Corporate Blog

Boost the Speed of EZ-CAP 6.x for Maximum SymKey 2.0 Efficiency

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

SymKey 2.0 for EZ-CAP 6.x has been available since February 2011 and is now available for all versions of EZ-CAP 6.x through 6.2.1. HCIM is continuing to develop and test solutions to new EZ-CAP 6.x versions as they are released.

While working with several EZ-CAP 6.x clients, some who are in production and others in test, HCIM Technical Development diligently explored every method to optimize the speed of EZ-CAP 6.x and of SymKey itself.  One of the major efforts was verifying SymKey functionality in the Windows 7 operating system. Efforts were focused on the 64-bit version of Windows 7, since this operating system can take full advantage of the full power of 64-bit hardware, newer processors, and RAM above 2 GB. Through this effort and testing SymKey at multiple sites, it was found that on a multi-processor PC with Windows 7 64-bit and 8GB of RAM, SymKey’s processing speed was 2-4 times faster than on a comparable Windows XP PC.

After such great results, the SymKey system requirements were changed in August 2011, to specify Windows 7 64-bit as the recommended operating system and SymKey 2.0 for EZ-CAP 6.x was certified for Windows 7 64-bit.

SymKey 2.0 users who are currently set up with a Windows XP or Windows 2003 Server workstation/virtual server for SymKey are strongly encouraged to upgrade to Windows 7 64-bit.  SymKey 1.31 for EZ-CAP 5.3 users who anticipate upgrading to EZ-CAP 6.x should contact HCIM for the latest SymKey 2.0 system requirements.   For system requirement information or for any questions regarding SymKey 2.0, please contact HCIM Product Support at support@hcim.com or call (888) 454-0202, option 2.

ICD-10 Webinar Series for QNXT Users Begins Oct. 3, 2011

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

HCIM and AXIOM Systems have teamed up to provide QNXT users with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the transition to the ICD-10 coding system.

This free educational webinar series will include four 1-hour webinars, with your choice of session on either Monday or Wednesday to better fit your schedule. Featured speaker and leading ICD-10 expert Peggy Honts of AXIOM Systems gives a brief overview of ICD-10, demonstrates real code analysis, explains one-to-many mapping, explores the financial impacts you can expect to see in different areas of your business, and provides implementation strategies that will help ensure a successful transition to ICD-10.

BONUS: Following the webinar series, participants will receive an eKit, including HCIM and AXIOM’s Mind Mapping Tool used during the four webinars, a copy of the webinar presentations, recordings from each of the four webinars, and links to valuable implementation/project plan resources.

Webinar One

Beginning with a brief overview of the ICD-10 coding system, learn the differences between ICD-9 and ICD-10, observe a code analysis example using real ICD-10 codes, and discuss the financial impacts ICD-10 will have on your business, including risk mitigation factors. AXIOM will help uncover the different areas of your business that will be affected. We’ll close with a Q&A session.
Option 1: Monday, Oct. 3, 2011 • 1 p.m. PT
Option 2: Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011 • 11 a.m. PT

Webinar Two

Explore the impact ICD-10 will have on Network Management, including Provider Contracts, Physician Profiles, Provider Outreach, Reimbursement Methodologies, P4P, and more. Then we’ll look at Claim/Encounter Processing, Information Technology (IT), and Member/Patient Management. We’ll close with a Q&A session.
Option 1: Monday, Oct. 17, 2011 • 1 p.m. PT
Option 2: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011 • 11 a.m. PT

Webinar Three

Learn how ICD-10 will affect Medical Management, including Clinical Documentation, Care Plans, Disease/Population Management, Risk Assessments, and more. Then we’ll delve into Monitoring Business Metrics and Customer Service. We’ll conclude with a Q&A session.
Option 1: Monday, Oct. 24, 2011 • 1 p.m. PT
Option 2: Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011 • 11 a.m. PT

Webinar Four

Learn how to make the ICD-10 implementation as painless as possible. We’ll look at Project Management Impacts, Staff Training, Testing, Data Strategies, Reporting Impacts, Vendor Management, and Testing/Trading Partner Management. We’ll end with implementation best practices and discuss your implementation next steps.
Option 1: Monday, Oct. 31, 2011 • 1 p.m. PT
Option 2: Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011 • 11 a.m. PT

Register for this webinar series.

