The ease, speed, and efficiency of mobile device-based text messaging has made it a primary communications tool among doctors and other health care providers, covered entities, and business associates. But this convenience can also lead to security risks, cautions Melissa (Lisa) Thompson, a shareholder in national law firm LeClairRyan's Boston office. "Unless preventive … [Read more...] about Beware of HIPAA-related text messaging risks
Technology
IBM Watson Health and FDA to improve public health using blockchain technology
IBM Watson Health has signed a research initiative with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aimed at defining a secure, efficient, and scalable exchange of health data using blockchain technology. IBM and the FDA will explore the exchange of owner-mediated data from several sources, such as Electronic Medical Records, clinical trials, genomic data, and health data … [Read more...] about IBM Watson Health and FDA to improve public health using blockchain technology
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?
New healthcare cybersecurity report exposes risk of attacks through social engineering
SecurityScorecard, a security rating and continuous risk monitoring platform, recently released its 2016 Healthcare Industry Cybersecurity Report. This comprehensive analysis exposed alarming cybersecurity vulnerabilities across 700 healthcare organizations including medical treatment facilities, health insurance agencies, and healthcare manufacturing companies. Security … [Read more...] about New healthcare cybersecurity report exposes risk of attacks through social engineering
How to use social media for your medical practice
By Brittney Overstreet bio Social media is the online method for sharing information to an audience. When using social media for business purposes, virality is important. The more of your content that is viral, the greater your online presence is. Many physicians have successfully used social media to create awareness of their practice and gain new patients. Why use social … [Read more...] about How to use social media for your medical practice
Improper data removal and poor enforcement of data retention policies create the ‘perfect storm’ for data breaches
Data breaches, such as those that struck Sony Pictures in 2014 and Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca in 2016, are a daily reality and wreak havoc on organizations. And according to the Delete vs. Erase: How Companies Wipe Active Files study recently released by Blancco Technology Group, the use of improper data removal methods and the poor enforcement of data retention … [Read more...] about Improper data removal and poor enforcement of data retention policies create the ‘perfect storm’ for data breaches
Are you still complacent about mobile security risks?
Organizations continue to fall short when it comes to protecting corporate data on mobile apps and devices, according to the Mobile Security and Risk Review, recently released by MobileIron. Mobile threats are on the rise but only 8% of companies are enforcing OS updates and less than 5% are using App Reputation or Mobile Threat Detection software. The second … [Read more...] about Are you still complacent about mobile security risks?
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
How to deliver a great presentation on any topic
To grow in the job, a manager has to communicate ideas and visions and recommendations. And the presentation of them counts. "It doesn't matter how good the idea or how brilliant the insight," if it isn't well articulated, it fails, says Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE, a San Francisco executive speech coach. Worse, the manager's career can fail right along with it. Here are the … [Read more...] about How to deliver a great presentation on any topic