#advantages of medical billing and coding

[medicalxbilling]

Medical Billing Benefits

Medical billing is inevitable nowadays due to following reasons:

Improved Revenue Cycle Management: Medical billing streamlines the process of billing insurance companies and patients, ensuring timely reimbursement for services provided.

Reduced Errors: Professional billing services help minimize coding and billing errors, leading to fewer claim denials and rejections.

Faster Payments: Accurate billing and claim submissions result in quicker payments from insurers and patients, improving cash flow for healthcare providers.

Compliance with Regulations: Medical billing ensures compliance with complex healthcare regulations, including ICD codes and insurance requirements.

Increased Efficiency: Automated billing processes reduce administrative workload, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care.

Improved Patient Satisfaction: Clear and accurate billing statements reduce confusion and disputes, leading to better patient experiences.

Reduced Operational Costs: Outsourcing medical billing to professionals can reduce the need for in-house billing staff and related overhead costs.

Enhanced Tracking and Reporting: Medical billing systems allow providers to track payments, outstanding claims, and revenue trends more effectively.

Better Financial Insights: Regular billing practices give healthcare organizations better insights into their financial health and performance.

Streamlined Denial Management: Medical billing services help quickly identify and resolve claim denials, reducing delays and lost revenue.

[marlshroom]

came to the fucked up realization after finishing gravity falls again last night the parallels of the dream bubble bill made for mabel and the literal state of delusion he keeps himself in.

in the book of bill on the page where bill cipher describes how he figured out a way to manipulate her into giving him the rift, it says:

"Summers ending, my guy. Ending to death, bro. She'd do anything to make it last just a day longer. Probably something RASH and OUT OF CHARACTER, even!"

as we know, mabel cannot handle the fact that she will be growing up. that the relationship with her brother is going to change. she is scared of high school.

bill then says "That was it. She'd never make a deal with me. But she'd make a deal with someone she believed could give her more time. The dream was done. I had her."

bill then creates the dream bubble for mabel, he makes every one of her dreams come true, a place where time is still and she can be a kid forever. a lie so great that she wont have to face the truth.

in journal 3 on one of the pages bill is writing in code, we see this:

[ID: "I ask you, why must[should] time only move forward? Why must cause preceded effect. Who voted on the law of physics."]

my friend helped me break down what bill means by this:

why can we only move forward in the 4th dimension of time. why does something have to make another thing happen, why must cause come before the effect. why cant you move backwards, in the other direction, change the decisions youve made.

how interpret this is bill asking why he is not able to back and stop what he did to his family. he says to ford that he tried and failed to undo the past.** why did him wanting people to acknowledge his advantages instead of suppress him lead to the destruction of his whole dimension?

**(i just want to point out that this is probably the time where bill is the MOST open to anybody, or at least the first. to his henchmaniacs he had been telling them that he liberated his dimension until the oracle discovered the truth. here, to ford, he got so much closer to telling the truth. he SHOWS ford the last atoms of his world. he says that it was destroyed by a monster, not that it was liberated! destroyed)

back to when bill says "I had her" about mabel, he had her cause he knew exactly what needed to happen to trap mabel in a delusion because it is exactly what he is doing to himself. creating a fake narrative of what happened to him, that he was vindicated in killing his whole dimension. only ever doing exactly what he wants because confronting the truth is too scary for him(good fucking lord). the morality page offers good insight into this too.

i am actually just going to quote the whole page and highlight the important part. it speaks for itself really

"THE POINT IS it's[morality] is a very flexible concept! But parents and presidents don't want you to know that, because then you might start asking other questions, like who put them in charge, anyway? So they cram your brain full of guilt and regrets for transgressing the laws that they just made up(the laws that they made to prevent the destruction of their dimension, regardless of if the law + the wrongful medication of a fucking baby triangle did any good to actually prevent it). Wouldn't it be nice if you could put all that baggage down? Quell the shame that follows you everywhere for a lifetime of crimes? MAKE THE SCREAMS FINALLY STOP? The good news is you CAN silence that annoying voice, and here's how!

DENIAL

Works 100% of the time in every situation. What you you mean there are people who disagree? I can confidently say there aren't!

RATIONALIZATION

If you can do it, you can justify it! "Truth" is open-source code and anyone can edit it anytime! Want to be like me? List 3 "evil" things and then 3 "reasons why they're actually good." You'll be rationalizing like Bill in no time!

DETACHMENT

Did you know 100% of your human cells die and are replaced every 7 years? That means that anything you did 7 years ago wasn't even you-it was some dead loser! You can't be held accountable for what a dead person did! What? You think this is just another form of rationalization? I DENY THAT!

THE BILL CIPHER DECISION METHOD!

Working over the eons, the voices in my head teamed up and worked out a foolproof method for making any decision in any situation.

DO WHATEVER I WANT."

ooooooooooooooooooh boy.

he is fully admitting here that he is living in a completely different really in order to justify doing whatever he wants. he gives mabel the tools to deny, to rationalize, to detach herself from the reality of it all. that time has to move forward. and he thinks it will work because it worked on himself.

but it doesn't work on mabel because she understands that she needs other people. shes vunerable, she lets people in, admits when shes wrong. and bill cant do that because it would destroy the fantasy he's created for himself.

[transmutationisms]

like it's not that i think that no insurance billing codes psychiatric terminology could ever be useful. altho i do Personally eschew it For Myself, again, i understand why some people find it valuable as shorthand for sets of experiences and accessibility needs, and in a material sense this language exists to gatekeep certain accommodations so, yes it is sometimes terminology you must use to get those things regardless of how you feel about it. what i think is useful to keep in mind though is that these terms are simply descriptions of behaviours, and the behaviours to be described / categorised / pathologised are designated such through a series of medical and carceral judgments about how to produce a 'normal' and economically exploitable population. like. that's what these labels do. they're not describing a 'brain type' that is observable or immutable, they're not predicting your future or providing the key to understand your entire past as a function of reductive neurobiology from which you can never escape. they're social tools that make you legible to the state and the medical establishment, and that these authorities use to justify inflicting violence and coercive control on you. understanding this allows you to 1) decide whether, when, and how you personally find these labels useful or not useful for yourself, 2) be precise and cautious when you are trying to use them to your advantage, eg, to obtain accommodations, and 3) avoid the circular, essentialist, and socially violent logic of "well i do x because i have y condition (which was diagnosed based on clinician observations of x) and my brain is simply broken in a way requiring me to submit to expert clinical management and surveillance"

[vaguely-concerned]

A Stitch In Time First Read Reactions & Thoughts Monster Post Part 3

Stumbling over the finish line if not in style then with enthusiasm!

Part 1, Part 2

- Odo looked as if he could use a spell in his bucket; I had rarely seen him looking so run-down.

<3 I love one goo man 

“I’d better get this information to Captain Sisko,” Odo decided.

“Would you rather I tell him?” I offered. Odo looked positively drained; he needed to return to his liquid state.

Every time Odo is changeling-sleep deprived Garak starts to hear kill bill sirens and flash back to ‘the die is cast’. It is kind of sweet that he seems to be worried for his friend and not trying to gain an advantage or sneak around here tho. 

The ironies of the situation both amused and irritated me. Here I was, the invaluable decoder of Cardassian encryptions containing life-and-death information for the Federation—and they won’t trust me with the code to wake up Captain Sisko. Ah well, it was never easy being a Cardassian on this suspended chunk of desolation. And then I laughed out loud. But what about Odo? The last time I looked he was a changeling, a member of the race of Founders that was determined to destroy the Alpha Quadrant. Not only did he have the captain’s wake-up code, he also slept with the station’s second-in-command.

LMAO you know what fair fucking point garak. Tbf I’m sure there are some people who’ve been assuming you’ve been fucking the chief medical officer too 

But if Damar had thrown his support to the rebels … if it wasn’t a ploy… I wanted my revenge on him, yes, but not at the expense of liberating Cardassia. And it wasn’t just liberating the planet from the control of a foreign power. It was closer… more personal. I wanted something that was even more difficult to attain—redemption.

The doors opened, and once again I was alert as I stepped into the deserted corridor and moved past the sleeping quarters to my own. It was time, I kept repeating in my head. It was time to take our place among the planets and peoples of the Alpha Quadrant as a civilized and open society. It was time to repair the damage. “A stitch in time saves….” What? What was that expression?

*pats him very gently and lovingly on the head* This man can unironically fit so much character development in him

“You’re Khon-Ma, aren’t you?” She didn’t respond. “Being the only Cardassian on this station, I expected you a long time ago. What kept you?”

She should shoot you actually just for this

I stopped. What’s the point, I thought. All the stories were beginning to run together and they all had the same ending.

Smoking gun of ‘hm I think there might be some unreliable narration still lingering here’ lol. In a way all but openly admitting that like this is probably more like telling the truth for garak than telling the actual truth would be. From how we see him interact with Toran in the show I buy that the emotional truth about this is basically as he tells it tho — I think he’s angry and disgusted with himself more for having been unable to stop something from happening and taking that as being as responsible for it as the asshole who caused it, rather than actively making it happen himself. That’s the kind of pattern he has in so many other places in his life too, trying to navigate in the very limited space and with the very limited agency being submissive to personalities like Tain and Toran leaves you. 

“And they were all killed,” she said even more softly.

“End of story, Remara.” I considered telling her how I had exacted my own revenge upon Toran, and that my only regret was that his death hadn’t come sooner… but what was the point? Another treacherous opportunist dies after tearing another hole in the fabric. What’s gained except the potential for more damage? I rose. The station’s gravity felt like it had increased threefold.

“If you’re going to kill me, get it over with. One way or the other I’d like to go to sleep.”

“Who gave the order?” she asked.

“What difference does it make? I did, if you like.”

Remara just looked at me. She lowered the phaser. Part of me was deeply disappointed. 

The ‘has he been thinking with his horny brain this whole time or is he passive-actively suicidal’ conundrum. I suppose there’s nothing saying it can’t be both but I also think it’s more on the second side than he’d like anyone to know. I guess there’s no easy way to tell the guy who saved your life that you don’t really care that much for said life most days, and if you were offered some plausible deniability…

“You’re going to have to leave this station. They’ll keep coming after you until someone succeeds. Goodbye, Elim.” She put her hand against the side of my face, and I felt the heat coming through. Perhaps her passion was a curse as a terrorist, but she was a whole person … and she had found redemption.

Chewing on the idea of being a whole person vs. ‘unfinished man’ and ‘mosaic person’ 

- Gul Toran is someone Tain has warned me to monitor periodically.

Ah so Four Lubak is the future Gul Toran (the asshole in the Natima Lang ep if I remember correctly)! I see. That also means his snarking about Toran being made Gul is entirely performative he’s known about it for years lmao that was literally just to be a bitch  yes wonderful

- The fact that Tain has an evil Romulan twin/soulmate and they hate each other fdskjfhdsa

- So interesting that it does take until middle-age and Palandine’s extended presence in his life before Garak’s sense of humor really emerges fully. It seems such an integral part of him in the show, it sure is Something that it basically had to be carefully tended to and supported like a lil flower by careful gardener’s hands (thank you Palandine I’m sorry your life is a nightmare) 

- But I must confess that the toast proposed by proconsul Merrok left me feeling much better about the whole affair.

. . . 

“At first I couldn’t think why you hated him,” I confessed.

“I don’t hate anyone, Elim,” he carefully explained. “I have a job to do—and sometimes it’s necessary to eliminate those enemies who can’t otherwise be dissuaded. And he was determined to block our interests at every juncture.”

“I don’t hate anyone” says man composed of about 98% hate per volume

“Oh yes, my boy—yes, you did excellent work. A job well done.” He had never complimented me with such unconditional enthusiasm. It was almost a demonstration of paternal pride.

“You see, I had this planned for a long time, Elim. But Tolan wouldn’t agree. He wouldn’t take on the assignment, and he wouldn’t pass on the information. But thankfully he trusted you, Elim.” Tain patted me on the shoulder, which meant I was dismissed.

Weaponizing Tolan’s memory against him. Fucked Up. 

- Fear and isolation, Doctor. You can’t have one without the other. Fear isolates and isolation is fear’s natural home. Just as my orchids need carefully prepared soil to protect them against disease and pests, fear needs the isolated circumstances to deepen and grow without connective or relational interference. When fear is allowed to flourish in its dark and lonely medium, then any evil that can be conceived by the fearful imagination will emerge.<

This whole chapter is so fucking good, and it starts slapping right from the beginning. The way this works not only as a description of the larger crimes of Cardassia, but also the shape of his own life. 

‘My orchids’ is very sweet, and a phrasing that occurs several times. 

My feelings are spent, my moral rationalizations are empty, and I can’t say it’s not my problem when I’m pulling and lifting and throwing bodies of people who once only wanted to go about the business of their lives.

His life has been a series of violent deconstruction followed by reassembly of the broken pieces, and this should have been the most shattering of all but it comes across as almost peaceful. He finally gets to have his soul to himself enough to make something meaningful with it and put it together in his own time and in the shape of his own truth, even in the middle of such a painful realization.  

Colonel Kira once told me how many Bajorans died during the Cardassian Occupation, and my mind rejected the figure like a piece of garbage. We’d been in the service of the state, I had told myself, and the state had determined what was necessary. But now I understand why she hated me. More important, I now understand that constant burning, almost insane look in her eyes.

. . . 

Most of us who are left, Doctor, are insane. We have to be in order to survive and emerge from our isolation. It’s the only way we can live with the pain of what we did. Or didn’t. Each of us accepts the amount of responsibility we are capable of bearing. Some accept nothing, and these people are quickly swallowed by their isolation, their insanity transformed into a rationalized evil. A smaller group accepts total responsibility, and their insanity is an unbearable burden that cripples and eventually grinds them down. The rest of us carry what we can and leave the rest. For myself, Doctor, when a corpse is too heavy to bury I try to remember to ask someone to help me.

