around waiting for jobs to fall in his lap. He knows how to find jobs at online job boards. He subscribes to a variety of ezines that list freelance writing jobs. He also knows how to develop relationships with editors so they call him back for assignments over and over again.

6. A "working" freelance writer always has a weekly marketing plan for his writing and writing services. He knows that marketing his work, and developing a "platform" for himself, is just as important as his actual writing assignments.

7. A "working" freelance writer has a network of contacts that help him promote his writing and writing services. He knows writers all across the country (and even across the globe) and networks effectively with these people.

8. A "working" freelance writer has developed a focus for his writing career. That is, he knows where he wants to go with his writing. He doesn't waste his time writing a slew of short articles each week that pay peanuts and eat up his time. He goes for larger, more lucrative projects, and also develops presentations, courses and workshops that pay him well for his time and expertise.

9. A "working" freelance writer knows how to stay focused so he lives the writer's life of his dreams. He has a plan that keeps him focused. When he can't stay focused alone he hires a coach to help him stay on course.

10. A "working" freelance writer has developed his own informational products to market and has other people marketing them for him as well. Most top-notch freelance writers know a LOT about the subject of freelance writing. They use that knowledge to create articles about writing, tips booklets about writing, and books and courses about writing. They market many of these items themselves but also have affiliates who sell the items for them as well.

Develop all ten of these characteristics and it won't be long before you're a "working" freelance writer, too.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Getting Your Toddler Starting To Read Can Be Fun

It is a well know fact that young children with an active exposure to language
have many social and educational advantages over their peers. One of the best
methods to beginner reading is learning at least 100 sight words so that your child
can begin to form easy sentences.

Little Reader Blocks make this "task" both fun and educational. These bright 3" cubes are color coded: green/nouns, blue/verbs, red/pronouns, yellow/adjectives and white/prepositions. As your child begins to recognize several different words you can begin to separate those blocks from the group and have the child make a simple sentence - or you can make up the sentence for him and ask him to read the words.

But, before your child can read independently, he/she will need a set of skills called emergent literacy skills. These skills include - having a large vocabulary of words and knowing how to use them as well as understanding that words are made up of smaller sounds (known as phonemic awareness) and understanding that" marks" on a page represent letters and words. Your child will also need to know the letters of the alphabet. Using these Little Reader Blocks in your child's educational development will help lay a foundation for later independent reading.

As a parent or teacher it is important to never under estimate the importance of books and reading aloud to your child. Sitting down with a child one-on-one or in a group will also help bond your relationship with the child/children. Reading to your child/children will help them make the transition to more advanced reading.

Between the ages of 1 and 3, your child will have triumphs as well as many reading challenges. You, as a parent or teacher, can help your child in this transition as you read stories about other kids and how they handle situations they, themselves, face each day. A child will relate well to another child who also has things that are hiding under their bed, potty training issues, sharing toys and books with other children and much more.