By Paul Edwards bio In light of growing concerns surrounding coronavirus, many businesses are wondering if they will be faced with a decision to send employees home and/or close their doors for a period of time. One popular idea to address these concerns is to offer remote work (or ‘telework’) options. If you don’t regularly have remote workers, this may not be something … [Read more...] about Before you let your employees work remote
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Protecting your medical practice during uncertain times
By John W. McDaniel bio Given the recent disruption and decreased demand for physician office services, coupled with the foreboding predictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, both hospital- affiliated and private medical practices are having to adjust their operations in order to provide billable patient care services while salvaging the cash flow/liquidity of the … [Read more...] about Protecting your medical practice during uncertain times
Practical guidance for medical office employers handling coronavirus
By Paul Edwards bio We know there is a lot of information (and misinformation) out there about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to handle it in the workplace. Our goal is to provide you with guidance on how to handle this as an employer—practical solutions for the impact the coronavirus may have on your business. If an employee is sick, can I send him/her home? If an … [Read more...] about Practical guidance for medical office employers handling coronavirus
4 steps prepare your medical office for coronavirus disease
The true impact of a COVID-19 outbreak in a U.S. community cannot be predicted. However, all healthcare facilities can take steps now to prepare for such an outbreak and protect both their patients and staff. 1 Be prepared: Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation. Know where to turn for reliable, up-to-date information in your local community. Monitor the CDC … [Read more...] about 4 steps prepare your medical office for coronavirus disease
Don’t cast out a truth teller
By Lynne Curry bio “Morgan” was the one person who took issue with the CEO’s presentation of his new initiative. Before she voiced her concerns, the 12 other managers around the conference table had nodded appreciatively when the CEO made each of his points. Several other managers secretly shared Morgan’s doubts, but no one came to her aid when the CEO looked irritated. Six … [Read more...] about Don’t cast out a truth teller
Must Employee Notify Employer of DUI?
QUESTION If one of our employees gets a DUI, do they have to notify us? ANSWER It depends. EXPLANATION There are at least four factors affecting whether the employee would have to come forward and tell you about the DUI? Your HR policies: What, if anything, do your current policies say about whether employees must notify you of their DUIs? Conviction or arrest? If the … [Read more...] about Must Employee Notify Employer of DUI?
5 Ways to Avoid Kickback Risks When Placing Phlebotomists in Ordering Physician’s Offices
It’s not uncommon for labs to place a phlebotomist in a physician’s office to collect and process samples for testing. While not strictly illegal, this practice raises bright red flags under kickback laws. So, it’s imperative to carefully vet your in-office phlebotomist arrangements to ensure they don’t cross any kickback lines. Here’s how. The Legal Risks of In-Office … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Avoid Kickback Risks When Placing Phlebotomists in Ordering Physician’s Offices
CMS to launch new MIPS Participation Framework in 2021 Performance Period
CMS is implementing a new participation framework for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), called the MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs), starting with the 2021 performance period. The goal of this new framework is to move away from siloed performance category measures and activities, and move toward an aligned set of measures and activities that are more meaningful to … [Read more...] about CMS to launch new MIPS Participation Framework in 2021 Performance Period
MIPS 2020 payment adjustments in effect based on 2018 performance
In July 2019, each Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) eligible clinician received a 2018 MIPS Final Score and associated payment adjustment factor(s) as part of their 2018 MIPS performance feedback, available on the Quality Payment Program website. 2020 MIPS payment adjustments, based on each MIPS eligible clinician’s 2018 MIPS final score, will now be applied to … [Read more...] about MIPS 2020 payment adjustments in effect based on 2018 performance
She almost lost her job to jealous sabotage
By Lynne Curry bio Through no fault of her own, “Loni” almost lost her job. When she called me requesting coaching, she told me told me she’d been with her company for 11 months. For the first nine, she’d been on the fast-track to a senior management position. Two months ago, everything changed. Last Friday morning, her CEO had told her to “pull it together or you’re out.” She … [Read more...] about She almost lost her job to jealous sabotage