This man can hold so much fucking character development 2 electric boogaloo and HOW!! Imagine early seasons Garak saying anything like this! Even while I’ll also buy that early seasons Garak does have the capacity to get to this point in the end after enough work. AND the way it goes with his dream of Cardassia as a mass grave earlier/later on in the book — which also sort of indicates that the person he’s asked to ‘bury these bodies with’, as it were, before, was specifically Bashir. ‘You taught me to ask for help’. I’m so fucking soft for all the ways Garak is showing him that he touched his life in the very best and most beautiful way anyone could, no matter where they go from here.  

- “I don’t know. I suppose I’m just trying to reconcile statistical analysis with Romulan gardens.” We lapsed into a long, stony silence. Usually she knew better than to expect a real answer when she did ask about my working life. We both tried not to venture into certain personal spaces; often the attempt functioned as a barrier. I’m sure she knew that I was more than a data analyst at the Hall of Records. She also understood that the less she knew about what I did the more chance our relationship had to survive. For the same reason I never asked about Lokar. The less information, the less damage if either one of us was betrayed.

Garak that’s kind of sloppy, of course she knows something’s up if you’re making it that easy to figure out lol

Another interesting detail: Palandine seemingly never learns that Tain is Garak’s biological father, then. Very emblematic of the way all those secrets were still getting between them despite their best efforts. And lending even more meaning to the fact that many years later he lets Julian find out in uh perhaps the most direct way possible haha. 

“I’m of two minds. I know, that’s just another way of saying that I’m confused.”

Huh. I wonder if the way this is phrased suggests that that’s not a common expression in Cardassian and he’s translating it directly from Standard or something, or that his uh. Mental confusion/dissociation/fragmentation pops up enough that she’s familiar with it already here? 

“Yes. What if they’re right? What if they could help us reclaim something noble in ourselves? Where does that leave us?” We stood looking at each other. The night wind gusted through the foliage and I wondered where I’d be if I didn’t have this woman’s friendship.

What a soft way to describe it. Really drives home the like. Wholeness of what she meant to him. 

“It was a while ago, Palandine. I don’t know if they’re in the same place … or if they even meet tonight.” Her enthusiasm rendered me as helpless as it did when I first met her.

Julian/Palandine parallels time yet again 

I looked at Palandine, and she now radiated with such light that I turned away, inexplicably embarrassed as if I had seen something I shouldn’t.

So sad somehow that they kind of drift apart in this scene, where Palandine finds something that helps her and he mostly seems to come away lost and confused, if cleansed. (and he still can’t cry with someone else in the room) 

After Palandine had left, I had spent the rest of the night sitting in the Grounds near the children’s area.

How is this so goddamn sad fhkjshfa. They’re still just children, and no one is going to come pick them up from the playground, no one is going to protect them

- “Yes, of course,” I replied. I took a deep breath, and my disparate parts began to snap back. 

Adrift from himseeelf. This is kind of what I meant about Palandine maybe picking up on some of his — this stuff. Which structurally pops back up in The Wire too, with how he tells the stories. 

“You look like you’re not eating anything,” Prang observed. If Tain was the father of the Obsidian Order, Prang was its mother.

LMAO. And he’s constantly worried about his saddest son I guess. Tain/Prang most cursed DS9 rarepair idea???

- His other hand was now probing my skull behind the right ear. The man’s ambidexterity was impressive.

Lol diversity win: the mad doctor about to implant you with experimental tech is ambidextrous!

Oh. Oh no it’s the wire time. The fact that he’s one of the first agents fitted with it b/c his hindbrain distress tolerance is too worryingly low  for their comfort…

When I tell you that this wire will give you no trouble, as long as you don’t meddle with it, you can believe me. You know that, don’t you, Elim?”

“Yes, I do, Mindur.” The man had never given me anything but superb technology and sound advice. “Please continue,” I submitted.

“Good boy.” Timor thumped my shoulder again.

HORROR SHOW CULTURE ONCE MORE and also. Praise kink revisited and made more interestingly fucked up. Also submission theme thread. 

Do you think he’d meddle with the wire eventually even if he hadn’t been exiled. I feel like there’s a non-zero chance of that.  

- I remembered the Hebitian frieze and its lush background. Of course we were different people: it was a different world. The more the forests receded, it seems, the more we covered ourselves. Their world didn’t need an agent of the Obsidian Order to investigate a group of prominent Cardassians who “happened” to be spending their vacation together. It didn’t have Enabran Tain targeting one of his bitterest enemies, Procal Dukat, a powerful member of the Central Command. And I’m certain it didn’t have fathers who refused to acknowledge their sons. If we lived on the next spiral of the cycle of life, how did we know it wasn’t going downward?

a) ‘what if the glass is not only half-empty but also leaking’ yes very cheery Garak and b) one of the rare times he lets not just his bitterness with Tain but also his longing to be acknowledged by him fully shine through. To me it seems like that’s the one thing that’s still too raw for him to dwell on in this narrative. He mostly doesn’t get into or sit with the pretty obvious fact that he loved Tain, and desperately wanted Tain to love him too. You can see the traces through the whole thing of just how angry he is with him now that he’s dead (GOOD! HE SHOULD BE! HE SHOULD BE ANGRIER; IF ANYTHING!), but that particular element of it seems too vulnerable to keep in sight most times

- PYTHAS IS BACK BA-BEY! 

His grace was even more refined as he moved to the small house that was our assigned base of operations. If anything could have taken my mind off downward spirals it was the appearance of Pythas. 

And the mutual crush endures (also with me I love a sneaky little twink)

“What was good for you, Elim, was usually agreeable to me as well,” he wryly observed.

The way Pythas is like Garak’s shadow — except in Garak’s eyes he does everything ‘right’, he doesn’t seem to have that same aching need for connection, he follows his orders easily, he’s perfect and he reaps the rewards Garak never gets. Garak never even resents or begrudges him any of it. And yet they end up in basically the same place when all’s said and done, in the ruins of Cardassia, and Garak might even win out b/c his trials with the mortifying ordeal of being known mean he has some people in his life he’s starting to truly trust, the way Pythas seems to with Nal as well. Thinking. A lot of things. 

Over the years, his modest demeanor and quiet ways had turned him into more of a solitary person than I ever was. I had learned to withdraw my presence as a tool, but I was always aware of my need for contact, and that my value as an operative lay in my ability to engage others in a nonthreatening manner that drew them out. Pythas had learned to withdraw his presence as a way of life—and he moved through the world like a shadow. I was not surprised that Tain had recruited him for the “invisibles.” It took a special person to be able to operate in such unrelentingly anonymous circumstances—no family, no fixed base or identity—and there was no doubt in my mind that he was one of the most brilliant agents in the Order. Our relationship picked right up where it had left off at Bamarren. Other than Prang, I have never met anyone where so much was communicated with so few words. His eyes had a depth and eloquence that told me everything I wanted to know. How ironic that my lust for conversation was satisfied by someone who rarely spoke.

Ah, so if Palandine is the proto-Julian, as it were (and Parmak is the silver fox Ersatz Julian), Pythas is definitely the anti-Julian as well as Garak’s shadow hahaha. 

- Garak is undeniably a city boy at the end of the day haha. Pythas help him out there in the jungle he doesn’t belong here I understand why you’re so worried

- In a way it was touching: the old man reverting to the mind control exercises he had learned as a child.

Garak. The warning bells. Should they perhaps be ringing merrily in your mind at this combination of words and letters. Oh well. 

- “Yes, it’s me.” I squatted so that I was at eye level. I tried to soften myself, round off all the sharp edges.

Yes yes yes this is such a good description of that Thing he does. His ‘just a lil guy/tailor/gardener/funny spy man’ move

‘Carriers of disease’ and spreading poison motifs are back. Dukat Sr. uses it here to describe cowardice/Federation ideals/hashtag the SJWs/the forces that threaten to disrupt the status quo of the fascist state. 

- I left the containment field in place and stepped outside to clear my head. No matter how objective I tried to remain, I could never remain totally unaffected by another man’s horror. Fear was a contagious disease.

This seems right to me — I don’t think anyone who could truly shrug off other people’s suffering would have to make up such webs of justification and alienation as Garak does to do what he does. Maybe that empathy is why he’s so good at it and also why it messes him up so bad over time 

His *Working 9-5 slowed down & with reverb plays softly in the background* vibe about it is undeniably kind of funny tho

Contagious disease thread cont too, and not the first time fear is spoken of that way

“Who are you?” he asked for the second time, fighting against the toxin’s effect. This was one tough old warrior.

“Your worst nightmare,” I replied.

“Ah,” he croaked. “Then Tain sent you.”

- YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE fhdkjshasjh good for you Pythas isn’t there to hear it that is so embarrassing Garak (affectionate)

- Garak dreaming of being buried with the still-whispering mass grave of Old Cardassia… what the fuck I don’t think I’d sleep ever again after that haha

Of all of the people he dreams of, most of them are dead (or potentially soon about to be dead? Not entirely sure how that works out for Mila in particular. And I guess we technically don’t know if Calyx is dead, but after so long it seems very likely), except as we find out later Pythas. And Palandine isn’t there. 

NO. NO YOU CANNOT TELL ME THE FIRST THING HE DOES IS CALL JULIAN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FUCKING NIGHT  W H A  T 

“It’s not a medical emergency. Please, I realize this is an imposition.” There was a silence and I heard another voice in the background. Ezri Dax. A muffled conversation. The Doctor cleared his throat again.

“I’ll be right over,” he said.

This is so melancholy I want to disappear into a puddle of quiet yearning and never come back to solid form just put me in a bucket like the Odo. 

This is also the first time in this book Garak has asked Julian for help rather than Julian trying to approach him to give him help (and being rebuffed). He’s called for and he comes :’)

He gave me his puzzled look, which wrinkled his brow. I was always amazed at how deep the furrows were for one so young.

Soft little detail time yet again. Garak has been sitting across Julian for years just looking at this face and picking out new details. 

“ ‘There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.’” he quoted.

“Who’s that?” I asked.

“Shakespeare,” the Doctor replied.

“Hmmh.” I nodded in agreement, surprised that for once the author of the politically misguided Julius Caesar made sense.

Fhdskhfskjdfhsdjak you say that as if you didn’t quote the politically misguided Julius Caesar to your father’s face on a burning spaceship as you for the first time truly saw that he was as fallible as anyone else and invoking Bashir’s name in the process Garak

“Of who we are, Doctor. Our being. Human being. Cardassian being. But we have become these beings—are becoming, always in the process of becoming—on these other dimensional levels that are not limited by the measures of time and space. And the great determining factor of our becoming is relationship. Unrelated, I become unrelated. Alienated. Opposed, I become an antagonist. Unified, I become integrated. A functioning member of the whole.” The Doctor was thoughtful; his previous agitation had dissolved.

“You’re a scientist, Doctor. You have a deep understanding of this level. I don’t mean just the mechanics. You understand about relationship, the laws that attract and repel, the combinations that nurture and poison. Health and disease. Integrity and breakdown.”

“In your dream,” he said, “I presided over the burial of yourself and the people you were most intimately related to. Why?”

“You said, ‘for the good of the quadrant…. they must never be allowed to return.’ Why would you say that?” I asked.

“I can only think that….” He stopped and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Garak. This is not easy for me. I still can’t help thinking this was your dream. Even if I was invited … you were the playwright.”

“Yes, but put yourself in that part. Why would you bury these people and cover up the pit?” The Doctor looked at me in frustration. “Please. Indulge me. It’s vital that I have your answer.”

“If you and the others were carriers of some disease,” he shrugged. “In our fourteenth century on Earth there was a terrible plague, the Black Plague, which wiped out half of Europe’s population. People believed that the dead bodies had to be destroyed, burned … buried … because it was the only way to prevent the spread of the disease….”

. . . 

The Doctor was studying me with an interest in his face I hadn’t seen in years.

“Well? Is it the Black Plague, Doctor? Or just the ramblings of an old spy on the eve of battle?”

“You’re an amazing man, Garak.”

“And my gratitude to you can never be adequately expressed. But I shall try,” I promised.

“Please. What have I done?” he asked genuinely.

“That time you extended yourself so generously and found a way to remove the wire from my brain without killing me …”

“I would have done that for anyone,” the Doctor interrupted.

“I’m sure that’s true, but that’s not what I mean. All during the time the device was deteriorating, I was convinced I was going to die.”

“You were even resigned to it,” he reminded me.

“I was also convinced that it was all a dream, and I kept asking myself what you were doing there.”

The Doctor was puzzled. “But what you just told me, that our dreams are just another way we relate … ?”

“I had forgotten. That point of my life was perhaps the lowest. I had forgotten many things. When I ‘woke up’ and realized that because of you I was going to live—at that moment, I began to recollect some valuable information.”

“About dreams?” he asked.

“Yes. But specifically about relationships, and how they set the course of our lives. You not only ’saved’ my life, you also made it possible for me to live it.” The Doctor’s face darkened.

“What is it, Doctor?”

“The time I wounded you in that holosuite program ….”

“Yes,” I prompted expectantly.

“I never apologized for my action.”

“And you must never apologize!” I urged.

“Please, Garak. This is not the time to give me a lesson on how to behave like a hardened spy….”

“No, no, no. On the contrary, when you shot me, my dear friend, that was the next step in my process of remembering. I was going to sacrifice the others, the people you considered your friends, because that was the only way I could be sure to save myself. You opposed me. Indeed, you would have killed me if necessary.”

“I’m sure it would never have gotten to that point,” the Doctor muttered.

“You would have killed me,” I repeated. “For the greater good.” The cliche suddenly had another meaning for both of us. “This is my last trip to Cardassia. I’m not returning. You were in the dream for a very specific reason. Once again, you helped me remember. Thank you, Julian.” I put my hand on his shoulder.

“You’re welcome,” he smiled warmly. “And by the way. It wasn’t the dead bodies that carried the disease. It was later determined that it was the rats feeding on the bodies who were the transmitters.”

“Then I guess we’ll go to Cardassia and look for the rats,” I said.

“Be careful, Garak. And look after my hot-headed friend, will you?”

“Don’t worry. We’ll look after each other,” I answered him. He moved to the door. “Did you really have a dream about Hippocrates?” I asked.

“Yes. Actually I did.”

“Why am I not surprised?” I replied.

First name use…

Disease contagion imagery, and this time it’s very clearly symbolizing y’know the fascism of it all. Weirdly moving that Julian takes a moment to gently imply that the disease isn’t inherent in the people Garak loves and has loved (or in him, for that matter), but in the conditions that created them. 

