Archive for the ‘Massage’ Category

Common Medical Billing Mistakes

Only when insurance claims get held up or denied, do the billing staffs try to trace out what went wrong. And then they realize that there has been some thing they have overlooked, a mistake that should have been corrected during the medical billing process itself. With the high cost of health care in the USA medical billing errors have often created situations that make some unfortunate client get wrong bills and makes him pay up more than he needs to. If in such situations the client does not have the necessary insurance documents in order, his condition becomes pitiable.

Tracking of billing mistakes is not always easy even for the billing professionals and is an assured impossibility for the naïve client/patient with not much technical knowledge about it. Quite often we have come across many a people wondering as to why a simple surgery did cost them a fortune. It is for the health care professionals to avoid such common billing mistakes which often amounts to just carelessness and could be caused by a flaw in the internal communication process. Here is a list of the most common billing mistakes that often becomes the cause for a delay or denial of the insurance claim / bill reimbursement.

  • Wrong patient identification number
  • Wrong ICD-9-CM code with out fourth / fifth digits when required
  • Duplicate claim
  • Wrong date of service
  • Wrong rates charged
  • Procedure of claim not fully furnished by the other party
  • No match between the ICD-9-CM code and CPT code
  • Physician’s ID not available
  • Billing for more Operating room time than used
  • Type of service code not mentioned
  • Billed for cancelled services / tests
  • Bill amount totaling mistake
  • Treatment/service provided was not validated
  • Service/treatment given in an invalid center/place of service
  • Service was not a medical necessity
  • Place of service code not mentioned

Some of the suggestions given to reduce medical billings in physician offices include, having an auditor who is well-schooled in medical policy and terminology. Errors should be corrected immediately when found out and care must be taken to remember not to repeat the same mistakes again. It is always right to report an error to the government authorities even though one can be fined for it.

The author of this article is Ricci Mathew of Outsource Strategies International (OSI), a US based company that offers services in Medical Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Transcription for clients across the US.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ricci_Mathew

Posted on March 31st, 2008 by admin  |  No Comments »

What A Way To Relax After A Tiring Day

When we get home after a long day at work, the only thing we wish for is a nice relaxing massage. But there is hardly any time to go to a spa, nor do we have any energy left for the task. The other option left is to go and buy massage chair. These are recliners that come with various features helping us relax. The massage chairs come with a built in massager that can be activated with a press of a button. There are wide range of chairs available, it could be a massage recliner or lounger. But based on what you need it for, you must pick out the one that suits your needs and fits your budget.

Massage is a form of relaxing our body, and working the stress out of our system. A neck massage will be ideal for those with pain around the neck or shoulders. Back massage is done for those suffering from back aches, or spine injuries. It helps relieve tension in our body, thereby helping us rejuvenate and rest. After a good massage, all we want to do is laze about and rest, because it leaves us feeling refreshed.

Some of the best massage chairs are made by Sanyo, Omega or Panasonic. Their chairs are not only comfortable, but also high tech. Most of the massage chairs we see in stores come with a remote, which is used to operate the hidden massaging tools which run on a motor. The massage chair can be used at any point of time, and usually up to 30 minutes per day. For people whose work requires them to stand on their feet for long hours, they can get back home, take a nice hot shower and rest in the massage chair and have a foot reflexology massage.

The massage recliner comes with attractive side tables, maybe a magazine rack and even a leg rest which will come up with the press of a button. Depending on how high you can go, the models available will overwhelm you. The kind of technology used and the variety of massages you can do with the massage lounger will have you all excited about it. You will be a like a child with a new toy, experimenting and enjoying the massage chair.

When you do decide to buy a massage chair, keep in mind the location, and space available in the room you are going to place it in. These chairs are usually big in size and quite bulky. There is need for adequate space not just to put the massage recliner, but around the massage lounger as well. Also check with the dealer on details regarding the warranty, life of the motor and if the manufacturer offers in home warranty service. Because we invest quite a bit, the quality of the chair needs to be good and worth the investment. At the end of the day let yourself go with the massage recliner.

