As long as COVID-19 remains a threat, you run the risk of being sued by clients, vendors, guests and other visitors (“visitors”) who claim they contracted the virus at your office facility as a result of your inadequate safety measures. One way to limit liability is by conspicuously posting a sign at the entry of your facility indicating visitors’ agreement to waive their … [Read more...] about Model waiver of COVID-19 infection liability sign to post at your medical office
Managing patients
Warn your patients not to fall for COVID-19 scams
Pharma companies, diagnostics manufacturers, labs and other parts of the healthcare industry have done a commendable job in pivoting in response to the current public health crisis. Sadly, it seems that you can say the very same thing can also be said about the scammers. On Nov. 23, the OIG issued a new alert warning the public about fraud schemes related to COVID-19. The face … [Read more...] about Warn your patients not to fall for COVID-19 scams
5 strategies to keep high-risk populations safe during disasters
By Margarita Gil & Racquel Arden The rapid spread of COVID-19 put healthcare institutions around the country on high alert, with special emphasis placed on those Americans deemed to be most vulnerable or with pre-existing conditions. But what happens when your entire hospital is filled with patients who fit that criteria? Such was the challenge faced at Totally Kids … [Read more...] about 5 strategies to keep high-risk populations safe during disasters
Telemedicine calls for new etiquette guidelines
By Dr. Neil Baum bio COVID-19 has changed the playing field and methodology of caring for patients. We no longer will be seeing all our patients in our offices. Also, there has been a relaxation of the restrictions, such as HIPAA, for using telemedicine and now, or the first time, there are codes and reimbursements that make it possible to be compensated for virtual … [Read more...] about Telemedicine calls for new etiquette guidelines
Five ways to boost practice efficiency on a shoestring budget
By Karen Mattocks bio It is every manager’s mantra: ‘Do more with the same number of staff.’ Translation? See more patients. Submit more claims. Generate more revenue—all while providing high-quality, low-cost care. How do successful managers accomplish this? They remove the organizational-level barriers that drain productivity, says Michael Mankins, co-author of Time, Talent, … [Read more...] about Five ways to boost practice efficiency on a shoestring budget
Contain costs by addressing financial barriers to medication adherence
By Shirley Titus bio It is an unfortunate reality: Rising prescription drug costs force many patients to skip doses or even forgo potentially life-saving medications. High-cost drugs are continually in the spotlight, most recently with the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) announcement that drug manufacturers will soon be required to include list prices in … [Read more...] about Contain costs by addressing financial barriers to medication adherence
Nearly 3 in 4 Physicians Say They Can’t Provide Easy & Rapid COVID-19 Testing
Development of new lab tests to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 coronavirus has been faster and more prolific than anybody could dare expect for a pathogen that was unknown just a few months ago. But it still may not be enough to satisfy the urgent demand for COVID-19 testing—at least not yet. That’s the depressing conclusion of a new survey from Harvard … [Read more...] about Nearly 3 in 4 Physicians Say They Can’t Provide Easy & Rapid COVID-19 Testing
4 steps prepare your medical office for coronavirus disease
The true impact of a COVID-19 outbreak in a U.S. community cannot be predicted. However, all healthcare facilities can take steps now to prepare for such an outbreak and protect both their patients and staff. 1 Be prepared: Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation. Know where to turn for reliable, up-to-date information in your local community. Monitor the CDC … [Read more...] about 4 steps prepare your medical office for coronavirus disease
How your staff can help prevent costly malpractice lawsuits
Doctors aren't the only ones who cause malpractice claims. Staff can cause them too by the way they treat the patients and by the way they do their jobs. It's not the clinical mishap that most often causes a patient to see a lawyer. Many patients sue because they are dissatisfied or because there is a lack of communication. To a great extent it is not the physicians but the … [Read more...] about How your staff can help prevent costly malpractice lawsuits
Internet use can help patients self-diagnose rare genetic disorders
The notion of empowering patients to take control over their own health care is particularly powerful within the realm of genomic diagnostics to the extent that patients can theoretically seek their own tests without a physician's order for an undiagnosed genetic disease or disorder they suspect they might have. Leaving aside the question of whether this is a positive or … [Read more...] about Internet use can help patients self-diagnose rare genetic disorders