Health Information Compliance Alert
HIPAA Compliance:
Take 7 Steps to Protect PHI 'In the Cloud'
Choose your vendor carefully -- or risk leaks. If you’re like many other he... Read more
Take 7 Steps to Protect PHI 'In the Cloud'
Choose your vendor carefully -- or risk leaks. If you’re like many other he... Read more
Breaching the Cloud:
Crucial Action Points You Must Follow
What are your responsibilities versus your BA’s? You have a lot of issues to con... Read more
Crucial Action Points You Must Follow
What are your responsibilities versus your BA’s? You have a lot of issues to con... Read more
Documentation Minefields:
Don't Get Misled Into Documentation Errors
Your pay might be at stake if you miss these electronic health records quirks. It&rsqu... Read more
Don't Get Misled Into Documentation Errors
Your pay might be at stake if you miss these electronic health records quirks. It&rsqu... Read more
HIPAA Privacy:
Don't Jeopardize Your HIPAA Compliance When Speaking To Patients
Implement these solutions to avoid making unintended slips and giving away information a... Read more
Don't Jeopardize Your HIPAA Compliance When Speaking To Patients
Implement these solutions to avoid making unintended slips and giving away information a... Read more
Industry Notes:
Fraudulent Claims Result in Aggravated Identity Theft Conviction
Abdul Waheed Alex Shittu, the owner of S & S Medical Supply Etc. located in Stafford... Read more
Fraudulent Claims Result in Aggravated Identity Theft Conviction
Abdul Waheed Alex Shittu, the owner of S & S Medical Supply Etc. located in Stafford... Read more
Reader Question:
Erase PHI Before You Click 'Send'
Question: I sometimes e-mail patient records to consultants for help on how to bill... Read more
Erase PHI Before You Click 'Send'
Question: I sometimes e-mail patient records to consultants for help on how to bill... Read more
Reader Question:
Check State Law When Patient Requests Confidentiality
Question: How should we label a chart when an adolescent confides in the pediatrician ab... Read more
Check State Law When Patient Requests Confidentiality
Question: How should we label a chart when an adolescent confides in the pediatrician ab... Read more
PECOS:
CMS Makes Vast Improvements To Revalidation Process
Plus: The agency acquiesces and begins accepting faxed, emailed supporting documents. You... Read more
CMS Makes Vast Improvements To Revalidation Process
Plus: The agency acquiesces and begins accepting faxed, emailed supporting documents. You... Read more
Patient Privacy:
More Reasons For You To Thwart Patient Privacy Breaches
OIG finds even CMS fallible. Have you ever wondered how the Centers for Medicare & Me... Read more
More Reasons For You To Thwart Patient Privacy Breaches
OIG finds even CMS fallible. Have you ever wondered how the Centers for Medicare & Me... Read more
Avoid Spending Thousands To Clean Up HIPAA Compliance Issues
Follow these 8 tips to comply with security rule. How would your practice handle the noti... Read more
Follow these 8 tips to comply with security rule. How would your practice handle the noti... Read more
Documentation:
3-Step Process Helps Ensure HIPAA-Compliant Psychotherapy
Let cooler heads prevail with patient notes. While HIPAA doesn't require providers who of... Read more
3-Step Process Helps Ensure HIPAA-Compliant Psychotherapy
Let cooler heads prevail with patient notes. While HIPAA doesn't require providers who of... Read more
Home Health F2F Compliance:
Ensure Your Face-To-Face Documentation Passes Muster
OIG's investigation of F2F compliance could get ugly. You need to keep your F2F documenta... Read more
Ensure Your Face-To-Face Documentation Passes Muster
OIG's investigation of F2F compliance could get ugly. You need to keep your F2F documenta... Read more
Industry Notes:
HIPAA Penalties In Play
If a new Department of Justice conviction and guilty plea are any indications of what the... Read more
HIPAA Penalties In Play
If a new Department of Justice conviction and guilty plea are any indications of what the... Read more
Reader Question:
Keep Physician Communication Open To Avoid Getting Stuck With The Home Health Bill
Question: We have run into a unique situation for us. A client's family member called and... Read more
Keep Physician Communication Open To Avoid Getting Stuck With The Home Health Bill
Question: We have run into a unique situation for us. A client's family member called and... Read more
EHR Implementation:
Are You Lagging Behind in the EHR Race?