There’s so much going on here idk if I could start to pick it apart yet, I may need to let this percolate in my skull for a while before I know what to say haha. I think part of it is Garak telling Julian to never apologize for showing him the full truth of himself (not least because that also lets Garak see the full truth of himself in turn), and Julian finally relaxing about. Something. He’s been ashamed about something he can finally let go of. 

‘I thought it was a dream, and kept asking myself what you were doing there’.......I will never emotionally recover from this I want to write fic specifically about this lord have mercy on me

- *Tain Voice* with your hippie bullshit and your women! 

*tiny garak voice* woman…

Over the years we rarely met outside his office; only an emergency or drastic change of plan would alter the routine. Now as we walked through the late morning sun and pedestrians at a leisurely pace I experienced a connection to the surrounding bustle and energy in a way that felt almost normal. A father and his son taking a stroll. Tain was heavier, and I could hear his breathing labor with the effort. He’s an old man, I thought. He’s mortal. I’d never thought about Tain in this way, and I became protective as we approached an aggressive knot of pedestrians at the edge of the Coranum Sector. One man was about to run Tain down when I intercepted his path and bumped him to the side. I ignored his challenge as we continued. “Yes, Elim. I’m getting old.” It wasn’t the first time he picked up my thoughts; this was how our conversations usually went.

HE BECAME PROTECTIVE 

You know the way he keeps touching Tain’s arm and shoulder in The Die is Cast, like he’s steadying him or about to step in front of him to protect him or something? Yeah… he burns his hands on this stove over and over and over but he can’t stop trying to touch it :(

This was so typical of his manipulation. Just moments ago I was feeling protective of this benign old man, my father. And now… the irony filled my mouth with a bitter taste.

This is always & forever first and foremost an Enabran Tain hate zone

He moved to the covered seating area, where the sun filtered through the old vegetation. I had never been here with anyone but Palandine. With a long sigh he settled into a patch of sunlight on the low bench.

He’s like a fucking strangle vine he just winds himself into every single part of garak’s existence and chokes the life out of it 

“Yes,” I answered. The benign mask was slipping, and I began to see the depth of his anger.

. . . 

“You don’t know!” he repeated with a disgust I hadn’t heard since I was a boy and failed to record all the details of one of our walks.

Oof. Ow. Ack. 

“And all this while, instead of giving up your life to the work, hardening yourself into a leader who could inspire others and expand the vision, you’re playing out Hebitian fantasies with another man’s wife!”

“Yes. Just like Tolan!” I exploded. “Perhaps he was my real father after all.”

Tain rose like a man many years younger and grabbed my shoulder in a powerful grip. His anger was now a murderous fury and it was all I could do to hold my stance against the pain of his grip. His cold eyes told me I had betrayed him. Worse, I had failed him. He let go of my shoulder and turned away from me. My entire body trembled. When he turned back he had regained his composure.

The biggest sin Garak could commit in Tain’s eyes is to dare to separate himself from him in any way; to be anything but his mirror, to act as if he has any claim to his own soul. I feel like more than what happens with Barkan right after this, this is what Tain considers the real betrayal. 

Tain has never needed to hit him or become physically violent with him to keep him under control ever since he was a very small child, he’s relied on the terrorizing force of emotional violence. And as is so often the case with emotional violence, it’s been insidious and hidden enough, kept to private spaces and in the shadows, that Tain can pretend at plausible deniability b/c like. Who’s Garak even going to tell about it, for the longest time, if a miracle happened and he even found he could? Mila, who has joined the war on emotional violence on the side of emotional violence since probably before Garak was even born? (For understandable psychological reasons, but in unforgivable ways in the role of a parent.) I wonder if ‘making him’ lose control and expose himself and his violence for what it is like this (in public, even!) is also part of what he can’t forgive Garak for. This ah ‘slip-up’ is the first big crack we see in Tain’s image of perfect implacable control (which is very much still the impression you’re left with in Garak’s stories in The Wire too), in the same way that Improbable Cause/The Die Is Cast completely breaks that image down. He is getting old. He stayed in the game too long in the end and his iron grip is starting to slip and everything he’s forced to stay in place starts to slip out of that order with it.

Characterizing what Tolan was doing as ‘living with another man’s wife’ is SUCH a subtle burn tho lol like yeah maybe after the strictures of our society you SHOULD have married the mother of your child instead of outsourcing all your decency to the said mother’s BROTHER, Tain 

Aside from anything else going on here (and there is a lot going on)... does Tain even know who Garak is at all, just on a personal level? Why, after knowing him for like 40+ years at this point, presumably, would you expect him to have aspirations or the natural inclination towards leadership, have you ever met him??? He’s one of nature’s perfect right hand men (well. Maybe not entirely nature’s, Tain did this to him very deliberately on top of some basic natural tendencies lol), he’ll get you whatever you ask of him and I think organizing a team under him for you could be part of that when need be, but never has he shown the least inclination towards leadership. (In fact, despite longing for the recognition coming out on top would get him from daddy I mean his peers, he seems vaguely relieved each time Pythas gets to sit in the big important chair instead of him.) He isn’t Tain’s mirror, for all he dutifully tries to move in the ways that make it seem like he is. And Tain should be smart enough to know that, if the narcissism didn’t completely blot out his sight in this situation, and/or it’s just the ‘setting him up to fail and then acting outraged when he does’ pure maliciousness reaching its apex.

(In a kinder time and a kinder world I think Garak could have a real nice time being one of nature’s extremely devoted Partners rather than simply right hand man. And I would like to see it please)  

“From now on you will report to Corbin Entek.”

Oh, that’s the Entek of Second Skin, probably. Wish you a very ‘get vaporized for not knowing when to quit’ in the future entek 

As I watched him leave, I felt completely empty and wondered how I could feel such emptiness. This sudden, wrenching reversal of fortune … everything changed beyond recognition…. And yet … there was no anger, no self-pity … no fear. Only release. Release from the secrets. Release from the limbo where, ever since I was a boy, I had been trapped between imposed obligations and feelings of mysterious longing mixed with shame. I felt empty … and free.

Listen to that voice maybe garak (not that I think there IS any way out at this point or that there ever has been in truth, that’s kind of the tragedy of the whole thing, tain would never ever have let go of him)

- Mila goodbye time: 

“I’m afraid we’re not leaving you much,” she said. “The furnishings have already been taken away.”

“I wasn’t expecting anything.” I tried to keep all irony out of my tone.

“It’s your choice, Elim.” Her voice was just as neutral. “The house is yours to live in.”

Mother and son having a Carefully Extremely Civil conversation lol

“Do you know the circumstances … Mila?”

She looked at me. It was the first real contact we’d had in many years. She nodded slowly.

“Before I make my ‘choice,’ I need your help,” I said, surprised that the request emerged so simply. I wasn’t as angry with her as I wanted to be. Mila saw this and softened perceptibly.

This running thread that almost despite himself he understands and empathizes with her and her situation too much to be as angry with her as he probably should be. He understands her better than she understands him (than she could allow herself to understand him, even if she had the ability to). 

I think that these apparently contradictory elements of his personality are part of what makes him feel so real in some ways, too — interpersonally he can be incredibly petty and jealous and judgemental AND almost absurdly forgiving and generous, sometimes seemingly simultaneously, somehow. The classic containing multitudes meme but like forreals tho haha. That is what real people are like too. 

“I love her, Mila.”

“You’re a grown man, Elim.” I couldn’t decide whether she thought I didn’t know this or was seeing it for the first time herself.

“And Palandine’s a grown woman,” I replied.

“I don’t care about her. It’s you! You have to learn…” She broke off and passed me a cup which exuded the herbal aroma I’ve always associated with her and Tolan. Bitterbark and sweet groundroot. Moist rich soil.

“To control myself?” Mila blew on her tea. I shrugged at the obvious irony; I didn’t want to get into a fight.

. . . 

Mila sat on a bin and sipped her tea. She avoided my look. As I positioned another bin across from her, I experienced a deep pain in my shoulder. It was still throbbing.

“Tain’s angry … with me. He wants me never to see her again and … to kill Barkan.” Still she avoided looking at me. “But you know this, don’t you? And you know what’s possible. Because you have your own … thoughts about this. Don’t you Mila?” I persisted.

Again she jerked away from me. Tea from her cup slopped onto the floor. “There’s no time, Elim.” She put the cup down, wiped her hands on the protective smock she wore, and looked for something to clean the floor with. “There’s no time for this.”

The mother/child relationship here is… y’know I talk a lot about Garak’s daddy issues for obvious reasons, but the fact that his mother recoils in fear when he tries to engage some sliver of real emotional intimacy with her prrrrrobably did some similar amounts of shaping him huh haha. (and he does this too in many ways — that’s partially where his trouble with Julian comes from in this book, whenever Julian tries to get too close Garak flinches away or counterattacks, for all that he clearly longs for it as well.)

The  roundabout way you can tell her love for him even so tho. ‘I don’t care about her’. Palandine is not her baby, Elim, you are. Mila hasn’t been left with the luxury of love to spare for someone she doesn’t even know when you’re setting yourself up for destruction right in front of her eyes…. 

“I mean it, Mila. I would. But I think about her, feel her, all the time. Especially when I’m alone.”

Palandine/Bashir parallels once more and I really mean it!! There used to be a little Palandine in his head the way there’s a little Julian in there now. (and sadly she doesn’t seem to be there anymore, or maybe he’s just integrated what he got from her and let the rest go for both of their sakes, the same way he let Mila the regnar go when it was time.) 

“Sacrifices?” In frustration Mila took off her smock to wipe the tea from the floor. “Elim, you amaze me.” Shaking her head, she got down on her knees and began scrubbing vigorously, as if the spilled drops of tea were hostile agents capable of spreading disease and destruction.

“Really? Well, I’m pleased I still have the ability—”

“Sacrifices,” she hissed, her control escaping like steam from a narrow rift. “What was the name of that book you once gave me? When you first came back from Bamarren. The one you proclaimed as the greatest Cardassian novel ever written and insisted that we read it.” Mila was still on her knees, but now I was the offending spot she vigorously rubbed with her words and eyes. “Generations of one family, each faced with the same choice at a crucial moment. Do they serve their personal needs or do they serve future generations? Do they choose the comfort of their own lives over the life of the state and its mission? I read it, Elim. You told me to and I did.”

“The Never-Ending Sacrifice,” I answered.

“Yes. That’s the one.” She made a sighing sound as she stood up. Mila was heavier now, and moved with greater deliberation. She, too, had grown old. “I suggest you reread it.”

“Tain always came first, didn’t he? I suppose that was your never-ending sacrifice.” I no longer reined in the irony.

I’m CRYING this is SUCH a mom thing to do. Her teen son came home with a book he waxed poetic about and she read it to try to understand him and never told him until now. 

Also: disease contagion theme thread! To Mila, it seems to be tied in with the sentiment reading of it — the way her child’s suffering stains all her safe stable justifications and rationalizations that she needs to stay alive in this system. The remaining humanity that can’t be completely stamped out, even by Tain and a lifetime of fuckery. The ‘imperfections’ of life that can’t be subsumed completely into order. 

Garak I think it’s better if you don’t recommend that book to people it clearly leads to disappointing interpersonal outcomes every time haha

“Tolan understood and accepted his obligations,” Mila said coldly. “But he was sentimental. Like you. That was the one thing Enabran worried about.”

I smiled in sad recognition. Sentimental. Yes, Tain and Mila had definitely shared their confidences and judgments with each other.

“But I don’t blame Tolan. He was a good man.” Mila watched me as I rose.

“Yes. So you keep saying.” I wanted to leave.

“She’s nothing but trouble for you, Elim. End it now. Do what Enabran says and reclaim your rightful place.”

“My place,” I repeated.

“Now, Elim. Otherwise you’re in real danger,” she warned with a certainty that reminded me of the time she’d brought me to Tain after I’d left Bamarren. Mila always knew what was at the heart of the never-ending sacrifice.

“Thank you for your help,” I said, too weary for irony.

“What did you expect from me?”

“To be honest, I can’t remember,” I answered. “Have a pleasant trip.” I smiled and bowed.

“What did you expect from me?”/“To be honest, I can’t remember,” is THE realest description I’ve seen of a mother/child relationship. This might say more about me than I should be comfortable with probably but still. 

“Let Limor know if you’ll be living here.” I nodded. Yes, I thought, that would be my answer. My choice. She shook out her smock to determine whether or not to put it back on.

“Mila.” She looked at me and took a deep breath, as if preparing herself for my question.

“Who was Tolan?”

“My brother.” She decided to wear the smock, and I left.

I am SO FUCKING SAD. She puts the smock back on. That’s the closest thing to keeping either of them she gets to have, just the second hand reminder that they were there, small and innocuous enough that no one will know and no one can blame her. In the end Tain takes everything else, and she lets him because it’s the only way to survive him. GET OUT OF THERE ELIM PLEASE 

- On an impulse, instead of leaving immediately, I went down the corridor to Tain’s old office. The door was open, and I stopped at the threshold just as Pythas looked up from a now much cleaner desk. He smiled shyly and stood up.

“Please come in, Elim,” he offered. What surprised me was how pleased I was to see him. Just as I had felt he was the only other person who deserved to be One Lubak, I now believed he was the only other person who deserved to occupy this office.

He smiled shyly did he fhskja. Also Garak’s enduring lack of bitterness towards Pythas is amazing. ‘Yeah I would be mad but he really is that good if it had to be anyone it should be him’

- She stopped just short of my covering shrub, and the sight of her face shocked me. It was swollen and bruised. One eye was completely closed, and the other contained enough pain for ten. It took every bit of my willpower not to reach out and hold her. Her one eye held mine, I knew she wanted to tell me something so important that she was willing to wait all night if necessary. 

I’m so fucking glad Barkan is about to eat it for good. I only wish it could have gone slower and more painfully for him. 

I wanted to laugh, and it took a concerted effort to gather my disparate parts in order to integrate my will.

‘Disparate parts’ motif (dare we say mosaic motif?) detected

“At least the smile’s gone,” the first voice said. I was fully awake now. 

