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AHM-540 exam format - AHM Medical Management Updated: 2023
Ensure your success with this AHM-540 dumps questions
Number of Questions: The AHM-540 exam typically consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
Time Limit: The exam has a time limit of 2 hours (120 minutes).
Course Outline:
The AHM-540 AHM Medical Management certification exam focuses on assessing the knowledge and skills required for effective medical management in the healthcare industry. The course outline covers the following key topics:
1. Introduction to Medical Management:
- Overview of medical management in healthcare organizations
- Roles and responsibilities of medical managers
- Regulatory and compliance considerations
- Ethical and legal issues in medical management
- Healthcare delivery models and systems
2. Healthcare Quality and Performance Improvement:
- Quality management principles and frameworks
- Measurement and evaluation of healthcare quality
- Performance improvement methodologies
- Patient safety and risk management
- Utilization management and cost containment
3. Medical Staff Governance and Credentialing:
- Medical staff organization and governance
- Credentialing and privileging processes
- Peer review and performance evaluation
- Medical staff bylaws and policies
- Collaboration and communication with medical staff
4. Healthcare Finance and Reimbursement:
- Financial management principles in healthcare
- Healthcare reimbursement models and payment systems
- Revenue cycle management
- Budgeting and financial forecasting
- Cost management and cost-effectiveness analysis
5. Medical Informatics and Technology:
- Electronic health records (EHR) and health information systems
- Clinical decision support tools and technologies
- Health data analytics and reporting
- Telemedicine and virtual care
- Privacy and security of health information
Exam Objectives:
The AHM-540 exam aims to assess the following objectives:
1. Understanding of medical management principles, roles, and regulatory considerations in the healthcare industry.
2. Proficiency in healthcare quality management, including measurement, performance improvement, and patient safety.
3. Knowledge of medical staff governance, credentialing processes, and effective collaboration with medical staff.
4. Competence in healthcare finance and reimbursement, including financial management and cost containment strategies.
5. Familiarity with medical informatics, health information systems, and the use of technology in medical management.
Exam Syllabus:
The AHM-540 exam covers the following syllabus:
1. Introduction to Medical Management
- Overview of medical management in healthcare organizations
- Roles and responsibilities of medical managers
- Regulatory and compliance considerations
- Ethical and legal issues in medical management
- Healthcare delivery models and systems
2. Healthcare Quality and Performance Improvement
- Quality management principles and frameworks
- Measurement and evaluation of healthcare quality
- Performance improvement methodologies
- Patient safety and risk management
- Utilization management and cost containment
3. Medical Staff Governance and Credentialing
- Medical staff organization and governance
- Credentialing and privileging processes
- Peer review and performance evaluation
- Medical staff bylaws and policies
- Collaboration and communication with medical staff
4. Healthcare Finance and Reimbursement
- Financial management principles in healthcare
- Healthcare reimbursement models and payment systems
- Revenue cycle management
- Budgeting and financial forecasting
- Cost management and cost-effectiveness analysis
5. Medical Informatics and Technology
- Electronic health records (EHR) and health information systems
- Clinical decision support tools and technologies
- Health data analytics and reporting
- Telemedicine and virtual care
- Privacy and security of health information
AHM Medical Management Medical Management exam format
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Medical
AHM-540
AHM Medical Management
https://killexams.com/pass4sure/exam-detail/AHM-540 Question: 155
The following statements are about chronic and disabling conditions among children eligible
for Medicaid. Three of the statements are true and one is false. Select the answer choice
containing the FALSE statement.
A. Children with chronic conditions use more physician and nonphysician professional
services than do children in the general population.
B. The majority of chronic conditions affecting children in Medicaid programs are the same
as those affecting children in the general population.
C. Medicaid-eligible children are at risk for seriousmental and physical conditions.
D. Children in Medicaid programs have a higher incidence of chronic disabling conditions
than do children in the general population. Answer: B Question: 156
Determine whether the following statement is true or false:
The key to successfully managing the quality and cost-effectiveness of healthcare services
for Medicaid enrollees is to merge Medicaid recipients into existing plans.
A. True
B. False Answer: B Question: 157
Access to services is an important issue for both fee-for-service (FFS) Medicaid and
managed Medicaid programs. Access to services under managed Medicaid is affected by the
A. lack of qualified providers in provider networks
B. lack of resources necessary to establish case management programs for patients with
complex conditions
C. unstable eligibility status of Medicaid recipients
D. inability of Medicaid recipients to change health plans or PCPs Answer: C Question: 158
The following statement(s) can correctly be made about medical management considerations
for the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP):
1. FEHBP plan members who have exhausted the health plan’s usual appeals process for a
disputed decision can request an independent review by the Office of Personnel Management
(OPM)
2. All health plans that cover federal employees are required to develop and implement
patient safety initiatives
A. Both 1 and 2
B. 1 only
C. 2 only
D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: A Question: 159
Serena Wilson, a registered nurse, is employed at a TRICARE Service Center (TSC) located
at a military installation. Ms. Wilson serves as a primary point of contact between enrollees
and the TRICARE system and answers enrollees’ questions about plan options, eligibility,
provider selection, and claims. This information indicates that Ms. Wilson serves as a
A. lead agent
B. beneficiary services representative
C. health plan support contractor
D. primary care manager (PCM) Answer: B Question: 160
The paragraph below contains two pairs of terms or phrases enclosed in parentheses. Select
the term or phrase in each pair that correctly completes the paragraph. Then select the answer
choice containing the two terms or phrases you have chosen.
TRICARE enrollees have the right to challenge authorization and coverage decisions. Such
challenges are referred to as (appeals / grievances) and are typically handled by the
(TRICARE contractor / Area Field Office).
A. appeals / TRICARE contractor
B. appeals / Area Field Office
C. grievances / TRICARE contractor
D. grievances / Area Field Office Answer: A Question: 161
The delivery of quality, cost-effective healthcare is a primary goal of both group healthcare
and workers’ compensation programs. One difference between group healthcare and
workers’ compensation is that workers’ compensation
A. provides health and disability benefits to employees injured on the job only if the
employer is at fault for the injury
B. provides coverage for a variety of direct and indirect healthcare, disability, and workplace
costs
C. manages costs by including employee cost-sharing features in its benefit design
D. places limits on benefits by restricting the amount of benefit payments or the number of
covered hospital days or provider office visits Answer: B Question: 162
For this question, if answer choices (A) through (C) are all correct, select answer choice (D).
Otherwise, select the one correct answer choice.