Ensure your EHR system is glitch free.If you've spent time and money implementing an elect... Read more
Are You Lagging Behind in the EHR Race?
Ensure your EHR system is glitch free.If you've spent time and money implementing an elect... Read more
News You Can Use:
OCR Shows Its Teeth
MEEI to pay HHS $1.5 million to settle potential HIPAA violations.The U.S. Department of H... Read more
OCR Shows Its Teeth
MEEI to pay HHS $1.5 million to settle potential HIPAA violations.The U.S. Department of H... Read more
HIPAA Compliance:
Stay Compliant While Gathering Info
Follow these expert tips to keep your patients happy while ensuring your practice gets pai... Read more
Stay Compliant While Gathering Info
Follow these expert tips to keep your patients happy while ensuring your practice gets pai... Read more
Clip and Save:
Tackle Patient SSN Concerns With a Handy Information Sheet
Providing concrete information may help ease patient worries.While experts recommend that ... Read more
Tackle Patient SSN Concerns With a Handy Information Sheet
Providing concrete information may help ease patient worries.While experts recommend that ... Read more
Identification Strategies:
Still Relying on Wristbands? Upgrade Your Patient ID Tracking With These Ideas
Here's what can be done to comply better.Mistaken identity may add spice to detective nove... Read more
Still Relying on Wristbands? Upgrade Your Patient ID Tracking With These Ideas
Here's what can be done to comply better.Mistaken identity may add spice to detective nove... Read more
11 WHO Strategies Improve Your Patient ID Process
When it comes to properly identifying patients, WHO suggests that your organization have t... Read more
When it comes to properly identifying patients, WHO suggests that your organization have t... Read more
Industry Notes
False Claims Conviction Also Leads to HIPAA ChargesIf a new Department of Justice convicti... Read more
False Claims Conviction Also Leads to HIPAA ChargesIf a new Department of Justice convicti... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Are You Prepared For The ICD-10 Implementation Come Oct. 14, 2014?
Cover your bases on ICD-10 preparations, advise experts.With the official date for ICD-10 ... Read more
Are You Prepared For The ICD-10 Implementation Come Oct. 14, 2014?
Cover your bases on ICD-10 preparations, advise experts.With the official date for ICD-10 ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Expect To Qualify For More Incentive Pay
Providers get a more flexible reporting period to adopt or upgrade to the latest 2014 cert... Read more
Expect To Qualify For More Incentive Pay
Providers get a more flexible reporting period to adopt or upgrade to the latest 2014 cert... Read more
HIPAA:
Your Business Partners' HIPAA Practices Can Threaten Your Compliance
You could be left holding the bag for the laxity of your associates.Would you have thought... Read more
Your Business Partners' HIPAA Practices Can Threaten Your Compliance
You could be left holding the bag for the laxity of your associates.Would you have thought... Read more
EHR Compliance:
Joint Commission Reverses Position On Scribe Use
Physician assistants can direct scribes.Thanks to a new update by the Joint Commission, ph... Read more
Joint Commission Reverses Position On Scribe Use
Physician assistants can direct scribes.Thanks to a new update by the Joint Commission, ph... Read more
Industry Notes:
Industry Notes:
CMS Vastly Improves PECOS SystemAs most practices are aware, registering with CMS's PECOS ... Read more
Industry Notes:
CMS Vastly Improves PECOS SystemAs most practices are aware, registering with CMS's PECOS ... Read more
Reader Question:
Know When You Can Bill the Patient Directly Instead of Using an ABN
Question: I need to know if I can bill a patient for a supply (crutches) and not bill thei... Read more
Know When You Can Bill the Patient Directly Instead of Using an ABN
Question: I need to know if I can bill a patient for a supply (crutches) and not bill thei... Read more
News You Can Use:
Prepare to Move Forward with the ACA
PQRS and meaningful use still key for EMR implementation.Wondering how the Supreme Court's... Read more
Prepare to Move Forward with the ACA
PQRS and meaningful use still key for EMR implementation.Wondering how the Supreme Court's... Read more
Telemedicine Coding:
Navigate Your Way To Telehealth Claims Success
Does the 2012 expansion affect you?2012 brought many changes to how you can use and code t... Read more
Navigate Your Way To Telehealth Claims Success
Does the 2012 expansion affect you?2012 brought many changes to how you can use and code t... Read more
Regulatory Update:
Prepare for ED Changes in 2013 Medicare Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
