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Health Information Compliance Alert

Security:
Are You Taking The Right Steps To Protect Your E-mail PHI?
Document patient consent for e-mail messages and keep this on file, experts advise. If y... Read more
Security Tip:
Craft Your Own E-mail Disclaimer -- Play Safe
Make sure your practice's contact info is on every e-mail. Medical offices that use e-mail... Read more
Privacy:
2 Scenarios Help You Act On Patients' Amendment Requests
Hint: Amend does not mean erase. A patient points out that another patient's information ... Read more
Staff Training:
Give Your Staffers The Upper Hand In Emergencies -- Here's How
Use this advice to create a contingency plan that will prepare your staff members to hand... Read more
Security Compliance:
Train Your Staff To Respond To Password Requests
Your tech team must ask these questions before doling out users' passwords. Your shoddy a... Read more
Compliance Strategies:
Prepare Your Personnel To Repurpose Medical Devices
You can donate outdated medical devices without handing out e-PHI -- here's how. You... Read more
Industry News:
Safeguard Services Case Exposes Home Health Fraud
Agency lands in hot water for misdeeds, including paying claims fast without verifying th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Your Compliance Is Not Technology-Dependent
Question: Our tech team wants to use voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and Web cameras ... Read more
COMPLIANCE STRATEGIES:
Top 3 Reasons to Keep Your Patients' PHI on U.S. Soil
Is offshoring an option for you? Here's how to find out. Your first question when contemp... Read more
Security Strategies:
You Be The Security Expert: How Do You Handle An Onsite Privacy Rule Investigation?
Question: We're adding to our privacy compliance handbook a section on how to respond to ... Read more
Privacy:
Don't Rely On Aliases to Protect Your Patients' PHI
You can protect your patients' information without changing their names. Picture it: Brad... Read more
Compliance Strategies:
6 Tips For Streamlining Your Accounting
Use this advice to ensure compliance during PHI leaks. If you can't recognize an incident... Read more
Privacy Compliance:
Defuse Patient Complaints With These Protocols
Putting a complaint on the backburner can land you in hot water with the feds. When you p... Read more
Clip 'N' Save Tool:
Help Staffers Combat Common Security Violations
Here are 10 security incident warning signs. Would you bank on your staff's ability to sp... Read more
Sample Worksheet:
Zero In On Your Compliance Plan's Holes With This Tool
Staff members' input is vital to your self-evaluation's success. Your personnel play a hu... Read more
Industry News:
New Interim Rule on HIPAA Penalties Released by HHS
Watch Out: Maximum monetary penalty for HIPAA violations just increased by 6,000 percent.... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Throw Out Those Training Records
Question: Does the privacy rule mandate that we keep our training documentation, like sig... Read more
Reader Questions:
Spouse Gets Special Privileges Under HIPAA
Question: How does The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) affect... Read more
ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS:
CMS Begins to Distribute Millions Earmarked for EHRs
Get your electronic health record in place so you can benefit from government bonuses. ... Read more
HIPAA Security Violations:
Med Students Need Privacy Training, Caught Posting Unprofessional Messages
Incidents spark crackdown on patient privacy violations. According to the Journal of the ... Read more
PHI Breaches:
Use These 5 Steps to Tame Your PHI Breaches
Overcome your worst nightmares with these easy tips. Down, Tiger. These 5 steps can help ... Read more
Fact Finder:
Don't Let These ARRA Items Slip Under Your Radar
ARRAAAAAGH! New law gives HIPAA sharper teeth. You've got some new things on your to-do l... Read more
Electronic Health Records Partners:
Dude, Your Doc May Be
Tech companies push to digitize patients' records. ARRA's $19 billion for EMR won't begin... Read more
Fact Finder:
Cloud Computing for HIT: Stormy Weather or Silver Lining?