Ways that workers’ compensation health plans can help control the costs of job-related
injuries and illnesses include
A. applying strict definitions of medical necessity
B. developing prevention and recovery programs
C. applying out-of-network benefit reductions
D. all of the above Answer: B Question: 163
Occasionally, employers combine workers’ compensation, group healthcare, and disability
programs into an integrated product known as 24-hour coverage. One true statement about
24- hour coverage is that it typically
A. increases administrative costs
B. requires plans to maintain separate databases of patient care information
C. exempts plans from complying with state workers’ compensation regulations
D. allows plans to apply disability management and return-to-work techniques to
nonoccupational conditions Answer: D
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https://killexams.com/exam_list/MedicalLife insurance medical exam: Understanding the process and its importance
A life insurance medical exam is part of the life insurance company’s underwriting process to determine your eligibility and premium. The life insurance exam can occur in your home, office, or the paramedical company’s lab. It’s done by a trained medical professional who will ask basic health and lifestyle questions. There are also tests that typically require a urine sample, blood sample, height and weight measurements, and blood pressure readings.
Why life insurance companies require a medical exam
Insurance companies use personal information to determine your risk of filing a claim. In the case of a life insurance policy, the closer you are to your life expectancy, the riskier you are to insure since your beneficiary is more likely to file a death benefit claim while the policy is active. Besides a physical exam and medical records, life insurers also use other factors to determine your mortality risk, like your:
Hobbies.
Occupation.
Driving record.
Family medical history.
Tobacco and drug use.
The less risk you pose to the insurance company – like being in good health with a low-risk lifestyle – the better rates you’ll receive. But if you’re not in the best of health, for example if you have a medical condition like high blood pressure or a family history of cancer, you’ll likely get approved at higher rates.
Can I get life insurance without a medical exam?
You can get life insurance without a medical examination, though it’s usually more expensive, especially if you’re in good health. Three types of policies offer coverage without a paramedical exam: simplified issue, final expense, and guaranteed issue life insurance. You may also be eligible for employer-sponsored life insurance through your job.
Simplified issue life insurance
Simplified issue life insurance is popular for applicants who want a policy fast and may not qualify through the traditional underwriting process. Rather than use test results from the medical exam, life insurers use the applicant’s answers to health questions and third-party data to determine ratings.
You can get term or whole life insurance through the simplified issue application process. After completing the entire application, you could receive an instant approval or denial, depending on your responses. If you don’t get an immediate decision, the life insurance company may need more information to complete their assessment.
Final expense life insurance
Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance geared towards older adults with medical conditions. The application process is similar to the simplified issue process, but there is no option for term life coverage. Available coverage amounts are usually smaller, topping at $25,000 or $50,000.
This type of policy is best for seniors with good overall health but may not be the ideal life insurance candidate. Maybe you’re overweight and have high blood pressure readings or cholesterol levels. If you don’t need a lot of coverage, you could get better rates through the final expense application process and not have to worry about the added step of a life insurance physical.
Guaranteed issue life insurance
A guaranteed issue policy is the easiest to qualify for but is also the most expensive. Approval is guaranteed with a simple application process that doesn’t have medical questions or a health exam. Since you’re guaranteed to be approved, you also get instant coverage. However, the death benefit isn’t fully available for two or three years.Â
Guaranteed issue is only available as a whole life insurance policy and is mainly for older adults. If you or a loved one needs a small amount of coverage but has severe health issues, guaranteed issue is the best way to get it.
Employer-sponsored life insurance
Also called group life insurance, employer-sponsored life insurance is available through some employers as part of your employee benefits package. This policy has a fixed rate based on your age and coverage amount. There is no medical exam, though you may have to answer health questions on the application.Â
This option is usually the most affordable but typically comes in smaller death benefit amounts and may not be portable, meaning you can’t take it with you if you leave your current employer.Â
What a life insurance medical exam entails
A life insurance medical exam usually includes asking questions about your medical history and health conditions, if you have any, plus the exam. The process can take up to an hour but usually lasts around 30 minutes.Â
The amount and type of tests can vary by your age, life insurance company, type of policy you’re applying for, and the requested coverage amount. The paramedical company examiner may:
Take samples to complete a urine and blood test.
Measure your height and weight to check your body mass index (BMI).
Check your pulse and blood pressure readings.
Administer an electrocardiogram (EKG) or treadmill stress test.
After collecting the necessary samples and health information, your part of the application process is complete. The life insurance company underwriters will evaluate your application answers, medical history and exam results to determine your policy cost and eligibility.
What do life insurance companies test for?
Life insurance companies test blood and urine samples to confirm the information you provided in the application process and get a good idea of your general health. Any health conditions or drug use that could shorten your life expectancy can also increase your premium.
Generally, life insurance companies test for:
Blood sugar levels.
Cholesterol levels.
Prescription and recreational drug use.
AIDS or HIV.
Sexually transmitted diseases.
Tobacco usage.
Enzyme levels.
Red and white blood cell counts.
Health issues such as diabetes, infections, liver problems, or kidney disease.
How to prepare for a medical exam
Here are some ways you can prepare for your medical exam appointment to get the best results:
Focus on lean meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables a few days leading up to your appointment.
Avoid high cholesterol and salty foods for at least 24 hours prior to your exam time.
Use a clear liquid diet for six to 12 hours before your exam.
Avoid strenuous activity and alcoholic beverages for at least 12 hours before your appointment.
Limit caffeine or nicotine for at least an hour before your exam.
Drink one or two glasses of water an hour before.
Get a full night’s rest the night before your examination.
Wear something light and loose on exam day for comfort and to ensure an accurate weight reading.
Bring a government-issued picture ID and any other paperwork with you as instructed by the insurance company.
How to get a life insurance medical exam
Getting a life insurance medical exam is simple. After completing the application, you’ll be contacted by phone or email to schedule your exam with the insurer’s paramedical exam partner. The examiner can complete the exam at your home or office or the paramedical laboratory. If you must complete an EKG or treadmill stress test, you may be required to visit the facility.Â
How to get life insurance without a medical exam
The good news is getting a life insurance policy without a medical exam is easy. Many life insurers offer this option, though some still require fully underwritten applications. There are also brokers offering this option, like Ladder Life and Ethos. Both companies offer term no medical exam life insurance. Ethos also offers simplified issue whole life insurance for adults 66 and older.Â
There is usually a cap on the insurance coverage you can get without a paramedical exam. Ladder, for example, only offers term life insurance without a medical exam if you apply for $3 million or less in coverage. Ethos's maximum term life option is $2 million and for seniors needing whole life coverage, $30,000.