Watch for an impact on audits and PQRS measures.The proposed rule for the 2013 Medicare Ph... Read more
Prepare for ED Changes in 2013 Medicare Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
Watch for an impact on audits and PQRS measures.The proposed rule for the 2013 Medicare Ph... Read more
Home Health Documentation:
Burdens Facing Home Care Providers Regarding The F2F Requirement Continue
The 2013 PPS proposals carry small consolation. For home health agencies already bedeviled... Read more
Burdens Facing Home Care Providers Regarding The F2F Requirement Continue
The 2013 PPS proposals carry small consolation. For home health agencies already bedeviled... Read more
Industry News:
New Move To Use EHR And IT In Fighting Drug Abuse
The Obama administration is determined to fight drug abuse as is evident from a pilot proj... Read more
New Move To Use EHR And IT In Fighting Drug Abuse
The Obama administration is determined to fight drug abuse as is evident from a pilot proj... Read more
Reader Question:
B-12 Charge Hinges on Payer and Site of Service: Get Your Patient To Sign an ABN
Question: Our clinics frequently provide B-12 shots as stand-alone charges with no E/M cha... Read more
B-12 Charge Hinges on Payer and Site of Service: Get Your Patient To Sign an ABN
Question: Our clinics frequently provide B-12 shots as stand-alone charges with no E/M cha... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Let Software Code Hypertension for You
Question: Our new software package is pushing us to list hypertension as the primary diagn... Read more
Don't Let Software Code Hypertension for You
Question: Our new software package is pushing us to list hypertension as the primary diagn... Read more
Fallout:
What Can ID Theft Mean For You?
One infraction can result in shutting down a small practice and putting you out of busines... Read more
What Can ID Theft Mean For You?
One infraction can result in shutting down a small practice and putting you out of busines... Read more
Guest Column:
Take Medical Necessity Into Account While Completing Documentation
Transparency, clarity and relevance are essential. You have to be wary while using your te... Read more
Take Medical Necessity Into Account While Completing Documentation
Transparency, clarity and relevance are essential. You have to be wary while using your te... Read more
E-Prescribing:
Don't Automatically Report G8553
Tip: Reserve this eRx code for only Medicare patients.You could be wondering if you are re... Read more
Don't Automatically Report G8553
Tip: Reserve this eRx code for only Medicare patients.You could be wondering if you are re... Read more
QAPI:
Expect To Report These Quality Measures Soon
Comfortable dying, care preferences and feedback from the bereaved family could be future ... Read more
Expect To Report These Quality Measures Soon
Comfortable dying, care preferences and feedback from the bereaved family could be future ... Read more
Industry Notes:
AMA 'Evaluating ICD-11' As ICD-9 Alternative
The American Medical Association (AMA) has made no secret of the fact that it is less th... Read more
AMA 'Evaluating ICD-11' As ICD-9 Alternative
The American Medical Association (AMA) has made no secret of the fact that it is less th... Read more
Reader Question:
Use A Specific Critical Care Time Statement In An EMR Template
Question: Would a template listing a range of time spent rather than a specific time state... Read more
Use A Specific Critical Care Time Statement In An EMR Template
Question: Would a template listing a range of time spent rather than a specific time state... Read more
ICD-10:
Mixed Reactions From The Medical Community on ICD-10 Delay
Implementation could be pushed back to 2015 if the AMA has its way.Whether you submitted c... Read more
Mixed Reactions From The Medical Community on ICD-10 Delay
Implementation could be pushed back to 2015 if the AMA has its way.Whether you submitted c... Read more
EMR Implementation:
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of EMRs: Keep This Advice Handy And Make A Potentially Bad Situation Better
Watch out for cloned documentation, appropriate scribe attestation to be sure you are in c... Read more
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of EMRs: Keep This Advice Handy And Make A Potentially Bad Situation Better
Watch out for cloned documentation, appropriate scribe attestation to be sure you are in c... Read more
Home Health Documentation:
Ready, Set, Check! CMS Approves Checkboxes For F2F Documentation
Beware the fine print, however.Medicare has finally loosened up on some unnecessarily stri... Read more
Ready, Set, Check! CMS Approves Checkboxes For F2F Documentation
Beware the fine print, however.Medicare has finally loosened up on some unnecessarily stri... Read more
How Much Help Can You Give Docs On F2F?
