Among the many different sessions presented at the Radiology Business Management Association Summit that was held last week in Charlotte, NC, an underlying theme was very apparent. The importance of building relationships was stressed time and again. From forging and maintaining relationships with fellow radiologists and radiology practices, to building relationships with hospitals, it was clear that productivity alone will not demonstrate value in the new healthcare environment. The way radiologists interact and relate to others is crucial when it comes to building a trusting, solid foundation for their practices. 

While 8 million people may have signed up for coverage under the health insurance exchanges (HIXs), the world is now watching to see how many of them pay their premiums under affordable care. The current uninsured rate is at its lowest in years, according to recent reports from Gallup, but industry experts indicate those numbers may fluctuate based on people’s continued ability to pay premiums. In an effort to offer consumers ample time to pay their insurance premiums under the new healthcare law, a provision was included to give them a 90-day grace period. While the grace period may be beneficial to consumers, it increases the financial risk and potential financial burden to healthcare providers. 

New data released this week indicate that even though the number of adults in the United States who lack health insurance has dropped to its lowest rate since 2008, the new health law still lacks consumer approval. A Gallup Poll released Monday, May 5, reported that the U.S. uninsured rate has fallen to 13 percent as of April, 2014, down from its peak of 18 percent in 2013. According to Gallup, the report captures the surge in late sign-ups that occurred in March. 

August 10-13, 2014Washington, DC

August 7-10, 2014 | Wellesley, Mass.

June 7-11, 2014St. Louis, MO 

According to an announcement on Small Cap Network, Epazz Inc., a Chicago-based provider of cloud-based business software, plans to enter the medical billing market. The company signed a letter of intent to acquire a medical billing software company in the western U.S. The acquisition is expected to grow Epazz substantially by bringing in an additional $600,000 in revenue in the first year. 

Indianapolis, IN. – May 1, 2014 – Zotec-MMP, an industry-leading provider of radiology billing and practice management services, has been awarded an exclusive billing and practice management contract with Phoenix, Arizona-based Medical Diagnostic Imaging Group (MDIG). MDIG is a private practice that offers complete teleradiology services from more than 40 board certified and fellowship trained radiologists. Zotec Partners acquired Medical Management Professionals, Inc. (MMP) on August 31, 2013 to become Zotec-MMP.