So if you're like most people in America, you're on Facebook.  And whether you are actively contributing or more of a quiet observer, it's safe to say that social media has become a part of most of our lives.  When it comes to your agency, you have probably either started a Facebook page or thought about it.  Either way, this post is intended to help you get the most out of a Facebook Fan Page as it pertains to a provider agency using it. 

As we travel across the country meeting with provider agencies, a commonality shared by most is the anxiety of what the future of state Medicaid waivers will bring them.  It's no secret that the country and states are looking for measures to be more efficient with Medicaid and Medicare dollars.  This threatens the vitality of provider agencies, sometimes to the point that we see agencies paralyzed to make any changes (especially with software) as they are unsure of future cash flow and regulations. 

As a new year begins, most Americans look to start fresh with ways to improve something about themselves.  A New Year's resolution is always filled with so much promise and optimism.  And rarely does it get carried out through the entire course of the year.  I, myself, am a victim to the annual goal setting that rarely sees a victorious finish in December.  Heck, I usually don't even remember what my New Year's resolution is by March.  Getting in shape is always on the list.  Gym memberships see their largest increase in January.   But, according to Health Club Industry statistics, a whopping 67% of memberships never get used!  So it's safe to say we like the idea of being more healthy and in shape, but to actually commit time to do it is another thing!  The same comparison can be made when purchasing an Ageny Management Platform.  During the sales process, you and your staff will get really excited about all of the bells and whistles that the software can do for you.  Suddenly, things you have never been able to do will become MUST HAVES.  Excitement will run high and you will go through an engaging and thorough training and implementation on how to use the software and then one day it will be yours to use.  The training wheels will come off.  Like a gym membership, how many features and functions will you actually use day to day?  Most likely, not everything.  But it's important use and get really good at the core functionality and become disciplined in using it day in and day out.  Here are 4 Simple Resolutions for better using an Agency Management Platform in 2013.

News recently broke in Virginia of a human service agency employee that was sentenced to ten months in prison for altering client records in order to cover up Medicaid fraud.  You can find the article here.  Over a three year period, under the direction of the owner, the agency billed for and received reimbursements for 900 fake claims for providing respite services to 30 clients.  In total, the agency received over $630,000 of fraudulent Medicaid money.  Staff were told to falsify and make false entries to time sheets and office records to make it seem as though respite service had occured when, indeed it had not.  Ultimately, the case was investigated at the highest level - the FBI - and the Virginia State Attorney General's Office.  The employee has been charged with health care fraud, alteration of records and aggravated identity theft.