James is a certified massage therapist, who has extensive experience in massage therapy and in spa treatments. His passion has translated into using his knowledge and experience in finding the best massage chairs on the market which he features at http://www.massagechairwarehouse.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Nolan

Posted on March 31st, 2008 by admin  |  No Comments »

Massage Your Worries Away

These days, when we walk into any mall, there are not one, but multiple options for every single product. At times we are lost wondering which to choose, or which would be the best of the lot. The same happens when we go to buy massage chair. There are so many lined up, and each one looks better than the other. We tend to sit in each of them, try them out and then decide. But most of the massage chairs offer similar features, and comfort. The only difference being the manufacturer and the expense. At times, people have a fixed budget when they go shopping, especially for products such as these.

When we buy a house, we look forward to picking up furniture and other cabinets, etc that go with the décor. And if there are elderly people at home, we look towards picking up a massage recliner. These comfortable sofa like chairs, come with a massager that will help relieve all tension and worry from the body. For elders, just walking from one room to the other could be tiring. So, if there were a massage lounger at home, they can relax in it and help stay fit.

The massage chair provides massage on specific points by giving rotary motion on that area. There are nodes placed in most places where people require massaging, and the chair works its miracles on those spots. The chair needs to be comfortable, before being a good massage lounger. So, it is important for the people who are going to be using it to sit and try it out, only then will they enjoy the massaging effect. For their old tired bones, these chairs are the best option. If they have been out shopping for a couple of hours and are ready to relax, if they spend a few minutes over a massage, their bones will come alive and they will have more energy as before.

Picking up the best massage chair is essential, and while making the purchase, check on how many massage rollers there are in the chair. If you go towards the higher end chairs, they might have up to 18 in them. However, just because there are so many, it doesn’t make the massage chair more effective. The quality of the material used, and the leather used on the upholstery will also add to the effectiveness and performance. Make sure the fabric used is leather or high quality resin; else you will have to worry about replacing them, since they could get dirty and wear out.

The main purpose of these massage recliners is to reduce your worries, so whenever you feel like a nerve is going to burst, spend a few minutes in this massage lounger and put your worries away. The newer models come with seat adjustment facility as well, which means you can recline the back rest to an almost lying down position or keep it erect. Same applies to the legs rest.

James is a certified massage therapist, who has extensive experience in massage therapy and in spa treatments. His passion has translated into using his knowledge and experience in finding the best massage chairs on the market which he features at http://www.massagechairwarehouse.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Nolan

Posted on March 31st, 2008 by admin  |  No Comments »

Learning About Massage For Stress Relief

A popular comedy skit program in England, Smack The Pony, recently had a skit set in a masseur’s office. The masseur tried a new essential oil said to be the world’s most relaxing. She poured in on her client’s back and began to massage and the back turned into squishy putty! This is obviously an exaggeration, but shows that massage for stress relief can effectively relax your body and mind.

The Healing Touch

Skin on skin contact is one of the most ancient of cure-alls. A kiss on a boo-boo, sleeping in your parent’s bed after a nightmare, or petting your dog can lower your blood pressure, make you breathe steadily and help your body’s natural healing powers. Massage for stress relief is not just for feeling good, but for overall body health. Rock star Peter Gabriel insists on having a full body massage by a female masseuse before he can face going out on stage. Even if you have never attended his pre-show massages, you may have seen him command a stage for over two hours of intense physical and emotional performances.

Yeah, But He Can Afford It

You don’t have to get a professional full body massage every time you’re stressed out. What do you instinctively do if you bump your elbow? You hold it and rub it. Just with personal explorations of what strokes soothe your body and what strokes don’t; you can give a quick massage for stress relief to yourself. It’s easier to massage yourself with warm hands lubricated with warm oil or lotion to prevent chafing.

However, be careful not to massage cuts, wounds, broken limbs or burns as you may do more harm than good. Massaging for stress relief is to relax muscles, stimulate circulation, and generally calm down. If you have constant back problems, trying a professional masseuse can help alleviate the pain, if your doctor approves.

There are many “Massage 101″ books, periodicals and websites to help you learn some of the massage techniques that have helped others. Your community college or YMCA might even offer free to low cost massage classes and seminars. Massage for stress relief is something you have to practice in order to remember it, but even the mistakes can feel good.

