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Home » topics » Risk management
MANAGING THE OFFICE

17 projects for the last quarter of 2023

4:34 pm by

As we start the last quarter of the year, it’s time to plan the projects that need to be done before we close out 2023. Here’s a list to consider. Financial Review: a. Review the year-to-date financial statements to assess the financial health of the practice. b. Prepare a budget for the upcoming year, considering revenue, expenses, and capital investments. Insurance Contracts: a. Review and negotiate contracts with insurance providers for the next year. b. Ensure that all current contracts are up to date and compliant with regulations. Staff Evaluations: a. Conduct performance evaluations for staff members. b. Set goals and expectations for the upcoming year. c. Identify training and development needs for staff. Compliance and Regulatory Updates: a. Ensure that the practice is up to date with all healthcare… . . . read more.

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TECHNOLOGY

Integrating telemedicine into your practice

12:55 pm by

The healthcare landscape is evolving, and telemedicine has emerged as a transformative tool for medical practices to expand their reach, improve patient access, and provide high-quality care remotely. Integrating telemedicine services into your practice requires careful planning and execution, considering aspects like technology, staff training, patient communication, and regulatory compliance. 1. Understanding telemedicine and its benefits Telemedicine involves using technology to provide medical services remotely, connecting healthcare providers with patients virtually. Some of the benefits include: Improved access: Telemedicine breaks down geographical barriers, enabling patients to receive care without the constraints of distance. Convenience: Patients can consult with healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for travel and waiting room times. Efficiency: Telemedicine can streamline appointment scheduling, reduce administrative overhead, and optimize resource utilization. 2. Selecting… . . . read more.

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TOOLS

HIPAA compliance quiz for medical office employees

10:13 am by

Instructions: This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requirements and regulations. Please select the best answer for each question. Choose only one answer unless otherwise specified. Good luck! Question 1: What does HIPAA stand for? a) Health Insurance Policy and Administration Act b) Health Information Privacy and Accountability Act c) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act d) Healthcare Information Protection and Administration Act Question 2: HIPAA is primarily concerned with the protection of which type of information? a) Financial data b) Personal opinions c) Medical records and health information d) Social media activity Question 3: Which of the following is considered Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA? a) Shopping preferences b) Email addresses c) Date of birth and medical history d)… . . . read more.

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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Before, during and after a flood: Is your medical office prepared?

12:49 pm by

Flood preparedness is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your flood preparedness plan to ensure it remains effective and aligned with any changes in your medical office’s operations and environment. Pre-Flood Preparedness: Risk Assessment: Identify flood-prone areas near the medical office and assess the likelihood of flooding. Emergency Contacts: Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, emergency services, and utility companies. Emergency Response Team: Designate a team responsible for managing flood situations, including medical personnel and administrative staff. Communication Plan: Develop a communication plan to quickly inform staff, patients, and relevant stakeholders about flooding and evacuation procedures. Evacuation Routes: Establish clear evacuation routes and assembly points for staff and patients in case of flooding. Patient Records and Data: Ensure patient records and electronic health records are backed… . . . read more.

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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Be ready for disaster with an emergency preparedness plan

1:27 pm by

From power outages to rainstorms, earthquakes to wildfires, the unexpected can happen. That’s why your office needs a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan is essential. Here are key steps in establishing a plan. 1. Assess Vulnerabilities: Begin by identifying potential risks that could impact your office, such as natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes), power outages, fires, or even public health emergencies like pandemics. Tailor your preparedness plan to address these specific scenarios. 2. Develop an Emergency Response Team: Designate a team of individuals responsible for coordinating emergency responses. Assign roles such as emergency coordinator, medical responders, communications officer, and evacuation leader. Ensure team members receive proper training and drills. 3. Create Emergency Protocols: Draft clear and concise emergency protocols for different situations. Include step-by-step instructions on evacuation procedures, patient care during… . . . read more.

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CYBERSECURITY

Healthcare employees love “123456” for their passwords

1:21 pm by

The healthcare sector’s employees, working for the world’s richest companies, use poor passwords to secure business accounts, reveals new research by NordPass. While cybersecurity experts repeatedly urge businesses to take better care of corporate accounts, passwords such as “123456,” “password,” and “12345” still make it to the top of the healthcare industry’s list. These are the 10 most used passwords in the healthcare sector. 123456 password part of the company’s name* 12345 aaron431 part of the company’s name2012* Part of the company’s name* PART OF THE COMPANY’S NAME443* company name2014* linkedin The current recommendation for strong passwords is now at least 15 characters, with requirements of upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers, symbols. Although NordPass looks at the change in internet users’ password habits year-round, this year, the company specifically investigated… . . . read more.

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COMPLIANCE

18 ways your medical office can run afoul of laws and regulations

10:51 am by

Running a medical office comes the responsibility for ensuring compliance with various laws and regulations. Failure to meet compliance requirements can lead to legal, financial, and reputational troubles. Here are some—but by no means all—the ways your medical office can run into compliance trouble: HIPAA Violations: Failure to protect patient health information and maintain patient confidentiality as mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Inadequate Informed Consent: Not obtaining proper informed consent from patients before conducting procedures or treatments, which is essential for respecting patient autonomy. Improper Billing and Coding: Incorrectly coding medical procedures or submitting fraudulent claims to insurance companies, leading to potential legal and financial consequences. Antikickback Statute Violations: Engaging in inappropriate financial arrangements or incentives that could influence referrals or medical decisions, violating the… . . . read more.

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MANAGING THE OFFICE

Checklist: Is the office ready for your summer vacation?

9:34 am by

Your long-awaited and well-deserved summer vacation is approaching. Is your staff prepared to run the office smoothly in your absence? Use this list to see if you have the bases covered. Vacation Preparation Checklist for Busy Medical Office Managers Delegate Responsibilities: Identify competent staff members to handle key tasks during your absence. Assign specific responsibilities to individuals based on their expertise and capabilities. Create Detailed Instructions: Document step-by-step procedures for each delegated task. Include contact information for key personnel and relevant resources. Provide guidelines and protocols for common office procedures unique to the medical office. Conduct Training Sessions: Organize training sessions for staff members taking on additional responsibilities. Address any questions or concerns they may have and ensure they feel confident in their roles. Patient Appointments and Scheduling: Review and… . . . read more.

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TOOLS YOU CAN USE

Employee safety briefing: Summer high temperatures

6:22 pm by

Dear Team, As the summer heat intensifies, we want to ensure your well-being and safety both in the office and during your daily activities. High temperatures can pose health risks and affect your performance, so it’s important to take necessary precautions. This safety briefing will provide you with valuable guidelines for staying safe during summer high temperatures. Safety in the Office: Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration can occur quickly in hot weather, leading to fatigue and other health issues. Keep a water bottle handy and refill it regularly. Dress appropriately: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing that allows air circulation and helps to regulate your body temperature. Consider wearing lighter colors to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. Utilize fans… . . . read more.

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TOOL

Model Policy: Substance Abuse and Fitness for Duty

11:38 am by

Workplace substance abuse remains a major challenge for workplaces. Although sound in principle, the traditional zero tolerance policy is ill-suited to the legal complexities of the modern world. This is especially true in states that have legalized marijuana. You can still take a clear and firm line on employee drug and alcohol abuse for the purpose of health and safety. But the policy also has to exhibit finesse and sensitivity to legal subtleties. One of the best ways to create an enforceable policy is to base it not on the legality of substance abuse but the undisputable fact that it renders employees unfit for duty to the detriment of safety. Here’s a Model Policy you can adapt.

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