Can your billing system interface with our EMR?
Yes, we can interface with any electronic medical record.
How do you manage compliance?
Maintaining each client’s compliance with governmental and commercial payer billing guidelines is a top priority. The formulation of clear, written policy manuals, the provision of provider in-service sessions and regular auditing of charges are routine aspects of this commitment to keeping compliance from becoming an issue.
How does NorthStar monitor productivity by employee/job function?
Every job and function is subject to constant and consistent oversight and monitoring. Over the years, we have developed production and performance standards that have become the key to our consistent success. We utilize an EMR system that tracks efficiency, throughput and production.
How does NorthStar make sure there is a charge document generated for every service provided?
All charges are managed according to a tight batch-control methodology that includes reconciliation to the OR schedule. Furthermore, our EMR system immediately communicates to our billing system.
How does your transition and implementation process work?
We have developed a very detailed implementation process and checklist that will be reviewed with you once we begin the transition process after we have an agreement. A transition team meets weekly with HR, credentialing, recruiting and operations to efficiently manage the process.
What role would your company play in our group’s negotiations and contracting with payers?
Our managed care team is headed by our in-house counsel whose career includes a lengthy stint working for a large managed-care company. Mr. Kohler’s experience, combined with our size and know-how, has been paramount in optimizing managed-care contracts. Our economic model promotes cooperation between ourselves and our hospital partners in obtaining these premium contracts.
Are you the same as a staffing company?
Our services go far beyond that of a traditional staffing company.
Will you come in and replace all our providers?
We typically retain 90%-95% of the existing providers as agreed upon with administration.
Don’t management companies only offer rigid contracts that can’t be customized?
NorthStar tailors contracts to fit each hospital. We begin with a questionnaire to make sure we have a good understanding of your current model and what your needs are. We then build a pro forma to meet your specific needs.
How quickly can a transition take place?
Ideally, we desire a minimum of 90 days after an agreement for services is reached.
What size hospitals do you serve?
NorthStar partners with large and small hospitals as well as surgery centers. All will benefit from our efficient management of their anesthesia department.
Is your EMR pen only to be used in the OR, or can it be used in other hospital departments?
Our EMR platform will integrate into all departments of the hospital. Our particular anesthesia application is written specifically for the OR environment, but the application of this technology can be pursued in any area where repetitive documentation must occur using pen and paper.