By Susan Crawford Founding Editor Dear Readers: Medical Office Manager’s first issue came out in November 1987. And now after 26 years as your editor, I have retired. This is a good time to look at the issues and conundrums you as manager have faced during all that time and to congratulate you on a job well done. The changes have been staggering. You have kept up with them … [Read more...] about Editor watches staggering changes in medical office management
HIPAA
The 3 keys to better HIPAA compliance: risk assessment, training, revised notice
Three HIPAA items need every manager’s immediate attention. They are: • Risk Analysis; • documentation of HIPAA training; and • a revised Notice of Privacy. HIPAA’s enforcer is the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and it’s taking the job seriously, says Nathan A. Kottkamp, a health care attorney with McGuireWoods in Richmond, VA. When the OCR comes to call, it will ask to see … [Read more...] about The 3 keys to better HIPAA compliance: risk assessment, training, revised notice
HIPAA: it’s time to update the office’s privacy notice
The mega rule deadline is September 23, 2013 What should managers be doing right now for HIPAA? They should be updating the Notice of Privacy Practices and getting patients to sign off on the revision. And they have only until September 23, 2013 to get it done. Along with that, they need to be paying close attention to some other HIPAA requirements that are getting … [Read more...] about HIPAA: it’s time to update the office’s privacy notice
HIPAA’s rules get tighter and its penalties get higher
and breach notification takes a new turn Even stronger controls have just been set out for HIPAA. They come in the final regulations for the Omnibus Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or the HIPAA rule. They appear in the January 25 Federal Register and become effective March 26. However, offices and business associates have until September 23 to … [Read more...] about HIPAA’s rules get tighter and its penalties get higher
HIPAA is now striking small offices; the first hit is on mobile devices
HIPAA, which has traditionally focused its attention on larger entities, is now closing in on smaller organizations and smaller violations. A hospice in Idaho has been fined $50,000 for a security breach of its electronic health information. This is the first time HIPAA has gone after a breach affecting fewer than 500 patients, and the government says the fine is “a strong … [Read more...] about HIPAA is now striking small offices; the first hit is on mobile devices