Welter Healthcare Partners Earns Prestigious NCQA Credentials Verification Organization (CVO) Certification

Welter Healthcare Partners Earns Prestigious NCQA Credentials Verification Organization (CVO) Certification

Arvada, CO April 2024 — RT Welter and Associates, Inc. DBA Welter Healthcare Partners (WHP), a leading provider of comprehensive healthcare business management solutions, proudly announces its achievement of National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Credentials Verification Organization (CVO) Certification. This recognition underscores WHP’s commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, security and excellence in credentials verification for over 30 years.

Achieving this honor places Welter Healthcare Partners in an elite group of six companies that have achieved the coveted URAC Accreditation and NCQA Certification for Credentials Verification Organization (CVO).

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of healthcare organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. In recognition for its leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion, NCQA has won the Excellence in Diversity Award from the Chesapeake Human Resources Association. NCQA’s website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make more-informed healthcare choices. NCQA can be found online at ncqa.org, on Twitter @ncqa, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/ncqa.

CVO Certification includes rigorous on-site evaluations conducted by a team of healthcare professionals and certified credentialing specialists. A national oversight committee of physicians analyzes the team’s findings and determines certification based on the CVO’s compliance with NCQA standards.

“Our team at Welter Healthcare Partners is immensely proud to achieve NCQA CVO Certification,” said Todd Welter, Chairman and CEO at WHP. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional CVO value and expertise to our clients. We are grateful for the validation of our dedication to quality, compliance, security, and accurate credentials verification and look forward to continuing to serve our clients with excellence.”

The NCQA CVO Certification reinforces WHP’s ability to provide managed healthcare services with excellence, benefiting both the organization and its members and clients. WHP’s expertise and dedication are translated into tangible benefits for its clients, enabling them to navigate the complexities of network management and expansion successfully. With NCQA CVO Certification, and URAC CVO Accreditation, WHP reaffirms its position as a trusted partner in the healthcare industry.

For more information about Welter Healthcare Partners and its comprehensive healthcare management solutions, visit welterhp.com or contact Jennifer Heuer at jh@welterhp.com or 303-534-0388.

About Welter Healthcare Partners:

Welter Healthcare Partners (WHP) is a leading provider of comprehensive healthcare business management solutions, and credentials verification; empowering physician practices, healthcare providers, payers, hospitals, and organizations of all types to thrive in the dynamic healthcare landscape so they can focus on providing the highest quality healthcare to their patients. With over 30 years of experience, WHP delivers unparalleled expertise and support to its clients, ensuring their success, sustainability, compliance and profitability.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Heuer

Welter Healthcare Partners

Email: jh@welterhp.com
Phone: 303-534-0388

American Medical Association Pushes ‘Recovery Plan’ for Physicians

American Medical Association Pushes ‘Recovery Plan’ for Physicians

The American Medical Association (AMA) has rolled out a comprehensive plan, named the “AMA Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians,” aiming to address the challenges confronting physicians, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative comes in response to the critical issue of provider burnout, which has reached crisis levels. The plan’s key elements include:

  1. Supporting Telehealth Services: Recognizing the importance of telehealth, especially highlighted during the pandemic, the plan advocates for continued support and insurance coverage for telehealth services. This expansion acknowledges its benefits in terms of accessibility, convenience, and time-saving for both providers and patients.
  2. Reforming Medicare Payment for Physician Services: The plan underscores the longstanding issue of inadequate Medicare reimbursement for provider services. It calls for reforms to ensure stable and adequate payment, eliminating the annual uncertainties that impede physician practices’ financial stability.
  3. Addressing “Scope Creep”: The plan aims to curtail the expansion of non-physicians’ scope of practice. For example, nurse practitioners, and maintaining the integrity and quality of healthcare delivery.
  4. Streamlining Prior Authorization Processes: Recognizing the administrative burden placed on provider practices by prior authorization requirements, the plan advocates for reforms to reduce this burden and avoid delays in patient care.
  5. Tackling Physician Burnout and Mental Health Stigma: The plan acknowledges the pressing need to address physician burnout and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the medical profession. It emphasizes the importance of supporting provider’s well-being to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare workforce.

Overall, the AMA Recovery Plan aims to mitigate the challenges faced by physicians. It also safeguards the future of healthcare delivery in the United States. Through these strategic interventions, the AMA seeks to alleviate physician burnout, ensure fair reimbursement, and promote a supportive environment for healthcare professionals.