CMS weighs in on handing out sample documentation.Medicare officials insist that physician... Read more
CMS weighs in on handing out sample documentation.Medicare officials insist that physician... Read more
Industry Notes:
EMR Signature Must Translate to Printed Copy, One Medicare Contractor Says
Electronic medical records (EMRs) can be a terrific complement to a medical practice in te... Read more
EMR Signature Must Translate to Printed Copy, One Medicare Contractor Says
Electronic medical records (EMRs) can be a terrific complement to a medical practice in te... Read more
ICD-10 Update:
Stay the Course with ICD-10 Preparations
Delay could prove more costly than continuing with the current implementation deadline. H... Read more
Stay the Course with ICD-10 Preparations
Delay could prove more costly than continuing with the current implementation deadline. H... Read more
E-Prescribing:
CMS Is Now Accepting Hardship Exemption Applications to Avoid 2013 E-Prescribing Penalty
Submit your application by June 30 to find out whether you qualify. Hoping to avoid a 1.5... Read more
CMS Is Now Accepting Hardship Exemption Applications to Avoid 2013 E-Prescribing Penalty
Submit your application by June 30 to find out whether you qualify. Hoping to avoid a 1.5... Read more
Electronic Health:
Refresh Your E-Prescribing Know How With This Advice
Look at these incentives for adopting eRx. If your practice hasn't already adopted electr... Read more
Refresh Your E-Prescribing Know How With This Advice
Look at these incentives for adopting eRx. If your practice hasn't already adopted electr... Read more
Advanced Beneficiary Notice:
Analyze Your ABN Know-How With This 3 Part Challenge
Confused by modifiers GA, GY, and GZ? Here are your solutions. You use advance beneficiar... Read more
Analyze Your ABN Know-How With This 3 Part Challenge
Confused by modifiers GA, GY, and GZ? Here are your solutions. You use advance beneficiar... Read more
Home Health Regulations:
HHCAHPS Data Debuts On Home Health Compare
Medicaid ABNs, observation & assessment billing also addressed by CMS in forum. Get r... Read more
HHCAHPS Data Debuts On Home Health Compare
Medicaid ABNs, observation & assessment billing also addressed by CMS in forum. Get r... Read more
Industry Notes:
Indicators That PECOS Edits May Be Right Around The Corner Are Increasing
Background: In May 2010, CMS published an interim final rule based on the Affordable Care... Read more
Indicators That PECOS Edits May Be Right Around The Corner Are Increasing
Background: In May 2010, CMS published an interim final rule based on the Affordable Care... Read more
Reader Question:
Paper Claims Are Going To Be Different for ICD-10 Prep
Question: If we file paper claims to Medicare, will the claims form change once we begin ... Read more
Paper Claims Are Going To Be Different for ICD-10 Prep
Question: If we file paper claims to Medicare, will the claims form change once we begin ... Read more
Privacy:
Are Your Employees Tempted to Pinch Medical IDs? Know The Risks
Watch for insider breach and human error advise experts. Providers of healthcare -- ... Read more
Are Your Employees Tempted to Pinch Medical IDs? Know The Risks
Watch for insider breach and human error advise experts. Providers of healthcare -- ... Read more
Action Plan:
9 Pointers Help You Reduce ID Theft Potential
Vigilance holds the key to prevention. Facility challenge: Because of patient numbers an... Read more
9 Pointers Help You Reduce ID Theft Potential
Vigilance holds the key to prevention. Facility challenge: Because of patient numbers an... Read more
Take A Warning From The BCBST Case
This can happen to you. HIPAA violations can burn a hole in your pocket unless you ensure... Read more
This can happen to you. HIPAA violations can burn a hole in your pocket unless you ensure... Read more
EMR Compliance:
Using Scribes In The ED: What Documentation Can Be Counted By The Attending Doctor?
