The Best Presents

Sometimes the best presents are the ones we allow ourselves.

Christmas time is special.  No matter what your religious affiliations (or not) are, no matter how much you love or hate shopping or snow, Christmas time is the best time of the year.  It’s a shame that it has become so commercialized, politicized, and contentious in word and symbol that it has become nearly ostracized.  For such a civilized society we often aren’t very civilized. 

Civilization is people coming together and working together for common sustaining goals and purposes.  One of civilizations definitions is listed as “intellectual, cultural, and moral refinement”.  It sounds a lot like people coming together and improving to become a better mankind.  Of late, rather than coming together at Christmas, people are using it as an excuse to wage a battle to separate, rather than unify, and to cause us to become uncivilized. 

The 2011 Genius Holiday Schedule

Yes- I needed an excuse to post another holiday puppy.

Here is the Genius Holiday Schedule for the rest of this year (2011)...

Genius will be closed for the holidays:

Dec 26-27 &  Jan 2-3.

The Genius 5010 Zone

Below is the 5010 link you've been waiting for.  This is where you need go to set up your THOMAS systems for 5010.  This area is evolving check back for continued updates.  

• The Genius 5010 Zone

Genius First Friday of the Month Phone Conference

The next Genius Solutions First Friday of the Month Conference Call is scheduled for December 2, 2011.

The next conference call will be special because we will have TWO different calls:

• 10:00 a.m. for eTHOMAS clients
• 11:00 a.m. for dTHOMAS and THOMAS-Lite clients

You can attend both if you wish, or listen to the recordings on Monday at www.geniussolutions.com/news

I'm hoping this will be simpler for everyone and save time so you don't have to listen to the "other" THOMAS instructions.

I'm thinking this is a one time only event and we'll go back to the normal 10 a.m. time for everyone in January.

Current topics for the call include:

• How did the THOMAS Users Focus Group in Warren, MI go last week?
• CMS delays enforcement until 4/1/2012 but payors might not
• 5010 for THOMAS users not in Michigan: what to do
• BCBSM accepting some 5010 now - get started sending now
• Step by step THOMAS sending 5010 to BCBSM
• General interest questions and answers from the listeners
• Final comments

Happy Thanksgiving!

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! And remind you that our office will be closed 11/24-11/25, open again on Monday as usual. 

~Genius Solutions

In case you missed it, here is a link to the November e-mail that was sent out last week- Genius November 2011 News Flash

And let me apologize to our Facebook users - I have been unable to update our FB page over the last month because of a new rule they have about having a phone number attached to the account.  It has not been possible to get the number "verified" yet as their lines are always busy.  We will continue trying.  Until then, may I strongly recommend our Twitter feed for timely updates and all things Genius?  :D - Penny

Webinar Reschedule

The Transaction Ledger Webinar that was scheduled for Nov 17th (yesterday) has been rescheduled for Dec 1st.  The reschedule was due to the computer and phone issues we were experiencing yesterday.

As far as we know all computer and phone lines seem to be working fine today.

If you didn't sign up for this webinar previously, but would  like to now, please do.

Here is the link:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/185424090

Phone & Computer Problems at Genius

Our phone lines and computers have been up and down this morning. Work continues on them. Keep trying to get through and know we are working on it.

The Genius Focus Group Seminars are FULL!

Hi Everyone - I get to be the bearer of possibly unhappy tidings.  The seminars are completely full for both Wednesday and Thursday. So if you weren't signed up by yesterday, you will probably not be able to make this round.

I have not yet heard if any additional days will be offered.  As soon as I get any new information, I'll pass it along.

Thanks.  PS - We are really looking forward to seeing all of you!

CMS Threatens to Slash Medicare Payments by 27.4%

Ok, technically CMS just issued a teaser of their final Medicare payments rule which is due to finalized and out November 28, 2011.  But when you really look at it and think about it, it really is a threat of you vs. the federal government.  At the beginning of this month CMS (Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services) released a final rule stating that unless Congress does something by January 1, 2012 physicians and non-physicians (who receive reimbursements under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule) will have subsequent payments slashed by 27.4%.  Although this number is down from the 29.5% cut CMS had estimated would occur earlier this year (because Medicare physician services have fallen below increased practice costs).

Permanent EHR Certification Program Delayed by ONC

Dr. Farzad Mostashari the coordinator for the Office of the National Coordinator for Heath IT (ONC) announced last week (click here for the posted announcement) that the permanent EHR certification would be delayed about 6 months, from January 1, 2012 to mid-2012.  This shift also coincides, deliberately, with implementation of the Phase 2 meaningful use standards.

We're Back - Focus Group 2011!

Focus on 5010 and More!  Click Here for more details and registration.

Happy Birthday to Us, & to You!

Visit Cupcake Obsession for more cute cupcakes.

Today is our birthday!  Genius Solutions is 25 years old.  Wow.

There have been so many changes over the last 25 years in healthcare, with computers and technology, and maybe even with you.  Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just joining us now…. Thank-you!  You’re part of our Genius extended family and we’re glad to know you and have you with us.  Treat yourselves to a cup of something you love and a piece of cake today while offering up a toast.  We’ll be toasting each other and you with cupcakes at lunch.

Here’s to working together for the next 25 years and seeing where this great healthcare adventure takes all of us!

And thanks again for being part of our family and our 25th Birthday-- We love you!