Here are pros and cons to know before you hop on the cloud. More and more IT companies wi... Read more
News in Brief:
HHS OCR is New HIPAA Security Regulator
EHR: Show your physicians what's in it for them. The Department of Health and Human Servi... Read more
EHR:
Need Help Instituting EHR? HHS Plans to Open 70 Regional Centers That Can Assist You
Plus: HHS officials discuss the term 'meaningful use.' If you need help jump-starting you... Read more
Privacy:
Find Out How to Make Sure PHI Via Email Stays Safe
Look at alternatives to encryption when you deem them necessary. An email that contains a... Read more
Security:
Know the Rules When You Experience a Security Breach
In some cases, you must alert the media. If you violate a patient's privacy, the days whe... Read more
E-Prescribing:
3 Tips Help You Transition Easily to E-Prescribing
Don't let your incentive payments fall through the cracks. If your practice is one of the... Read more
Medicare Forms:
CMS Wants You to Start Prepping Soon for 5010 Transition
New, standardized reports will show you why your claim was rejected and how to fix it. Yo... Read more
Compliance:
Treat Self-Audits as Learning Opportunities -- Not Punishments
Presentation is everything when talking to staffers. How many ticking time bombs are wait... Read more
Tool:
Saddle Up With These Scripting Samples
Use this sample to craft your own practice's script. Has the cat got your staff's tongue ... Read more
News in brief:
Telemedicine's Popularity Soars -- and Could Save Billions
Sales of telemedicine services and products are projected to exceed $1.8 billion by 2013.... Read more
In other news …
• Good news about the "Red Flag Rules" of the Federal Trade Commission. Relief may be on... Read more
Reader Question:
Get Signed Consent For Inmate's PHI
Question: Our hospital recently treated an inmate of the county correctional facility. Ca... Read more
STRATEGIES:
Bridge the IT-Clinician Gap with 3 Field-Tested Tactics
Tip: Give clinicians a chance to express their needs and challenges. You can spend stimul... Read more
Strategies:
Smooth Your IT System Implementation With This Checklist
Important: Plan to train employees on technology on an ongoing basis. Using technology to... Read more
Compliance:
6 Steps Help You Perform a Successful Self-Audit
Use all the resources at your fingertips, including any applicable worksheets that your M... Read more
Ventures:
Docs Get New Online Profile Platform
Companies tout new direct-to-doctor patient gateway custom profile. What if patients coul... Read more
Applications:
Watch for Hospital Discharge Data Online
AHRQ's Web-based application MONAHRQ will be available this fall. No need to search far a... Read more
Training:
3 Key Points Maximize Your Scripting Success
Know when canned responses could land you in hot water. While scripting may be a valuable... Read more
News Briefs:
CMS Extends Deadline for Red Flags Rule Compliance -- Again
Nov. 1 is the new date, which isn't much time if you haven't started yet. August 1 has co... Read more
In other news…
• The Department of Health and Human Services is making grant ops more Web-friendly. It ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Medicare May Foot Bill For Some Telehealth Services
Question: Does Medicare reimburse our practice for any telehealth services? Idaho Subscri... Read more
HIPAA:
Prepare Now For Heightened Privacy And Notification Protections
You're not off the hook if the breach is the vendor's fault. Making the electronic health... Read more
EHR Q&A:
5 Essentials Pave The Way To Successful EHR Implementation
Eliminate 'guerilla' groups with good PR and lasso in CEO as chief spokesperson. The Amer... Read more
PQRI:
Don't Shy Away From PQRI Just Because You Opened After Jan. 1
Tip:You can report measures more than once for the same patient in some cases. Practices ... Read more
E-Prescribing:
Get The Skinny On Proposed Changes to E-Prescribing Eligibility
Plus: Brace for changes to consult reimbursements. Get ready for changes in your eligibil... Read more
Know E-Prescribing Regs
If an eligible professional has an e-prescribing system that meets the Center for Medicare... Read more
HIT:
New York Leads the Way in Health IT Initiatives
Grants, private initiatives could pave the trail for other states, the feds. While argume... Read more
Stimulus:
Long-Term Care Providers Weigh In on Reform and EHR