Take note of these rules when considering what the scribe can scribble. If your ED has mo... Read more
Using Scribes In The ED: What Documentation Can Be Counted By The Attending Doctor?
Take note of these rules when considering what the scribe can scribble. If your ED has mo... Read more
PECOS:
Medicare Enrollment Via PECOS Gets A Little Easier
Ever since CMS began asking providers to complete Medicare enrollments using the online P... Read more
Medicare Enrollment Via PECOS Gets A Little Easier
Ever since CMS began asking providers to complete Medicare enrollments using the online P... Read more
Quality Reporting:
Hospice Quality Data Submission Debuts
OMB approves new reporting form. A sea change in how Medicare will pay for hospice has be... Read more
Hospice Quality Data Submission Debuts
OMB approves new reporting form. A sea change in how Medicare will pay for hospice has be... Read more
Industry Notes:
CMS Extends 5010 Compliance Period
Providers get another 3-month 5010 delay. Expect more technical assistance with the new c... Read more
CMS Extends 5010 Compliance Period
Providers get another 3-month 5010 delay. Expect more technical assistance with the new c... Read more
ICD-10:
ICD-10 Date Will Be Postponed, HHS Confirms
Delay could offer practices additional time to prepare for new diagnosis coding system. I... Read more
ICD-10 Date Will Be Postponed, HHS Confirms
Delay could offer practices additional time to prepare for new diagnosis coding system. I... Read more
Billing:
At Long Last, CMS Agrees to Allow E-Signatures on PECOS Applications
Plus: Avoid adding discharge date to 5010 claims for outpatient services. Ever since CMS ... Read more
At Long Last, CMS Agrees to Allow E-Signatures on PECOS Applications
Plus: Avoid adding discharge date to 5010 claims for outpatient services. Ever since CMS ... Read more
Use These Easy-To-Implement Strategies To Adapt To Your Patients' Changing Payment Needs
Finding new, innovative ways to meet your patients' billing/payment needs and embracing n... Read more
Finding new, innovative ways to meet your patients' billing/payment needs and embracing n... Read more
ICD-10 Training Tool:
ICD-10 Implementation Checklist Helps You Get Organized
Step by step process puts you ahead of the game. Although the major impact will be on IT ... Read more
ICD-10 Implementation Checklist Helps You Get Organized
Step by step process puts you ahead of the game. Although the major impact will be on IT ... Read more
Long Term Care:
Find Out How This Facility Stays on Top of MDS Assessments
The director of clinical compliance gives you the inside scoop. "With all the different M... Read more
Find Out How This Facility Stays on Top of MDS Assessments
The director of clinical compliance gives you the inside scoop. "With all the different M... Read more
Home Health Advance Beneficiary Notice:
No ABNs Necessary For Excluded Services
There is good news on the ABN front. Home health agencies are off the hook for furnishing... Read more
No ABNs Necessary For Excluded Services
There is good news on the ABN front. Home health agencies are off the hook for furnishing... Read more
Industry Notes:
E-Prescribing Penalties Kicked In
Unfortunately for some practices (and their wallets), CMS's e-prescribing penalties have ... Read more
E-Prescribing Penalties Kicked In
Unfortunately for some practices (and their wallets), CMS's e-prescribing penalties have ... Read more
Reader's Question:
Know Who Can Sign the F2F
Question: Who exactly is authorized to sign the face-to-face document? A co-worker believ... Read more
Know Who Can Sign the F2F
Question: Who exactly is authorized to sign the face-to-face document? A co-worker believ... Read more
Form 5010:
Your 5010 Progress will Decide Your HIPAA Compliance
Deadline will depend on your testing status. You should be already submitting 5010 claims... Read more