Note: You will automatically be registered for the entire webinar series and will therefore have the option of attending either the Monday or Wednesday session each week.

Your confirmation email will include instructions on logging in and a link to add the webinars to your Outlook calendar. Email education@hcim.com with any questions or concerns.

HCIM Welcomes QNXT Consultant, Bryan Richardson, to the Professional Solutions Team

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

As a former HCIM consultant that was subsequently hired on by a large client, HCIM is pleased to welcome Bryan Richardson back to the Professional Solutions Team. Bryan has almost a decade of experience on QNXT, both as a consultant and as a QCSI/TriZetto client, and his formal education includes a BA from the University of Florida and an MBA from Rollins College. Bryan’s background includes six years of business process reengineering experience. He has completed six end-to-end implementations and several other smaller engagements. With his diversified background, Bryan has done everything from QNXT system implementations to service packs to version upgrades and bug fixes, and he can provide business requirement documentation, configuration, training and testing. In addition, Bryan has served as director of the configuration department of a Medicare Advantage plan and contracted with Medicare, Medicaid and Commercial plans as clients.

Bryan currently resides in the state of Florida and loves spending time on the water. “I’m excited to be a part of HCIM because they approach consulting in the right way. They are not just billing experts – they always return value for their clients. I was a client of HCIM for years, and I always appreciated the support and the honesty which accompanied their engagements. They are not afraid to stand behind their word, and they back it up not only in writing but also in their actions. That difference brought me here because I believe in the same values and share the same work ethic. I want to be the best and to be a part of the best,” said Bryan.

Bryan is joining HCIM as a Client Services Professional Consultant and will be working under the direction of Jeffrey Hall, Executive Vice President of Professional Solutions. “Bryan’s healthcare payer operations experience at a large health plan has provided him with valuable insight and a working knowledge of claims processing, adjudication efficiencies, QNXT best practices configuration solutions, and healthcare payer operations and management. His judicious approach to overcoming configuration and operational challenges, his strong work ethic and a common sense communication style makes him one of the most sought after QNXT experts in the industry. HCIM and our clients have already benefited from Bryan’s ‘can do’ attitude. We are pleased to have him on our team,” said Jeff.

HCIM Welcomes Tyra Dennis to the Professional Solutions Team

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

HCIM welcomes Tyra Dennis to the Professional Solutions Team. Tyra brings with her nearly 20 years of healthcare administrative and operations experience. During this tenure, she has spent several years working as a Network Representative, Benefit Designer, Compliance Auditor, and as a Team Lead and Trainer for QNXT administration, ECIS, Medical Manager and Vision.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with one of the industry’s leading consulting companies, which is recognized for its dedication to its clients and colleagues. I look forward to using my knowledge and experience in working with payer systems administration to provide the best possible service and guidance to HCIM’s clients. Payer system analysis, design and configuration can be very complicated; however, my goal, with support from HCIM’s Professional Solutions Team, is to simplify them for our clients,” said Tyra.

Tyra currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, and her hobbies include sketching, interior design, and reading. She also enjoys adding to her collection of fine writing instruments and crystal.

Tyra is joining HCIM as a Client Services Professional Consultant and will be working under the direction of Jeffrey Hall, Executive Vice President of Professional Solutions. “Tyra’s practical healthcare operational experience is a valued commodity in our industry. She is able to bring her proven healthcare knowledge, experience and best practices configuration solutions to any project. I am pleased that she chose to join the ever growing ‘family of colleagues’ at HCIM,” said Jeff.

Free ICD-10 Educational Webinar Series Hits Home

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

Over 130 EZ-CAP users registered to attend HCIM and AXIOM Systems’ joint ICD-10 Educational Webinar Series, entitled “ICD-10’s Impact on Your Business.” Word traveled fast after MZI Healthcare encouraged its EZ-CAP client base to attend the free series via their EZ-Communicator email notice.

Featured speaker and leading ICD-10 and 5010 subject matter expert Peggy Honts of AXIOM Systems presented on ICD-10’s projected impact on key areas of a healthcare payer organization’s business and concluded the series with some helpful ICD-10 implementation strategies. Attendees appreciated the ICD-10 code analysis, real-life examples, and insight into impacted business areas that are often overlooked. HCIM received great feedback from this Summer 2011 series.

