11/29/2017

Genius Solutions First Friday of the Month Conference Call-Dec 1, 2017

The next Genius Solutions First Friday of the Month Conference Call is scheduled for Friday, December 1st, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time.

IMPORTANT - USE THE NEW DIAL-IN NUMBER 712-775-8972 TO JOIN THE CALL

Planned topics for the conference call (so far) are:
  • Autoposting - QMB = OA 209 adjustments Medicare primary, Medicaid 2nd
  • New Statement log has been added to eTHOMAS
  • New Management Console reports for multiple medsys directories
  • Navicure can AutoPost from most insurance companies as well as BC/MR/MD
  • Mark's annual Year End Stuff To Do For THOMAS Users
  • Final comments

A few minutes before 10:00 on Friday you may call the FreeConference main number at 712-775-8972 and use Conference Code: 478288. It sometimes takes up to a minute to ring through and get prompted for the conference number.

If at the time of the Conference Call you can't possibly get in on the main number, then you should check the http://www.geniussolutions.com/news page to see if we have an alternate number.

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We plan to also host a "Webinar" at the same time, so if you have highspeed Internet you may also be able to watch Genius' computer screen while you listen to the phone call.

To join the webinar you will need to register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2202597055388622594 as soon as possible.

After you register, a link will be emailed to you. This link is used to join the webinar at 10:00 a.m. We recommend trying to join the webinar about 10 minutes before the webinar is scheduled.

The webinar does not play the audio, you still need to dial into the conference call phone number from your phone.

Even if you do not have highspeed internet, or can't get the webinar to work on your computer, you can still hear the audio portion with the Dial-In Conference Number, just as all the previous conference calls have worked.

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As usual, we will try to record the conference for those who can not attend in person and make it available on our News Page a couple of days later. http://www.geniussolutions.com/news

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End of Year Care for THOMAS

Some ideas for you before you post any charges for 2018:
  • Complete all posting of payments and charges that you have received up until 12/31/2017. Do not post 2018 information until this is completed.
  • Run all the reports your accountant wants for year end. Ask the CPA now if they have all the documentation they need BEFORE you post next year's stuff.
  • Reconcile all accounts. (This re-adds the transaction ledger. If items are changed/removed in the transaction the patient/insurance balance may be off. Reconciling corrects any of those balances.)
  • Do all patient statements.
  • Check Other Claim Status from the Paper Claim Billing Menu. All open/hold/rebill/inquiry claims should be reviewed. Verify that all claims that can be billed are changed to the appropriate status and available to be billed. Only claims in an unbilled/rebilled/inquiry status will be prepared.
  • Work all Edit Reports and rejections from 2017.
  • Run Delinquent Claims Report. Work all non-paid claims. Especially those that will reach filing limits early next year.
  • Run an Aging by Patient Report. Review all balances, including credit balances, for patient accounts that need correction. If your office writes off balance under a certain dollar amount (ex: any patient balance under a $1.00) do so at this time.
  • Prepare and send all electronic files. (including inquiry claims)
  • Prepare and send all paper claims.
  • During the following steps, everyone needs to be out of the system. All computers need to be completely out of THOMAS. Depending on the size of your system (the amount of data you have) the time it takes to do the following functions can vary.
    1. Do a back up that you can store offsite. (Backing up is extremely important on a daily basis, however, at year-end it may be more important. If for any reason you need to pull the data that was in your system when you sent data to the accountant you may have that ability. (but you should have run them before next year's postings) You will also have a back up that is offsite in case something happens in your office, it really does happen!) You should have everyone out of THOMAS before backing up.
    2. Review your backup practices. Are you backing up as often as you can afford to lose it? If your building burned down tonight, do you have a recent backup offsite that will get you back in business without a huge loss? Have you considered a cloud backup solution such as CrashPlanPro? Is your backup encrypted? Have you tested your backup in the last few months? What exactly is it backing up?
    3. After you do your backup run a Pack databases. (When you delete information from THOMAS it is not necessarily removed right away. When you pack, it actually deletes/removes any information that you have "deleted" that may still be sitting and blocking up space in your databases.) You must have everyone out of THOMAS to pack. You run it from the THOMAS Maintenance Icon -> Reindex, and check the Pack checkbox.
    4. Review your security practices involving your computer. Is the hard drive with THOMAS encrypted? Have you made certain Windows updates are being installed regularly (usually by end of the second week each month)?
    5. Are you using an anti-virus/malware program and is it up to date? Have you disabled users that are former employees? Are your employees on Facebook or risky websites on business computers? Is your computer old and slow?

Learn more about THOMAS. Check our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/geniussolutionsinc and watch tutorials on recent changes to the program. Call Genius and schedule training for new employees, or those wanting to learn new tips and tricks. Many times clients find very useful things they didn't even know about with training.

9/14/2017

Shared Genius September 2017

THOMAS...

Shared Genius

Practice Solutions

From one genius to another.

ICD-10 2018 Edition


September 2017


We're ready for ICD-10 2018, are you?

