Who Answers the Phone at Your Medical Office Matters—A Lot
Hell hath no fury like a dental patient scorned. One recent news flash: A woman in Lincoln County accused of slashing tires on 18 vehicles outside a dentist’s office has been arrested and charged, Lincolnton Police confirmed with Queen City News on Tuesday. Officers responded … Read more
Are You Covered by Insurance as a Medical Director? Are You Sure?
Many physicians are asked to serve as Medical Directors. Seems like easy money. What do Medical Directors do? Two things, actually. They act as administrators overseeing various operational issues – such as credentialing and privileging. And they serve as supervisors, assuming co-responsibility for mid-level providers. … Read more
Health System Refuses to Pay $5M+ Ransom to Prevent Leaked Nude Photos, Pays $65M to Settle Lawsuit Based on Released Photos
Physicians take all sorts of photographs. Some are part and parcel of a surgeon’s practice. Before and after photos of cosmetic surgery. For example. No surprises there. Patients of Lehigh Valley Health Network were surprised that hackers obtained photos of their naked bodies while undergoing … Read more
Does a Patient Need to Sign a HIPAA Authorization Form to Receive Their Own Records?
Generally, a patient needs to sign a HIPAA authorization form to disclose their protected health information. Unless there’s an exception. Such as addressing Treatment, Payment, or Operations (“TPO”). No written authorization is needed for such exceptions – for example, to disclose limited protected health information … Read more
Why Ongoing Access to an Attorney is a Smart Business Move for Physicians
Having continuous access to a medico-legal expert is not just a precaution but a strategic advantage for physicians. This proactive approach ensures that you’re equipped to handle both routine challenges and unexpected legal issues effectively. Physicians often face a range of potential legal challenges, from … Read more
Wow, Wound Care is Expensive
The Department of Justice periodically sends out memos identifying wins in its fight against healthcare fraud and abuse. I’ll quote the DOJ verbatim. Charges were filed in the District of Arizona against four individuals who allegedly filed $900 million in false and fraudulent claims to … Read more
Who Answers the Phone at Your Medical Office Matters—A Lot
Hell hath no fury like a dental patient scorned. One recent news flash: A woman in Lincoln County accused of slashing tires on 18 vehicles outside a dentist’s office has been arrested and charged, Lincolnton Police confirmed with Queen City News on Tuesday. Officers responded … Read more
HIPAA in 2024: What Doctors Need to Know
When the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was first established in 1996, it lacked the stringent penalties we see today. But in recent years, the enforcement landscape has transformed significantly. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) conducts random audits, and multi-million dollar fines … Read more
Physicians Should Run a Self-Query in the National Practitioner Data Bank—Here’s Why
The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) is a federal repository of information detailing specific actions against healthcare providers. It includes settlements and judgments paid by an insurance carrier in your name (you being the defendant). It includes disciplinary actions by state licensing boards, including public … Read more
How to Mitigate Risk When Opening a Medical Practice—Beyond Med Mal Insurance
Starting a medical practice comes with a host of considerations related to mitigating risks that must be carefully navigated for a compliant, secure, and successful operation. Contrary to popular belief, securing medical malpractice insurance covers only a fraction of the risks you may face. We … Read more
Stepping Up: Why Healthcare Professionals Must “Toe” the Line on Review Compliance
Ever heard of Hey Dude? It’s an online shoe retailer. In the crosshairs for manipulating online reviews. They received a Sasquatch-sized fine by the Federal Trade Commission. In the healthcare world, patients increasingly rely on online reviews to make healthcare decisions, such as who will … Read more
Blog Categories
Healthcare Reform HIPAA & Patient Privacy Legal Medical Malpractice News/Announcements Patient Safety Reputation Management Risk Management
Medico-legal challenge? We can help.
Receive weekly updates in your email inbox