Sunscreen Guide from the American Academy of Dermatology

Sunscreen Guide from the American Academy of Dermatology

The American Academy of Dermatology has crafted a comprehensive guide to selecting and applying sunscreen effectively. With the onset of summer marked by Memorial Day and the resurgence of outdoor activities post-COVID-19 restrictions, it’s crucial to prioritize sunscreen application. Don’t forget to slather on that sunscreen as you indulge in your favorite outdoor pursuits—it’s summertime at last! Sunscreen plays a vital role in shielding your skin from skin cancer and premature aging, but its efficacy hinges on correct application. Here are some expert tips from dermatologists:

  • Opt for sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, water resistance, and broad-spectrum coverage to shield against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Apply before stepping outdoors to allow around 15 minutes for absorption and protection. Applying it after sun exposure leaves your skin vulnerable to burns.
  • Ensure you use enough sunscreen, approximately 1 ounce to cover your entire body adequately—massage it thoroughly into your skin.
  • Cover all exposed skin areas, including your neck, face, ears, tops of feet, and legs. For challenging-to-reach spots like your back, enlist assistance or opt for spray sunscreen. Protect your lips with an SPF-containing lip balm.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating to maintain protection. Sunburn often occurs due to insufficient usage, failure to reapply, or using expired products.

Remember, UV rays penetrate your skin even on overcast days and during winter, so make sunscreen a year-round habit. Whether you’re vacationing or enjoying a stroll in your neighborhood, prioritize sun protection. For more tips on preventing skin cancer, consult a board-certified dermatologist.

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs): A Growing Force in American Healthcare

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs): A Growing Force in American Healthcare

Recent research from Oliver Wyman reveals a significant milestone in American healthcare:

Nearly 10 percent of patients in the U.S. are now receiving care through Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). This finding underscores the rapid emergence of ACOs, once obscure just a couple of years ago, as substantial players in the healthcare landscape, with the potential to challenge traditional fee-for-service models.

According to Niyum Gandhi, co-author of the study, the perception of ACOs as minor players in healthcare is outdated.

The study, which encompassed various healthcare delivery entities that align with the core principles of ACOs, demonstrates their growing influence. ACOs, characterized by taking responsibility for the overall health needs of a specific population and receiving incentives based on cost savings and quality, are reshaping healthcare delivery.

The proliferation of ACOs is not limited to Medicare programs; commercial ACOs are also on the rise. With Medicare currently hosting 150 ACOs, expected to double in number with the announcement of the next round of participants in the Shared Savings Program, the impact is set to expand further. Notably, many organizations participating in Medicare ACOs eventually extend this model to their non-Medicare patient populations.

Currently, between 25 to 31 million Americans receive care through ACOs, spanning various programs and initiatives. This includes Medicare ACO programs, non-Medicare patients in Medicare-oriented ACOs, and those in non-Medicare ACOs.

The study’s analysis reveals a striking statistic:

45 percent of Americans reside in areas served by at least one ACO, with 19 states boasting a majority of their population covered by ACOs. However, critics contend that many current ACOs fall short of realizing the full potential of the model. Rick Weil, another co-author of the study, acknowledges this disparity but highlights the exceptional performance of leading ACOs. These top-tier ACOs are demonstrating remarkable outcomes, such as achieving zero percent premium increases, challenging longstanding beliefs within the healthcare industry.

As ACOs continue to refine their models and improve performance, they have the capacity to revolutionize the dynamics of American healthcare for the better. This shift promises increased efficiency, better outcomes, and ultimately, improved healthcare experiences for patients nationwide.

Source: www.thestreet.com

Embracing Adaptability: Your Attitude Towards Change is Critical

Embracing Adaptability: Your Attitude Towards Change is Critical

Embracing change is often challenging, yet it is crucial for personal growth, professional development, and overall self-improvement. Cultivating a positive perspective when confronted with challenges or changes can aid in adapting to unfamiliar situations, pushing us beyond our comfort zones. This article delves into the importance of adaptability, offering insightful examples of scenarios that necessitate flexibility, along with exercises aimed at enhancing one’s acceptance of change.

Self-Reflection: Assessing Your Attitude towards Change

Consider the following statements and select either A or B:

A) I typically perceive change negatively.

