By Paul Edwards bio Chances are, you would never intentionally discriminate against a pregnant employee, and your doctor(s) and team probably feel the same way. But it can be easy to unintentionally discriminate. When it comes to pregnancy discrimination lawsuits, the road to court is usually paved with good intentions. Do all practices need to worry about … [Read more...] about Pregnancy discrimination: don’t let good intentions get you in trouble
Federal
Beware of HIPAA-related text messaging risks
The ease, speed, and efficiency of mobile device-based text messaging has made it a primary communications tool among doctors and other health care providers, covered entities, and business associates. But this convenience can also lead to security risks, cautions Melissa (Lisa) Thompson, a shareholder in national law firm LeClairRyan's Boston office. "Unless preventive … [Read more...] about Beware of HIPAA-related text messaging risks
Are you still complacent about mobile security risks?
Organizations continue to fall short when it comes to protecting corporate data on mobile apps and devices, according to the Mobile Security and Risk Review, recently released by MobileIron. Mobile threats are on the rise but only 8% of companies are enforcing OS updates and less than 5% are using App Reputation or Mobile Threat Detection software. The second … [Read more...] about Are you still complacent about mobile security risks?
Spending too much time, effort, and money on recruitment? Borrow from others’ ‘best practices’
By Carl Kutsmode bio Hiring top talent for your medical practice isn't easy. And, the bad news is that it won't get easier anytime soon. Just consider a few facts: The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the employment of staff physician assistants is projected to grow 30 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Roughly … [Read more...] about Spending too much time, effort, and money on recruitment? Borrow from others’ ‘best practices’
Keeping the records long enough… but not too long
Records retention raises questions in almost all offices. And as a result, offices tend to hang onto records far too long, says attorney and records management expert Donald S. Skupsky, JD, CRM. Skupsky is president and CEO of Information Requirements Clearinghouse in Denver, which provides consulting services as well as software and publications on the legal requirements of … [Read more...] about Keeping the records long enough… but not too long
CDC provides guidelines for flu season, recommends health care workers get flu shot
Flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death, says the Centers for Disease Control. Therefore, the CDC urges Americans to take the following actions to protect themselves and others from influenza (the flu). 1. Take time to get a flu vaccine. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting … [Read more...] about CDC provides guidelines for flu season, recommends health care workers get flu shot
ICD-10: from transition to full implementation—and the first round of updates
The transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10, which took effect October 1, 2015, has significantly impacted health care providers. An entirely new set of codes as well as expansion of codes for greater specificity are now required. ICD-10 is a completely different system. The code set has been expanded from five positions (first one alphanumeric, others numeric) to seven positions. … [Read more...] about ICD-10: from transition to full implementation—and the first round of updates
Emailing and texting patients: how to keep it legal and safe
These days almost everyone uses email, and many people, especially younger people, are comfortable texting as well. According to a 2015 report by the Pew Research Center, text messaging is the most widely used feature of smartphones. The convenience of electronic communications is undeniable. But is it a safe and legal way to communicate with patients? State regulations … [Read more...] about Emailing and texting patients: how to keep it legal and safe
What every office manager needs to know about ‘at-will’ employment
What does at-will employment mean? It means that either the employer or the employee can end the relationship at any time and for any reason or for no reason at all – unless there is a contract for a term of employment. So why should a manager be concerned about that? Because most states say yes, there can be an implied contract of employment and no, that contract doesn't … [Read more...] about What every office manager needs to know about ‘at-will’ employment
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?