Barkan’s life is just being haunted by fifty shades of Garak’s shit eating grin apparently 

“Flaunting your ‘relationship’ in public like infatuated schoolchildren.”

“Yes, I suppose it would have been wiser to behave like experienced adulterers,” I replied with a sigh.

“You’re the lowest form of scavenger, Elim. You have no attachments of your own, and so you feed on the emotional vulnerabilities of others.

. . .

“But you’re a failure, Elim. You even failed in your attempt to assassinate me.”

“I didn’t fail with Palandine,” I said quietly.

LMAO gottem 

The chemical makeup of Garak’s brain during Barkan’s beating should probably have been studied by science it must be the strangest rave in there

The others were there—my fellow travelers, their voices murmuring tonelessly, producing a steady sound that permeated the medium and intensified our connection. Their voices speaking to me. Their faces, serene and loving, illuminating the darkness as they floated by. Everyone I have ever known. Family. Faces from childhood. Bamarren. People I had known briefly. People I have known forever. Loved. Hated. We were all just together now, sharing the same nurturing medium as we traveled along our currents until we gradually separated.

This… near-death hallucination or spiritual experience or whatever it is vs. his mass grave dream later… very birth vs. death themed

Faces formed and reformed. Each one superimposed on the next in a long line emerging from blackness. Maladek. Merrok…. The molecular structure of one giving way to the next…. Procal Dukat. Tolan. Floating into focus, receding back into the darkness. I shook my head, trying to stop the flow. The Hebitian mask. My face. I grabbed my “face” and screamed into it. The flow stopped. The molecules rushed together and instantly formed Barkan Lokar’s death mask.

I think maybe something came a tiny little bit completely untethered in his head in a way it’s been threatening to for a long time in this moment. It may just be my imagination tho who’s to say

- “Elim Garak. How the mighty have fallen. Welcome to Terok Nor.”

“Oh, I try to visit even our humblest outposts, Dukat.”

“This is going to be more than a visit, trust me. You’ll soon wish that the execution had not been commuted.”

a) ah garak/dukat sniping my old friend b) It seems Tain never spoke to him in that whole process, so that time in the park was probably the last time before ‘Improbable Cause’?. I’m only surprised he didn’t give Dukat the neutral face of displeasure to convey to Garak second hand honestly 

- “I’m sure you gave him a more ennobling position,” I said.

“He was executed,” the toady replied.

“A promotion of sorts,” I muttered. “Certainly in this place.”

The passionate enduring Garak/Terok Nor hateship off to an immediate and roaring start

- Real ‘he gave them the heebie jeebies. He had nothing else left to give’ vibes on garak in this part of his life 

- He arched his brows in a manner that told me he’d worked long and hard in front of a mirror.

There’s always time to appreciate some good Dukat dunking

“Your life means nothing to me. Just as my father’s meant nothing to you.”

“I beg your pardon? Do I know your father?” Dukat made a move to grab me and immediately stopped himself. I was impressed by his self-control; I knew how much energy fueled his hatred.

“No offense,” I went on, further testing his control. “Of course, Procal Dukat was a famous military figure. We all mourned his passing. But I never had the pleasure personally….”

At his most miserable, but also his funniest. It IS really interesting that his humor only really reaches its current state here, when he’s lost Palandine and everything else in his life. It’s almost like the only remaining way to be close to her. 

No, I decided that I was not going to sacrifice myself to Dukat’s desire for revenge. I would do this work; I would do it so well as to become indispensable to the station… and I would survive. I refused to be buried alive in this humiliation.

‘Sort of suicidal: yes; willing to go down in history as one of Dukat’s Ws… fuck no’

- I pick up their garments and mend them flawlessly. When they complain that the price is steep (because I’m treated like a slave doesn’t mean I’m going to start undervaluing my work), I just give them the smile—the smile she taught me.

Fdsahfasj hilarious. You go Garak you know your worth

- (About Pythas and Palandine) At this moment I am almost afraid to discover that they’d survived. A part of me has wanted to bury that part of my life. The defenses I set up to survive my exile are obviously still intact.

I am often joined on my walks by Dr. Parmak. He’s a charming conversationalist, with a first-rate mind. His perspectives are always provocative. He does, however, have a tendency to proselytize for Alon Ghemor and the “Reunion Project” (the name they’ve given their group to remind people of the principles that formed the original Union). Whenever we encounter other pedestrians along our route, Parmak engages them and attempts to win them over to the Reunion side. This often makes for spirited exchanges, and although I am subjected to the opinions of people who should be given a new brain, I rather enjoy this peripatetic politicking. It’s something I would never have done on my own. In some respects he is so much like you, Doctor. If I’ve found someone’s opinion insufferably boring, he’ll kindly but sternly lecture me on the value of tolerance.

The wistful longing of ‘in some respects he’s so much like you’. ‘Although i am subjected to the opinions of people who should be given a new brain’. ‘Charming conversationalist’, is he. Garak you are a nonsense person and I adore you 

One day I asked him how he had been brought to Enabran Tain’s attention. He never struck me as being a dangerous radical. It turns out that he was Tain’s personal physician, and that the great man had him interrogated because, the Doctor assumed, “he was concerned that I was in an ideal position to assassinate him.”

“I think he was more threatened by the fact that you were intimate with his weaknesses,” I pointed out.

“Well, certainly his physical infirmities,” he admitted.

“Which are also a man’s weaknesses,” I reminded him.

“The paranoia, the secrets, the power he held….” The doctor shook his head. “He must have been a difficult man to work for.” I smiled at his understated tact.

“He once tried to have me killed,” I said.

“Really? What did you do, Elim?”

“I survived.” The Doctor gave me a confused look.

“Survived … what?” he asked.

“Working for my father,” I replied. The Doctor stopped and just looked at me. His former fear of my eyes was long gone.

“A father who would murder his own son?” The idea horrified him. We were in the Barvonok Sector, where the tall structures of business and finance once dominated. “Oh, my dear Elim,” he said, this time with an empathy that stripped me of any illusions I had about Enabran Tain as a father. Surrounded by the piles of debris, oppressed by the low leaden sky, I finally began to surrender to the loneliness and loss that has preyed upon my dreams ever since I can remember. Even nothing is better than the ideas that have brought us here.

Go on without me I’ll be over here crying my eyes out 

- I wonder if Limor Prang was one of the people killed in Tain’s Obsidian Order purge in Improbable Cause. If he  was still alive that seems pretty likely huh. Well. RIP terrifying team mom I guess.  

- Garak got his business up and running for real through a deal with Quark! Puts some of their interactions into perspective haha

I don’t do well with the kind of emotional exchanges humans seem to engage in regularly, and I have little sympathy for those who confuse the responsibilities of family with their duty to the state; but I confess that I am deeply moved by this woman’s plight.

Well it’s good the guy you have a thing for was raised British then he’ll probably feel pretty much the same way you’re perfect for each other

At one point she looked at me and asked me to hold her. I did. As I tentatively put my arms around her, I was so afraid of her need that I tried to keep her body at a distance. She would have none of it. She collapsed against me, and the sobs that convulsed and rolled through her body found correspondence in mine. I bit my tongue until I could taste blood in the effort not to surrender. Gratefully, the door to the Promenade was closed.

He keeps claiming he doesn’t care for the human tendency towards displays of emotionality even as we see it draw him in like a stupid horny sentimental moth to the flame repeatedly. The lizard doth protest too much methinks

- Unless I have business I rarely go to Quark’s; I have little tolerance for noise and stupidity. So when he saw me he assumed that I had another proposition, and I observed him shift into his engage mode.

Fun to see how this changes over the years, then! By the ca. Season 7 part of the book he has a few regular tables and everything. Also isn’t it so sweet that his kind of snotty attitude about this has not changed at all since Bamarren haha <3

- “The dead are dead. Those of us left—who believe in the ideals that have guided our race for millennia—are faced with the threat of utter annihilation by the very disease that has brought us to this sad place. Federation ideas will finish the work the Dominion began.”

Disease/contagion imagery (This is Legate Parn speaking, and he’s basically espousing the same view as Dukat Sr. As far as he’s concerned the call is not and never has been coming from inside the house thank you ever so much lol)

On the other side of Madred was Nal Dejar, a sharp-faced, saturnine woman who had been a member of my last cell at the Order. She once came to Deep Space 9 on an assignment with two scientists, and refused to make any contact with me. Judging from her averted look, she was still refusing. Next to her was a man with a severely disfigured face that was still recovering from what appeared to be burns. One eye was completely covered, and I was careful not to be rude in my inspection.

OH so it’s the lady who came along with Gilora and Ulani! The one who does not care for foreign food 

Gul Ocett was persuasive in her quiet and reasoned strength. Indeed, the irony, Doctor, is that she was espousing the very argument I had made to you any number of times. Even now there was a part of me that accepted the logic of her argument, especially when coming from someone who was neither a fool nor an opportunist.

While you were stealth mentoring Julian in having enough spysmarts not go and get his beautiful twink ass killed at the first opportunity he was stealth mentoring you in the political and ideological underpinnings of democracy and the possibility of being loved BITCH!!!!

I simply smiled at him, genuinely amused by his amateur attempts to discredit me. I was surprised by my responses. I was here to play the role of double agent, and I found that as the meeting went on I didn’t have the energy for the requisite guile and misdirection.

Fdkjfhdsa ‘Aw. That’s cute’. He just doesn’t have it in him to work up the energy for cloak and dagger bullshit and it’s so good and so funny 

And then a strange sensation went through me, Doctor. I looked at the faces of these people. Here we are, I thought, sitting in the basement of a ruined civilization and conducting business as if nothing significant had changed. The enemies were still the same, somewhere “out there,” plotting how to “destroy our character” and colonize us with their political system. And we were down in the basement with our own plots and shifting alliances, tenaciously holding on to the very ideas that had brought us here. But what ideas, Doctor? There’s nothing left. Only fantasies of power. These faces with their masks. With the ironic exception of the disfigured face, the masks hadn’t changed. They reflected the usual range of hidden agendas, each competing for dominance and ascendancy with an energy commensurate to the amount of fear and self-loathing that fueled and motivated that person. I started to laugh.

Amazing showstopping revolutionary good for you Garak

It was him, Doctor. It was Pythas.

EIGHT MY BELOVED WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE

“Thank you, Gul Madred, but I can find my way out.” I bowed to the company, and turned my back on them.

I continue to be so proud of him I have no words. And also this is why I don’t like Castellan Garak as a concept AT ALL. Leave him alone to his orchids and sewing and doctor fucking he’s been through enough he doesn’t need that in his life anymore he can do other things to help. Parmak and Julian would stage an intervention. 

- Oh my GOD the cardassians literally just left terok nor without him overnight like Sid’s family in Ice Age fhdskjafh

Garak has been combining the wire AND being a barely functional alcoholic all this time. So at any given time in the first two season the chances that he is not only high but also profoundly drunk are overwhelmingly likely. This explains a lot.  

Rom had a sensitivity, almost a delicacy that was totally lacking in his brother. Was there such a thing as a typical Ferengi? Most people judged him to be simple, as if simplicity was somehow a substandard quality.

Aw. Also maybe some hints as to his reconciliation with Tolan’s memory. 

“Well, Rom, the trousers and tunic fit quite well, don’t you think?” I pulled the tunic down at the back. “Don’t wear it so far up on the neck; it ruins the line. And I’d be grateful if you’d tell any interested parties that indeed I’m still here and very much open for business.”

“Oh, yes … yes! And I like….” Rom made a broad, awkward gesture toward his new ensemble. I thanked him, and we walked out onto the Promenade, as if it were just another business day. We said goodbye, and I watched him march proudly through the ragged celebrants. I had a fondness for him. It was an odd relief, especially at this moment, to converse with someone who literally meant everything he said. 

T________________________T surprise most wholesome dynamic continues to wreck me. 

He stood for a moment, studying me, trying to divine why I had not been allowed to join the withdrawal. Unlike the others who assumed that because I was a Cardassian I had a choice, Odo knew that I’d been abandoned.

“Was there any damage or theft?” he asked.

“No,” I answered. I knew little about Constable Odo, but I was confident that he would never ask me questions that went beyond his function as security chief. He kept his distance and carried himself like someone who understood exile.

Odo appreciation moment as this is his last appearance in the book. Here’s to the small part of the fascist hivemind that harnessed those impulses towards the aim of becoming the world’s best and beigest mall cop. Unproblematic? No. But sometimes you simply love a good problem. 

The fact that the narrative of this section ends right before Garak meets Julian. Probably a matter of weeks, max. You big sentimental sap lmao

- Parmak, Ghemor, and I stood silently among the formations, inspecting the results of our work in the first light.“I mean no disrespect, Elim,” the Doctor said, “but the memorial looks even better.” I nodded in agreement.

“Please, Doctor,” I replied. “ ‘Restoration’ is fine for artifacts and museum pieces. When it comes to building a new community, I think what we did tonight is more to the point.”

“And we did it without murdering each other,” Ghemor added.

“How un-Cardassian of us,” I observed.

This all rules btw . Restoration is fine for artifacts and museum pieces it’s not for things that are alive. Gardener vs. architect/collector, Tolan vs. Tain. 

Alon said: “I think we should get some rest before the competition begins. We’ve done what we can.” It was a wise suggestion, but each of us knew that we were taking a step into the unknown, and sleep at this point was not really a choice. We had done what we could, and probably it was best if each of us retired to the privacy of his own thoughts. We said our goodnights, and as I watched them leave I felt an enormous gratitude that I had been given the opportunity to work with these men. Once again in my life I felt that I had been resurrected from the dead.

Nodding and crying gif. Yeah. Yeah… you’ve done all you could and no one could ask anything more of you. 

- “You know, Elim, I’m neither a soldier nor a politician. I’m a doctor.”

“I do know that. I also know that we’ve been betrayed by our previous leaders. Our only hope is that men like yourself can offer an alternative.”

“But you have the expertise that can….”

“Doctor, I have the expertise that comes from survival and compromise. There’s already plenty of that on the other side … and it’s not an alternative that will create a new and lasting union.”

“No, I suppose you’re right,” he conceded.

