Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert

Physician Notes:

Update Your Data Use Agreements Now, CMS Advises

Nothing is more important than the security of protected health information, not only for your patients' safety but also for the livelihood of your practice. When professional relationships end - either between patient and provider or physician and business associates/other providers - it's your job to update CMS data use agreements (DUAs), ensuring your identifiable Medicare information is safe.

"Keeping this information current not only helps keep you in compliance with your DUA," advises CMS. "It also helps ensure you receive notifications about when your DUA is ready to expire or otherwise requires your attention."

It is vitally important to your practice security that you keep current your list of requesters, custodians, and subcontractors as well as the name, location, and contact data of your office.

Resource: For more information on updating your data use agreement, visit www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Files-for-Order/Data-Disclosures-Data-Agreements/DUA_-_Contact_Changes.html.