Whether searching for fully underwritten life insurance to get the best rate as a healthy individual or prefer to skip the medical exam, shopping for quotes can help you find the most coverage at the lowest price. Evaluating your coverage needs and assessing your health risk and budget can help you determine which policy type and underwriting process is best for you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the catch with no medical exam life insurance?
The catch with no medical exam life insurance is higher rates. Since there is no medical exam to assess your current health and predict your future health, life insurance companies rely instead on third-party data and your health question responses. While accelerated underwriting can get you approved faster, you might pay more if you’re in good health with a low-key lifestyle and low-risk occupation.
Does life insurance medical exam include drug test?
The life insurance medical exam typically includes a drug test. You can test positive for prescribed, recreational and illegal drugs, plus non-prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Depending on your results, answers to application questions and the insurer’s underwriting guidelines, you could be denied, approved, or approved with a higher risk class and premium.
Will no-exam life insurance cost more?
No-exam life insurance will usually cost more than completing the medical exam. Insurance companies take on more risk by insuring applicants without a medical exam. The higher the risk they take on, the higher the premium you pay to offset the insurer’s risk. Even if you have a medical condition, getting a traditional life insurance policy may be cheaper than no-exam life insurance if your condition is well managed.
Can I “fail” a life insurance medical exam?
You can’t “pass” or “fail” a life insurance medical exam. The insurer collects the information you provide during the paramedical exam to determine your risk class. The lower your risk class, the better your premiums will be. The higher your risk class, the more you’ll pay for the same coverage. If you have serious health issues, the insurance company may not be willing to take on the risk, in which case the insurer can decline to offer you coverage.
What if I don’t feel well on the day of my exam?
If you don’t feel well on the day of your exam, you should call the paramedical company to reschedule. An illness could affect your blood pressure readings and other results, which can also impact the rate the insurance company offers you.
Sat, 28 Oct 2023 22:45:00 -0500entext/htmlhttps://www.nj.com/personal-finance/article/life-insurance-medical-examHow To Become A Phlebotomist: A Complete Guide
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Phlebotomists serve an essential, life-saving role in the healthcare system: collecting and processing blood samples from patients and donors. This in-demand role holds significant value on its own, but it’s also a great starting point for a more advanced career in healthcare.
It takes less than a year to become a phlebotomist, as it’s one of the many allied health professions that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. Phlebotomist requirements typically include a high school diploma and completion of a training program.
In turn, you gain valuable experience interacting with patients and working alongside a medical team. As you learn more about working in healthcare, you may discover related careers that match your interests.
Read on to learn how to become a phlebotomist and whether this role suits your interests.
What Is a Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists draw blood to use for testing, donations, research or lifesaving procedures such as transfusions. Blood tests are a vital part of healthcare. Doctors order blood tests to diagnose and monitor medical conditions such as diabetes, allergies, cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Phlebotomists receive instructions on the type and quantity of samples to collect, which may include urine or other biological specimens. Before the procedure, they prepare patients and help calm any nerves. Afterward, they monitor patients for adverse effects such as bruising, dizziness or nausea.
Important Skills for Phlebotomists
Phlebotomist technicians employ different collection techniques for different patients. Most tests require venipuncture, or drawing blood from a vein. Other tests may only need a finger stick, while infants typically have blood drawn by a heel stick.
Phlebotomists should be gentle and efficient, especially if patients express discomfort about getting their blood drawn or if their veins are hard to find. They should also be methodical and organized, understanding the purpose of each sample and ensuring they collect the correct quantity.
Each sample must be clearly labeled, correctly stored and accurately entered into a database. To prevent contamination, phlebotomists sanitize their equipment and workspace. They may also update patients’ medical files.
Phlebotomist Work Environment
Most phlebotomists work full time, but their schedules depend on their employer. Some have night or weekend shifts. Phlebotomists typically work in hospitals or medical and diagnostic laboratories, but many work in ambulatory healthcare services, physician offices and outpatient care centers. They might travel between centers or visit patients’ homes.
How To Become a Phlebotomist
It takes less than a year to become a phlebotomist. While requirements vary by state, the process is generally straightforward.
Earn a High School Diploma
You can begin a career in phlebotomy with a high school diploma or the equivalent. It helps to take relevant courses in math, science, anatomy and physiology, and health.
Some phlebotomists begin working right away with on-the-job training. However, most employers prefer or require candidates to earn a phlebotomy certificate.
Complete a Phlebotomy Training Program
Phlebotomist training typically takes one to three months, depending on your program’s scope and your schedule. You can enroll in phlebotomy training classes at a community college, technical school or vocational school, and many offer flexible weekend and evening class times.
Programs incorporate classroom and hands-on education, covering medical terminology, collection techniques and safety protocol.
Some states require phlebotomists to complete their training through an approved, accredited program. Phlebotomy programs receive accreditation from professional organizations, including the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Consider Professional Certification
Earning professional certification cements your skills and commitment to excellence. While you can choose from several certifying organizations, most require certification candidates to hold a high school diploma or GED® certificate, complete an accredited training program, demonstrate clinical experience and pass an exam.
Certified phlebotomists maintain their credentials by paying renewal dues and completing continued education credits. Keep practicing to learn about different certification opportunities.
Determine State Requirements
Only four states—California, Louisiana, Nevada and Washington—require certification for phlebotomists. Other states may still stipulate that phlebotomists complete an accredited program to practice.
In California, for example, phlebotomists can pursue three levels of certification, each of which qualifies holders to perform a different collection technique.
Phlebotomist Salary and Job Outlook
Blood testing already serves an essential role in diagnosis and treatment, but demand for medical services is expected to increase as the U.S. population grows and ages. In turn, phlebotomists benefit from a steady job market.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 8% growth in phlebotomist employment from 2022 to 2032, much higher than the 3% predicted growth across all occupations.
Phlebotomists earned a median annual wage of $38,350 in May 2022, according to the BLS. Those working in scientific research and development services reported the highest average earnings—a mean of $47,770 per year—followed closely by those in outpatient care centers and state government organizations.
Certifications for Phlebotomists
Even if your state or employer doesn’t require a professional certification, earning one can make you more marketable by demonstrating and enhancing your skills. Review the requirements for three common certifications below.
Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers several paths to PBT certification. Applicants must have completed an approved phlebotomy program within the past five years or have one year of full-time clinical experience. Programs may carry accreditation from NAACLS or approval by the California Department of Public Health, or they must meet minimum instruction requirements.
Applicants must pass an 80-question exam and pay a $145 application fee.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
To earn the National Healthcareer Association’s CPT distinction, applicants must complete a phlebotomy training program or one to two years of supervised phlebotomy technician experience.