Industry response to stimulus impact is mixed. Your practice may be enthusiastic about th... Read more
Medicare:
Don't Expect Electronic PECOS Signatures in the Near Future
CMS still wants certification statements. You are eager to have your PECOS applications p... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS:
Watch For A New Internet-Based Reimbursement System
File cost reports more quickly and easily starting this year. Get ready for another way t... Read more
In other news…
• Providers and administrative staff who verify CMNs have a CEU opportunity. The Center... Read more
In other news…
• Healthcare providers should keep a sharp eye on incoming faxes: On June 18, The Cente... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look To AMA For E-Prescribing Resources
Question: I am charged with transitioning our practice to e-prescribing and I am wonderin... Read more
Reader Questions:
Enter the Paper vs. Electronic Claims Debate
Question: Does Medicare accept paper claims anymore? I've heard that all claims have to b... Read more
STIMULUS:
Electronic Health Records Policy Takes Next Big Step
But officials put their heads together to define 'meaningful use' of EHR. To receive the ... Read more
Vendors:
Don't Let HIT Vendors Pull A Fast One -- 2 Pointers Protect Your Interests
Require vendors to meet future regulations and accept liability for their mistakes. The e... Read more
Buyer's Guide:
Stumped By EHR Choices? Chart Your Next Move With These Tech Selection Tips
Check vendor certifications and ratings to narrow down options. EHR missteps could result... Read more
Have A Good Contingency Plan
Don't let unforeseen vendor disputes derail your electronic storage system. It's a good i... Read more
HIPAA:
HIPAA 5010 Form Paves the Way for ICD-10 Claims
Plus: Know what to ask your vendors. Want the scoop on how the new HIPAA 5010 form will a... Read more
Security:
Control Risk Before Breaches Occur
6 best practices can reduce your exposure and improve your compliance. You can avoid secu... Read more
ICD-10:
CMS Offers Guidance on ICD-9 to ICD-10 Crosswalks
Plus: Carriers will continue to accept ICD-9 codes 'for a period of time' for dates of se... Read more
Grants:
Need Help Proving HIT's Value in a Clinic?
NIH funds research on how information systems can improve patient care. Ambulatory care c... Read more
News Briefs:
Project Looks to Expand Reach of Personal Health Records
Could daily journaling of exercise, meals, pain, and sleep help doctors treat patients? H... Read more
Harvard Health Calculator Goes for a Test Drive
Determine ROI for preventative health services. The team used the tool to measure the eff... Read more
In other news….When CMS announced that providers could get bonuses
• When CMS announced that providers could get bonuses for demonstrating "meaningful use... Read more
In other news….Harvard Medical School researchers have developed a prototype
• Harvard Medical School researchers have developed a prototype return-on-investment ca... Read more
In other news….President Obama is trying to get two senators to work out their differences
• President Obama is trying to get two senators to work out their differences regarding... Read more
STIMULUS :
Don't Lag Behind: Implement EHRs Now For Maximum Benefit, Experts Say
But wait: Total cost will far exceed incentives, cautions one doc. If yours is like many ... Read more
Red Flags Rule :
CMS Extends Deadline for Complying With Red Flags Rule
You now have until August 1 to prepare -- but you'll need all of that time if you ha... Read more
HIPAA :
CMS Expects Practices to Use New HIPAA 5010 Form by 2012
Hint:You won't be able to submit ICD-10 codes without this new form, so start preparing. ... Read more
ICD-10 :
Get a Head Start on the Transition to ICD-10 Codes So You'll Be Fully Prepared When the Time Comes
Plus: Know what to expect for your staff training in the coming year. Although Oct. 1, 20... Read more
Networking :
Social Media Changes the Business Side of Medicine, Too
Take these cues from consultants, payers to beef up your marketing withWeb 2.0. The Inter... Read more
Subscriber Question :
Advert HIPAA Infractions With
Question: I've read about privacy impact assessments and am considering whether we should... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS :
Hit The EHR 'Meaningful' Target With These Early Clues
HIMSS aims to spell relief with an incremental application of the regs. We'll become very... Read more
In other news...
