Why you need this model policy and procedure: Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires covered entities to adopt safeguards to avoid discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in certain health programs and activities. One of those safeguards, which is set out in Section 92.7(b) of the ACA final rule, is to establish a … [Read more...] about Model Section 1557 Civil Rights Grievance Procedure
Health care reform
How to comply with new ACA non-discrimination requirements
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires covered entities to take certain actions to ensure they comply with their duty not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in certain health programs and activities. Section 92.7 of the ACA final rule specifies two things entities must do to meet their nondiscrimination … [Read more...] about How to comply with new ACA non-discrimination requirements
Is your practice aware of significant changes to Medicare’s MACRA program?
A transformative law is on track to fundamentally change how physicians and other clinicians are reimbursed under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), but half of recently surveyed physicians have never heard of it, according to the "Deloitte Center for Health Solutions 2016 Survey of U.S. Physicians." The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) … [Read more...] about Is your practice aware of significant changes to Medicare’s MACRA program?
$900 million in false billing results in charges against medical practices throughout the U.S.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell have announced an unprecedented nationwide sweep led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force in 36 federal districts, resulting in criminal and civil charges against 301 individuals, including 61 doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical professionals, for their … [Read more...] about $900 million in false billing results in charges against medical practices throughout the U.S.
Starting salaries for physicians spiking, according to study
Starting salaries for both primary care and specialist physicians increased significantly in the last 12 months, according to a new report, reflecting a rising demand for physicians and a growing physician shortage. Prepared by Merritt Hawkins, the nation's largest physician search and consulting firm and a company of AMN Healthcare, (NYSE: AHS), a leader in health care … [Read more...] about Starting salaries for physicians spiking, according to study
Industry challenged to create more patient-friendly medical billing
Furthering the goals of focusing on patients, coordinate health care delivery, and making health information more accessible, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new challenge for all stakeholders in health care—designing a better medical bill that is easier for patients to understand. The HHS press release regarding the challenge notes … [Read more...] about Industry challenged to create more patient-friendly medical billing
Incorrect medical coding corrupts the core data used by health care facilities, has negative consequences throughout health care industry
Guaranteeing accurate, consistent medical codes and patient histories is one of the major challenges for providers and payers today. Medical codes are the starting point for understanding quality of care and making necessary improvements. "Medical codes are the core data used in every aspect of modern health care—every provider, payer, and facility relies on them," says … [Read more...] about Incorrect medical coding corrupts the core data used by health care facilities, has negative consequences throughout health care industry
CMS launches largest-ever multi-payer initiative to improve primary health care
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced its largest-ever initiative to transform and improve how primary care is delivered and paid for in America. The new Affordable Care Act (ACA) initiative is designed to improve quality and cost, and give doctors and patients more control over health care delivery. The effort, known as the Comprehensive … [Read more...] about CMS launches largest-ever multi-payer initiative to improve primary health care
Increased adoption of HIPAA electronic claims-related processes can save more than $8 billion annually
The U.S. health care system is unnecessarily spending billions of dollars each year by continuing to use manual administrative processes for basic transactions, according to the 2015 CAQH Index®, a report from CAQH, a non-profit alliance and leader in creating shared initiatives to streamline the business of health care. Despite steady increases in industry adoption of … [Read more...] about Increased adoption of HIPAA electronic claims-related processes can save more than $8 billion annually
Changes to watch for in disability and absence management
Employee leave continues to undergo change and become increasingly complex. Although several regulations, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments Act (ADA/AA), have been in place for several years, legal interpretation and application are subject to ongoing clarification. Meanwhile, regulatory initiatives under the … [Read more...] about Changes to watch for in disability and absence management