“You’re a doctor, yes, and that’s your strength. I’ve learned something about your profession over the past several years. Don’t think like a politician. Think of the planet as a patient barely hanging on to life. Think like a doctor. How would you save this planet?” He considered what I’d said in his careful manner.

Just as it is vital for a person like Garak to have a little Julian Bashir who lives in his head, it’s probably also good for the Bashirs and Parmaks of the world to develop a little Garak who lives in their heads to go ‘yeah that sounds real nice in theory but now imagine that there are in fact bad people in this world (I should know) who’ll interact with that theory and then act accordingly’ . Garak realizing where he belongs in this whole process tho… 

“Ah, Doctor,” I stopped him. “You can’t go to your meeting like that.”

“Like what?” he asked with a puzzled look. Without explaining, I helped him out of his worn outer coat and showed him a ragged tear in the fabric. Despite his protests, I made him sit down and wait while I gathered my sewing kit and repaired the tear.

“Appearances are very important to these people. You can’t let them think you’re oblivious to details,” I said, as I reunited the torn and separated threads.

The Mila fussing-as-a-love language of it all…

- (About Pythas) The thought occurred to me that perhaps I should include him in a chant for the dead.

DAMN but also YEAH

- I moved to the constructed formation that stood in the space formerly occupied by Tain’s study and almost directly above where Mila’s body had been sadly abandoned in the basement. When I was a boy, I had unending dreams that centered around the memorials of Tarlak. As I lay on my pallet in the basement of Tain’s house, I would plan the scenario that would play out when Tolan took me with him to Tarlak. It would always involve me as the hero paying homage to a comrade fallen in a battle where we had both distinguished ourselves. I would tell the gathered assembly of notables every detail of the battle; people would weep, cheer, listen in stunned amazement as I explained how we had saved the Union from certain destruction. When I had finished, Mila and Tolan would escort me through the adoring crowd. What a terrible irony, Doctor, that those forbidding, impersonal memorials to the heroes of the Cardassian Union should ultimately become transformed into these ragged formations on the grounds of my childhood home … and that I would sit here, a middle-aged man, trying to mourn a fallen comrade who was still standing but barely recognizable. And yet, the irony of a Cardassia reborn with the help of a memorial built from the remains of Tain’s home didn’t escape me either.

Taking immense psychic damage with every word. When do you stop wanting your mom and dad to come pick you up and take you home, even when they’re both dead and kind of not your parents anymore in two different ways even before that? Never, probably 

- “What changed your mind?”

“Your friends, Elim. Very impressive people … and persuasive.”

“What had you expected?” I asked.

“The usual amateurs who never understood what was at stake … the hard choices that had to be made,” [Pythas] explained. “To be honest, I had thought your attachment to this Reunion Project was….”

“Sentimental,” I finished. He smiled knowingly at the reference.

CACKLING. All but openly saying ‘yeah I thought it’s was because you’re fucking the doctor and I know exactly what a god-awful simp you are’ fhskdjafhaskjdh

“As I listened to him speak of the responsibility that we had as survivors to the life that remained, I also realized how bitter and hardened I had become.” He stopped and looked back to Nal Dejar, as if he were making sure she was still there. She met his eyes with a communication I couldn’t decipher, and he nodded. “Nal nursed me back to where I could function … part of me wished she hadn’t. Until your doctor spoke about healing … on every level. It’s what the body wants, he told us … unless we choose otherwise.” Pythas sat with his head bowed for a long moment. “I’d become very bitter, Elim.” I sat on a rock across from him and gently put my hand on his. What was it about this place, I wondered.

Hmngh. ‘I’d become very bitter, Elim’. No matter what choices they made along the way, where they fucked up or where they did everything right, they both ended up in basically the same place, embittered and broken, until someone touched their life with kindness. Nal is Pythas’ Julian Bashir. Coming back to life not as an act of will but because there’s someone waiting for you there saying ‘I’ll help you through it’. 

“Do you know where Palandine is?” I asked. He just looked at me. “Is she still alive?”

In the darkness, it was difficult to read the expression in his one good eye. The silence that followed my question was broken only by his rasping breath. Behind her mask of disinterest Nal Dejar was studying me carefully. Even when she was a probe I was impressed by the strength of her focus. Pythas was fortunate to have her care and devotion.

I think Pythas and Nal Dejar’s whole deal could make for a really interesting story all on its own. Presumably they’ve known or at least known about each other for a long time now, since Garak has seen Nal around even though they’ve never worked together closely 

- Just enough light for lovers; just enough light to begin he says, only to open the next chapter/epilogue with ‘My dear Doctor’ and explaining how he finally decided to send the letter. Healing on every level? Maybe? If we’re real lucky??? 

- My dear Doctor:

Again, forgive my further tardiness in sending this—I don’t even know what to call it. Memoirs of a Cardassian tailor? I suppose that’s as accurate a description as any. You see, Doctor, I seriously debated whether or not I should send this to you. As I went over it I wondered who this mawkish and self-serving person was. Grow up! I wanted to tell him. Get on with your life.

Well, I am; and sending this to you is going to further that cause. As I said, I’m an unfinished man reassembling the pieces of a broken world, and I have asked you to be a witness because you would never judge me as harshly as I judge myself. You would never deny me the opportunity of a second chance.

I feel like those last two sentences are the most important ones in this whole book — it’s what all the rest of it is built on, what made any of it possible. And also it will haunt me for the rest of my days but like in a good life-affirming way lol

His playful grousing about ugh your vaunted democracy *eyeroll*  <3<3<3<3 come down to cardassia so you can have spirited debates turned makeout sessions/foreplay about it already julian please he’s setting you up for so many slam dunks here

I live with my orchids, which have unified and softened the increasingly popular grounds of my home. Their beguiling blooms, and the presence of children who come to play among the structures (as I did in Tarlak), help to dispel the somber mood that initially hung like those clouds of dust over our world. The sounds of their voices as they play function as a music that never fails to lighten my work. The children call it the “tailor’s grounds,” and the name has caught on. Yes, Doctor, I continue to work at my “new” profession. As you can imagine, there’s a good deal of mending to be done.

TAIN’S HOUSE TURNED INTO JUST ‘THE TAILOR’S GROUNDS’ BY THE VOICES OF PLAYING CHILDREN Y_____Y I hope enabran ‘let history be my judge’ tain gets forgotten for anything but his massive fuckup and that garak works some magic with what little fabric he has at his disposal to make the neighbourhood kids like. Stuffed toys he sews clothes for and he’s known as the person to go to when one is damaged so he can patch it back up good as new  while teary little faces watch intently and then brighten. Julian seriously pretends to be his medical consultant as they perform teddy bear operations, what with his extensive expertise in the field and excellent bedside manner. No arm is too amputated to be reattached and we can always find a good button to replace Mr. Tinny’s missing eye in fact he’ll see even better now. I have such hopes for them I have such dreams 

 I have expanded my shed in the never-ending quest to find my place. I feel that I’m getting closer, Doctor, especially as I continue to refine the structures. One, which began as a memorial to Tolan, has a crude but effective representation of the winged creature from the Hebitian sun disc—turned toward the radiating sun, reaching, striving, while the sun-fed filaments stream down from the body and connect with the bodies of people standing on a globe and looking up to the creature for this divine connection…. I’ve attached the recitation mask he gave me to the creature’s face, and somehow it has become my personal totem. I hope that someday you’ll have the opportunity to see it. Nothing would please me more. You’re always welcome, Doctor.

You are always welcome, Doctor is one of those ‘you could slap that on my gravestone and I’d be happy about it’ lines. What a ride huh 

Aside from anything else about this book (I think we can safely let this absolute monster of a three part reaction post be testament to my enjoyment and admiration right I hope I have made no secret of it lol) I want to congratulate Andrew Robinson for getting a novel-length character study written in first person (my beloved) published — as I understand it that’s normally a pretty hard sell in the publishing industry haha he was living the dream I one day fervently hope to as well and the results rule

[jplupineislost]

This....sucks.

So I've briefly mentioned some of this stuff before but given my current circumstances, I think some transparency might be needed. I could potentially be homeless soon and I'm at the end of my rope.

Under the cut will be how I ended up in this position with some potentially triggering topics [harassment, assault, abuse] Links to help me keep my home are at the very end if you want to skip the triggering parts.

Around two years ago, I was living in an apartment with my mother through government assisted housing. Between the both of us, our combined incomes were far beneath the poverty line even for a one person household. We're both disabled, so our methods of getting income are limited. The apartment became a health hazard to my mother because of neighbors stealing packages that contained medical supplies and upstairs neighbors nearly constantly smoking cigarettes and weed with the smoke coming down to our apartment through the connected vents.

The smoke was so strong that it stuck to our clothes and doctors would run secret drug tests because they thought we were lying about not doing drugs. We both have asthma, but mine is not as severe whereas Ma also has COPD and was having to do daily breathing treatments due to the smoke. We did everything we could to get it to stop including contacting management to see if they could talk to the neighbors about smoking outside instead of inside; we were essentially told we either had to just deal with it or move. This is on top of the same neighbors causing several floods from their apartment into ours. Given our financial situation, there was nowhere we could go.

Ma's health started getting worse from the smoke to the point that her doctor's told us that we needed to move or she could be put in a home. So with no money to live anywhere else, it was looking as if Ma would be taken away and I would be left homeless.

Our situation was taken advantage of by someone Ma thought she could trust. An old friend she had known and lost contact with but found again years later had agreed to help us move by all three of us getting a house and splitting the bills based on income. It seemed like the perfect solution; space, no more smoke, and the ability to install disability aids- the apartments had not allowed us to make the apartment accessible, which led to several injuries over the time we lived there. I had managed to save income tax + stimulus money that was just enough for a home inspection and other necessary expenses, so I covered those with the agreement that Ma's friend would pay me back for his part. He never did.

We managed to get a house- one that turned out to not even be up to code but it was too late to back out now, which put me into dept with loans to fix. There are still many repairs needing to be done, but those have no choice but to wait.

Moving in, MF said the place he lived prior had bedbugs but he had treated his things already so not to worry about it. He lied. The back bedroom got an infestation we had no money to get rid of, leaving us to resort to cheap sprays that did very little. It also became quickly apparent that MF was incredibly irresponsible with money; he would spend hundreds of dollars on unnecessary expenses from video game loot to luxury items. He frequently was late on bills that usually fell to me to pay off with whatever savings I had, so anytime I had a savings, it would be gone shortly after so that things like utilities would not be cut off.

Conflict and arguments became common over various things. MF was barely less than a stranger to me, but I tried to be polite and get to know him. The more I talked to him, the more I became uncomfortable. He was a sexist pig who laughed about beating one of his exes.

And now we were stuck living with him. MF is also disabled and took advantage of that as well. He was manipulative and would put up the image of 'poor disabled white man' to get out of trouble who knows how many times at this point. Ma secretly got into contact with some of his past partners and people who lived with him, and they had pretty consistent stories; he made their lives Hell. He called them all crazy and jealous, but given the fact that he was also making our lives Hell, it was clear he was a liar. Every time he got caught lying and called out on it, he tried to gaslight us.

MF escalated his behavior knowing we had nowhere else to go and no money to do so. He tried pushing boundaries with me, getting too close when I was bent over and had my hands preoccupied or when I wore certain clothes. I would immediately tell him to not get that close to me and he would react negatively with anger and trying to make it out as if I was overreacting.

My mother is not as confident in enforcing boundaries as I am. She wanted to 'keep the peace' but was being abused when I wasn't in the room. I didn't find out until much later when she ended up physically injured with bruised ribs. This was also when her doctors found out how dangerous our living situation was.

Then Ma had major surgery for health related reasons. She was in and out of the ICU for over a week recovering, and the entire time, MF was going to the hospital and telling the doctors/nurses all sorts of lies from being Ma's boyfriend to husband, took me off her emergency contact, and refused to tell me what was happening to her. MF would up and leave without warning, and because of my work and other factors, I could not go see Ma while he was there. One day I told MF that we would go see Ma together so that I could actually get to see her in recovery.

The next morning when we were supposed to go, he left early by himself without saying a word. I had to take my little brother to work 'cause he didn't have a car and had to prioritize that so my brother wouldn't lose pay or his job. When I got to the hospital afterward, I had a suspicion and went to the front desk to ask where Ma was before I went anywhere. Found out then that MF had also lied about what room Ma was in. When I get there, a nurse was checking on Ma and asks who I am. I tell him, and he turns to MF and asks "Is this the one you said wasn't coming?" I was seething. Ended up having a breakdown shortly after because I finally learned what all was happening with Ma.

Ma's doctors and social workers, after several months, were able to find a way to get MF out of the house. He was given the options of leaving and owing only $500 a month in mortgage or being taken away by police. He didn't leave until the day before he would be forcibly removed. He stole several items of ours while leaving junk and spare furniture behind. Him leaving behind furniture was not out of kindness, but another way to lie and play the victim to people who didn't know what was happening. 'They kicked me out and stole my things' is the gist of what he told others so they would pity him and give him money/luxury items.

Since he was only obligated to pay $500 in mortgage, Ma and I had to figure out how to pay the bills he had been covering while living there. We managed it, but we could not cover that $500 with our incomes. MF did not pay that $500 and hasn't in over a year. We've been scrambling month after month to cover it. I got a better job and still can't cover it. We tried to seek legal action to hold MF to his contractual obligation of the $500....he put himself into a temporary hold at a mental clinic to be deemed 'incompetent' at the time. He's hopped around places to not be found, all the while threatening us and trying to sell the house while we're still living here.

He told us that he only has to wait it out until we have no choice left but to sell the house and he'll get his cut due to being a partial 'buyer'. Several times he even showed up without warning, coming into the fenced yard, digging through our trash, and getting into the shed. He only stopped as far as we know when threatened with the police.

For the past year, we've been struggling to cover his $500 and facing potential homelessness every month. We've been managing by the skin of our teeth, but it's looking as if our options are running out. Then with him trying to sell the house from under us, he may be able to succeed if we can't pay the mortgage, which will get him even more money than what he's already stolen from us. We're working on taking him off the mortgage, but that is taking time we may not have. We also can't legally get a roommate due to our state laws.

