May 9th 2024
Don't run afoul of these new privacy and civil rights rules.
March 28th 2024
The peculiarities of healthcare makes private equity investments a fraught proposition.
March 15th 2024
The new rule aligns more closely with HIPAA.
March 14th 2024
Health care employers have the obligation to protect their employees and their patients, while also complying with applicable state and federal laws.
March 13th 2024
Healthcare employers have to strike a balance between their ADA responsibilities and the privacy of their employees.
7 Priciest HIPAA Incidents of 2015
Several six-figure HIPAA settlements were levied against healthcare organizations this year. Here are the top HIPAA incidents of 2015.
ICD-10 Codes for the Christmas Season
‘Tis the season! Cartoonist Jon Carter reveals that a few Christmas and holiday characters and traditions are just well-disguised ICD-10 codes.
One Doc 'Pleasantly Surprised' by ICD-10 Transition
For many physicians like Theo Felts, a family practitioner in Overland, Kan., ICD-10 has been no sweat at all. In this Q&A, he discusses the transition.
Survey: How is ICD-10 Going at Your Practice?
Is your practice suffering with ICD-10 or has it been a smooth transition? Take a quick five-question survey and share your experiences.
How to Avoid Filing a Report to the NPDB
There are ways for physicians to avoid filing a report to the National Practitioner Databank (NPDB) when they are being sued for malpractice.
Train Staff to Address ICD-10 Related Coder Shortage
With a dearth of coders thanks to the ICD-10 transition, some practices find that training current staff is the best way to get good coders.
A Stroke of Luck for Overregulated Healthcare Industry
On Friday the 13th, a ruling against the FTC was a stroke of good luck for the rest of the healthcare industry, which is already overregulated.
15 Funny Fall ICD-10 Codes
Fall brings a new set of activities that may require new ICD-10 codes at your practice. Here's a list of 15 possible – and funny – autumn injuries.
Speaking Out Against More Certifications for PAs
The NCCPA recently proposed more CAQs for PAs in specialty areas of medicine and may make them mandatory. This is a bad idea, says one provider.
How the False Claims Act Can Hurt Physicians
A recent ruling against a pharmaceutical company shows physicians how the False Claims Act can hurt them legally and financially.
Detailed Coding in ICD-10 Avoids Revenue Headaches
Avoid problems with reimbursement through accurate and specific coding in ICD-10. Here are some tips to do that.
ICD-10 is Here: Now What?
The big bang of ICD-10 has happened. Practices should focus on getting reimbursement from third-party payers and clearing up any issues.
How One Doc Made ICD-10 Work
Switching from ICD-9 to ICD-10 was predicted to be calamitous, especially for small practices. But, for many, it wasn't.
At One Month, ICD-10 Seems To Be Going Smoothly
Everything seems fine on the surface with ICD-10 thus far, but is there a false sense of security?
Chronic-Care Patients: Easing the Burden on Physicians
A new billing code allows docs to be reimbursed for non face-to-face care for patients with two or more chronic conditions lasting 12 months or more.
OIG Issues Report on HIPAA Breaches and Oversight
When it comes to HIPAA breaches, entity size does not matter. What matters is the Office for Civil Rights (OCR)’s oversight and compliance.
Cautious Optimism in the Early Days of ICD-10
The early returns on ICD-10 from payers and a clearinghouse have been positive. Yet, no one is ready to pop the champagne and celebrate quite yet.
When it Comes to Telehealth, Look Before You Leap
With many doctors interested in getting involved with some kind of telehealth model, it’s important to know the legal and reimbursement limitations.
Early Lessons of ICD-10 for One Practice
It’s early in the ICD-10 transition, but one doc began dual coding over a year ago and already has a few lessons to dole out.
ICD-10 is Up and Running: How to Survive
ICD-10 is now the official language of insurance claims. Here's how to avoid translation problems and other tips to keep your head above water
Ten Last-Minute Resources for ICD-10
Tomorrow is the big day for the ICD-10 transition. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are ten last-minute resources to help you out.
It’s Not Halloween, It’s ICD-10 Rollout Day
With ICD-10 implementation deadline and Halloween both coming up, here’s another cartoon that looks at the scary similarities of the two days.
The Scary Sights of ICD-10
With Halloween and Oct. 1 both coming up, here is a look at the scary sights of ICD-10. Which do you find more frightening - ICD-10 or Halloween?
Partner with Health Systems for ICD-10 Readiness
For small practices that feel behind on ICD-10 readiness, one potential solution would be for them to partner with a local large health system.
Preventing Data Breaches: What Physicians Need to Do
Two recent articles underscore the importance of cybersecurity across all facets of a physician’s practice and what questions should be asked.
Four ICD-10 Myths from a Critical Doc
An ICD-10 critic goes over four myths that have been pushed by the coding set’s supporters and why he is against the transition
Random Musings about the EHR from an End User
With ICD-10 rapidly approaching, our resident PA, Stephen Hanson looks at the importance of EHR usability in the transition.
It's Not (Quite) Too Late To Get Ready for ICD-10
Oct. 1 will be here before you know it. If you aren't ready for ICD-10, it's time to narrow your focus.
Adjusting Your EHR to an ICD-10 Environment
When ICD-10 hits on Oct. 1, coding habits aren’t the only thing that will require adjustment. Here are five EHR-specific tips for the transition.
Collaborating with your EHR Vendor for ICD-10 Success
If you don’t think your practice will be ready to transition to ICD-10 by Oct. 1, partnering with your EHR vendor is one strategy to employ.