If you missed the webinar, you can view the ICD-10 Webinar eKit for a copy of the Mind Mapping Tool PDF, a 5010 and ICD-10 Benchmarks Timeline, a sample WEDI ICD-10 Timeline to help with your project plan, a free code converter, an exclusive special offer for an ICD-10 Impact Assessment, recordings from the four webinars, PDFs of all the session presentations, and more.

Below are the webinar polling results.

Which of the following business areas would you like to discuss throughout this webinar series?
90% – Reporting Impacts
80% – Claim/Encounter Processing
62% – Information Technology (IT)
56% – Vendor Management
52% – Disease/Population Management
40% – Monitoring Business Metrics
38% – Member Management
30% – Customer Service
28% – Testing/Trading Partner Management

What do you think will be your biggest hurdle with ICD-10?
33% – Resources (skills required for ICD-10)
33% – Staff Training
25% – Vendor Readiness
08% – Budget/Competing Priorities
00% – Executive Management Commitment

What is the sense of urgency around ICD-10 in your organization?
50% – On the radar, work is just beginning
20% – Aware, but no action yet
20% – Somewhat urgent
10% – Very urgent
00% – No urgency at all

How complete is your impact assessment?
27% – Not started yet
35% – 1-25% complete
24% – 26-50% complete
08% – 51-75% complete
05% – 76-100% complete

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your ICD-10 implementation, please email info@hcim.com or call 888-454-0202, option 5.

Emmanuel Padilla Joins HCIM’s Professional Solutions Team

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

HCIM is pleased to welcome Emmanuel “Eman” Padilla to the HCIM Professional Solutions Team. He brings over 22 years of hands-on experience working in various departments within the healthcare payer industry including Customer Service, Claims, Finance, Eligibility, and System Configuration. During that time, he’s worked on various claims system platforms, both commercial and proprietary, and he has spent the past 10 years working in configuration with six of those working as a consultant. “I’m excited about joining an impressive team of professionals at HCIM. My goal is to be part of a growing company whose number one goal is customer satisfaction,” said Emmanuel.

Emmanuel currently resides in Texas. His hobbies include video editing and making family movies while spending time with his wife and children on their ranch. In addition, he serves as director of sound and video at his church where he uses his video editing talents.

Emmanuel is joining HCIM as a Client Services Professional Consultant and will be working under the direction of Jeffrey Hall, Executive Vice President of Professional Solutions. “We are pleased to welcome a professional consultant with Emmanuel’s extensive healthcare experience and proven QNXT proficiency. Our clients have already gained immediate dividends with the application of his best practices approach and his ‘can do’ attitude,” said Jeff Hall.

Mingyong Yang Joins HCIM Development Team as Senior Developer

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

HCIM is pleased to welcome Mingyong Yang, Senior Developer, to the Technical Development Team. Mingyong started his software development career as a C\C++ programmer over 10 years ago, and has since spent over four years working as a VB6.0/SQL developer. Mingyong started .NET development in 2002 and was certified as an MCAD Charter member in 2002 and as the .NET version of MCSD Early Achiever in 2003. He has also designed and developed several web, Windows, services and batch processing applications using VB.NET and C#.

Mingyong lives in Oregon, and his hobbies include hiking and photography. “I am excited to be working at HCIM, a company that truly understands how to address the complexity and ever-changing dynamics of the health care industry. What drew me to HCIM were the challenging software development opportunities and the company’s bright prospects. My goal as I embark on this new journey with HCIM is to participate in developing new versions of claim entry automation software that will benefit not only our clients, but the industry as a whole,” said Mingyong.

John Rickenbach, Director of Technical Development, said, “We are very pleased to add Mingyong to our Development Team. Mingyong’s depth of experience with the development tools we are using as well as experience in the healthcare industry has enabled him to make an immediate impact on HCIM products. I am confident that Mingyong will play a key role in our future development.”

Kimberly Magras Promoted to Administrative Services Coordinator

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

Kimberly Magras has been promoted to Administrative Services Coordinator at HCIM. In her new role, Kim will oversee HCIM’s administrative operations, manage Colleague payroll/benefits, conduct on-boarding and training for new Colleagues, and coordinate corporate events and meetings. She will also serve on HCIM’s Leadership Team.

“I am excited for the opportunity to serve in this new position, and I look forward to providing input and implementing new processes which will contribute to the organizational goals of HCIM,” said Kim.

