Law & Malpractice

Recent research indicates that PAs can improve the healthcare system, and recent policy changes help ensure that they have the opportunity to do so.

The recent imposition of penalties by the DOJ in two instances should cause physicians to re-evaluate their policies and practices.

Defensive medicine makes it more likely that you will be sued. Defensible medicine? Now, that puts you on malpractice insurers’ "A" lists. Here's how.

As tax season approaches, tax scams targeting doctors once again spike. Here are some basic tips for protecting yourself from criminals and the IRS.

HIPAA "willful neglect" violations can cost medical practices hundreds of thousands of dollars. Here's how to prevent them from occurring at your practice.

What is a provider supposed to do to ensure HIPAA compliance with copying charges when a request for medical records is made? It’s not always easy.

Medical practice risk extends beyond patient care into liabilities such as employee lawsuits. Managing this risk requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Here's a primer on how co-management agreements work in healthcare, a pay-for-performance tool picking up steam among physicians.

Every medical practice should have a compliance officer. Here are 15 tasks to assign this important individual.

As we head into 2015, among the many items to consider is whether your medical practice’s operations are compliant with HIPAA.

Doctors must understand the basics of asset protection as a key part of their personal and professional success.

Massachusetts' effort to tie license renewal to meaningful use of an EHR is a great way to ease the physician shortage.

Malpractice insurance pricing has been stable and even declining for the past several years, but will the trend continue?

CMS recently announced that 257,000 eligible professionals will face Medicare payment adjustments because of noncompliance with meaningful use standards.

Information requests consume significant resources and represent a real area of risk for medical practices. Here are the top five actions you should take.

Look no further than the recent issue of JAMA for evidence that physician mandates are not beneficial, but paternalistic and coercive.

The importance of HIPAA policies and procedures should not be overlooked. Doing so can be costly.

Before you give - or receive - a gift this year, understand the federal and state laws that govern gifts to physicians and medical practices.

The EHR Incentive Programs take a new turn in 2015: the penalty phase. More rule changes may come, but providers shouldn't count on relief.

Umbrella coverage is one of my first and strongest recommendations to physician clients. Here's why.

Here's what you need to know to help you close out your 2014 meaningful use reporting year and get ready for 2015.

If you're considering concierge medicine, do you become a DIY-er, or do you look to experts?

A new rule by CMS to punish "bad actors" and new concern with the Independent Payment Advisory Board highlight the problem with Medicare and Medicaid.

Federal HIPAA violations and state law causes of action are nothing to ignore. The penalties are substantial.