Just a few months ago, it was all systems go for Stage 3 of Meaningful Use—the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) program that awards incentives for using certified electronic health records to improve patient care—but an overhaul will effectively end the program, according to acting CMS administrator Andy Slavitt, who discussed the impending changes in his … [Read more...] about End of Meaningful Use is near, says CMS
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No matter the century, humans are still human
By Steve M. Cohen bio I'm often amused by people who talk about how we are now past problems that have plagued humanity for centuries. Now that we're well into the 21st century, they predict we can stop focusing so much on things like racism and sexual harassment. Certainly, some things are better today. As a group, we no longer accept certain behaviors, at least … [Read more...] about No matter the century, humans are still human
Get ready for HIPAA breach before it happens
HIPAA requires you have breach notification policies and procedures to ensure proper handling of a breach of unsecured protected health information (PHI). Do you have breach notification policies and procedures that comply with HIPAA, including the most recent changes that went into effect in 2013? Are you training your staff about how to handle suspected breaches? If not, you … [Read more...] about Get ready for HIPAA breach before it happens
What to do when a doctor harasses staffers but no one complains
Q: One of our doctors continuously makes inappropriate remarks to the staff. He thinks the remarks are funny. The staff don't complain, but what's said is obviously inappropriate. Everyone likes the doctor, and the other doctors want to keep him on staff. They have counseled him, but he continues. What should we do? A: No office can afford to turn a blind eye to sexual … [Read more...] about What to do when a doctor harasses staffers but no one complains
Battle for a safe workplace continues to evolve
By Steve M. Cohen bio In case anyone wondered, the battle to counter workplace harassment and violence is definitely intensifying. In 2005, a physician killed a nurse who he worked with at a hospital. It was later learned that the murder followed a long history of harassment by the doctor. Worse, the hospital management had known of these incidents. But at that … [Read more...] about Battle for a safe workplace continues to evolve
CMS provides more quality metrics for health care professionals and group practices
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently updated both the Physician Compare and Hospital Compare websites to provide current quality performance data for health care professionals and group practices in order to improve online tools that help consumers choose health care providers. New quality measures have been added to Physician Compare for group … [Read more...] about CMS provides more quality metrics for health care professionals and group practices
Are you unintentionally discriminating against staffers with family?
There's a fairly new area of discrimination to watch out for, and it applies to staff as well as to employee physicians. It's family responsibility discrimination, or discrimination against employees who take time off to serve as caregivers for family members. And related to that is discrimination against both women and men who take time off for maternity and child care. Family … [Read more...] about Are you unintentionally discriminating against staffers with family?
Best jobs in health care
Demand for health care professionals continues to grow, and for those in the health care industry thinking about a job change, a recent report from job search portal CareerCast identifies 10 of the best jobs. Physical therapist, dental hygienist, and audiologist are among the fastest-growing, while pharmacist, optometrist, and biomedical engineer all boast high incomes. … [Read more...] about Best jobs in health care
Missing the small things can cause big problems
By Steve M. Cohen bio Medical office managers have an unusually wide range of demands, and it's easy, even necessary to keep an eye on the big picture. But sometimes elements that aren't especially strategic can still have major ramifications. Here are a few areas that I've seen cause some big problems. • Lack of written directions and policies, or … [Read more...] about Missing the small things can cause big problems
Seasons change. So do laws and regulations
By Steve M. Cohen bio As fall turns to winter, it is a good time to examine other changes that impact us all. To me, it's clear that the legal and regulatory climate of our world is changing. Whether you manage a masonry firm or medical office, the changes are everywhere. But these transformations are not steady, like the movement of a glacier. They come in jerks and jolts … [Read more...] about Seasons change. So do laws and regulations