B) I view change as an opportunity for growth.

 

A) I resist change.

B) I recognize the potential benefits of certain changes.

 

A) I feel uneasy when plans unexpectedly shift.

B) I find changes in plans invigorating.

 

A) I struggle with altering my routines.

B) I adapt to routine changes with ease.

 

A) I feel threatened by challenges.

B) I welcome challenges as opportunities for growth.

 

A) I often cling to a single solution when problem-solving.

B) I remain open to new information and alternative solutions

 

If you resonate more with the A statements, you might find change uncomfortable. Conversely, if you align with the B statements, you likely possess a greater capacity to adapt to evolving circumstances. Assessing your beliefs and attitudes serves as a crucial initial step toward fostering adaptability. Fixed thinking may hinder one’s ability to embrace change, whereas cultivating a mindset that embraces discomfort amid uncertainty is conducive to personal growth.

Navigating Uncertainty: Embracing Change as an Opportunity

Undoubtedly, change is accompanied by uncertainty and risk. Whether contemplating a career move or facing unexpected shifts in personal circumstances, uncertainty is inevitable. However, embracing change presents opportunities for growth and learning. For instance, deciding whether to accept a new job entails inherent risks. While success isn’t guaranteed, every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to personal development. Adapting to change requires experimentation and resilience, gradually diminishing the discomfort associated with uncertainty.

The Pitfalls of Rigidity: A Barrier to Innovation

Rigidity, the antithesis of adaptability, impedes progress and stifles innovation. Consider an executive who habitually dismisses novel ideas, perpetuating stagnant practices and inhibiting innovation within the organization. Such inflexibility fosters complacency and obstructs growth. Conversely, adaptable leaders solicit input from team members, fostering a culture of innovation and embracing change as a catalyst for progress.

The Essence of Adaptability: Navigating Change with Resilience

Adaptable individuals possess a blend of curiosity, problem-solving skills, and persistence, enabling them to thrive in dynamic environments. In today’s rapidly evolving industries, adaptability is a defining characteristic of effective leadership. Leaders who embrace change drive innovation and remain attuned to shifting trends, propelling their organizations forward.

Cultivating Adaptability: A Path to Personal and Professional Growth

Incorporating adaptability into one’s mindset requires a proactive approach. Reflect on recent changes and consider the opportunities they present. Embrace uncertainty with an open mind, recognizing that change serves as a catalyst for growth. By adopting an adaptable mindset, individuals can navigate uncertainty with resilience and seize opportunities for personal and professional development.

Ultimately, embracing change entails shifting our perspective and confronting uncertainty with courage. By cultivating adaptability, we not only navigate life’s challenges with resilience but also foster continuous growth amidst uncertainty.

Accounting’s Role in a Healthcare Practice’s Profits

Accounting’s Role in a Healthcare Practice’s Profits

In the intricate ecosystem of healthcare, the significance of accounting and bookkeeping might seem distant from direct patient care, yet it’s deeply intertwined with the vitality of medical practice. While some practitioners gravitate towards the perceived safety of hospital employment, my experience suggests that this choice can often be a detrimental misstep. Surprisingly, at the core of this misjudgment lies the realm of accounting.

Private practice, despite its medical nature, operates fundamentally as a business entity. Success hinges not only on clinical proficiency but also on astute operations management, accurate financial record-keeping, and strategic decision-making. Neglecting these aspects can steer a practice towards the less favorable option of hospital employment. Therefore, it becomes evident that the seemingly mundane tasks of bookkeeping play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of healthcare practices, ultimately influencing the quality of patient care and the sustainability of the medical profession.

Learn More About How Welter Healthcare Partners Can Help!

 

About Todd Welter • MS, CPC Founder and President of Welter Healthcare Partners

Mr. Welter has over 25 years of healthcare industry experience assisting physicians and other providers, hospitals and other facilities with the business side of medicine. Through strategic planning and analysis, Mr. Welter’s main focus is to strategically increase revenues and profitability in this radically changing health care environment. 
Mr. Welter has a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Regis University in Denver where he has had an appointment as affiliate faculty in the School for Professional Studies for over ten years. In addition, Mr. Welter holds a faculty appointment at the University of Denver’s University College. In the Health Care Leadership program he teaches Macro Economics in Health Care and Innovative Strategies and Change in Health Care to graduate students.