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What's New at the PSO?

It's time to order 2011 coding books. Please print the order form and fax to Veronica Flynn at (401) 444-7430. Click here for order form.

ICD-10 information is ever changing. Staying on top of the changes is a must. The impact of ICD-10 will affect your EHR, your PM system, physician's documentation and coder's training. Join the PSO for the "Countdown to ICD-10" seminar on Tuesday, September 14th in the Coro Building Room 183 from 8:00am to 9:00am. This program is certified for AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s). This seminar has been approved by the AAPC for 1 CEU. Click here to view the program announcement.

Click here to read the latest PSO Newsletter.

The PSO continues our several year effort to support Electronic Health Record implementation. In response to the Stimulus package, we have enhanced our outreach to practices and our coordination with other entities in the community. Please click on the links below for further information.

EMR Letter March 2010
Information and Contacts
PSO ASP Grant Program Funding

Other helpful links and information:
How can I EnsureSucces of EHR?
www.ehrri.com
www.eclinicalworks.com
www.riqi.org
www.DocEHRtalk.org
www.healthIT.hhs.gov

PSO members: Log in to the Members Area to see the 2010 edition of the “Health Plan Quick Reference Guide” which was developed by Lifespan/Physicians PSO Payer Relations and Contracting Department.


Current PSO Offerings

  • The Health Care Reform meeting with Congressman Jim Langevin has been rescheduled to Wednesday, September 8th in theCoro Building, Room 184 from 5:30pm - 6:30pm. Click here for details.
  • “Physicians: A Coding, Auditing and Compliance Program” will be offered starting on October 27th. Earn up to 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. This Performance Improvement (PI CME) activity has been developed to assist physicians with identification of performance gaps relating to coding of patient records and seeks to provide methods for improvement of patient care through an accurately coded medical record. Participants should recognize a thoroughly coded medical record is an important communication tool used by providers to deliver optimal patient care. A total of 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ awarded if all stages of PI CME are completed. If a participant only completes a portion of the stages, credits will be awarded based on the extent of their participation in the activity. Click here to view the full program announcement.
  • The fall 2010 session of the Certified Professional Coding (CPC) Course starts August 31. This intensive course, based on the American Academy of Professional Coders’ Professional Medical Coding Curriculum (PMCC), is designed to help prepare you for the national Certified Professional Coder Exam. Click here for the course announcement.
  • The PSO will be hosting four AAPC coding webinars/audio conferences during the month of September. Click here for details.



Looking for advice on EHRs? The Rhode Island Quality Institute (RIQI) has launched the premier on-line community and knowledge center for physicians and office managers in Rhode Island (and beyond) to find and share information regarding adoption of electronic health records (EHRs).

This new web site, DocEHRtalk.org is part of RIQI’s initiative to advance the adoption of EHRs in Rhode Island through the application of social networking theory. The goal of the initiative is to identify and implement opportunities for diffusion of peer-to-peer messages among physicians. On the site, Rhode Island physicians and office staff share their experiences and answer questions regarding a wide range of topics including the benefits and barriers of EHR adoption, selecting the right EHR, preparing for successful implementation and financial incentives.

Key features of the site include:

  • Case studies and helpful tips from RI’s early adopting physician leaders
  • Opportunities for peer-to-peer discussion and Q&A
  • Directory of EHR systems being used by physicians in Rhode Island
  • Updates on federal stimulus funding (ARRA) and other financial incentives

Increased adoption of EHRs is an important way to improve the quality, efficiency, and coordination of care throughout the state.

DocEHRtalk.org is brought to you by the Rhode Island Quality Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and value of health care in Rhode Island and has been made possible with the generous support of The Rhode Island Foundation and other community partners.

We invite you to join this community of physicians and office staff who are showing that EHRs are not only good for the patient; they can also be good for the practice. Registering for a DocEHRtalk.org account is fast, free, and open to everyone.

Go to www.DocEHRtalk.org today! Click here for simple registration instructions.

About the PSO

As a physician-driven organization, the Lifespan/Physicians Professional Services Organization (PSO) understands the challenges facing you and your practice. We know that your highest priority is to provide quality health care. We also know that every day you are faced with balancing the delivery of patient care and meeting the demands of successfully managing a practice in today's complex health care environment.

In response to the changes taking place in health care, the Independent Practice Associations (IPAs) of Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital and Newport Hospital came together with Lifespan in early 1997 to form the PSO.

Today over 800 physicians utilize a variety of PSO services in the areas of Information Services, Practice Management, and Contracting. Lifespan and its affiliates also take advantage of services in these areas. Our Mission is to provide services that maximize your ability to deliver excellent care and be successful in a constantly changing healthcare environment.