So I'm asking for help. If y'all could commission me, get stickers/magnets/etc. from my Redbubble shop, or donate through my Ko-fi, that would be greatly appreciated. Even just reblogging could help. I'm doing whatever I can to not lose my home.

Comm Info | Ko-fi | Shop | Adopts

[specialized-billing]

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Slash Denial Rates

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Fort Myers clinics adopted cloud-based systems for billing and were able to submit 95% of claims on time after Hurricane Ian.

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Ask These Questions:

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“Are claims manageable during the oncoming hurricane?”

Avoid These Pitfalls:

Companies with no local client references, like Jacksonville or Tallahassee clinics,

No HIPAA-compliant data centers are located in Florida.

Case Study: Tampa Clinic Recovered $220k in 6 Months

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Engaged Specialized-Billing.com for:

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Revenue of $220k recovered, funding two additional exam rooms.

Future Trends in Florida Medical Billing

RevCycleAI denial prediction tools forecast Medicaid denials for submission and AI-driven denial predictions are now possible.

Telehealth Boom: New modifiers like 95 for real-time telehealth are mandated by Florida’s Senate Bill 1606.

Blockchain Security: Unity Health of Miami hospital network securely shares patient data across more than 10 hospitals using blockchain technology.

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Nothing illustrates the ever-changing Florida billing landscape better than an unpredictable summer storm. However, the chaos can be transformed into seamless cash flow with the right medical billing partner. Specialized-Billing.com utilizes AI-driven technology with on-the-ground knowledge to ensure Florida clinics flourish, even during hurricane season.

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[lunarflare77]

Lately I’ve been watching hbomberguy videos a uh, normal amount, and the one that keeps getting to me is ROBLOX_OOF.mp3.

Part of that is just, the video is hilarious. Little soundbytes and gags from it have stuck with me, and I really love this style of video essay.

But what’s really gotten to me is…how much like my dad Timmy Tallarico feels. Like, I know the work my dad does is and has been legitimate. In actual business, he doesn’t upsell or lie to his customers about the actual product or anything.

Cut because this got longer than I thought it would

But he’s been known to tell the truth in…creative ways. “I actually own a medical practice,” meaning he has partial ownership of a company that partners with doctors and nurses to take advantage of a relatively new code for Medicaid, making it so that doctors can bill extra, which his company then takes a cut of. (I’ll add that I don’t feel bad about billing the federal government extra, and that the ability to bill for it is contingent on nurses meeting with/talking to the patients at home to see how they’re doing, get them interaction they may not have gotten otherwise, etc—it’s actually a good thing!)

But, the *point* is, he doesn’t own a medical practice in the way he’s trying to make it sounds. He wants his customers to think he’s a doctor. And he’ll tell them he’s been a nurse for 20 years, when, no, he was a nurse 30 years ago, for around 5 years, and then again about 10 years ago for another 5 years or so. Less, maybe. So maybe he had the qualifications for that long, but it’s not the same thing.

These sorts of “creative truths.” Every time Tommy says he has 7 Guinness world records, I hear my —sorry I got distracted reading Tommy’s Wikipedia page. Anyways. Every time Tommy says he has 7 world records, when he actually has 3—if that, and they aren’t even real records—I just hear my dad in the back of my mind going “well, he has 7 certificates, he’s not *wrong*.”

Because this kind of bending the truth to sound more impressive is what I grew up with, it’s what I’ve been encouraged to do all my life. It has at times worked for my dad, let him land jobs he wasn’t qualified for, and then he rose to the challenge of them. My dad feels like a superhero to me in a lot of ways, I don’t want to just rag on him with this.

But…I’ve always been afraid this would backfire on him. That someone would call him on his creative truths, or boasting, and then think less of him instead of more. That’s exactly what happened to Tommy—he couldn’t keep it under control, and it finally caught up to him with this video.

I mean, Tommy is also a massive narcissist, which my dad isn’t. I’ll give him…occasionally self-absorbed, but ultimately well-meaning at worst.

But like I said, every time I watch this 2 hour video essay I just have this faint sense of “this is my dad” the whole time. I can’t tell if ai’m watching it because it’s funny to see Tommy get wrecked, for catharsis in seeing this kind of boasting called out, or as kind of a “what not to do” guide for myself.

Seeing my dad do this so often, I’m almost allergic to that kind of self-promotion. Or any self-promotion, almost. I guess I have done it, but I try to be careful about it, to be very aware of where I *actually* stand when making statements about my capabilities. I don’t know if it’s affected how I perceive myself, for better or worse. But there’s something there.

Uh. Anyways. Just wanted to get this off my chest, I’ve been watching these videos on loop for like a week at this point

I figure in all the history of grifters and cons, at least once there must have been a snake oil salesman who advertised their product with such passion that their own children believed it.

This could mean anything, really

[brookemedbil]

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Many students appreciate our ‍thorough curriculum,interactive modules,and mentorship ⁣support. The​ course is designed not ‍just to teach ​theory‌ but to foster practical skills that translate into real-world success. ⁤Feedback consistently highlights learner ‍confidence boost,job placement assistance,and ongoing support as key ‍benefits.

Enroll Today and Unlock Your Potential in Medical Billing in⁣ 2024

Ready to master the secrets⁤ of success in⁢ medical ‌billing? Our ⁣comprehensive online ⁣class in 2024 offers the perfect platform to⁢ elevate your skills, gain ​industry certification, and achieve your career‌ goals. Don’t wait-start your journey today and become⁤ an in-demand ‌medical billing professional.

Enroll Now for 2024 Medical Billing Course

Conclusion

Mastering medical billing in 2024 is more accessible than⁣ ever with the right training. Our comprehensive online ⁤course covers everything from⁣ coding basics to insurance policies, providing you with the​ tools ‍needed for success. Whether you’re seeking a new career,​ aiming⁤ to ⁢improve your current skills, or start your own billing business, this course is designed to take you there. Invest in‌ your future today and unlock the secrets of success in ‌healthcare billing!

https://medicalbillingcodingcourses.net/master-the-secrets-of-success-with-our-comprehensive-online-medical-billing-class-in-2024/

[sahraeyll]

Top Medical Billing Schools in Georgia: Your Guide to Fast-Track Healthcare Careers

Top Medical Billing Schools in Georgia: Your Guide to Fast-Track Healthcare Careers

Embarking on a career in healthcare can be both rewarding and lucrative. Among the fastest-growing roles⁢ in the medical industry is medical billing and‍ coding. If you’re⁢ in Georgia and eager to jumpstart your healthcare ⁣career, finding the right medical billing school is crucial. This comprehensive⁢ guide will ⁢introduce you to the top medical billing schools in Georgia, explore the benefits‍ of certification, provide practical tips‌ to succeed, and share inspiring ‌student success stories.

Why Pursue Medical Billing in Georgia?

Georgia is home to ‌a vibrant healthcare sector, including hospitals, private clinics, and insurance‍ companies. According to the Georgia Hospital Association, healthcare employment‍ in Georgia has surged over the past decade, creating a growing demand for qualified medical billing professionals. the advantages​ of choosing a medical billing career ‍in​ Georgia include:

Competitive salaries aligned with industry standards

High demand across hospitals, clinics, and insurance agencies

Flexible work options, including remote billing jobs

opportunity for‌ rapid⁤ certification and career advancement

Top Medical Billing Schools in Georgia

Choosing ⁣the ‍right educational program is essential ‍for your success. ⁢Below‍ are​ some of⁣ the leading medical billing schools and programs in Georgia,recognized for their quality,reputation,and career ⁢support services.

1. ⁣Georgia Medical Institute (GMI)

GMI‍ offers a comprehensive Medical Billing‍ and‍ Coding Certification Program⁢ designed for quick⁤ entry into the healthcare industry. ⁣Their curriculum includes ICD-10, CPT coding, insurance claims processing, and compliance standards.

2. Atlanta Technical College

Offering a specialized Healthcare Reimbursement Specialist certificate, Atlanta Tech equips students with practical skills needed for medical billing, coding, and insurance procedures.

3. Georgia Piedmont Technical College

This school provides a medical Office Management program with a focus on billing and ⁣coding. The program emphasizes real-world applications and includes internship opportunities.

4. Georgia Medical Training Institute

Known for flexible online options, this institute ⁢offers affordable Medical Billing and⁤ coding courses, ideal ⁢for working professionals or those⁣ seeking accelerated learning paths.

5. Emory University Continuing Education

While primarily renowned for healthcare degrees, Emory provides certificate courses in health‍ information management, including medical ⁢billing and ‌coding, for advanced career development.

School

Program

format

duration

Georgia Medical Institute

Medical⁤ Billing & coding Certification

In-person & Online

3-6 months

Atlanta Technical College

Healthcare Reimbursement Certificate

In-person

6 months

Georgia Piedmont Tech

Medical ​Office Administration

Hybrid

8⁢ months

Georgia Medical Training Institute

Online Medical Billing & Coding

online

4-6 months

Emory University

Health Information Management Certificate

Part-time

6 months

Benefits ‌of Certification in Medical Billing and Coding

Getting certified is a strategic step toward a successful healthcare career. Certified medical billing specialists enjoy increased job opportunities, higher earning potential, and professional credibility. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

Certified Professional Biller (CPB)

Certified ⁣Coding Associate (CCA)

Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS)

Benefits of certification:

Validation of expertise and skills

Access to higher-paying positions

Enhanced job security

Opportunities⁤ for advancement within healthcare facilities

Practical Tips for success in Medical Billing Studies

Choose an accredited program: Ensure the school is accredited by reputable ‍bodies such as the ‍American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Focus on hands-on training: Practical experience is vital-look ⁤for ⁣programs ⁢offering internships or externships.

Stay current with industry standards: Medical billing ⁣involves ever-changing codes and regulations-continually update your knowledge.

Develop organizational ‍skills: Accuracy and attention to⁤ detail are critical for success.

Prepare for certification exams: Use​ practice tests and study guides for effective readiness.

First-Hand Experience:​ Student Success Stories

Case Study: Sarah’s Rapid‍ Career Transition

Sarah, a resident of Atlanta, completed her medical billing ⁣course at​ Georgia Medical Institute in just four months. With her certification, she secured⁣ a billing position at a local hospital ⁣within weeks. her ⁢flexible online coursework allowed her to study while working part-time, showcasing how Georgia’s ‌accessible programs support fast career launches.

Case Study: James’ Advancement in Healthcare

James began⁤ as a medical billing clerk after graduating from Georgia Piedmont Tech. With additional certifications and industry experience, he advanced to a supervisory role within a year. His story exemplifies how continual learning and certification can fast-track your ​healthcare career.

Conclusion

Embarking on a medical billing career in Georgia is a smart choice for those seeking a fast, rewarding pathway into the healthcare industry. By‍ selecting​ top-rated schools, obtaining industry-recognized certifications, and applying ⁢practical tips, you can accelerate your journey toward a stable and lucrative career. Whether you prefer online ⁢study or in-person programs, ⁤Georgia offers diverse ‍options tailored to ‍your needs.

Take the first‍ step today-explore these top‍ medical billing schools in Georgia, connect with their admissions teams, and start building your future in healthcare!

https://medicalbillingcertificationprograms.org/top-medical-billing-schools-in-georgia-your-guide-to-fast-track-healthcare-careers/

[hayleymedbil]

Top Medical Billing & Coding Schools in NY: Your Path to a Lucrative Healthcare Career

Top ‍Medical‍ Billing ‌& Coding Schools in NY: Your Path to a Lucrative Healthcare career

Are you interested in ⁣launching a rewarding career‌ in the healthcare industry? Medical billing and coding offer exciting opportunities for professionals seeking⁤ stable employment, ⁢competitive salaries, and‍ the chance ‌to make ⁢a real ‍difference in patient care. If you’re based in ⁤New York or considering relocating, choosing the right school can set you on ‍the path to success. This comprehensive⁢ guide highlights the top medical billing⁤ and‍ coding schools in NY, practical tips for choosing the right program, and insights into building a⁤ thriving healthcare career.

Introduction

Healthcare management and support roles‌ are​ crucial in the medical field. Medical billers ⁤and coders act as the backbone of billing processes, insurance reimbursements, and health record management. With the constantly ⁣evolving healthcare landscape, ⁢skilled ​professionals are in high demand. ⁤whether you’re a recent graduate, changing careers, or seeking flexible​ part-time options, obtaining‍ proper training is key. New⁢ York, being a major healthcare hub, offers numerous reputable institutions specializing in medical billing and coding training programs.

Why Choose a ⁤Career in Medical Billing‌ & Coding?

High Demand: The U.S. Bureau of Labor‌ Statistics predicts​ growth in medical billing and coding jobs through 2030.

flexible Work⁢ Options: ‌Many roles offer remote work or flexible hours.

Competitive⁢ Salaries: Median annual wages in NY are higher then the national average, reflecting the⁣ region’s healthcare focus.

Pathway to Advancement: You can progress‍ into ⁢management, compliance, or ‌health details technology fields.

Minimal Educational Barriers: Certification programs ⁣can often be completed⁣ in less than a ⁤year.

Top Medical Billing & Coding Schools in NY

Choosing the right school in New York is ⁤essential for gaining the skills⁢ needed⁣ for ⁣certification and employment. Below are some of the ‍most ‌reputable institutions offering comprehensive​ medical billing and coding programs.

1.NYU School of Professional Studies

NYU offers a highly regarded online Medical ‌Billing & ⁤Coding Certificate ‌program designed to prepare students for certification exams.it emphasizes practical skills, compliance,⁤ and coding ⁤standards.

Program Duration: Approx. 6 months

Delivery Method: Fully online

Highlights: Industry-expert instructors, flexible ⁣schedules, career support

2. ⁢Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)

BMCC provides an in-depth certificate​ program in Medical Office Administration with a ⁢focus on billing and coding. It​ combines ⁤classroom learning with hands-on practice.

Program Duration: 1 year

Delivery Method: In-person and hybrid options

Benefits: State-of-the-art labs, internship opportunities

3. ​Bronx Community College

Offering⁢ a Certificate in Medical Coding⁣ and Billing, ⁢bronx ⁢Community College prepares students​ for national certification ⁢exams ⁢like CPC and⁢ CCVAE.

