As with so many other businesses, federal COVID-19 relief was (and, in some cases, still is) the only thing that kept some practices afloat during the darkest days of the pandemic. But with the virus in apparent retreat, business is getting back to normal. And that includes the business of enforcing the federal laws. Among the first orders of business for federal investigators … [Read more...] about Federal COVID-19 relief fraud crackdown begins
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New HHS policy makes your office potentially liable for LGBTQ discrimination
While it doesn’t directly relate to billing and reimbursement, federal civil rights laws have an impact on certain aspects of healthcare operations. These laws ban your office from discriminating on the basis of protected personal characteristics, including sex. So, compliance managers need to be aware that on May 10, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an … [Read more...] about New HHS policy makes your office potentially liable for LGBTQ discrimination
5 unintended ways companies compromise network security
By Ron Slyker Solid organization security is a considerable necessity in today’s world—that's not going to come as a surprise to anyone. Nonetheless, making and keeping an impenetrable organization is something that stays a slippery objective for some enterprises. Organizations of all sizes are continuously struggling with the battle of guaranteeing that each potential … [Read more...] about 5 unintended ways companies compromise network security
More than one-quarter of workers say pandemic contributed to career setback
According to new research from a global staffing firm, more than one-quarter of professionals (27 per cent) said their career has stalled since the start of the pandemic—and that number jumps to 55 per cent for those ages 18 to 24. In a separate poll, 49 per cent of senior managers revealed that they postponed promoting top performers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 61 per … [Read more...] about More than one-quarter of workers say pandemic contributed to career setback
CMS reweighting 2020 MIPS cost performance category
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recognizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency (PHE) on clinicians across the country and continues to offer flexibilities to provide relief where possible. Under § 414.1350(d)(3), the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) cost performance category weight is 15% of the final score for the 2020 … [Read more...] about CMS reweighting 2020 MIPS cost performance category
5 steps for managing a clinic efficiently
By Tom Greenhalgh Improving medical office efficiency requires evaluation and planning. If you’re constantly running behind schedule and chaos is standard operating procedure, these 5 steps can help you get and keep your practice running smoothly. Track and observe First things first: spend a few weeks tracking the flow of patients through your practice. You’ll want to … [Read more...] about 5 steps for managing a clinic efficiently
5 ways to boost health literacy, improve medication compliance
By Lisa A. Eramo Let’s face it. Prescription medications are difficult to pronounce, and their regimens can be complex. Take three Pill As with food, one Pill B in the morning, and two Pill Cs right before bed. For patients with multiple chronic conditions and/or dementia, these challenges are even greater. They may find themselves asking, "Why am I even taking this … [Read more...] about 5 ways to boost health literacy, improve medication compliance
Survey: 60 percent of US workers concerned about their mental health in pandemic’s aftermath
Amid growing anxiety about the pandemic’s impact on wellbeing, a new survey finds that US workers rank mental and psychological wellbeing as one of their biggest wellness concerns. Despite these worries, The Conference Board survey reveals that participation in programs including mental health resources and Employee Assistance programs has dropped. On the upside, the … [Read more...] about Survey: 60 percent of US workers concerned about their mental health in pandemic’s aftermath
1 in 3 remote workers may quit if required to return to the office full time
More employers are calling workers back to the office, but will they readily return? A new study by a global staffing firm shows that about one in three professionals (33 per cent) currently working from home due to the pandemic would look for a new job if required to be in the office full time. What workers want More than half of all employees surveyed (51 per cent) said … [Read more...] about 1 in 3 remote workers may quit if required to return to the office full time
Wage whispers: Can we stop salary talk?
By Paul Edwards When one employee finds out another employee makes more money, it can send ripples throughout your entire workplace. In light of the morale damage this kind of talk can cause, you may be tempted to tell employees not to discuss salaries at all. The problem is employees have a legal right to discuss their salaries with other employees because of existing NLRA … [Read more...] about Wage whispers: Can we stop salary talk?