It is that wonderful time of year again when the leaves start to change color and you need to update your ICD-10 codes for the new coding year. (WHICH BEGINS IN OCTOBER!)
Like last year, we were able to get a hold of the new codes just last month, clean them up and get them programmed into eTHOMAS. You need to update your eTHOMAS and update your codes. Like last year, we have created a video to help you along and make the changeover as seamless as possible for you.

9/07/2017

ICD-10 2018 Codes & How to Update them in eTHOMAS

It's time to update your ICD-10 codes for 2018.
AND, we've got your How to video right here.


Or click here to go to the video.

In order to get the updates, you will need to be on eTHOMAS version 9.5.35 or higher (We expect this version to be released on 9/11/17. ). If you don't want to wait, you can contact Support about the pre-released, beta, version.

8/24/2017

Shared Genius - August 2017

THOMAS...

Shared Genius

Practice Solutions

From one genius to another.

Special End of Summer Edition


August 2017


Have you tried these Genius Solutions?

We've been working hard adding new features, reports, and generally making eTHOMAS and your office life more awesome & we want to make sure you know about all of it!

Here are some outstanding eTHOMAS highlights you might not know about that were added to eTHOMAS from versions 9.5.18 - 9.5.34. Please remember, these aren't all, you can look online in our special help link from within eTHOMAS to access all of this documentation and more. We also have a lot of "How to" and other helpful videos in the same place and on our YouTube channel.

8/21/2017

Got MIPS? We can show you how!

MIPS Overview &
How to Meet Advancing Care Measures in ehrTHOMAS

FREE weekly webinars for ehrTHOMAS MIPS Requirements


We will be holding free weekly webinars on how to meet MIPS measures inside of ehrTHOMAS. This webinar will go over the requirements to Medicare's Merit-based Incentive Payment System program. We will also walk you through how to meet the Advancing Care Information measures within ehrTHOMAS. A member of our support team will be available to answer any question you have after the presentation. We look forward to you joining us! 

Genius 2017 FALL Focus Group Seminars

Genius 2017 FALL Focus Group Seminars - New-Worth 3 AAPC CEUs!
September 26th Genius Solutions, Warren, MI
October 12th Troy Marriott Hotel, Troy, MI
  • Thriving with MIPS
  • New Features
  • Increasing Your Revenue
  • Preparing for Ransomware
  • Internal Auditing
  • Full Benefits of Patient Statements
  • EDI Reports
Seminars run from 9am-3pm, $125/person Genius client or $199/person non-Genius client.
(Price includes the 3 AAPC CEUs & lunch.)

8/08/2017

Claim Filing Limit Report - How to Video

With ever decreasing insurance filing limits, we've got a Genius Solution for you - A claim filing limit report, so you can track your claims and maintain easy control within them.


Or visit it at our YouTube channel directly. 

8/03/2017

Genius Solutions' First Friday Call - Aug 2017


The next Genius Solutions First Friday of the Month Conference Call is scheduled for Friday August 4 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time.

Planned topics for the conference call (so far) are:
  • Medicare Beneficiary Identifier and RailRoad April 2018
  • MIP MACRA are you ready to report by October 1st?
  • ICD-10 2018 Updated codes released by CMS - What you need to know
  • Add your own Doctor Codes in eTHOMAS
  • Death to datasender - GSTransport takes over statements and Greenflag
  • You can't do Paper Blue Cross claims in Michigan anymore
  • BCN requiring CLIA numbers for lab tests
  • Final comments

7/25/2017

Shared Genius - July 2017

THOMAS...

Shared Genius

Practice Solutions

From one genius to another.


July 2017


Sending statement Files just got more secure for you and your patients!


Helping you be more HIPAA compliant - When you get our latest update.

The Genius THOMAS program is now going to encrypt the files you send out to get your statements printed. This makes it difficult and unlikely that if someone came across one of those "statement files" that they would ever be able to get any information from it. When a file is encrypted, it is like putting a complicated, combination lock on it. If someone intercepts the file, they don't have the combination key, so they won't be able to read the data. Only someone with the key will be able to access and read the file.

6/29/2017

BCBS of Michigan to Require Claims to be Submitted Electronically as of June 30, 2017

BCBSM will require professional providers to submit claims electronically as of June 30, 2017

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has notified providers that it will no longer accept paper submitted professional claims from providers who have the capability to submit electronically, effective June 30, 2017. These types professional claim types must now be submitted electronically.

· Original claims
· Replacement claims
· Void or cancel claims
· Any claim that includes services for which you will submit medical records

For more information and the complete scoop, please read the BCBSM article directly and we suggest strongly that you sign up for their mailing list.

6/19/2017

June 2017 Shared Genius


THOMAS...

Shared Genius

Practice Solutions

From one genius to another.


June 2017

Sending Statement Files and TSI Profit Recovery Files just got easier!

You are now only 1-click away from getting your files to us.
The Genius Data Sender program is going away! You will no longer be bounced out of THOMAS to send an automated statement or TSI Profit recovery file. Once you click "Send" using the Send button in THOMAS, your files will.... well, they will just send. One click and done.

5/18/2017

THOMAS UPDATE SERVER is DOWN

If you have been trying to auto-update and you're getting an error, it is because the THOMAS update server is currently down. We are working on getting it back up. We do not have a current estimate of when this might be available. We'll let you know as soon as it is back up.