The two-hour certification exam covers safety and compliance, patient preparation and blood collection. You can purchase a study guide or practice exam to prepare, and the exam itself costs $125.
CPTs must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits and paying $179.
Phlebotomy Technician (RPT)
In addition to meeting phlebotomy education or experience requirements, RPT applicants need to complete 50 successful venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.
The American Medical Technologists (AMT) certification exam covers broad medical skills, including time management, clerical duties, legal and ethical concerns and specimen collection. The exam costs $125.
Professional Organizations for Phlebotomists
While professional organizations usually require a membership fee, joining one can pay off in the form of long-term career success. These groups provide a path to certification, create networking opportunities and help you stay abreast of new techniques or laws.
National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
NPA supports continuing education through workshops, training programs and professional certifications, including a credential for phlebotomy instructors. The organization hosts a job board for full- and part-time positions in phlebotomy and other allied health professions.
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Inc. (ASPT)
ASPT offers certification for working phlebotomy technicians and graduates of accredited programs. The organization extends its benefits to members of NHA, ASCP and AMT. Members gain access to cross-training workshops, continued education opportunities and nonprofit events. ASPT also hosts a phlebotomy refresher program and an EKG basic skills program.
Phlebotomy technicians pay a $65 exam fee and a $35 membership fee.
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
In addition to its professional certification, NHA creates immersive learning experiences for phlebotomy technicians. Available resources, geared toward students and educators, include practice drills, interactive games and quizzes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming a Phlebotomist
How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?
Because becoming a phlebotomist generally does not require a college degree, you can start this career in less than a year. However, earning certification may take longer.
What is required to be a phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists need to earn a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some receive on-the-job training, but most complete a short-term phlebotomy training program. Many pursue professional certification.
How long is phlebotomy school?
Phlebotomy school takes less than a year to complete—often one to three months. The duration depends on your schedule and the program’s curriculum. Some programs incorporate more robust training or additional clinical hours.
How much does a phlebotomist get paid?
Phlebotomists made a median annual salary of $38,350 as of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. The highest 10% of workers earned more than $51,610.
Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:47:00 -0600Kayla Missmanen-UStext/htmlhttps://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/become-a-phlebotomist/What Is Medical Billing and Coding?
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts medical billing and coding employment will grow 8 percent through 2032 — a higher-than-average figure across industries. This fact alone makes investing in a more robust medical billing and coding setup a smart plan. It also suggests there’s never been a better time for you to enter the field. Keep practicing to find out how medical billing and coding works, the credentials you may need and how medical billing software can streamline the billing and coding process.
Editor’s note: Looking for the right medical billing service for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.
What is medical billing and coding?
Medical billing and coding involves converting patients’ encounters with healthcare professionals into numbers and formats that payers, including insurance companies and government agencies, can use to reimburse providers. It requires the transcription of the diagnoses, exams, procedures and treatments in patients’ charts into two types of codes. The first code is the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11), which describes diagnoses. The second is Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), which depicts services.
What do medical billers and coders do?
Medical billers and coders oversee the process of converting clinical data from patients’ charts into standardized codes that government and private payers can differentiate. Medical billers and coders also record a patient’s insurance information alongside codes for proper claim filing and reimbursement.
After creating and filing accurate claims, medical billers and coders work with payers to ensure their practice receives timely and full reimbursement. Billers and coders also oversee the resubmission process if claims are rejected and the appeals process if claims are denied. However, it’s becoming less common for medical billers and coders to manually check errors for claims as automated claim scrubbers complete this task faster.
Automated claim scrubbers, typically built into modern-day medical billing software, now handle most medical biller and coder accuracy-checking work.
Medical billing and coding training and skill requirements
Medical billers and coders must have a relevant degree or certification to work with healthcare information systems. Other credentials are highly recommended. Additionally, there are several skill sets that predispose a person to being a sufficient medical biller and coder. These three considerations are outlined below.
1. Medical billing and coding educational requirements
To work in medical billing or coding, you need one of the following degrees or certifications. A trustworthy program in any of these areas will boast an American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) or AAPC accreditation.
Medical billing and coding certificate: If you’re aiming to enter the medical billing and coding field quickly, certificate programs are ideal. Many programs take less than a year and cover medical terminology, treatments, procedures, biological systems and the basics of ICD-10 codes. Most certification programs provide hands-on training with the best medical (electronic medical record/electronic health record) software and teach billing and compliance basics.
Associate degree: Over the course of two years, associate degree programs in health information management will teach you the same curriculum as a certification program. However, practices and medical billing companies may be more inclined to hire you if you’ve earned a degree instead of a certificate. Additionally, associate degrees can count as the completion of several undergraduate credits.
Undergraduate degree: Some universities offer traditional four-year bachelor’s degree programs in medical billing and coding, healthcare administration and health information management. These longer, more in-depth programs teach you about data analysis, health policy, project management, human resources and compliance.
To work in medical billing and coding, you need a certification, associate degree or bachelor’s degree.
2. Medical billing and coding credentials
Upon graduating from any of the above programs, you can — and should — take one of the following AHIMA credentialing exams.
Certified Coding Associate (CCA): This certification indicates you are capable of tactfully and diligently managing healthcare information. If you graduate from an AHIMA-accredited program, you can take this certification exam immediately upon graduation. Otherwise, six months of work experience is highly recommended as a replacement to qualify for the exam.
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT): To qualify for this exam, you must graduate from a CAHIIM-accredited health information management associate program. However, you do not need prior work experience to take the RHIT exam.
After you work as a medical biller or coder for two years (or one year if you hold the CCA credential), these two AHIMA credentials become more accessible.
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): This credential is highly recommended if you’re seeking to work as a medical biller and coder in a hospital setting. A CCS credential indicates proficiency in medical terminology, pharmacology, disease processes and ICD-11 and CPT coding.
Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-Based (CCS-P): The CCS-P signifies you are proficient in physician-level billing. It covers all the same areas as a CCS credential, plus HCPCS Level II coding. It is considered the highest possible indicator of medical billing and coding excellence.
In all the above cases, you must recertify every other year to continue as a credentialed medical biller and coder. To recertify, you need to take 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). AHIMA explains additional recertification criteria and CEU options in its recertification guide.
3. Medical billing and coding skills
Although medical billing and coding courses are theoretically open to anyone, you may be more likely than others to succeed in this field if you’ve acquired these skill sets:
Attention to detail: Since medical coding systems comprise seemingly infinite strings of five- and six-digit numbers, you will need a desparate eye to spot numerical errors. Without adequate attention to detail, you are more likely to encounter claim rejections.
