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 to resolve a financial dispute (say, a credit card chargeback … Read more
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 Medicare for amniotic wound grafts used on Medicare patients. As … Read more
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 to calls regarding the incident Monday morning, July 29, outside … Read more
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 letters of reprimand, probation, suspension, and revocations. It includes adverse … Read more
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 strongly recommend that physicians take a few extra steps to … Read more
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 be their doctor. Regulatory compliance in the past was an … Read more
In all states, you need some type of license to practice medicine. There is some flexibility to address unique situations. In Nevada, there’s a license for “special events” to demonstrate medical techniques and procedures, often at a convention. But you still must apply for a limited license. Pursuant to Nevada Administrative Code NAC 630.147, Special … Read more
One Medical Justice member recently wrote about a patient pulling out their phone in the middle of a consultation. Then they started recording. This physician works in New York. The practice was reasonably concerned the patient might use this recording for less than honorable purposes. They asked for guidance. New York is a one-party recording … Read more
I hear from so many physicians about how much they love documenting in the medical record. In fact, if they could do it every waking hour, they would. Just kidding. Today, patients have easy access to their medical records and test results. What happens when they disagree with what you wrote? Do you have to … Read more
Gilead is a biotechnology company that develops and distributes HIV treatments. Its compounds have saved and extended countless lives. Gilead is being sued in California by HIV patients for not timely developing a new drug. Some background. Gilead manufactured and marketed its HIV/AIDS drug, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) since 2001. Gilead was working on “a … Read more
