February 28th 2024
A rebuttal to a 2019 article on HIPAA.
February 16th 2024
Neglecting insider threats can be equally as costly as ransomware and other cyberattacks.
December 25th 2023
Your weekly dose of wisdom from the Physicians Practice experts.
December 11th 2023
December 4th 2023
Health Reform Efforts Going Nowhere after AHCA Pulled
Also in this week's Practice Notes: President Trump launches opioid epidemic committee, while proposing budget cuts to mental health services.
Protecting Your Practice from Ransomware
Ransomware is a significant issue for providers. Some HIPAA measures can protect your practice against this threat.
A Reminder on the Breach Notification Rule Requirements
A recent data breach serves as a reminder to practices about the importance of the Breach Notification Rule's requirements.
Nudging Healthcare Organizations towards Cybersecurity
To ensure practices' data are secure from breaches, a cybersecurity expert made the case for an open-minded and multidisciplinary approach to better compliance.
The 4 P’s of Healthcare Social Media Governance
Social media is a must for practices to engage patients in today's day and age. So a governance program is essential.
Balancing Patient Privacy with Patient Engagement
With a goal in making electronic patient engagement efforts as informative and user-friendly as possible, health care practitioners are challenged with maintaining the security and privacy of patients.
Don't Let Cybercriminals Infiltrate Your Practice
Cybercriminals are increasingly going after healthcare providers. Make sure you put protections in place to keep your information safe.
Ransomware: What to Do When Your Systems are Hijacked
More practices are falling victim to ransomware attacks, where hackers can lock out users from their EHR systems. Here is some guidance around this issue.
What are the Rules of HIPAA During an Emergency?
A recent scenario brought up questions of HIPAA compliance during an emergency, such as patient exhibiting erratic behavior.
Asset Protection: Insurance Issues Most Doctors Overlook
Always make sure you are covered for various liability insurance blind spots before they become an issue.
Overpayment Requests Continue to Confound Practices
In our recurring blog "Inbox," we also get reader feedback on payers not requesting overpayments and the biggest HIPAA incidents of 2016.
Get Serious About Coding Compliance in 2017
It's time to get serious about your compliance plan for improper coding and billing issues and overpayments. Here are five actions to take.
The Worst HIPAA-related Incidents of 2016
There were several multimillion dollar HIPAA settlements this year, including the largest settlement to-date. Here is a summary of the worst incidents.
Sentencing for Criminal HIPAA Violations
Nearly a year after being convicted, three pharmaceutical company employees are sentenced for healthcare fraud and HIPAA violations.
Low-cost Strategies for Medical Practice Compliance
Medical practice compliance can be challenging, but implementing a basic compliance program can help you avoid violations.
Using a Cloud Service Provider? Get a BAA
Recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reinforces that the HIPAA conduit exception does not apply to Cloud Service Providers.
The Importance of an Employee Exit Checklist
Reviewing your software programs, logins, and EHR users can not only save you money, it should be a quarterly requirement in your medical practice.
Not Updating BAAs Can Be Costly
It's better to learn from others mistakes. A recent HIPAA fine underscores the importance of timely and accurate BAAs.
Steps to Avoid Bad Business Associate Agreement Behavior
Here are six things physician practices can do to stay HIPAA compliant and not get in trouble for a failed business associate agreement.
The Millennial Approach to EHR
Younger staff can bring a unique perspective to medical practice operations.
A Practical Solution for an IT Emergency
This practice seems to have figured out a clever way to deal with a variety of IT problems. Can you see your practice using this method?
How to Protect Your Practice from Cybercrime
Your practice is a favorite target for cyberattacks. Here are steps you can take to avoid being victimized by these crimes.
Is Cyber-Security Insurance Right for Your Practice?
With cyberattacks and breaches of patient data becoming disturbingly common, cyber-security insurance might be worth the cost.
Rules of the Road for Texting Patient Information
Are you texting a fellow provider or a patient? Here is what you should know with regards to HIPAA and compliance.
Physicians Should Understand the Basics of Ransomware
It doesn't matter how small or big your practice is, you need to be prepared for ransomware attacks.
Three Positive Trends on Social Media in Healthcare
In doing research for an upcoming conference, this doctor discovered three interesting trends on the use of social media by patients and providers alike.
The Downside to HIPAA Compliance at this Practice
Can a practice be TOO committed to HIPAA? In this case of this organization, the answer to that question might be a somewhat confusing yes.
Physicians: What's In Your Disaster Recovery Plan?
Recent ransomware attacks and the Phase II Office for Civil Rights Audits underscore the importance of adequate policies and procedures.
Allowing Patients to Selfie their Surgery
One doctor has found a clever way to bypass HIPAA and allow patients to take selfies during their surgery. What's his secret?
Dealing with Patients Unhappy over HIPAA Constraints
HIPAA can be a headache for patients, too. Here are some things you can do to calm the waters when patients object to HIPAA restrictions.