HIPAA

From increasing HIPAA training among staff to stepping up billing compliance efforts, here are key action steps to consider making in the New Year.

From cloud-based computing to patient portals, here’s what, technology-wise, made a big bang in physician practices nationwide.

While the current focus on health IT tends to be on features or capabilities, it's time to take a look at the higher purposes of these devices and software.

While many practices have a compliance plan, most sit on a shelf gathering dust. Take it down, dust it off, and read it. Unenforced, it could be your worst enemy.

Compliance with HIPAA is a day-to-day reality and not merely an academic exercise. Here are some ways to prepare should a breach occur at your medical practice.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, healthcare experts discuss preparing for the future.

Neurosurgeon Ben Carson says there is no question health IT is extremely useful in saving healthcare dollars and is a major contributor of industry change today.

Here's a breakdown of the federal government's HIPAA audit procedures and how your office can be prepared.

Imagine a way to reduce denied claims, have accurate patient information, and speed up the paperwork process. It exists, so why isn't it in your medical practice?

Having a tough time deciphering what the Stage 2 requirements seek to meet meaningful use? Here's a plain talk description of each rule and useful advice.

Here are some slicker, more economical alternatives to the fax machine for your medical practice, especially when it comes to following HIPAA rules.

Once the pilot HIPAA audit program concludes, and the full wave of inspections begins, physicians can expect more headaches.

Are you and your office staff up to date with the HIPAA privacy laws? After what I recently saw, you might want to have a refresher.

Savvy prescription drug seekers who are denied by physicians have found a new venue for retaliation - social media.

As convenient as text messaging may be, there are certain issues for healthcare providers to consider when using any communication method with patients. Here are seven to consider.

What you do online matters - and medical boards are paying attention.

Be warned that practices using Web-based electronic systems that lack appropriate privacy protection, whether by accident or not, could face the same fate.

While social media can help a physician's professional reputation grow, the misuse of social media by others can be destructive.

Tom Walsh discusses the emergence of mobile health technologies and tips to make your practice data more secure.

Dr. Eric M. Liederman, director of medical informatics for The Permanente Medical Group, discusses the move to electronic records and what drives privacy violations by practice staff.

In this video, Adam Greene discusses how to balance promotion of mobile health devices while still being aware of privacy and security issues.

In this video, Robert Tennant of the MGMA discusses key areas of privacy and breach notification for private practices.

A smartphone can be a provider's dream in explaining procedures to patients and family, but also a possible legal and ethical nightmare.

The HITECH Act significantly strengthened aspects of the HIPAA Security Rule. If you are a 'Covered Entity' or 'Business Associate' it's time to get serious!

The feds are cracking down on (even accidental) violations of data security rules. Here's how to avoid serious financial and administrative penalties.