Cypress, CA, Jul 07, 2004- ERN Enterprises announced today the formation of the California Council of Reimbursement Advocacy (CCRA) that will administer the Professional Certified Claims Compliance Exam, a certification program for healthcare financial professionals in statutory and case laws relating to claim settlement and reimbursement, that prevent unreasonable delays in payment of provider claims.

The Professional Claims Compliance Certification Exam will increase knowledge of, and proficiency in Knox Keene compliance laws and California regulations designed to protect a patient's timely access to care. A common emphasis on statutory and case law will be an integral part of this program, as participants learn to address issues and situations that affect a provider's ability to render medically appropriate health care to patients, such as untimely reimbursement, improper denials and negligent utilization review.

"It is the public policy of the State of California that a health care practitioner be encouraged to advocate for appropriate health care for his or her patients. For purposes of this section, "to advocate for appropriate health care" means to appeal a payer's decision to deny payment for a service pursuant to the reasonable grievance or appeal procedure established by a medical group, independent practice association, preferred provider organization, foundation, hospital medical staff and governing body, or payer, or to protest a decision, policy, or practice that the health care practitioner, consistent with that degree of learning and skill ordinarily possessed by reputable health care practitioners with the same license or certification and practicing according to the applicable legal standard of care, reasonably believes impairs the health care practitioner's ability to provide appropriate health care to his or her patients." CA Business and Professions Code 510 (b)

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Ed Norwood, president of ERN Enterprises, notes that CCRA is not an association. "If patient and provider rights is your passion, then the industry will appreciate the existence of CCRA, a small handful of people who want to change the destiny of patient care. There are no membership dues required to join. The only requirements are proof that your organization has trained in at least one (1) ERN or Stop the Abuse Training Programs or signed a letter of intent to do so within the next ninety (90) days, and a commitment to attend at least two (2) ERN or CCRA forums, teleconferences and/or educational programs annually."

• Subscription to Stop the Abuse Newsletter and Legislative Alerts, distributed via email, to keep you up to date on legislative and governmental issues affecting our industry.
• Flat rate discounts on claimant representation and emergency claims resolution services.
• Eligibility for Certification Designations. Professional Claims Compliance Certification demonstrates to your employer and peers, your authority, knowledge and proficiency in statutory laws designed to protect patient and provider rights.
• Exclusive invitation and pricing to annual conference, boot camps and workshops to increase education, skills and networking opportunities.
• Seminar, meeting, product and membership discounts offered by ERN, CCRA and other related sponsors.
• FREE Online or Phone Support to deal with difficult compliance issues and unresolved claim violations.
• Invitation to a fall awards program.
• Job Bank to assist you in searching and posting that special job and so much more!

And this is only the beginning! Our certification programs will promise the foresight and practical insights needed during the uncertain times of our nation's healthcare crisis. The certification program will be administered by CCRA and is available to members at their location during "open" testing months (January, April and July) or once a year at a private sitting of the exam (October.) The first test administration date will be released this fall.

This is your moment--ACT NOW!

ERN Enterprises, Inc. is healthcare's premier training authority on public policy laws, providing healthcare business solutions designed to save time and costs for hospitals, physician groups and other healthcare related facilities across the country. Through a variety of innovative products and platforms, ERN Enterprises, Inc delivers up-to-date training on state and federal regulatory issues that increase the bottom line for providers. ERN also provides supplemental training tools that create strategic demand/appeal notices and educational materials on the industry's hottest reimbursement topics and payer issues to pursue all claims where non- compliance and payment is indicated until PAID.

About the California Ambulance Association

Formed in 1948, the Association serves as a voice and clearinghouse for the industry. Its goals are to advocate and assist in the development of private enterprise, pre-hospital emergency medical treatment, and medical transportation services as a viable, cost-effective alternative to publicly operated services. The Association views pre-hospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total medical care system. It concentrates on the quality of medical care the patient is receiving.