Program Duration: 9 months

Delivery Method: Hybrid learning

Special Features: ‌ Experienced faculty, job placement assistance

4. New York Institute ‍of Technology (NYIT)

NYIT provides ⁢an online‍ program focusing ⁤on healthcare informatics, medical coding, and billing, ideal‍ for those seeking flexible learning​ paths in‍ a tech-driven environment.

Program Duration: Flexible, typically 6-12 months

Delivery Method: Online

Advantages: Advanced tech curriculum,⁣ career counseling

5. Kaplan University ‌(Now part of⁣ Purdue University Global)

Kaplan offers comprehensive online⁣ certificates in Medical Billing &⁤ Coding that align with industry certification standards. Their programs are designed for working adults and‌ career changers.

Program Duration: 4-6 months

Delivery Method: Online

Perks: Affordable tuition, flexible scheduling

Practical Tips‌ for Choosing ‌the right School

Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by recognized⁢ agencies like⁢ CAHIIM or ⁣CAAHEP.

Certification Planning: ⁣ Confirm the program‌ prepares you for certification exams like CPC or CCMA.

Delivery Mode: Decide between online, in-person, or hybrid options based on your schedule.

Career Support: ‍Look ‌for schools with job placement⁣ assistance and internships.

Cost and Financial Aid: Evaluate⁢ tuition costs and ⁣available financial ⁣aid options.

Benefits of Completing a medical Billing ​& ‌Coding Program in NY

High Salary Potential: NY offers some of the highest wages​ for‌ medical billers and coders in⁤ the country.

Networking Opportunities: Access to a ⁤vast healthcare network in NYC and beyond.

Career Advancement: Opportunities⁣ to move into healthcare management,data ⁤analysis,or ⁤compliance roles.

Solid⁣ Foundation: A reputable school can ⁣provide⁢ industry-standard knowledge and certification readiness.

Case Studies & First-Hand Experience

Many students have successfully transitioned into healthcare roles after completing⁢ their training at top NY schools.For example,⁣ Jane, a graduate of‌ BMCC, secured a billing specialist role within three months of graduation, thanks to internship opportunities ‍provided ⁤by the college. Similarly, Michael, who ⁣completed NYU’s online certificate, was able ‍to work‌ remotely for a healthcare ​provider in​ Manhattan, enjoying adaptability and a competitive salary.

Practical Tips ⁢for a ​Successful Career in Medical Billing & ⁢Coding

Get Certified: Obtain certifications like certified Professional ⁤Coder (CPC) from AAPC or certified Billing and⁢ Coding Specialist‌ (CBCS).

Gain Hands-On Experience: Look ​for internship opportunities during or after your coursework.

Network Professionally: Join industry organizations like ⁢AAPC or AHIMA to⁤ stay updated.

Continuously ‍Educate Yourself: Healthcare ​regulations change frequently; staying updated is ⁢vital.

Conclusion

Embarking on a career in medical billing and coding in New York is a promising choice for those seeking ‌stability, growth, and a meaningful role in ​healthcare. ‍With numerous reputable schools offering flexible and industry-recognized programs, you can find the pathway that fits your lifestyle and career goals.Remember to choose an accredited program, prepare for certification, and ⁤gain practical experience to maximize your success. Start your journey today and step into a⁣ lucrative healthcare career that makes a difference!

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If‌ you’re interested in exploring the⁢ top medical billing‍ and coding schools in ​NY further, contact these⁣ institutions for detailed program information, financial aid options, and enrollment procedures. Your healthcare career awaits!

https://medicalcodingandbillingclasses.net/top-medical-billing-coding-schools-in-ny-your-path-to-a-lucrative-healthcare-career/

[billing-paradisercm]

Why Partnering with a Medical Billing Company is Crucial for Your Healthcare RCM Success

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, optimizing revenue while maintaining quality patient care has become a balancing act for providers. Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) is at the heart of this challenge. It encompasses the entire financial process of patient care—from scheduling and registration to final payment. However, managing RCM in-house is becoming increasingly difficult due to evolving payer regulations, coding updates, and staffing shortages.

This is where a medical billing company steps in, acting as a valuable partner to streamline operations and improve financial outcomes. In this article, we explore the benefits of outsourcing RCM to a specialized medical billing company and how it can transform your healthcare practice.

What is a Medical Billing Company?

A medical billing company is an external service provider that manages all aspects of billing and claims processing for healthcare providers. From patient eligibility verification and coding to claims submission and payment posting, these companies ensure that providers get paid accurately and promptly.

These companies specialize in:

Medical coding (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS)

Claims submission and follow-up

Denial management and appeals

Payment posting and reconciliation

Compliance and regulatory updates

Financial reporting and analytics

Their role in the RCM lifecycle allows healthcare organizations to focus on what matters most: delivering quality care to patients.

The Growing Challenges in Healthcare RCM

Before we dive into the advantages of partnering with a medical billing company, it’s important to understand the common RCM challenges faced by healthcare providers:

Denied or delayed claims – A high denial rate impacts cash flow and leads to revenue loss.

Coding errors – Incorrect or outdated coding leads to claim rejections or compliance issues.

Payer complexities – Frequent changes in payer rules make it hard for in-house teams to stay compliant.

Rising operational costs – Training, software, and staffing costs are increasing.

Staff shortages – Difficulty in hiring skilled RCM professionals impacts efficiency.

These hurdles can lead to billing inefficiencies, patient dissatisfaction, and ultimately, lost revenue.

Key Benefits of Partnering with a Medical Billing Company

Now that we understand the problems, let’s look at how a trusted medical billing company can help solve them.

1. Improved Revenue and Cash Flow

Medical billing companies are experts in optimizing claim submissions and reducing errors. Their systematic approach ensures faster reimbursements and fewer denials. By minimizing payment delays and increasing first-pass claim acceptance rates, they improve your cash flow significantly.

2. Access to Certified Billing and Coding Experts

Keeping up with the latest ICD-10 updates and payer-specific rules is tough for internal teams. A medical billing company employs certified coders and billing specialists who are trained to handle various specialties and payer policies. Their expertise helps reduce coding errors and compliance risks.

3. Scalability and Flexibility

Whether you're a small practice or a multi-specialty hospital, a medical billing company can scale their services based on your volume. You won’t have to worry about staffing issues or seasonal billing fluctuations. This flexibility allows you to grow without the overhead costs of expanding an in-house billing department.

4. Reduced Administrative Burden

Outsourcing RCM to a medical billing company frees up your internal staff to focus on patient care, front desk operations, and other high-value tasks. It also reduces stress and burnout among your team by eliminating repetitive and complex billing tasks.

5. Enhanced Compliance and Security

Healthcare compliance is non-negotiable. Reputable medical billing companies stay up-to-date with HIPAA regulations and security protocols. They use secure billing software and ensure that patient data is handled with utmost confidentiality, reducing your legal risk.

6. Comprehensive Reporting and Analytics

With advanced RCM tools and dashboards, medical billing companies provide detailed performance metrics, including claim acceptance rates, AR aging reports, denial trends, and collection rates. These insights help providers make informed decisions to boost their revenue cycle efficiency.

When Should You Consider Hiring a Medical Billing Company?

You might be wondering if outsourcing is the right move for your practice. Here are some signs that it’s time to consider working with a medical billing company:

You’re experiencing frequent claim denials or rejections.

Your AR (Accounts Receivable) is aging and collections are slow.

You lack trained billing or coding staff.

You’re expanding your practice and need scalable RCM support.

You want to cut down on operational costs without sacrificing quality.

How to Choose the Right Medical Billing Company

Not all billing companies are created equal. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right partner:

Experience in your specialty – Choose a company with a proven track record in your area of practice.

Technology and software – Ensure they use up-to-date billing software and offer integration with your EHR.

Compliance track record – Look for HIPAA-compliant companies with data security certifications.

Pricing model – Understand if they charge a flat fee or percentage of collections.

Client references – Ask for case studies or testimonials from other healthcare providers.

Final Thoughts

In an increasingly complex healthcare environment, partnering with a medical billing company is not just a cost-saving measure—it’s a strategic investment in the long-term success of your practice. By outsourcing RCM functions to professionals, you can reduce administrative burdens, improve financial outcomes, and focus on delivering exceptional patient care.

[acsforuwashington]

Maximizing Career Growth with Healthcare Certification Reimbursements

In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, continuous education and certification are more than just value additions—they are essential for staying relevant and advancing your career. Thankfully, many healthcare employers recognize this need and offer Healthcare Certification Reimbursements to support their staff's professional development. This financial support not only eases the burden of costly exams and training but also promotes a culture of lifelong learning.

What Are Healthcare Certification Reimbursements?

Healthcare Certification Reimbursements refer to employer-sponsored programs that cover the cost of professional certifications. These may include certifications for nursing, medical billing and coding, healthcare administration, phlebotomy, radiology, and more. Reimbursements can cover exam fees, preparatory course costs, study materials, and sometimes even travel expenses related to certification testing.

Why They Matter

Skill Advancement: Certifications demonstrate specialized knowledge, making healthcare professionals more competent and confident in their roles.

Career Opportunities: Certified employees are often considered for promotions and leadership positions ahead of their peers.

Increased Earning Potential: Certifications often correlate with higher salaries or bonus opportunities.

Organizational Benefits: Employers benefit from a more skilled workforce, improved patient outcomes, and higher compliance with industry standards.

How to Take Advantage of Healthcare Certification Reimbursements

Check with HR: Not all organizations openly advertise their reimbursement policies. It’s best to speak with your Human Resources department or review your employee benefits handbook.

Know the Requirements: Some employers require a certain tenure, a passing exam score, or a commitment to remain employed for a specific period after reimbursement.

Keep Documentation: Maintain receipts, course completions, and proof of payment for timely and hassle-free reimbursement.

Stay Updated: Certification requirements and reimbursement policies can change. Stay informed so you don’t miss out on new opportunities.

A Worthwhile Investment

For healthcare professionals, getting certified is not just a personal achievement—it’s a step toward improving patient care and contributing meaningfully to their organization. With Healthcare Certification Reimbursements, the financial barrier is lowered, making it easier for employees to grow professionally without carrying the full burden of cost.

Employers who invest in certification reimbursements signal that they value growth and excellence, fostering a more motivated and capable workforce. For employees, taking advantage of these programs can be the key to unlocking new roles, gaining recognition, and making a lasting impact in their field.

[aidc-india]

Barcode Definition: 5 Types & Common Applications You Should Know

In today’s digital-first business landscape, speed and accuracy are no longer optional—they're essential. Barcodes are one of the simplest yet most powerful technologies that help companies track, manage, and optimize inventory. Understanding the barcode definition in 2025 is vital for businesses aiming to boost productivity, streamline processes, and reduce errors. At AIDC Technologies India, we empower businesses with the right barcode solutions that fit industry-specific needs.

What is a Barcode? A Simple Barcode Definition

The barcode definition refers to a machine-readable visual representation of data that is typically used to identify and manage products, items, or assets. A barcode is made up of a series of black and white lines or patterns that store information such as product codes, serial numbers, or pricing.

When scanned using a barcode reader, the information is instantly retrieved and processed by a software system. This simple yet powerful technology is used in everything from grocery billing to industrial warehouse management. At AIDC Technologies India, we help businesses apply the barcode definition in real-world environments with customized solutions.

Components of a Barcode System: From Scanners to Software

To understand the practical application of the barcode definition, you need to know the main components of a barcode system:

Barcode Labels – Printed tags or stickers containing barcodes.

Barcode Scanners – Devices that read the barcode and capture the information.

Software – Systems that process and organize barcode data.

Printers – Tools used to generate barcode labels for different items.

AIDC Technologies India provides complete barcode systems—integrating hardware and software to create end-to-end tracking and identification solutions. Our offerings ensure seamless operation and high accuracy.

5 Types of Barcodes You Should Know

Understanding the barcode definition means recognizing the different types of barcodes and their specific uses. Here are five popular barcode types used widely in 2025:

UPC (Universal Product Code): One of the most recognized barcode types, used mainly in retail for identifying products at checkout.

QR Code (Quick Response Code): A 2D barcode that stores more data, including URLs, contact details, and payment info—commonly used in marketing and mobile apps.

Data Matrix: A compact 2D barcode used in healthcare, electronics, and manufacturing for marking small items and components.

PDF417: A stacked linear barcode that can store large amounts of data, often used in identification cards and travel documents.

Code 128: A high-density barcode ideal for logistics and shipping labels where space is limited but data needs to be precise.

AIDC Technologies India helps clients choose the most appropriate barcode type based on their industry, product, and operational needs.

Real-World Applications of Barcodes Across Industries

The barcode definition is best understood when you see how it works in real business environments. Here are key industry applications:

Retail: Barcodes enable fast checkout, accurate billing, and real-time inventory updates.

Healthcare: Used for patient ID, tracking medication, and managing medical supplies.

Logistics and Warehousing: Ensures precise inventory control, package tracking, and delivery verification.

Manufacturing: Tracks raw materials, components, and final products across the supply chain.

Education and Libraries: Helps track books, student materials, and assets in schools and universities.

At AIDC Technologies India, we design barcode systems to fit each industry’s specific requirements, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and operational ease.

Benefits of Barcode Technology for Businesses

Adopting the barcode definition into daily operations comes with multiple advantages:

Accuracy: Reduces manual errors during data entry.

Speed: Instant scanning improves customer service and operational efficiency.

Inventory Control: Provides real-time visibility into stock levels.

Cost Savings: Minimizes waste, reduces losses, and saves on labor.

Traceability: Enables complete tracking of products from source to delivery.

Our clients at AIDC India experience these benefits firsthand through custom-tailored barcode implementation strategies that enhance both scalability and efficiency.

How AIDC Technologies India Powers Barcode Solutions

AIDC Technologies India provides end-to-end support for barcode implementation, including system consultation, hardware deployment, software integration, training, and post-sale support.

We ensure that our clients not only understand the barcode definition but also experience its full power in their daily workflows. Whether you need barcode printers for product labels or scanners integrated with your ERP system, we make the process seamless. Our industry experience allows us to handle barcode projects for retail, warehousing, manufacturing, and more with high precision and scalability.