Massage for stress relief can be found in any forms. There are massage machines available, from a one-battery operated finger-shaped vibrator to huge chairs that massage your whole body with a series of vibrations. These machines are recommended for people in too much physical pain to exercise regularly or for the infirm.

healthnewsinfo.org/stress-relief has other well-written and helpful articles not only related to three stress relief activities for kids, but also other information and resources related to stress relief.

This article may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Mitchell

Posted on March 31st, 2008 by admin  |  No Comments »

Making Your Own Hot Stone Massage Kit

If you have had a hot stone massage sometimes, you may perhaps be tempted to build a hot stone massage kit for yourself. It certainly does not look too difficult to create one. You can surely buy a kit at a massage store, but you will save a lot if you make your own. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to build one quite easily. Imagine the pleasure of giving a friend a hot stone massage in the comfort and privacy of your own home, not to mention the savings it would entail.

Finding The Rocks

Getting basaltic rocks may not be very easy. This will of course depend on where you stay, but I am not sure if you can find some easily. What you can get find easily is river stones that have been polished smooth as they tumble downstream. You need not enter knee deep in fast flowing mountain streams to get polished stones, a visit to a shop that sells garden or aquarium stores should do the trick. Even if the store you visit does not keep them, they should be able to guide you to the right place.

When you get to the collection of smooth rocks and pebbles, you will need the following - a pair of stones that are fairly large - say 6 x 8 inches in size and nearly flat, next you will require around fourteen pebbles of similar size which can be held comfortably in a fist, and finally four pairs of stones that vary in size from marbles to a small egg. It will be good if you can get dark colored stones. This completes your stone inventory. Wash the stones well with soap and an old brush till all the soil etc. is removed.

Raid Your Kitchen

Now you need a vessel that can hold all these stones together along with enough water to cover all the stones completely. A deep skillet with a lid will do. You can select any other vessel so long as it can hold all the stones. Keep a pair of heavy duty tongs to take the stones out of the skillet and a standard kitchen thermometer to ensure the water in the skillet does not get too hot. Keep some light towels handy too.

Now you are ready for action. Find a friend who is ready to let you practice your massage. Do not worry if they are not enthusiastic initially, as the word of your great massage gets around, they will make a beeline for your door.

Plug the warmer in and gently immerse the stones in the water. Pour more water in to ensure that the stones are completely covered. Keep the thermometer alongside but make sure it does not touch the bottom else you might get a false reading.

Once the thermometer shows 120°, you can switch off the power to the heater and take the rocks out. Quickly wipe them on a towel and place them on the muscle junctions like the shoulder blades and the small of the back. Put the small ones between the toes and one in each palm. Let the heat soak in. Change the stones every once in a while as they cool. Get ready to be swamped by friends, each demanding a massage using your hot stone massage kit. Are you sure you can handle the attention?

I hope you found this article helpful! To discover how to find the perfect massage recliner, and to uncover how to select the right massage class for you, then be sure to check out:

http://www.OnlineMassageTherapyGuru.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fiona_Bryland

Posted on March 31st, 2008 by admin  |  No Comments »

Know The Basics Of Sports Massage Therapy

Sports massage therapy plays a very significant role in the life of a sportsperson. The benefits of this sort of massage are not only physical and physiological, but also psychological.

Why Is It Important?

Sports massage uses a variety of techniques, depending on the requirement of the person. The therapy mostly involves a combination of the traditional Swedish massage and Shiatsu. Sports massage therapy includes pre and post event, as well as maintenance techniques. The basic gain from a routine sports massage is the feel good factor. Other advantages include -

  • Reduction in the heart rate as well as blood pressure.
  • Improvement of lymphatic drainage and better blood circulation.
  • Helps reduce muscle tension and relieve pain.
  • Increases muscle flexibility.
  • Increases body stamina and strength leading to better performance.
  • Release of stress in the joints, ligaments, and muscles.
  • Minimizes scar tissue build up.
  • Reduces stress and anxiety as muscles and nerves are relaxed.
  • Eliminates the toxins present in the muscle fibers.
  • Restores mobility to the wounded muscle tissues.
  • Post-training massage increases muscle recovery.
  • Provides general relaxation and comfort.

