Law & Malpractice

A pair of recent court decisions further highlights the need for physicians to comply with the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Sunshine Act.

Finding ways to maintain an independent physician practice is tough. One area to target for cost savings and practice protection is insurance coverage.

Medical media personalities like Sanjay Gupta have stirred the marijuana debate, and raised questions among physicians. Now, some answers.

Here's a look at what covered entities are under the HIPAA Omnibus Rule and where pharmacies that work with your medical practice fit in.

Treating family members may seem like an easy and convenient option, but it can lead to big problems. Here's why.

A recent decision by HHS' Office of the Inspector General raises some interesting issues with ACOs participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program.

You may not equate a HIPAA violation with a cybercrime, but if you have patient records, you need to secure and protect that information electronically.

Discussing patient information outside of your practice and over the telephone can result in disclosure of protected health information (PHI).

This week we conclude our review of essential business and legal planning for physicians.

A move to repeal the Medicare SGR moved another step forward with the goal of smaller pay raises in the near future and more emphasis on quality measures.

Think carving out Medicare and Medicaid patients from your business arrangements makes you safe from federal fraud and abuse laws? Think again.

Not all group purchasing organizations are alike, so as with any possible Anti-Kickback Statute issue, each arrangement must be scrutinized carefully.

The insurer's recent settlement with HHS should be a reminder to physicians that a lack of HIPAA safeguards can result in serious issues for their practice.

The polar opposite of marijuana laws, waivers for accountable care acts are allowed at the federal level, but can run into problems in individual states.

At your wits end with one of your patients? Here's what to do before showing him the door.

Real Estate Investment Trusts could be a viable solution for healthcare providers seeking capitals. Here's a primer on what they are and what they could mean.

Physician practices must constantly review existing restrictive covenant provisions to ensure they are compliant with state law.

While EHR adoption continues to increase, there are significant hurdles left to overcome, and the healthcare industry has a long way to go to catch up.

In 2014, the Affordable Care Act takes full effect. In 2015, penalties begin for not using EHRs. So perhaps now is the time to take a serious look at the technology.

Addressing the privacy and safety concerns of mobile medicine should be as important as accessibility for today's medical providers.

Collaborations between physicians and other healthcare entities can be beneficial …but they can also violate federal and state antitrust laws.

Since 2011, only one in every two or three physicians has attested to the Stage 1 rules of meaningful use. Why should this matter to your practice?

What will the new HIPAA Omnibus Rule mean in terms of malpractice and professional liability insurance issues for physicians? Here's an explanation.

Two recent HIPAA violations, and a looming compliance date, mean now is the time to ensure privacy and security policies are in place at your medical practice.

Here's a primer on ERISA, how it works, and what it means for you and your medical practice.