Atlantic Coast Health Network (ACHN) has always been inspired by those we serve. We firmly believe that every patient deserves convenient access to quality medical care, and every organization deserves affordable solutions to keep their staff healthy. Value-based care is the clear path forward.
Guided by our vision—to improve the quality of care, to create cost savings opportunities, and to promote better outcomes— we entered a new year with great momentum and a few exciting announcements.
Our leadership team recently had an opportunity to meet with providers to discuss the importance of the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). Focusing on prevention empowers patients to be proactive and take control of their health. ACHN is committed to raising awareness and providing tools to help you implement an efficient AWV process at your practice.
Another development with a new partnership has resulted in more covered lives. With ACHN, organizations can access South Florida’s most trusted names in healthcare. Employers have come to rely on our network for tailored healthcare solutions and we welcome the opportunity to serve them.
Thank you for being a trusted partner as we work towards enhancing access points and expanding our regional footprint.
With gratitude,
Executive Director Atlantic Coast Health Network
Health insurance is currently one of the highest expenses for employers. As part of our employee health network initiative, ACHN works closely with various organizations in our community to deliver quality healthcare solutions at a greater value. Through our value-based approach to health management, we can reduce the total cost of care while promoting better health for an entire staff.
In collaboration with Whole Foods Market, ACHN recently opened enrollment to all Whole Foods team members. The Whole Health Plan for 2023 includes access to our network’s physicians and affiliated facilities along with a dedicated Health Resource Coordinator. Eligible members can also enjoy the convenience of having free on-site primary medical care at any Whole Health Primary Care Network location.
Our goal was to enroll 10% of the staff during the open enrollment period. We are proud to announce that we exceeded that goal in our first year of partnership.
140 employees enrolled
211 total enrolled (with dependents)
ACHN looks forward to growing our partnership with Whole Foods, keeping more of our patient population healthy while keeping costs down.
In April, ACHN hosted an informative event to educate providers on the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). Unlike the routine physical, the AWV is covered by Medicare and focuses primarily on preventive care. Providers can use this opportunity to identify health risks early on and create a personalized plan for the upcoming year.
Practices wanting to achieve higher rates of AWV can use Electronic Health Record (EHR) data to identify eligible patients. At ACHN, we recommend taking a team-based approach to educate your patients and ensure a successful workflow. All members of your care team should understand their role in the process,
from scheduling to coding and billing. Enlist the support of your entire medical office staff to close the gaps.
If Medicare is denying your claims for AWVs, it’s important to understand why. Your team should be using appropriate templates and proper codes to document these visits.
While Medicare does not cover routine physicals, it does cover the Initial Preventive Physical Exam and the Annual Wellness Visit.
Initial Preventive Physical Exam (IPPE) – This one-time ‘Welcome to Medicare’ visit is given to newly enrolled beneficiaries.
Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) – Performed annually, patients receive a comprehensive health risk assessment and a personalized prevention plan. The AWV is available after a Medicare beneficiary is enrolled in Part B for longer than 12 months.
By incorporating these visits into your practice, you can keep more patients healthy while providing a new stream of revenue. Here are a few more tips to assist with documentation:
• Verify SPOT on the CMS portal to ensure the G code has not been used by another provider.
• Document whenever a screening is not indicated, contraindicated, or if a patient refuses or is noncompliant to explain why the quality measure was not met.
• Assess which coding modifiers and service codes should be submitted on the claim.
• Submit claim with ICD-10, CPT and CPT II quality codes.
For questions or guidance, email achn@achnfl.com or call 954.265.7793
Across the network, we pride ourselves on prioritizing the patient experience, making patients active participants in their own health journey. Keep in mind that every interaction—from scheduling the first appointment to the final follow-up— is an opportunity to create a positive impression.
Be present in the moment. Give the patient your full attention while in conversation. Trust develops only when a patient feels heard.
Offer more access points. Turn to telemedicine to provide remote care when appropriate or consider adding after-hours options.
Promote the patient portal. Remind patients that they can access their medical records online at any time. Make yourself available to discuss results.
Promote participation. Encourage patients and their families to be part of the clinical decision-making process.
Request a review. Invite patients to leave a review on Google and Healthgrades.
At ACHN, we recognize that patients are consumers and will often rely on reviews to guide their decisions. A 5-star review can have a significant impact on your practice.
If you are part of the Memorial Health Network, download this review card to distribute to your patients.
BOARD OF MANAGERS
Physicians
William Pena, MD (Chair)
Alexander Llanos, MD
Richard Perryman, MD
Physicians
Charles Russo, MD (Chair)
Kenneth Budowsky, MD
Brett Cohen, MD
Je-Anne Beaufort, MD
Michelle Fiorillo, DO
Jennifer Goldman, DO
Jason Ceavers, MD
Michelle Dzung, MD
Administrators
Mark Doyle
Matt Muhart
Nina Beauchesne
Carol Toro
Jim Moffett
Non-Voting Members
Luisa Hurtado (Ex-officio)
Charles Russo, MD
Administrators
Jeff Sturman
Mike Paseltiner
Non-Voting Members
Luisa Hurtado (Ex-officio)
Richard Ashenoff
Monica Puga
Maria Castano
Physicians
Ben Freedman, MD
Alex Llanos, MD
Nigel Spier, MD
Lav K. Goyal, MD
Fausto De La Cruz, MD
Administrators
Jeff Bross
Matt Muhart (Interim Chair)
Ron Brandenburg
Bill Pepe
Non-Voting Members
Luisa Hurtado (Ex-officio)
Richard Ashenoff
Carol Toro