The fundamental techniques used in a therapeutic massage are quite similar to sports massage therapy, but the strokes in the latter are usually deeper and firmer. There is use of friction style on the deep tissues in sports massage, so as to soften scar tissue and break down any lesions. Moreover, this kind of massage focuses on manipulation of the deep muscle tissues more tightly. This induces greater relaxation as well as triggers the body’s own natural healing system.

Sports Massage Focuses On Three Main Areas

1. Maintenance Massage

The massage therapist will help the sportsperson improve his muscle flexibility as well as his array of motion, depending upon the sport he is into. Goal is to reach an optimum level of performance, through working on specific muscle groups.

2. Post, Pre, And Intra-Event Massage

Pre-event sports massage therapy is administered couple of hours prior to the event and helps improve performance by increasing circulation and decreasing stress. It is mainly short and stimulating in nature.

Post event massage focuses on speedy recovery after the event. This involves relaxation, normalization of muscle tissue along with repair.

Intra-event massage takes place between events to help a sportsperson recover from the exhaustion of the earlier activity, and also prepare him for the forthcoming one. This focuses on the muscle group that gets stressed up during the event.

3. Rehabilitation Massage

How careful one might be, but muscles cramps, bruises, ligament strains and aches are bound to take place. Rehab sports massage helps speed up healing and lessens the discomfort associated with acute injuries. However, before starting any massage session, it is always advised to check for any type of contraindications, so that the repercussions do not turn harmful.

Side Effects And Warnings

Sports massage therapy is carried out to provide relaxation and soothe the muscles. However, when done vigorously, especially on the deep tissues, it can also be a little uncomfortable and painful. If the person is suffering from muscle soreness, such massage may cause some uneasiness. This kind of therapy should be avoided in case of open wounds, sprained ligaments, tumors, cancer, or any other kind of contraindication.

I hope you found this article helpful! To discover exactly how much massage therapists charge, and to uncover the secrets of where to buy a massage chair, then be sure to check out: http://www.OnlineMassageTherapyGuru.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fiona_Bryland

Posted on March 31st, 2008 by admin  |  No Comments »

Massage Therapy For Teenagers - Where To Begin

You may come home one day to someone that you no longer recognize as your child. Of course not, she is no longer a child. She may not be an adult yet either. She is somewhere in between and that is exactly how she may feel at this time. Are you looking for an experience that may help your teen during this time of transition? Massage Therapy for Teenagers can help with growing pains, body image, and learning to feel comfortable in one’s body. Plus, it offers a welcomed break from poor posture during school and many hours of gaming or computer time.

There are several massage therapy choices for teenagers. Like so many things that we explore in life, there are different levels of massage that are appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced clients. This article presents different modes of massage therapy that are commonly available for teenagers. Some may be received while fully clothed or combined with an oil massage.

Chair Massage provides a great introduction to the benefits of Massage Therapy for Teenagers without concerns for modesty. A teen’s first visit to a massage therapist may be awkward (like most things at this time of life), so the chair massage is a perfect place to start. A 15- to 30-minute session for an anxious teenager should be enough to let him know that he can trust the therapist.

CranioSacral Therapy has been proven to be beneficial in treating autism and learning difficulties. This technique must be experienced to be fully appreciated. The therapist uses a very light touch to release tissue restrictions affecting the vertebrae or cranial bones (in the head). CST is especially useful with special-needs clients of all sorts. If the condition resulted from birth or another trauma, such as a fall, CranioSacral Therapy may help to manage symptoms or, in some cases, completely reverse the condition.

Neuromuscular ReEducation helps to release chronic holding patterns caused by stress. This technique uses a gentle, repetitive rocking motion for each area of the body. We all have stress holding patterns, like the shoulder that rises toward the ear when stressed. NMR allows the client to “let go” of that pattern and find a better way to move in ease.