Computer proficiency: Most of the medical billing process now takes place digitally instead of in paper form. If you are computer-savvy, you may have a natural tendency to complete medical billing and coding tasks efficiently online.
Organizational skills: Medical billing and coding require you to complete many forms for a number of patients. Failing to properly organize these forms can lead to operational hiccups that make the billing process painful for both the patients and the practice.
Ability to maintain data privacy: Under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) laws, you are required to keep healthcare information confidential at all times — except to obtain payer reimbursement. As a medical biller or coder, you will need to respect others’ privacy. Consequently, you will not be able to discuss details of a patient’s information with team members who aren’t working on their case. [Related article:Medical Records Retention and HIPAA]
Data analysis: You should be able to look at groups of codes and assess quickly whether they make sense based on the patient’s charts. You should also know how to rectify errors you spot during data analysis.
Anatomy and physiology: To know whether groups of codes make sense together, you should be aware of anatomy and physiology basics. No biller or coder is quite an expert in any scientific field, but you should be capable of understanding bodily systems, medical processes and their interactions.
If you’re opening a medical practice and want to hire a medical biller or coder, consider candidates who possess the above skills and the right credentials.
How medical billing software helps medical billers and coders
Medical billing software makes a huge difference in the day-to-day work life of medical billers and coders. Even though the certification options outlined above qualify billers and coders to get the job done, software expedites the processes. Using a computer system instead of manual paperwork streamlines medical billing and coding procedures, but the advantages here are about more than just going digital. It’s about the specific functions such software solutions facilitate.
For example, medical billing software provides a backbone for all of the steps you complete in medical billing and coding. That backbone includes claim creation, filing and scrubbing, an integrated clearinghouse and denial management tools. If you work for a practice, you can also benefit from medical software that facilitates all of a biller’s claim-related tasks. Another huge selling point is the accuracy checks that help your practice maintain a high first-pass acceptance rate.
The best medical billing software
The best medical billing services Excellerate the medical billing and coding process from start to finish by equipping you with tools to ensure efficiency and accuracy. We recommend looking into the following platforms and companies:
CareCloud: This medical billing software excels at facilitating payer contract negotiation. Additionally, unlike most vendors, CareCloud doesn’t require you to use its practice management system if you use its medical billing software. Learn more via our CareCloud Medical Billing Review.
DrChrono: For a lightweight yet powerful medical billing platform, DrChrono is a great pick. You can use it to oversee all parts of the medical billing process, making your life easier while pleasing both practitioners and patients. Read our DrChrono Medical Billing Review to learn more.
athenahealth: When you use athenahealth for medical billing, you get access to the most thorough billing reports available. This medical billing vendor also specializes in consulting with practices and billing teams to Excellerate financial performance. Our athenahealth Medical Billing Review explains this unique business model in greater detail.
AdvancedMD: Another great choice for data-rich software, AdvancedMD offers billing teams access to several hundred fully customizable reports. The company also has its own in-house staff of highly experienced medical coders and billers with whom you can problem-solve or troubleshoot. Get to know this medical billing software provider via our AdvancedMD Medical Billing Review.
Kareo: If you’re exploring medical billing software for the first time, Kareo might be your best bet. Although all the platforms we’ve named in this list are user-friendly, Kareo is exceptionally so, lessening your initial learning curve. Find out more in our Kareo Medical Billing Review.
Making the most of a medical billing and coding career
From education and certification through software setup and usage, the world of medical billing and coding is incredibly comprehensive. Choosing the educational programs, certifications and software platforms that best serve your needs and interests can lead to success in this complex field. The more time and effort you put into building your billing and coding infrastructure and prowess, the more exciting the opportunities that lie ahead.
Tue, 07 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0600entext/htmlhttps://www.businessnewsdaily.com/16238-medical-billing-coding.htmlEntrance exam Results 2023
NEET UG 2024 Latest News: It is expected that NTA will announce the reduced syllabus of the NEET entrance exam by next week. The registration process will commence in January and as per the announced date NEET UG 2024 will be conducted on May 5, 2024. Check recent updates hereÂ
Published on: 2023-11-17 12:32
Wed, 15 Nov 2023 02:30:00 -0600text/htmlhttps://www.jagranjosh.com/results/entrance-exam-resultBest No exam Life Insurance Companies of November 2023
Our experts answer readers' insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.
Many of the best life insurance companies offer no-exam life insurance, which has the obvious appeal of skipping medical exams.Â
Best No exam Life Insurance of November
Many insurers offer a range of permanent and term life insurance policies that require a medical exam. These companies offer the best no medical exam life insurance policies.Â
Ethos No Medical exam Life Insurance
Best Term Life Policy
Ethos Life
Insider’s Rating
4.37/5
Perks
Apply for life insurance online in just a few minutes with Ethos' simple application. No medical exams are required. Just answer a few health questions—many customers enjoy same-day coverage!
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
Not Rated
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A
Pros
100% online application process, quotes in minutes
Coverage starts immediately once approved
Term policies renewable up to age 94 for qualifying applicants
Cons
No conversion options to turn term policies to whole life for no exam policies
Whole life policy limits are lower
Ethos Life accepts applicants up to age 65 with a 100% online application process, and limits are as high as $2 million.Â
Ethos Life asks a few basic medical questions, but coverage is effective immediately once approved. In addition, every customer buying policies like this from Ethos Life is eligible for a 30-day look period, which is another way to say you can cancel and get your money back in the first 30 days with no penalties.
Health questions: Yes
Coverage limits: Up to $2 million
Age: 20-65
Waiting period: May apply
Unique feature: Instant quotes available with a streamlined online application
Specialized life insurance coverage for older adults
No medical exams required, guaranteed coverage available
Cons
AARP membership is required for purchase
Only small policies available
Coverage may be based on medical questions and history
AARP Life Insurance caters to senior clients for insurance and many other financial products. Older adults between 50 and 74 may qualify as long as they are AARP members. Term policies are available with limits up to $150,000 in most states. Montana and New York residents may be eligible for up to $100,000. Whole life policy limits max out at $25,000.
Whole life policies can be issued without any health exams or medical questions. The term policies, on the other hand, may ask some health questions.
Health questions: For term life policies, but not whole
Coverage limits: Up to $150,000
Age: 50-74
Unique feature: No medical exam policy caters to older adults
Affordable pricing starting with $12/month on some policies
May offer coverage to military members other companies won't cover
Offers term and permanent life insurance options
Cons
2 year waiting period for full benefits on some policies
May focus on death benefits only more than other companies
All permanent policies are underwritten and serviced by other companies, not by USAA
Product Details
USAA offers life insurance for the military, veterans, and the public.