Your 5010 Progress will Decide Your HIPAA Compliance
Deadline will depend on your testing status. You should be already submitting 5010 claims... Read more
Health Industry Under-Prepared to Protect Patient Privacy
Risk of data breaches rise with new access to digital health information, says PwC. Healt... Read more
Risk of data breaches rise with new access to digital health information, says PwC. Healt... Read more
Compliance Alert:
Escape HIPAA Compliance Fines With ICD-10 Readiness
Part of your 2012 plan should be prepping for ICD-10 -- Let these six questions guid... Read more
Escape HIPAA Compliance Fines With ICD-10 Readiness
Part of your 2012 plan should be prepping for ICD-10 -- Let these six questions guid... Read more
Electronic Fund Transfer:
Look Forward to New EFT Standards, Thanks to Interim Final Rule
Plus, you'll also benefit from claims/payment tracking numbers. You can look forward to a... Read more
Look Forward to New EFT Standards, Thanks to Interim Final Rule
Plus, you'll also benefit from claims/payment tracking numbers. You can look forward to a... Read more
Home Health Information Technology:
Don't Let Your Cash Posting Procedures Open The Door To Losses
Research every adjusted claim for accuracy, expert urges. If you let your billing softwar... Read more
Don't Let Your Cash Posting Procedures Open The Door To Losses
Research every adjusted claim for accuracy, expert urges. If you let your billing softwar... Read more
Industry Notes:
Sidestep This Little Known HIPAA Claims Mistake
Be sure the "Total Charges" field on your claims is filled out, or you could be risking H... Read more
Sidestep This Little Known HIPAA Claims Mistake
Be sure the "Total Charges" field on your claims is filled out, or you could be risking H... Read more
ABN Advice:
Incorporate New ABN To Collect For Non-Covered Services Going Forward
There may be no substantial changes to the form, but you still need to make the switch. N... Read more
Incorporate New ABN To Collect For Non-Covered Services Going Forward
There may be no substantial changes to the form, but you still need to make the switch. N... Read more
Hospice Medical Review:
8 Ways To Improve Your Documentation And Fend Off Denials -- Or Worse
Tip: Focus less on what your staff does and more on what your patient needs. At least 10 ... Read more
8 Ways To Improve Your Documentation And Fend Off Denials -- Or Worse
Tip: Focus less on what your staff does and more on what your patient needs. At least 10 ... Read more
Home Health Enrollment:
Avoid These Revalidation Minefields
Tip: Failing to send in your CHOW information ASAP could trip you up. CMS and its contrac... Read more
Avoid These Revalidation Minefields
Tip: Failing to send in your CHOW information ASAP could trip you up. CMS and its contrac... Read more
Industry Notes:
The Countdown's On for Electronic Transaction Changes
If you have not tested the switching to Version 5010, you need to get it going asap. Comp... Read more
The Countdown's On for Electronic Transaction Changes
If you have not tested the switching to Version 5010, you need to get it going asap. Comp... Read more
Reader Question:
ABN Not Required for These Psychiatric Visits
Question: We know that "PR-122" is a "Psychiatric reduction in payment" code for Medicare... Read more
ABN Not Required for These Psychiatric Visits
Question: We know that "PR-122" is a "Psychiatric reduction in payment" code for Medicare... Read more
Reader Question:
Patient Wants Physical But Refuses AWV? Document Everything
Question: Several of our patients have presented to our office for a complete preventive ... Read more
Patient Wants Physical But Refuses AWV? Document Everything
Question: Several of our patients have presented to our office for a complete preventive ... Read more