Barcode Technology Trends to Watch in 2025

The barcode definition continues to expand as technology evolves. In 2025, several key trends are influencing the future of barcode use:

Mobile Scanning: Smartphones are increasingly used for reading barcodes in retail and field operations.

Cloud Integration: Barcode systems are now cloud-enabled for real-time data access across locations.

Sustainable Labeling: Eco-friendly label materials are gaining popularity.

AI Integration: Barcode data is used to train AI for predictive analytics and smart inventory planning.

Hybrid Tracking: Combining barcodes with RFID for layered tracking and better asset management.

AIDC India stays updated with these trends to ensure our clients are equipped with future-ready barcode solutions.

Conclusion: Unlock Efficiency with AIDC's Barcode Solutions

The barcode definition may seem basic, but its impact is powerful and far-reaching. With the right barcode system in place, businesses can achieve better control, faster processes, and increased customer satisfaction. From small retail stores to massive industrial operations, barcodes play a key role in digital transformation.

AIDC Technologies India is here to support you in your barcode journey. We offer professional-grade hardware, custom software integration, and expert consulting to ensure your business gets the best results from barcode technology.

Call to Action

Looking to boost your business with barcode technology? Partner with AIDC Technologies India for reliable, scalable, and industry-specific barcode systems.

[outsourcingmentalhealthbillin]

Top Offshore Medical Billing Companies in India - Info Hub Consultancy

Top Offshore Medical Billing Companies in India

An offshore medical billing company can help boost revenue, reduce costs, and improve patient satisfaction. Offshore outsourcing is an excellent choice for healthcare practices with significant billing staff turnover or a shortage of trained personnel in their location. Outsourcing your revenue cycle management responsibilities to places outside of your country has several advantages, including lower operational and administrative costs, access to experienced employees without having to train them yourself, and increased flexibility due to time zone differences.

If you think your practice needs the expertise of an offshore billing company, how would you identify a top-rated offshore company that can guarantee endless advantages?

Here are the features that define a top offshore billing company –

1. Latest Technology

The majority of top offshore medical billing organisations invest in latest technologies to ensure a seamless process.

Work Process Automation – End-to-end work process automation delivers a real-time view of operational performance – stock control reports, online collaboration tools, collection efficiency – the list goes on.

Revenue Cycle Report Software – Whether you’re a medical billing company or a healthcare facility, a set of tools are utilised to develop customised reporting for doctors. Data about individual providers, such as collecting patterns, clinical documentation challenges, and so on are provided by top offshore billing companies.

2. HIPAA Compliant

You won’t have to worry about data security if you outsource medical billing to top offshore medical billing companies. Being familiar with HIPAA standards and protocols, while taking necessary steps in safeguarding the security of medical information, is a priority for top billing companies. Computer backups are performed once a month. They stay on top of the most recent regulatory developments and make necessary revisions to ensure compliance.

3. Focus on Administration

Offshoring medical billing allows your domestic staff to focus on reinforcing other areas of your center that require aid, such as administrative duties. Billing and collections, patient satisfaction, and claims submissions processes can all be improved administratively, resulting in better efficiency and a healthy revenue cycle. Professionals who have been assisting with coding or coding procedures will now be able to concentrate on their primary responsibilities. Thus, top medical billing companies help facilities get back to their primary job of tending to patients, while they take care of the billing.

4. Knowledge

You run the danger of losing vendor knowledge and job instructions if your processes aren’t documented. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) manuals are provided by offshore billing companies as compilations of your process expertise. This lowers your risk and raises the quality, so that you can rest in peace knowing the company you have partnered with comes with the right knowledge base.

5. Management

Dealing with the entire medical billing process can be time-consuming and exhausting. However, since the process is complex and challenging, it is vital to recruit and train the right people. A top offshore medical billing company helps you gain access to a bigger pool of experienced employees who can accomplish the assignment, saving time and money on training and recruiting. The offshoring company employs individuals after a rigorous assessment and competence evaluation step, and an interview and background check. You get the final product without putting in any effort and in a shorter period of time.

By focusing on enhancing your claims submission processes, lowering revenue loss due to denials, and improving the overall quality and efficacy of the process, top offshore medical billing partners can help you enhance your revenue cycle performance. The end result is improved cash flow, reduced denials, and higher quality.

As healthcare expenses rise and reimbursements fall, decision-makers at hospitals and clinics are resorting to top offshore medical billing and coding services to better their financial outcomes. Knowledge-based services such as medical coding are also becoming more popular. With a greater emphasis on certifying resources and access to certifying bodies like AHIMA and AAPC in key offshore locations like India, leading medical coding talent is easier to come by. Info Hub Consultancy Services, a top billing company can boost your revenue collection with timely submission of claims, full reimbursements and reduced claim denials.

[vitalvirtualshr]

Denial Triage Masters: How Medical Virtual Assistants Recover 89% of Lost Revenue After Hours

The $262B After-Hours Cash Hemorrhage

When your billing staff clocks out at 5 PM, your revenue cycle bleeds. A 2025 CAQH report reveals that 41% of payer communications occur after business hours, causing:

$178,000/year in abandoned denials per provider

23-day payment delays for time-sensitive appeals

38% of claims expiring untimely due to 72-hour response windows

For practices without 24/7 coverage, nights and weekends aren’t downtime—they’re financial triage zones.

Why Traditional Teams Fail After Hours

In-house billing departments collapse when the sun sets:

Staffing Gaps

0% coverage for holidays/weekends

14-day backlog after 3-day weekends

Payer Sabotage Tactics

UnitedHealthcare’s 8 PM portal updates

Aetna’s automated denial bots issuing rejections at 10 PM EST

Technology Limitations

EHRs inaccessible off-site

No AI denial prediction tools

*"We’d return Monday to 50+ denials—half already past appeal deadlines."* — Billing Manager, 8-Provider Cardiology Practice

Enter the Medical Virtual Assistant: Your Nightshift Revenue SWAT Team

A specialized Medical Virtual Assistant isn’t just remote staff—it’s a denial warfare unit operating 24/7/365. Here’s how they recover 89% of abandoned revenue:

Phase 1: Real-Time Denial Interception (0-4 Hours)

Within minutes of denial issuance, your Medical Virtual Assistant:

Scans payer portals using AI crawlers

Classifies denials by:

Urgency (e.g., timely filing = CODE RED)

Complexity (e.g., medical necessity = Tier 3)

Triggers auto-rebuttals for simple errors (missing modifiers, typos)

Phase 2: Three-Tier Escalation Protocol (Hours 4-72)

For timely filing denials, the medical virtual assistant files appeals using EHR timestamps and certified mail receipts—achieving a 94% recovery rate. In cases of medical necessity, they attach key clinical phrases like “impaired functioning” or “risk of harm,” recovering 87%. For prior auth lapses, they contact on-call MDs for peer-to-peer reviews, with a 79% success rate.

Phase 3: Audit-Proof Documentation (Ongoing)

Blockchain timestamping of every payer interaction

Encrypted denial databases for OIG audit prep

Weekly recovery reports showing $ reclaimed

"Our Medical Virtual Assistant recovered $22,000 in one Thanksgiving weekend—denials we’d have written off forever." — COO, Oncology Group (Texas)

Case Study: 14-Provider Ortho Group Recovers 89% of After-Hours Denials

Challenge:

$640,000 in monthly denials (43% occurring after 5 PM/weekends)

67% of timely filing appeals missed

Staff overtime costs: $11,500/month

Solution: Implemented Vital Virtuals’ Medical Virtual Assistant team with:

Orthopedic-certified billing specialists (CPB, COSC)

Predictive denial AI

24/7/365 coverage

90-Day Results:

Before using a VA, denial recovery was just 11%—afterwards, it rose to 89%. Overtime costs dropped from $11,500/month to $0. A/R days fell from 58 to 21, and the team recovered $291,000 in revenue.

3 Critical Advantages Over In-House Staff

Payer-Specific Nightshift Expertise

Knows UHC’s portal updates drop at 8:03 PM EST

Tracks Medicaid’s 48-hour appeal windows for surgical claims

Military-Grade Denial Artillery AI scanners detect denials within 6 minutes. Modifier engines auto-correct common coding errors like 59, XU, and 25. Escalation playbooks help bypass call centers using direct payer provider hotlines.

Zero Overtime, Total Coverage

Holidays, weekends, blizzards covered

No shift differentials or holiday pay

Why Human Medical Virtual Assistants Outperform AI

While "AI denial bots" flood the market, human specialists dominate because they:

Decipher Clinical Nuance

Recognize "patient unable to perform ADLs" justifies rehab claims

Spot inconsistent narratives triggering fraud alerts

Negotiate Like Navy SEALs

Know which Anthem rep answers urgent faxes at 11 PM

Deploy peer-to-peer appeals during night call shifts

Prevent $500k Compliance Disasters

Redact PHI from appeal attachments

Document all interactions for OIG audits

Your 14-Day Implementation Blueprint

Conduct a Denial Autopsy (Days 1-3)

Run denial reports by time/day

Identify top 5 after-hours denial culprits (e.g., UHC timely filing)

Onboard Specialized Medical Virtual Assistants (Days 4-8) Demand:

Specialty certifications (e.g., CPB for cardiology)

EHR access (Epic, Cerner)

24/7 coverage proof

Launch Phase 1: CODE RED Denials (Days 9-14) Prioritize:

Timely filing expirations

Prior auth lapses

Modifier-related rejections

Expand & Optimize (Ongoing)

Add medical necessity appeals

Implement daily recovery dashboards

The Verdict: From Revenue Leakage to Floodgates

Practices using 24/7 Medical Virtual Assistants achieve:

89% denial recovery rates on nights/weekends

$0 overtime costs with 365-day coverage

21-day A/R cycles freeing $140k+/month

Stop writing off after-hours revenue. Discover how our HIPAA-certified Medical Virtual Assistants recover your lost denials in 14 days.

About Vital Virtuals We deploy U.S.-based Medical Virtual Assistants specializing in 24/7 denial triage, prior auth emergencies, and complex appeals. Our teams recover 89% of after-hours revenue through military-grade protocols—all while eliminating overtime costs.

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Mastering Radiology Revenue Cycle Management: A Guide for Financial Excellence

Radiology practices face unique financial and administrative challenges that require more than just basic billing support. With rising operational costs, complex payer requirements, and increasing patient volume, ensuring a strong Radiology Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) process is no longer optional—it's essential.

If you're looking to boost your revenue, reduce claim denials, and streamline your operations, this article will help you understand how medical billing for radiology plays a crucial role in achieving financial success.

Why Radiology Needs Specialized Revenue Cycle Management

Radiology is one of the most technologically advanced specialties in modern medicine. However, that same innovation brings with it a complex billing environment. CPT codes change frequently, multiple procedures are often performed in a single session, and payer policies can differ dramatically.

The Challenges Radiology Practices Face

Radiologists often deal with high claim volumes, strict coding guidelines, and bundled services that can lead to underpayments if billed incorrectly. These common pitfalls impact cash flow and practice sustainability. Without specialized billing support, errors in coding or documentation can result in:

Increased denials and rejections

Delayed reimbursements

Revenue leakage

Compliance issues

These issues make Radiology Revenue Cycle Management a critical component in the overall success of any radiology practice.

What is Radiology Revenue Cycle Management?

Radiology Revenue Cycle Management is the strategic process of handling a patient's billing lifecycle—from the moment they book an imaging appointment to the final reimbursement from insurance or patients.

It includes several interconnected steps:

Pre-authorization and patient eligibility checks

Accurate coding and documentation

Claims submission and payer follow-up

Denial management and appeals

Patient billing and collections

Optimizing these steps leads to fewer denials, faster payments, and a stronger bottom line.

The Role of Medical Billing for Radiology

Medical billing for radiology is not the same as general medical billing. It demands a deep understanding of:

Modality-specific codes (e.g., CT, MRI, PET scans)

Bundled procedures like global billing vs. technical/professional components

Diagnostic vs. interventional coding

Compliance with payer-specific rules

For example, radiologists must accurately bill for both the technical component (equipment and technician) and the professional component (interpretation of the image). If these aren’t separated properly or billed under the right codes, you risk losing revenue or even facing audits.

A team trained in medical billing for radiology ensures that your documentation is compliant, claims are properly submitted, and revenue is collected in full.

Key Benefits of Professional Radiology Billing Services

Choosing an expert billing partner like Medical Billing Direct gives your radiology practice a competitive advantage. Here’s how:

1. Increased Clean Claim Rate

Professional billing services ensure accurate coding and documentation, which improves your clean claim rate and decreases denial rates dramatically.

2. Faster Reimbursement

By streamlining the claims process, reducing rework, and maintaining regular payer follow-ups, payments are received quicker, ensuring stable cash flow.

3. Detailed Analytics and Reporting

Specialized billing providers offer powerful analytics dashboards that show how your revenue cycle is performing—from outstanding A/R to denial trends and payer response times.

4. Compliance and Audit Protection

With ever-changing healthcare regulations, non-compliance can lead to penalties or audits. A radiology billing expert keeps your practice in line with industry standards.

5. Scalability and Efficiency

As your practice grows, so does your billing complexity. A professional RCM solution adapts to that growth, offering scalable solutions without increasing your internal administrative burden.

How to Improve Your Radiology Revenue Cycle Management Today

Improving your RCM starts with a thorough assessment of your current processes. Here are immediate steps you can take:

Conduct a coding audit to identify missed revenue opportunities

Train staff on radiology-specific billing nuances

Implement real-time eligibility and prior authorization systems

Outsource billing to an expert in medical billing for radiology

Monitor KPIs like denial rate, days in A/R, and net collection rate

These strategies lay the groundwork for sustainable revenue growth and operational efficiency.

Conclusion: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Radiology Practice

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, a robust Radiology Revenue Cycle Management system is a key driver of financial health. Whether you operate a hospital-based imaging department or a freestanding diagnostic center, success depends on your ability to capture every dollar earned.

Partnering with a specialized medical billing for radiology provider like Medical Billing Direct ensures your billing is optimized, compliant, and positioned for long-term growth.