Running a medical office comes the responsibility for ensuring compliance with various laws and regulations. Failure to meet compliance requirements can lead to legal, financial, and reputational troubles. Here are some—but by no means all—the ways your medical office can run into compliance trouble: HIPAA Violations: Failure to protect patient health information and maintain … [Read more...] about 18 ways your medical office can run afoul of laws and regulations
HIPAA
10 tips for hiring the right medical office cleaning company
The job of cleaning your medical office isn't for just any cleaning company. The cleaners you contract must have expertise in infection control for the safety of patients and staff. From the reception area and waiting area to treatment rooms, back offices and breakrooms, all surfaces must be regularly and hygenically cleaned. Biohazards, sharps and chemicals can pose a hazard … [Read more...] about 10 tips for hiring the right medical office cleaning company
Text messaging can get your medical office in trouble with HIPAA
There are several pitfalls associated with using text messaging in a medical office when it comes to complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. Here are a few examples: Lack of Encryption: Standard SMS text messages are not encrypted, which means that messages containing sensitive patient information can be intercepted and read … [Read more...] about Text messaging can get your medical office in trouble with HIPAA
Why and how to find translators for your patients
In today's diverse world, it's essential for healthcare providers to be able to communicate effectively with patients of all backgrounds. Sometimes this task falls to families, friends or supporters of a patient. These helpers are not always available or able to help. This is where medical translators come in. In this article, we'll explore why your medical office might need … [Read more...] about Why and how to find translators for your patients
Proposed rule would standardize how to send health care attachments
It might get easier for your medical office to send healthcare attachments and electronic signatures. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has issued a proposed rule, “Adoption of Standards for Health Care Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures, and Modification to Referral Certification and Authorization Transaction Standard (CMS-0053-P).” If … [Read more...] about Proposed rule would standardize how to send health care attachments
5 ways your medical office can violate HIPAA
The HIPAA Privacy Act is a federal law that was established in 1996 to set provisions and standards for the protection of personal health information. The rule puts limits and conditions on the use and disclosure of patient medical information. It also gives patients the right to obtain a copy, examine, and request corrections to their records. Though most medical practices are … [Read more...] about 5 ways your medical office can violate HIPAA
7 ways to cut costs with a greener office
By Daryll Esposito The well-being of our planet is a universal concern, but it’s not always front-of-mind when we’re busy at work. The good news is that making greener choices at the office is not only better for the environment, it’s better for your budget too. With Earth Day this week on April 22, it’s time to look at some environmentally friendly improvements. Some common … [Read more...] about 7 ways to cut costs with a greener office
Is your medical office vulnerable to Russian cyberattacks?
The White House is urging businesses to review and improve cybersecurity because of a heightened risk of cyber attacks from Russia. A statement from the Biden-Harris Administration advises businesses to take the following steps: Mandate the use of multi-factor authentication on your systems to make it harder for attackers to get onto your system; Deploy modern security … [Read more...] about Is your medical office vulnerable to Russian cyberattacks?
Clocked out or connected: What you need to know about after-hours group chats
By Paul Edwards “Quick question…” Those two words have become increasingly popular as our near-constant attachment to communication devices blurs the line between work and personal time. Whether by phone, laptop, or tablet—via Slack, WhatsApp, or Google Chat—it’s easier than ever for teams to stay in contact after the workday is done. But employers need to be cautious … [Read more...] about Clocked out or connected: What you need to know about after-hours group chats
New safeguards and fines follow data breach investigations in New Jersey
Two cases of exposing patient personal information occurred in New Jersey but serve as warnings to all healthcare providers. The state's Division of Consumer Affairs has reached a settlement with three New Jersey-based providers of cancer care that the State alleges failed to adequately safeguard patient data, exposing the personal and protected health information of 105,200 … [Read more...] about New safeguards and fines follow data breach investigations in New Jersey