USAA Life Insurance is typically associated with military members and their immediate family members, but its insurance products are available to anyone. Pricing is lower, payouts are higher, and customer service is strong. Of course, these services are only available to military and qualifying family members. For the children of a deceased military member to use any USAA products, the military member would need to be signed up before their death.
Guaranteed whole life policies are available in 49 states, excluding Montana. USAA life insurance coverage is available from $2,000 to $25,000 with no medical exam or questions. Applicants who want higher coverage limits can explore medical exam policy options with a licensed agent.
Health questions: No
Coverage limits: Up to $25,000
Age: 45-85
Waiting period: Two years
Unique feature: Below-market product costs available for military members and qualifying family
Available in all 50 states (New York residents may have different plans)
Buyers can withdraw money to pay for nursing home bills due to severe illness or disability
Knowledgeable agents who can walk you through your options
Cons
Financial returns are limited
Limited policy options for seniors and other groups who might struggle to find life insurance
Prudential Life Insurance offers up to $3 million in coverage for term life policies. Adults up to 60 years old are eligible for coverage with a short application involving some medical questions. For younger applicants, conversion options may also be available later to make term policies into whole life policies. However, due to the higher limits, Prudential's application process may also be longer.
Health questions: Yes
Coverage limits: Up to $3 million
Age: 20-60
Waiting period: Two years
Unique feature: High expert and customer rankings with a trusted provider
online applications not available for term applicants
May not provide strong investment options for retirement
Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance has high financial stability and customer satisfaction ratings across different types of insurance. Guaranteed life policies are available for adults between the ages of 45 and 85. In New York state, the age range is 50-75. Policies can be as small as $2,000 in most states and as large as $25,000 with no health questions or medical exams.
Mutual of Omaha's no medical exam policies have a graded death benefit. If you die within two years of the policy start date, the company will not pay the full policy. Instead, it delivers 110% of the premiums paid. The Mutual of Omaha website boasts same-day payouts on most policies. Policies for children are also available.
Health questions: No
Coverage limits: Up to $25,000
Age: 45-85 (50-75 in New York State)
Waiting period: Two years
Unique feature: Company website lists same-day payment on most claims
Strong financial ratingSome members may qualify for discounts if combining home and auto policies
Cons
Only small whole life policies to cover a maximum of $25,000
Non-members may not get competitive rates
AAA Life Insurance offers immediate death benefits for qualified applicants between 18 and 75. In other words, once your policy starts, you are eligible for the full policy benefit. Policies are available with limits as low as $25,000 and as high as $500,000. While a medical exam is not required, health questions are.
AAA offers term policies with limits as high as $500,000. For a whole life policy, the limit is $25,000. But applicants can add a rider doubling the payout for accidental death coverage. Younger people have no waiting period for benefits. For applicants over age 45, AAA pays out 130% of the premiums paid up to the date of death for the first two years.
Health questions: Yes
Coverage limits: Up to $500,000 term/$25,000 whole
Age: 18-75
Waiting period: Applies after age 45
Unique feature: Death benefit available regardless of the cause of death
No Medical exam Life Insurance FAQs
A no medical exam life insurance policy could be right for you if you're able to qualify and don't need special coverage. These policies are the easiest to get for young applicants with no significant health issues. Older applicants can buy with some companies, but acceptance is not guaranteed. No medical exam policies offer less coverage with higher premiums in most cases. If you do not qualify for the no medical exam policy you want, insurance agents can help you explore alternatives.Â
No medical exam means life insurance companies will not check your blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. However, companies have access to prescription history and other personal records, and underwriters base decisions partly on this history.
You'll have to decide whether you prefer a whole or term policy based on your situation if you're getting no medical life insurance. A term policy has an expiration date, and extensions or conversions to a whole life policy are not guaranteed. If anything, your rate may be higher if you try to convert your policy. The insurer looks at you just as it would any other applicant of your age, health, etc. A whole life policy locks in premiums and payouts.
There are alternatives to a new medical exam life insurance policy. Insurance agents can quote you medical exam policies if you're denied a no medical exam option. An experienced agent may be able to assess your application before starting the process to avoid official denials. If you're concerned about premium limits, you can explore options like IUL (indexed universal life) for permanent life insurance that increases your benefit as long as you make premium payments.
A no medical exam life insurance policy may hold a certain appeal for older applicants and those in failing health. However, the life insurance market is the opposite of what you might expect. These policies are best for young people (typically under 50 years old) in good health. The no medical exam process is often more efficient, streamlining your approval, and life insurance companies can only do this with low-risk applicants.
If a provider sees red flags that might disqualify you, it won't necessarily prevent you from getting coverage. Instead, the agent would most likely offer to run more conventional life insurance quotes for you.
Guaranteed issue life insurance policies do not require a medical exam. This type of life insurance is typically limited to people ages 50 or older, and the tradeoff is that policies are usually more expensive than ones that do require a medical exam. That said, if your health conditions would otherwise prevent you from getting a life insurance policy, guaranteed issue insurance is a useful option, and it's offered by a variety of insurers including AIG, AAA, New York Life, and Gerber Life.
Yes, you can really get life insurance without a medical exam, but your options will be different. That's because you'll need to choose a guaranteed issue policy — a specific type of insurance that lets you bypass the medical exam requirement — and it will probably cost more than a regular policy including a medical exam.
The highest amount of life insurance you can get without a medical exam is lower than what you could get with a medical exam. Guaranteed issue policies that don't require medical exams typically top out at $25,000 or $50,000 in coverage, while standard life insurance policies can offer millions in coverage.
Ethos Life: Best Term Life Policy
AARP Life Insurance: Best for Seniors
USAA Life Insurance: Best for Military Members
Prudential Life Insurance: Best for Higher Policy Limits
Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance: Best for Guaranteed Acceptance
AAA Life Insurance: Best for Waiting Period
How to Pick the Best No Medical exam Life Insurance Policy for You
Particularly when choosing life insurance, customization is critical. Buyers don't need to add every rider, but a little research goes a long way in selecting the right company. Some applicants will not qualify for a no medical exam life insurance policy. A life insurance agent can help you run quotes that make sense for you. Then agents can offer realistic insurance policy options and review the costs and benefits of each.
Asking friends and family which insurance agent they use could be your first step to finding the right life policy. Factors like age, medical history, and financial goals play key roles in your decision. So we do not recommend asking loved ones about individual policies. Instead, let a qualified insurance professional find the best policies for you.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best No exam Life Insurance
The coverage and riders offered are vital parts of our evaluation. We also look at the speed of payouts, customer satisfaction, and financial strength ratings. All of these factor into the immediate and long-term performance of the life insurance companies we review.