Thai Massage combines Acupressure and gentle, passive, Yoga-like stretching. It is received while on a special mat on the floor. Your teen can enjoy Thai Massage as a means to enhance sports training, both pre- and post-event.

Once comfortable with a therapist, your teen may be ready to try an oil massage. Swedish Massage is very popular with teenagers. This technique is relaxing and helps to ease symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Like Thai Massage, Deep Tissue Massage may be beneficial in sports training. It is best to try Deep Tissue after becoming at ease with providing the therapist feedback during Swedish Massage.

Hot Stone Massage is an extension of Swedish Massage with the deep relaxation induced by heat. This technique is not recommended for some teenagers or for any client’s first time receiving Massage Therapy since she/he must feel confident in providing feedback to the therapist regarding sensitivity to heat.

In summary, your teenager should start with a gentler technique, like chair massage, to get accustomed to letting go and relaxing with the therapist. After one or two sessions he or she may be ready to try another technique. Seek out a Massage Therapy Practice that offers many different types of massage under one roof. This will allow the teenager to discuss the next step with the current therapist.

Amy Culver Farrell
Hands On Healing Arts Center
http://www.MassageTherapyIndy.com

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Posted on March 31st, 2008 by admin  |  No Comments »

Try A Hot Stone Massage - Let The Lava Melt Your Pain Away

If you think you have tried the very best in massages, wait till you try the hot stone massage. As you lie on the table and let the heat of the stones soak in, you will experience an un-knotting of nerves and stress points like you have never felt before. A hot stone massage, even if there is no actual massage is an exquisite experience that stretches over time. It has tremendous health benefits and is extremely relaxing. Why is the massage so successful?

The Black Magic Of Basalt

A hot stone massage, to begin with, involves stones that have been heated in water at around 115° to 120° Fahrenheit. Now this is slightly hotter than warm but nowhere hot enough to burn or to make you uncomfortable. The stones used are basalt, which is a polished black rock that is formed when lava solidifies on a volcano. Since basalt has its origins in lava, it is obvious that this rock can retain considerable heat. Basalt can also be polished very smooth and this makes it very comfortable to use on the body.

The therapist heats the stones in a bath of hot water maintained at 115° to 120° as mentioned earlier. The stones have to be immersed in the hot water for a considerable period so that the heat permeates all through it. The stones vary in size from mere pebbles of the size of marbles to larger ones that weigh more than three pounds. Now once you are ready, the therapist will take the stones out using a perforated spoon and will place them on the various pressure and stress points of your body. The marble sized ones go between your fingers and toes, the larger ones are placed on your torso and the leg, thigh, palm etc.

Let The Heat Heal You

Once the stones are placed, the heat slowly ebbs out of them and warms up the stress points of your body. Slowly, as the warmth permeates, you will find that the tension flows away and a gentle feeling of well-being is experienced. For really tight muscle spots, the therapist will gently knead her subject with the stones to get the heat to sink in faster and the pain and discomfort will often reduce dramatically.

Many people who cannot withstand the deep and powerful kneading associated with traditional massage prefer having a stone massage because if you want, the entire massage can be done by the weight of the warm stones passively resting on your body.

A hot stone massage has been found to be exceptionally useful in reducing anxiety and helps its recipients become more calm and relaxed. It has been shown to improve blood circulation and control panic attacks. However, the heat has, once in a while raised blood pressure temporarily, hence therapists advice pregnant women or those with hypertension to avoid this therapy.

This revolutionary new technique has helped thousands fight physical disorders and has changed the way they live. Even for those suffering from nothing more serious than everyday, work related fatigue, it has brought great comfort and relaxation. After a day spent fighting the world, we all could do with a nice hot stone massage.

I hope you found this article helpful! To discover how to become a massage guru by attending massage classes, and to uncover useful tips about massage certification, then be sure to check out:

http://www.OnlineMassageTherapyGuru.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fiona_Bryland

Posted on March 31st, 2008 by admin  |  No Comments »

Massage Therapy - An Easy Way to Combat Stress and Pain

People lives are filled to capacity with numerous different kinds of problems, which if allowed to accumulate over a period of time will induce stress; with stress we then have a whole new spectrum of disorders that can happen if not attended to properly.

