The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced amended terms for payments issued under the Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) Program. This Medicare loan program allows CMS to make advance payments to providers and are typically used in emergency situations. Under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act repayment will now … [Read more...] about You have more time to start COVID-19 Medicare loan repayments
coronavirus
5 questions on the virus and your medical office
By Lynne Curry bio 1 Pushback from employees who choose to stay on unemployment Question: We didn’t expect the pushback we got from two of our furloughed employees when we called them back to work, particularly as we allow employees to work from home part of the workweek if their work can be accomplished remotely. One ignored two “return to work” emails but responded to a … [Read more...] about 5 questions on the virus and your medical office
Office’s duty to protect returning employees from COVID-19 discrimination and harassment
SITUATION Fully recovered from his bout with COVID-19, Max is thrilled and excited to return to his custodian job after 14 days of mandatory home isolation. But almost immediately, he senses that something is wrong. His co-workers shun him and leave the room the moment he enters. And, while hygiene and handwashing are de rigueur for all maintenance staff, Max alone is required … [Read more...] about Office’s duty to protect returning employees from COVID-19 discrimination and harassment
Are employers responsible/liable for an employee’s home ergonomics, safety and expenses?
By Lynne Curry bio Question: The work from home shift that started with COVID-19 continues as many employees and their employers find the arrangement works well. What is the employer’s responsibility/liability for workplace ergonomics and safety when the home becomes the workplace? Does the employer need to compensate the employer for expenses in upgrading Wifi and getting a … [Read more...] about Are employers responsible/liable for an employee’s home ergonomics, safety and expenses?
Tool: Model Mandatory Face Mask Policy
More than 20 states have enacted laws requiring the use of face masks or coverings in indoor public places, which would include workplaces like medical offices. Here’s a Model Policy incorporating current legal requirements and public health guidance that you can adapt for your own office. … [Read more...] about Tool: Model Mandatory Face Mask Policy
2019 MIPS performance feedback and final score available now
The Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) has released 2019 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance feedback and final scores. If you submitted data for the 2019 performance period, you can view your MIPS performance feedback and final score on the Quality Payment Program website. You can access your 2019 MIPS performance feedback and final score … [Read more...] about 2019 MIPS performance feedback and final score available now
Can my employer fire me for going to a bar or do I have any freedom left?
By Lynne Curry bio Question: My employer sent a two-part email to every employee last week. “As you know we’ve had a local spike in COVID-19 infections. The health department has provided a list of the establishments, primarily bars, where COVID-19 individuals spent extended time. The health department asks that anyone who was in these businesses during these times monitor … [Read more...] about Can my employer fire me for going to a bar or do I have any freedom left?
Coworker exposed all of us to COVID-19
By Lynne Curry bio Question For weeks, “Carolyn” told the five of us in our department that she had allergies whenever any of us asked her about her sneezing. She worked with us in the same building, used the same copier, restroom and office fridge and handled the same coffeepot. I tried to avoid her because she kept forgetting her mask and didn’t seem to understand what six … [Read more...] about Coworker exposed all of us to COVID-19
Here’s new guidance on COVID-19 and FLSA
By Mike O’Brien bio For managers in charge of HR, the so-called lazy days of summer have been anything but lazy, as they strive to adapt to the COVID era and stay up to date on seemingly constant new government guidances. The Department of Labor has provided more information for employers regarding pandemic-related wage and hour issues. Specifically, the agency answered … [Read more...] about Here’s new guidance on COVID-19 and FLSA
How to create and implement a mandatory face mask policy at your medical office
What began as a CDC guideline is evolving into a legal duty with more than 20 states and countless municipalities across the country adopting laws requiring individuals to wear masks or face coverings in enclosed indoor public spaces, including medical offices. As a result, medical offices must adopt and enforce mandatory mask policies at their facilities. While mask … [Read more...] about How to create and implement a mandatory face mask policy at your medical office