“For the past three years, Kim has been invaluable in facilitating HCIM’s day-to-day operations. HCIM is steadily expanding its footprint in the healthcare payer industry and has been hiring and training new Colleagues and consultants to serve our clients, so the Leadership Team saw the need for a full time Administrative Services Coordinator to keep operations running smoothly and ease the integration of new Colleagues into our family. Kim was the perfect fit for this position and we welcome her to the Leadership Team,” said Michael Wilson, President and CEO of HCIM.

Thomas Streeter Takes on New Role as SVP, Product Solutions

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

HCIM co-founder and Senior Vice President, Thomas Streeter, has shifted roles and is now the Senior Vice President, Product Solutions. His new role will involve all HCIM product-related needs, including technical support, client account management, licensing agreements, installations/implementations, training, QA testing, custom application development, and overall HCIM product direction.

“I’m excited to have Tom in this position where he can focus on our clients and help them get the most out of our products. He has already taken the opportunity to meet with several clients onsite and has found areas where they were underutilizing SymKey for EZ-CAP. He was able to supply additional training to help them increase their automated claims adjudication rate, which has already saved them time and money. This value-added service demonstrates HCIM’s commitment to customer service and meeting the business process automation needs of the healthcare payer industry,” said Michael Wilson, President and CEO of HCIM.

SymKey Saves the Day at NAMM-IL

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

The Problem

North American Medical Management of Illinois, Inc. (NAMM-IL) was recently impacted by a retroactive fee schedule change that involved processing over 300,000 claims on top of their current workload! A project of this magnitude threatened to bring their normal day-to-day operations to a standstill as staff would’ve had to pour thousands of hours into reprocessing the claims.

The Solution

Bonnie Mezzano, Director of Claims at NAMM-IL, reached out to HCIM and requested two SymKey for EZ-CAP limited duration seat licenses to help recreate and reprice the 300,000+ claims resulting from the retroactive fee schedule change. Instead of taking several months for their staff to adjust the claims, they set up a SymKey scenario to recreate and adjust the claims in a matter of weeks.

What NAMM-IL’s Claims Staff Has to Say

“When our fee schedules were recently updated for 2011, we were faced with the enormous task of recreating and repricing nearly 150,000 claims. Because we did not want to inflate claims utilization, we could not reprocess each detail line in a single step – pay new contract amount and adjust out the previously paid amount. For each claim to be reprocessed, a reversal and a positive claim were created. Thus, 150,000 claims became 300,000 claims! We worked with HCIM to develop scenarios for this process. Since we didn’t want to pay an item that was denied on the original claim, HCIM also helped develop a script to ensure that if a detail line was denied on the original claim, it was also denied on the repriced claim. Without SymKey’s help, completion of the project in a timely manner would have been near impossible. Now, if only SymKey could do the review and post the claims as well!” – Bonnie Mezzano, Director of Claims

“The claim department was presented with a monumental task. Our Fee Schedules were updated in the last quarter of 2010 and beginning of 2011. We were faced with the question: How will we be able to reprocess over 300,000 claims? It would take thousands of staff-hours just to enter all these claims, not to mention the auditing claims for accuracy of copay, eligibility, coding, etc. SymKey recreated the 300,000 claims for us so that our focus was on auditing the repricing payments. Thank you SymKey for all the hours you saved us.” – Karen Cherone, Claims Supervisor

“SymKey has been a big help with the re-pricing of claims for the new rates for 2010 and 2011. Because of the separate reversal and repricings, the project grew to over 300,000 claims. With SymKey we were able to create a negative and positive batch of claims in order to complete the project. It would have taken an adjustor weeks to do what SymKey did in just a few days. SymKey has been a great asset to the department.” – Thelma Simpson, Claims Supervisor

“SymKey was very instrumental with the volume we encountered. Being able to change statuses was one of the key steps for our review process. This work around enabled us to block our claim categories and review without interfering in our regular claim process. SymKey has been a tremendous help! SymKey made the impossible possible!” – Marina Nuñez, Claims Supervisor

About SymKey Limited Duration Licenses

Like NAMM-IL, all SymKey clients can license additional SymKey seats on a project-by-project basis to tackle large tasks without interrupting their current workload. This has proven to be a cost-effective method of claims processing because it eliminates the need for hiring and training temporary claims analysts to spend months doing what SymKey can do in days or weeks.