Indulge and Relax

First discovered back in ancient China, massage therapy and herbal oils have been used extensively to treat many illnesses. Kings as well as Queens delighted in the pleasures of massage therapy to lessen their stress as well as restore their overall sense of well being. Nowadays however, we are fortunate to be able to have access to massage therapy practically anywhere in the world so that we may enjoy its many benefits.

There are numerous kinds of different massage therapies which are specifically created to target a particular area of the body in an effort of relieving stress, which the majority of us end up requiring at one time or another.

Who Does Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is only done through professionals in businesses specific to therapeutic massage and salons who are certified. It is important that a person seeking this type of therapy go to a professional qualified to handle this type of activity as parts of the human body are fragile even if they don’t appear to be so. They can easily be strained particularly when you are in a relaxed state. It is best to allow the masseuse to do as he or she knows best.

Nevertheless, if you wish to give your spouse or significant other a massage to help them relieve stress after a long day, it is better to a take some lessons or a few tips from a professional so that you don’t damage any of his or her muscles while you are doing it.

Massage therapy when completed correctly, can help in relieving stress, giving you the ability to deal more effectively with daily routines and problems. It also removes cramps and tones your muscles and nodules that are created because of stress.

There are numerous kinds of massages that can relieve pain and are recommended by various doctors as well. Keep in mind that any type of therapy should complete it’s cycle in order to work, particularly if you are attempting to overcome any type of illness or some type of pain but additionally when you are having to deal with a stressful type of situation.

By giving massage therapy a try you will have a chance to see how it has the ability to improve your lifestyle, mind as well as your body in as little as one session. You might soon after become addicted to it and wish to return in order to maintain the well being of your mind and body.

Listen to Korbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of health. If you would like to learn more go to Massage Therapy advice and at Message Therapy License tips.

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Posted on March 31st, 2008 by admin  |  No Comments »

Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage - Lomi Lomi, the Spiritual Tradition

If there is one thing the people of Hawaii are known for it’s their hospitable nature and philosophy of Aloha which is a term that has many different meanings, such as love, peace, compassion and of course hello. Hawaii has one of the richest cultures on earth. Generation after generation of Hawaiians has passed on the knowledge, the spiritualism and the philosophy of their people through chants and oral recital up to this day. Deep knowledge of Hawaiian traditions are held by the Kahunas, experts of their chosen professions. Kahunas specialize in skills ranging from stargazing to canoe building, skills that they perfect from childhood all through their professional lives.

Those who practiced the Hawaiian healing arts where called Kahuna lomilomi. They believed that physical discomfort and disease were the results of suppressed emotions, mental disturbances or spiritual disharmony. Traditionally a lomi lomi session begins with a thorough investigation into the nature of the ailment of the patient as well as prayer and rituals that would aid the Kahuna in his work.

The lomi lomi technique focused on finding areas in the body in which the natural flow of energy in the body is disturbed and removing them, by moving the knuckles, palms, thumbs, and forearms in rhythmic, dance-like motions. During the treatment the Kahuna would also utilize prayer (pule), breath (ha) and energy (mana). The practice of lomi lomi was common within each Hawaiian community and contributed to a vibrant, healthy society.

Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage is often referred to as a spiritual massage, but technique is also practical and treats specific problems. It is, for example, effective in breaking up calcium deposits and lactic acid build-up. This is accomplished by a variety of movements, such as circular thumb strokes that are done in a one-two-three rhythm directly over the area. Knuckle strokes are used on larger, denser muscles in the same rhythm, followed by soothing forearm strokes and hacking.

I myself have a great interest in this exciting form of massage and healing. On my website you can read more about Lomi Lomi and Hawaiian Massage, feel free to stop by and I’ll share even more interesting things with you! Looking forward to seeing you.

Cheers,

Cat

P.s. Don’t forget to check out my website at http://www.lomilomihawaiianmassage.com/

Massage is something that I feel very strongly about, it’s intimate, passionate, relaxing and bonding. I want to teach you about Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage and it’s benefits, feel free to visit my personal website at http://www.lomilomihawaiianmassage.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Lee

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