Medical Office Manager

Covid-19

Using waivers to avoid getting sued for COVID-19 infections

PLEASE READ NOTICE TO ALL ENTRANTS AND USERS OF THESE FACILITIES EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY – ASSUMPTION OF RISK THESE CONDITIONS WILL AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE OR CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR AN INJURY OR ILLNESS In these times of pandemic, signs and forms like this purporting to shield the owner of a facility against liability have become a fixture in … [Read more...] about Using waivers to avoid getting sued for COVID-19 infections

“COVID captains” keep the focus on safe work practices

By Dan Scungio The year 2020 has roared to a close, and COVID-19 is unfortunately still around. We have made changes to our lives at home, in public, and at work. Healthcare workers, in particular, made several changes early on with PPE use and work practices that are still in effect today. A great deal of work had to be done early on this year to provide information to staff … [Read more...] about “COVID captains” keep the focus on safe work practices

Extreme Circumstances Exception application deadline stretched to Feb. 1

To support clinicians during the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is extending the 2020 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception application deadline to Feb. 1, 2021. For the 2020 performance year, CMS will be using its Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances policy … [Read more...] about Extreme Circumstances Exception application deadline stretched to Feb. 1

Warn your patients not to fall for COVID-19 scams

Pharma companies, diagnostics manufacturers, labs and other parts of the healthcare industry have done a commendable job in pivoting in response to the current public health crisis. Sadly, it seems that you can say the very same thing can also be said about the scammers. On Nov. 23, the OIG issued a new alert warning the public about fraud schemes related to COVID-19. The face … [Read more...] about Warn your patients not to fall for COVID-19 scams

OSHA says cloth face coverings are not “PPE”

By Mike O'Brien bio In an update to its FAQ, OSHA has stated that cloth face coverings do not constitute personal protective equipment (PPE). According to OSHA, there isn’t enough information currently available to determine if a particular cloth face covering provides sufficient protection from the coronavirus hazard to be PPE under OSHA’s standard. OSHA’s determination is … [Read more...] about OSHA says cloth face coverings are not “PPE”

Professionals working from home logging long hours including weekends

Although your practice is open to patients, some of your office staffers may be working from home. And they may be putting in longer hours than usual. A new study by global staffing firm Robert Half shows employees are working around the clock while at home. More than half (55 per cent) of professionals who transitioned to a remote setup as a result of the pandemic said they … [Read more...] about Professionals working from home logging long hours including weekends

Our employees may stage a Thanksgiving rebellion

By Lynne Curry bio Question: I overheard a breakroom conversation last week and learned several employees were planning to get together with extended families for Thanksgiving. One employee was letting another know that if she didn’t “have any place to go,” she could join their family gathering. I honestly couldn’t believe this given the uptick in COVID-19 in our community, … [Read more...] about Our employees may stage a Thanksgiving rebellion

How HR regulations could change under Biden administration

By Mike O'Brien bio Employers may be wondering how a Biden administration will affect workplace laws. Prior to the election, Biden’s campaign website gives some clues as to his priorities in this area. Biden lists the failure to pay minimum wage and overtime pay, forcing off-the-clock work, and misclassifying workers as problems resulting in billions of dollars a year in wage … [Read more...] about How HR regulations could change under Biden administration

Can we use a contact tracing app to protect our business and employees?

By Lynne Curry bio Question: Every morning we conduct wellness checks on our employees as they arrive at work, but worry that some employees don’t monitor physical distancing when not at work. We’re barely hanging on as a practice, but all it would take is one employee getting COVID and infecting our other employees to shut us down. We have heard apps can provide real-time … [Read more...] about Can we use a contact tracing app to protect our business and employees?