If you're looking for more information about a specific life insurer, our individual reviews offer a deep dive into individual policies, riders, and more. The same considerations are used for all competitors to ensure readers have the edge to make informed decisions in an ever-changing market.
Lina Roby (she/her) was a Personal Finance Insurance editor at Insider. She covered pet, travel, auto, and other common insurance products. She is also a licensed property & casualty insurance agent. Her goal is to help readers make informed decisions for all their insurance needs and plan for the unexpected, especially in a constantly evolving insurance marketplace. As a licensed insurance agent, she worked closely with clients and insurance carriers to quote and bind homeowners, auto, liability, and other insurance plans for personal and business. As a licensed mortgage loan originator, she was also able to more effectively quote and bind homeowners insurance policies meeting mortgage lender requirements. With a love for writing, she has also assisted with marketing for her local insurance marketplace.Â
Evelyn He is a compliance associate at Business Insider who supports the Personal Finance Insider team. Personal Finance Insider is Business Insider's personal finance section that incorporates affiliate and commerce partnerships into the news, insights, and advice about money that Business Insider readers already know and love.The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with stories that are fact-checked and current, so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by making sure language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.Before joining Business Insider, she served in various legal and compliance roles in different industries, including the legal and pharmaceutical industries.   Evelyn obtained her M.S. degree in Marketing at Boston University in 2022. Prior to combining and consolidating her knowledge of law and business, she spent one year finishing 1L courses at Suffolk University Law School to further her legal knowledge. She has also completed MBA business law courses while working on her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 14-year-old Shih Tzu named Money, and her 5-year-old Bichon named Tibber.
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Wed, 08 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0600en-UStext/htmlhttps://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/best-no-medical-exam-life-insuranceDigital medical solutions and management platform introduced at CIIE
Dong Jun / SHINE
In vitro diagnosis giant Roche Diagnostics brings its latest digital solutions to the 6th China International Import Expo.
Smart and digital medical solutions to enhance medical quality, speed up efficiency, and support patient management have received wide attention during the 6th China International Import Expo, which has become an important platform for leading health-care companies to showcase their innovative tools and products.
Roche Diagnostics brought its Clinical Diagnostics Support, a medical decision support system, which integrates diagnostic medical knowledge from the health commission's clinical guidance and credible medical literature to create a database covering nearly 600 diseases affecting nearly 80 percent of hospitalized patients.
The database is a digital format at doctors' workstations to remind and recommend them to prescribe more reasonable and targeted testing items to regulate medical performance, support clinical decision, and ensure health quality while reducing medial cost.
The company also debuted its Pathology Lab Insights, a digital tool pushing intelligent and precise diagnosis through a smart pathological inspection and management flow at hospitals.
Ti Gong
Pathology Lab Insights, a digital tool pushing intelligent and precise diagnosis through a smart pathological inspection and management flow at hospitals, is debuted at the CIIE.
Pathological examination is the golden standard of disease diagnosis, especially for cancer. It is the most credible evidence to guide clinical treatment and treatment outcome forecast. The accuracy and efficiency of pathological examination is extremely important for clinical practice.
By deeply integrating the whole-process data at pathology department, the tool is able to offer a solution to perfect lab operation and quality control through comprehensive analysis.
The digital tool can integrate full-process data of the department in real time and allow medical staff to have a quick understanding of the work process, conduct statistic and tendency analysis on each step to help better staff arrangement, and enhance process and quality renovation to properly allocate resources, Excellerate work flow, reduce turnaround time, and realize superior lab management.
Louisa Shen, vice president of strategy, partnering & digital department, Roche Diagnostics China, said the company has been developing digital solutions in line with Chinese market and demand. The Pathology Lab Insights is a new example of the company's digital transformation and intelligent innovation.
Smart medicine is also being introduced into patient management.
A digital-based Chinese diabetes patient-care program was released at the CIIE to Excellerate the effects of patients' self management.
Organized by the China Primary Health Care Foundation and Bayer China, the project is expected to introduce a novel management format through information technology to provide guidance on life styles and offer education courses to Excellerate diabetes control.
The incidence of diabetes among Chinese adults is 11.2 percent, while patients' awareness, treatment rate, and control rate are low.
"As a progressive chronic disease, management and education is very important to help patients prevent and delay the happening of complications due to diabetes to Excellerate their life quality. During the process, a new, safe and stable scientific treatment and regular self-management is important to push diabetes prevention and control and high-quality development on diabetes diagnosis and treatment," said Liu Xin, director of the foundation's international cooperation department.
Ti Gong
The China Primary Health Care Foundation and Bayer China jointly unveil a digital-based Chinese diabetes patient care program at the CIIE.
Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:01:00 -0600entext/htmlhttps://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2311084717/Foreign Medical Graduate Examination Likely To Be Held In JanuaryNew Delhi:
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences has released the tentative schedule for the next Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). The exam is tentatively scheduled for January 2024.Â
In an official notification released on the website of the National Board of Examination, the board said, "The applicants who  are desirous to appear in next Foreign Medical  Graduate Examination (FMGE) are hereby informed that National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) shall conduct the next FMGE tentatively in January 2024 on a Computer Based Platform at various  test centres across the country."
The board has also noted that the students must keep referring to the official website of the NBEMS to check the final schedule of the examination.Â
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination is conducted to screen foreign medical students and give them the license to practice in India.Â
As per the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, "An Indian citizen/overseas citizen of India possessing a primary medical qualification awarded by any medical institution outside India who is desirous of getting provisional or permanent registration with National Medical Commission or any State Medical Council will have to qualify a screening test called the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination."
Thu, 26 Oct 2023 19:36:00 -0500text/htmlhttps://www.ndtv.com/education/foreign-medical-graduate-examination-likely-to-be-held-in-january-4518614FMGE 2024: NBE expected to hold Foreign Medical Graduate exam in January; Know more here
Summary
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has revealed that the Foreign Medical Graduate exam (FMGE) for 2024 is anticipated to take place in January 2024
The FMGE 2024 exam will be administered online in Computer Based Test (CBT) format at multiple test centers across the nation
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has revealed that the Foreign Medical Graduate exam (FMGE) for 2024 is anticipated to take place in January 2024. Aspiring candidates are advised to stay updated through the official website, natboard.edu.in.
The FMGE 2024 exam will be administered online in Computer Based Test (CBT) format at multiple test centers across the nation. The precise date and time for the FMGE 2024 exam are yet to be announced.
