Needless to say, the election of Donald Trump will have major ramifications on the entire health care industry. But while changes are a certainty, it is far from clear what and how dramatic they will be, especially with regard to "Obamacare," aka the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Although we do not have a crystal ball, based on what we know and what we are hearing from our … [Read more...] about So, now what? How a Trump presidency will impact your office and the ACA
Compliance
Should your practice invest in medical billing software?
By Aiden Spencer bio There has been considerable debate among physicians about whether or not it is beneficial to get an EHR (electronic health record). If your practice is having this debate, let's evaluate the benefits and problems associated with an EHR and see if one is right for you. [Full disclosure: I have abundant experience in the field because I am working for a … [Read more...] about Should your practice invest in medical billing software?
The new overtime rules are put on hold. What does that mean for you?
By Mike O'Brien bio As most of you know by now, I'm sure, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) has finalized a new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rule that, among other things, raises the minimum salary threshold required to qualify for a "white collar" overtime pay exemption to $47,476 per year, which is $913 per week. This basically doubles the minimum salary … [Read more...] about The new overtime rules are put on hold. What does that mean for you?
Model Section 1557 Civil Rights Grievance Procedure
Why you need this model policy and procedure: Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires covered entities to adopt safeguards to avoid discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in certain health programs and activities. One of those safeguards, which is set out in Section 92.7(b) of the ACA final rule, is to establish a … [Read more...] about Model Section 1557 Civil Rights Grievance Procedure
How to comply with new ACA non-discrimination requirements
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires covered entities to take certain actions to ensure they comply with their duty not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in certain health programs and activities. Section 92.7 of the ACA final rule specifies two things entities must do to meet their nondiscrimination … [Read more...] about How to comply with new ACA non-discrimination requirements
OIG celebrates 40 years of fighting fraud
October 15, 2016 marked 40 years since the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) was launched in 1976. It is now the largest inspector general with 1,600 employees and 70 offices and oversees $1 trillion in spending. The HHS OIG is charged with fighting fraud, waste and abuse in federal health care programs—primarily Medicare … [Read more...] about OIG celebrates 40 years of fighting fraud
Final rule on MACRA released and it’s a pleasant surprise
By Tina Colangelo, MHA bio CMS has finally released its long and highly anticipated final rule MACRA Quality Payment Program. News spread like wildfire as the highly anticipated final rule of CMS's MACRA Quality Payment Program was rolled out. The 2,398 page document shows mercy to all physicians especially those in small practices! Everybody can breathe a sigh of relief; … [Read more...] about Final rule on MACRA released and it’s a pleasant surprise
Pop Quiz: Are you ready for the new FLSA overtime rules?
Effective December 1, 2016, the new FLSA (Fair Labor Standard's Act) overtime rules come into effect and the minimum salary level for non-exempt employees is increasing. What this means for medical practices is that some employees you currently have categorized as exempt might actually qualify for overtime pay. Under the new rules, to be categorized as exempt, employees must … [Read more...] about Pop Quiz: Are you ready for the new FLSA overtime rules?
Spending too much time, effort, and money on recruitment? Borrow from others’ ‘best practices’
By Carl Kutsmode bio Hiring top talent for your medical practice isn't easy. And, the bad news is that it won't get easier anytime soon. Just consider a few facts: The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the employment of staff physician assistants is projected to grow 30 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Roughly … [Read more...] about Spending too much time, effort, and money on recruitment? Borrow from others’ ‘best practices’
Keeping the records long enough… but not too long
Records retention raises questions in almost all offices. And as a result, offices tend to hang onto records far too long, says attorney and records management expert Donald S. Skupsky, JD, CRM. Skupsky is president and CEO of Information Requirements Clearinghouse in Denver, which provides consulting services as well as software and publications on the legal requirements of … [Read more...] about Keeping the records long enough… but not too long