Free point-of-care test cups from Millennium Labs have become radioactive. So far, at least six different providers have agreed to fork over significant amounts (ranging from $40K to $186K) to settle kickback charges stemming from accepting those freebies from the now bankrupt lab, including two settlements in just the past six weeks. Fallout from the continuing scandal is an … [Read more...] about Feds target providers who took free test cup kickbacks from Millennium Labs
Compliance
It’s not me, it’s you: 5 office policies to break up with
By Paul Edwards bio Springtime may mean that love is in the air, but your office can't hesitate to dump a policy that creates problems. Some policies are so blatantly unenforceable, they shouldn't even have gotten past the first date! If any of these are in your employee handbook, it's time to say, "Let's not even be friends anymore." #1: "Employee salaries are … [Read more...] about It’s not me, it’s you: 5 office policies to break up with
MIPS reporting deadlines are fast approaching: 10 things to do and know
Deadlines are fast approaching if you plan to submit data for the 2017 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance period. Don't wait until the last minute to submit your data. Submit early and often. The two key dates are: March 16 at 8 pm Eastern time for group reporting via the CMS web interface March 31 for all other MIPS reporting, including via … [Read more...] about MIPS reporting deadlines are fast approaching: 10 things to do and know
What makes a successful practice manager
By Shane Carter bio Being a practice manager in today's health care environment is a very tough job. Disruptive and transformational change is underway in health care delivery. The modernization of health care has created a complex, changing environment that requires a successful practice to employ technology, advanced systems, and an educated and dedicated staff. Because … [Read more...] about What makes a successful practice manager
Sexual harassment in the workplace: how your practice’s policy can make a difference
Employees are more likely to report sexual harassment they witness at work when there is a zero-tolerance policy in place, according to a new study conducted by Florida International University (FIU). The study's findings show that companies where zero-tolerance policies are a top-priority are particularly effective in increasing the reporting of the most common forms of … [Read more...] about Sexual harassment in the workplace: how your practice’s policy can make a difference
Model Flu Vaccination Policy
(Mandatory and Voluntary)
Why you need this policy:
Vaccination is the most effective defense against flu viruses. So it behooves you to ensure that your staff members get flu shots every year at the start of every flu season. But what if someone neglects or just plain refuses to be vaccinated?
How this policy helps you:
If someone neglects or just plain refuses to be vaccinated, you have two … [Read more...] about Model Flu Vaccination Policy
(Mandatory and Voluntary)
The predatory patient and your workplace environment
By Lynne Curry bio You've met the predatory patient and possibly even tangled with him. He or she makes life difficult for your staff, particularly your front desk employees, and possibly even for you because his status as a patient enables him to do so. Often he represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in billings. Do medical practices have a responsibility to … [Read more...] about The predatory patient and your workplace environment
HIPAA data breaches in 2017: Another record breaking year!
By Danika Brinda bio Unfortunately as promised, 2017 brought many challenges to properly protecting patient information in healthcare. We saw a record number of data breaches in 2016 with cybersecurity being on a fast and furious rise. In 2017, the trend continued with many healthcare organizations being hit with different cybersecurity attacks, resulting in data … [Read more...] about HIPAA data breaches in 2017: Another record breaking year!
5 blind spots in sexual harassment policies and how to fix them
Recent months have witnessed the morphing of workplace sexual harassment prevention from legal requirement to moral imperative. And while the current fervor is a bit unnerving for employers, to the extent it shatters complacency, it's a positive and even necessary development. Sexual harassment has evolved dramatically in the past two decades—in terms of not just conduct but … [Read more...] about 5 blind spots in sexual harassment policies and how to fix them
Is ACA employer reporting still required for 2017 tax year? Are you sure?
Ever since it was signed into law in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been the subject of much concern—and confusion—for employers. This past year has been no exception, due to a handful of attempts by GOP lawmakers to overhaul the controversial legislation. At this time, however, the ACA remains the law of the land, and employers must prepare and report in January … [Read more...] about Is ACA employer reporting still required for 2017 tax year? Are you sure?