The official notice stated, “The applicants who are desirous to appear in next Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) are hereby informed that National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) shall conduct the next FMGE tentatively in January 2024 on a Computer Based Platform at various test centres across the country”,
The FMGE 2024 exam will consist of a total of 300 multiple-choice questions divided into two sections, with candidates having 150 minutes for each section. The December session of the FMGE 2023 exam is expected to be held in 40 test cities across India.
To be eligible for the FMGE, candidates must be medical graduates with their primary medical qualification from abroad and either Indian citizens or overseas citizens of India.
The FMGE exam serves as a screening test for medical graduates seeking to practice medicine in India. NBEMS conducts this exam twice a year for Indian and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) aiming to obtain the registration certificate from the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council (SMC).
Last updated on 27 Oct 2023
Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:39:00 -0500text/htmlhttps://www.telegraphindia.com/edugraph/news/fmge-2024-nbe-expected-to-hold-foreign-medical-graduate-exam-in-january-know-more-here/cid/1975667New report recommends mandatory prescribing exam for all UK doctors
The UK Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) is a ground-breaking medical exam with strong stakeholder support and is associated with increased confidence in prescribing and decreased reporting of medication-related patient harm. The PSA is a joint initiative by the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) and Medical Schools Council (MSC) created to address findings in the first decade of this century that prescribing errors were common amongst junior doctors.
The use of medicines saves many lives but is also associated with harm. Some of these avoidable harms come from prescription errors, estimated to be present in up to one in every ten hospital prescriptions. The UK PSA is a targeted education initiative to prioritize patient safety. It is a national exam that all medical students or doctors entering NHS clinical practice after medical school must pass, to demonstrate that they can prescribe medicines to patients safely. Although most UK medical students will pass the exam before becoming doctors, it is currently not mandated until the end of the first year of clinical practice in the NHS. This means that some newly qualified prescribing doctors have not yet passed this exam at present.
A review of the first decade of implementation of this exam, sat by over 80,000 medical students and doctors, by Professor Dame Jane Dacre, has found that students and educators think the assessment has driven more and better prescribing education and has been accompanied by trends that suggest NHS prescribing may now be safer. In what would be a major paradigm shift, this review recommended that all clinicians should be required to pass the exam prior to prescribing for patients in clinical practice. Because this recommendation would require a shift in medical education nationally, a parallel study was undertaken to put all the exam information provided to the Dacre review into the public domain.
This study is now published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (BJCP). The analysis of ten years of data shows that the PSA is a good test that measures how prepared someone is to prescribe. It is a reliable and efficient exam, and provides a national standard, which the vast majority of UK medical students will pass (>90%) prior to working in the NHS. This study, by Magavern et al, supports the Dacre Review recommendations that passing the PSA should be a requirement for newly qualified medical practice in the UK, so that the NHS can continue to prioritize patient safety and ensure an appropriate threshold of experience prior to prescribing for patients. This study was a large collaborative effort from academics at multiple institutions; for a full list of affiliations, please see footnote below.
Dame Jane Dacre, Emeritus Professor of Medical Education UCL, said:
"Prescribing safety is essential to protect patients. Our review recommends that assessment of prescribing is best done before doctors qualify, so that relevant education, training and assessment happens before they are expected to prescribe for patients. Addition of the PSA to medical school finals would give new doctors better competence and confidence in safe prescribing."
James Titcombe, Patient Safety Advocate, said:
'Safe prescribing is key to patient safety and has the potential to reduce medical error which can be costly to the lives of patients, as well as being a financial burden for healthcare systems.
'I welcome both the study and report, which highlight the importance of up-to-date knowledge of safe prescribing, and the consistency of applying that knowledge when prescribing to patients.
'The PSA is the key to ensuring better patient safety for all, which should be a healthcare priority for all involved in the prescribing of medicines.'
Dame June Raine DBE, Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said:
"Innovative medicines have brought hope to many patients for whom treatment options were previously unavailable. As medicines become more powerful and complex, safe prescribing by healthcare professionals plays an even more vital role."
"A prescriber must have a detailed knowledge of a medicine's indication, dose, and potential adverse reactions. Now more than ever, all prescribers have a duty to proactively stay up to date with the constantly-evolving risks and benefits of medicines in clinical use."
"This includes playing an active role in reporting suspected side effects to the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme to ensure adverse reactions are recorded and appropriate action is taken. Safe prescribing is a professional duty, and I therefore welcome the recommendations of this timely report."
Prescribing medicines is the most important means by which healthcare professionals treat illness, alleviate symptoms and prevent future ill health. Given the complexity of the task, it is inevitable that mistakes will occur, but minimizing them should be a key priority for improving the quality of healthcare delivery. This research demonstrates that developing the first national assessment of basic competence to prescribe has encouraged greater emphasis on training to undertake this important task. I am pleased to see that the Dacre review recommends extending this principle to all new doctors entering the NHS and believe that this will drive future improvements in patient safety."
Professor Simon Maxwell, the PSA Medical Director
Dr Emma Magavern, the lead author of the study in the BJCP, said: "The data all suggests that we can make prescribing safer for our patients by expanding the use of the PSA"
Source:
Journal reference:
Magavern, E. F., et al. (2023). UK Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA): The development, implementation and outcomes of a national online prescribing assessment. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. doi.org/10.1111/bcp.15919.
Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:01:00 -0600entext/htmlhttps://www.news-medical.net/news/20231110/New-report-recommends-mandatory-prescribing-exam-for-all-UK-doctors.aspxFMGE Exam: NBE announces Foreign Medical Graduate exam likely in January 2024, notice here
National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, New Delhi has announced that FMGE exam will likely be conducted in January 2024. Candidates who want to appear for Foreign Medical Graduate exam can check the official notice on the official website of NBEMS at natboard.edu.in.
FMGE Exam: NBE announces Foreign Medical Graduate exam likely in January 2024
The FMGE exam will be generally conducted in December every year will likely be conducted in January 2024 on a Computer Based Platform at various test centers across the country.
“The applicants who are desirous to appear in next Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) are hereby informed that National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) shall conduct the next FMGE tentatively in January 2024 on a Computer Based Platform at various test centers across the country”, read the official notice.
The official notice have not shared any date or schedule for exam or registration details. Further it has advised the applicants to refer the NBEMS website time to time for final schedule of examination, as the above schedule is purely tentative. For more related details candidates can check the official website of NBEMS.
Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:07:00 -0500entext/htmlhttps://www.hindustantimes.com/education/competitive-exams/fmge-exam-nbe-announces-foreign-medical-graduate-exam-likely-in-january-2024-notice-here-101698327244604.html