The transition to ICD-10-CM might be a little less painful, thanks to new tools from CMS ... Read more
In other news...
• The HHS Office of Inspector General posted Recovery Act materials to its Web site on ... Read more
In other news...
• Ambulatory care centers that want to use information technology to improve the qualit... Read more
IDENTITY THEFT:
No Red Flags Program? You Could Be Losing Thousands
Tip: Institute your Red Flags program ASAP. You may think the government is implementing ... Read more
Identity Theft:
Act Quickly If Your Practice Identifies a Red Flag
Identity theft is nearly a $50 billion industry. You've implemented a Red Flags program a... Read more
Information Technology:
Feds Roll Out Free Health IT Software
Federal Health Architecture aims to help providers CONNECT. The Department of Health and ... Read more
Electronic Health Records:
Just How Valuable Are Electronic Health Records?
Concrete data on HIT's value is a little sketchy, researchers say. The federal government... Read more
Compliance:
OIG Advisory Opinion Process Can Be Long,Arduous -- and Costly
The Advisory Opinion will give you peace of mind, so proceed with requesting one if you t... Read more
Compliance:
Signed Certification Statements Are Essential to Your Medicare Enrollment, CMS Says
Plus: CMS clarifies IPPE reimbursement policy. If you're using the PECOS system, your wor... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS:
Texas Hospital Pays Nearly $10 Million for Inflated Outlier Charges
'The consultant told me to do it' isn't a valid defense. If you've increased your charges... Read more
In other news…
CMS wants to get a handle on the number of Medicare patients that are readmitted to hospi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Send Your NPP to Participants Only
Question: We work with an employer-sponsored health plan, but we are confused as to who s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Your Compliance Is Not Technology-Dependent
Question: Our tech team wants to use voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and Web cameras i... Read more
Reader Questions:
Set a Standard Fee for Patient Copies
Question: We recently realized that our remote sites charge different amounts for patient... Read more
IDENTITY THEFT:
Prepare for Red Flags Rule: Squelch Opportunities for Identity Theft
Implementation deadline is right around the corner. Does it apply to you -- and are you r... Read more
Identity Theft:
Get the Right Facts in Your Red Flags Program -- And Be All Set for the May 1 Deadline
These sample items can help you shape your practice's policy. You've got just two months ... Read more
Compliance:
What is the Difference Between HIPAA and Red Flags?
HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy regulations are for pr... Read more
Compliance:
Be Prepared -- Stimulus Plan Strengthens HIPAA Rules
Many HIPAA regulations are now applicable to your business associates. If you've been lax... Read more
Compliance:
Disclose Physician Ownership of Referring Hospitals Up-Front
Both physician-owner and hospital are responsible. If your physician owns a stake in a ho... Read more
Reimbursement:
Make Sure These Errors Don't Cause Your PQRI Bonus to Tank
CMS shows which issues sidelined these practices. Most practices would agree that a 57.2 ... Read more
RACs :
CMS Rolls Recovery Audit Contractors Back Into Business
Plus: Medicare officials clarify who can bill incident-to-services and under what circums... Read more
Information Systems:
PECOS Has a 'Flaw' That May Prove Fatal to Your Practice
If you work in the system on your doc's behalf, you're putting his Medicare credentials a... Read more
INDUSTRY NEWS:
Change Your NPPES Password
The National Plan and Provider Enumeration System which houses the National Provider Iden... Read more
Reader Questions:
Key In To Security Rule Compliance
Question: We want to use the same locks on all our facility's interior doors. The keys to... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ask Before You Pry Into Payment Arrangements
Question: One of our patients was admitted as selfpay. Previously, Medicare covered her m... Read more
Electronic Health Records:
Stimulus Plan Could Put $44,000 in Your Doctor's Pocket
Plus: Tighten up your HIPAA policies -- new bill gives the government more resources ... Read more
Security Strategies:
You Be the Security Officer
Do we have to report all employee contact with patients' PHI? Read the situation below and... Read more
Compliance:
6 Ways to Head Off Compliance Problems -- and Lawsuits
How carefully do you listen to your employees' complaints? A hospice chain's $25 million s... Read more
Documentation:
3 Quick Tips Help You Implement the New ABN Form
Combo form streamlines your work. If you aren't using CMS's new advance beneficiary notice... Read more
Privacy:
How Careful Are You With Your Patients' Test Results?
