Law & Malpractice

In an age of mergers and partnerships, it is important for physicians to pay attention to investor bond ratings and reports.

As the physician shortage intensifies, so does the debate over the appropriate scope of practice of nonphysician providers. Where do you draw the line?

Business practices generally accepted in other industries can be illegal in healthcare, so it is important to be sure you are in compliance.

Here's a primer on how the federal government defines healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare.

It's tax season and with the IRS notifying more physicians of tax audits, there are some steps you can take today to avoid being included in this group.

Physicians need to establish an effective Enterprise Risk Management plan when assessing risk in relation to HIPAA and the HITECH Act.

Review your medical practice’s contracts to ensure you are prepared to handle distributing EHR incentive payments before they arrive in the mail.

Continuing our 12-month medical practice makeover series, today we examine essential liability coverage required by all medical practices beyond just medical malpractice liability insurance coverage.

Physicians are being presented with chances to invest in ancillary services, but they need to be aware of all the legal issues involved to avoid potential pitfalls.

National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Farzad Mostashari outlined the benefits of health IT for attendees during HIMSS13, and even poked fun at EHR critics.

A look at the HIPAA Omnibus Rule may also provide physicians with some ways to examine other compliance issues and impact revenues as well.

Before attempting to attest for Stage 2, make sure your practice has checked off these must-do items.

The Stage 2 rules for meaningful use require physicians to increase their patient engagement activity. Here are two examples of facilities already making that a reality.

New research indicates that a growing number of physicians are dissatisfied with their current EHR as they strive to meet meaningful use requirements.

Physicians, it's not your fault that Medicare is in freefall. The federal program is failing for several reasons.

Noteworthy items from Physicians Practice.

The new HIPAA Omnibus Rule includes heightened attention on business associate agreements. Here are some details your medical practice should know.

Penalties for mismanaging medical records are steep. Make sure you understand your practice's legal obligations as medical records custodian.

Physicians should think twice before doing business with laboratories that offer the opportunity to profit from your business relationship.

In this podcast, consultant Ronald Sterling notes the critical steps every practice should take to verify the clinical content in its EHR.

California-based attorney Martha Ann (Marty) Knutson explains five key components of the recently updated HIPAA Omnibus Rule.

Your medical practice should have a plan for how it hands off patients to other providers. Here are some tips to create a plan and help avoid a possible malpractice suit.

It's a good time for medical practices to review their de-identification methods to avoid a potential HIPAA violation under recently released rules.

If your medical practice has contracts or affiliations with the military, you need to be aware of additional privacy regulations.

The HIPAA final rule, released Jan. 17, 2013, includes new guidance regarding the transfer of medical records.