Update 5/22/17
The update server went back up late afternoon Friday, 5/19. It should be working perfectly. If you have any further issues, please call support.

5/16/2017

Ransomwear Handling Suggestions Per Medicare

This is direct from Medicare's 

HHS Update #3: International Cyber Threat to Healthcare Organizations

"If you are the victim of ransomware or have cyber threat indicators to share

If your organization is the victim of a ransomware attack, HHS recommends the following steps:
1.    Please contact your FBI Field Office Cyber Task Force immediately to report a ransomware event and request assistance. These professionals work with state and local law enforcement and other federal and international partners to pursue cyber criminals globally and to assist victims of cyber-crime.
2.    Please report cyber incidents to the US-CERT and FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

3.    For further analysis and healthcare-specific indicator sharing, please also share these indicators with HHS’ Healthcare Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (HCCIC) at HCCIC_RM@hhs.gov "

Added 5/17/17

For even more info, web addresses and updates check out Medicare's:

HHS Update #4: International Cyber Threat to Healthcare Organizations (Revised)

5/04/2017

First Friday of the Month Conference Call: May 5, 2017

The next Genius Solutions First Friday of the Month Conference Call is scheduled for Friday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time.

Planned topics for the conference call (so far) are:

  • Upcoming Focus groups
  • New features in eTHOMAS - Keep your eyes out for v9.5.30
  • Last worked
  • Followup date
  • 0.00 statements
  • Statement series
  • Claim filing report
  • Detail prebilling
  • Customize your autoposting
  • Final comments

4/06/2017

Genius 1st Friday of Month Conference Call April 7, 2017

The next Genius Solutions First Friday of the Month Conference Call is scheduled for Friday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time.

Planned topics for the conference call (so far) are:
  • Special eTHOMAS What's New from Support's Annemarie:
  • How to get to the What New, GS Documentation and YouTube Videos from eTHOMAS program
  • New Claim Filing Report
  • Insurance Codes - Ability to add Web Address and Notes!
  • Patient Type can now be 6 digits, no longer just 1.
  • New Send Button for sending statements.
  • Deposit sheet now shows patient type
  • New areas in eTHOMAS to prepare claims and statements
  • Scanning Media can be attached to a specific claim
  • Final comments
A few minutes before 10:00 on Friday you may call the FreeConference main number at 1-712-432-3100 and use Conference Code: 478288. Please note, it sometimes takes up to a minute to ring through and get prompted for the conference number.

3/09/2017

Genius Power Outtage

Our power went out yesterday (3/8) between 9:30-10am.

We have power this morning, but comcast won't have us up before 1pm est on our internet. This will affect statements & other things you would send via internet to us (Including e-mail, contact info, connections with support, etc.) The phones seem to be working, but we won't know for sure until we try to get calls... they are tied into other internet stuff too.

Hang in there we are doing all that we can to be available to help.

😊

3/9 after 3:30pm est

As far as we can tell- everything is up and working at this point. :D

2/16/2017

Flash of Genius February 2017: Ransomware

THOMAS...

Shared Genius

Practice Solutions

From one genius to another.


February 2017


Hostage Crisis


Instead of giving you another boring lecture on backups, I'm going to give you a story about being held hostage.... and this hostage could be you, in an instant.

Imagine using your computer, you're just getting ready to log another visit when suddenly, your computer pops up a note that says "All of your files have been locked. If you want to restore them, you have 30 min to pay $1000 in bitcoin to XXX. If you pay the fee within 30 min you will get a key to decrypt your files, if not all of your files will be permanently locked."

2/02/2017

Genius First Friday Conference Call - Feb 3, 2017

The next Genius Solutions First Friday of the Month Conference Call is scheduled for Friday, February 3rd at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time.

Planned topics for the conference call (so far) are:
  • MIPS - the Merit-based Incentive Payment System
  •  eTHOMAS update released - What's interesting?

    •    A more efficient way to send electronic statements
    •    What are "Cycle Statements" and what's new
    •    New prep claim
    •    Claim detail improvements
  • Final comments


1/26/2017

Setting up to use Meridian

Hopefully, you saw that you could update for the Meridian changes. Those changes have been made to eTHOMAS, but now you have to set up your eTHOMAS to be able to bill out with them. Here is a quickie set-up guide .pdf to help you do it.

2017 Meridian eTHOMAS set up

1/18/2017

eTHOMAS Tips: Connecting With Genius

We're going to present some of the new features and options in eTHOMAS from time to time, in case you missed them, or just didn't know.

Today we're going to talk about Connecting with Genius Solutions. Two ways, to connect computer-to-computer when we are working with you on support issues and how to update your authorized callers with us.

Don't want to wait for the new Tips and Tricks to be posted one or two at a time? You want them all now? Click here for instant, complete, .PDF gratification.

1/12/2017

1/05/2017

No First Friday Call Jan 6th

Happy 2017!

We wish you a bountiful New Year.

We will NOT be having a First Friday of the Month Conference Call this Friday. If you have any questions or topics you would like addressed next month feel free to contact us.