Follow 10 tips on making sure patients, physicians see test results. If you're not vigila... Read more
Compliance:
Tackle Your Compliance Questions With 2 FAQs
Would you know how to write an annual report to the OIG?We've got expert tips. Medical pr... Read more
Security Strategies:
Keep Staff on Same HIPAA Page With Set Sanctions
Applying sanctions consistently when employees disclose PHI is most effective. Suppose a ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know the Ins And Outs of Medicare's E-Prescribing Bonus
Question: Our practice members are looking forward to using e-prescribing as soon as our ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Manage Medical Privacy for Psychiatric Care
Question: Our facility is going to offer psychiatric services to certain residents with m... Read more
Reader Questions:
Vendor Should Certify Practice's System
Question: What's the best way to verify that our new practice management system is HIPAA ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Assess Employee's Reasons
Question: One of our nurses has been copying and taking home our physicians' daily schedu... Read more
ICD-10 UPDATE:
HHS Gives Providers More Breathing Room for ICD-10 Implementation
But start preparing now for ICD-10's Oct. 1, 2013 compliance date. After much uproar from... Read more
Transactions Compliance:
Companion Rule Could Affect Your Electronic Transactions
Updated X12 standard accommodates ICD-10 code sets. Along with the ICD-10 final rule, HHS... Read more
Compliance Strategies:
Use These 6 Field-Tested Tips to Secure Your Employees' HIPAA Compliance
Address privacy breaches now or risk $10K per incident. You may have invested significant... Read more
Security:
Are You Taking the Right Steps to Protect Your E-Mail PHI?
Document patient consent for e-mail messages and keep this on file, experts advise. If yo... Read more
You Be the Security Officer:
When Should We Distribute the NPP?
Question: The entire front-office staff collaborated on a fact sheet about the privacy an... Read more
Security Tip:
Craft Your Own E-Mail Disclaimer - Here's How
Make sure your practice's contact info is on every e-mail. Medical offices that use e-mai... Read more
Information Technology Trends:
Seniors Look to Technology to Help Them Remain at Home
Usability, affordability, and availability of technical support are keys to success. Olde... Read more
Industry News:
Billing Co. Can't Fill Out PECOS Form on Doc's Behalf
Practitioners must personally fill out online form. Most practices that participate with ... Read more
IN OTHER NEWS… Stamped physician signatures won't work
.Stamped physician signatures won't work on durable medical equipment forms. In 2006 CMS ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Is a Social Security Number Appropriate at Sign In?
Question: We ask patients to write down their date of birth or the last four digits of th... Read more
Reader Questions:
PRIVACY RULE APPLIES TO PHYSICIAN PHONE CALLS
Question: Many of our physicians speak with patients or other treating physicians over th... Read more
Reader Questions:
PAPER VS. ELECTRONIC CLAIMS
Question: Does Medicare accept paper claims anymore?I've heard that all claims have to be... Read more
Reader Questions:
SECURE YOUR PHI WITH THESE FAX,E-MAIL TIPS
Question: Our office continues to get more computer and fax-savvy, and this has undoubted... Read more
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