Category Archives: Health Care Blog
Effective Use of QR Codes in Medical Practice
Quick response (“QR”) codes may be an effective way for physicians to market themselves to potential and existing clients. QR codes are barcode-like images that can store up to fourteen different types of data, including web links and phone numbers. These images may be placed on nearly anything from advertisements to business cards, and will… Read More »
House Votes to Repeal “CLASS Act” Program
The House of Representatives has voted to repeal a part of the health care reform bill that establishes a voluntary, long-term health care program. The program is formally known as the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (“CLASS”) program. The Obama administration has taken the position that the CLASS program is not financially… Read More »
Should Your Medical Practice Affiliate with a Hospital? Considerations
The predicted trend after passage of the health care overhaul bill was that physicians would all sell out to hospitals. We are not seeing that happen in the manner predicted. In fact, we are seeing the opposite to some degree. In considering an affiliation with a hospital, another practice or any type of health care… Read More »
Should Your Business Adopt a Social Media Policy?
Many businesses can use social media as a valuable tool. Social media helps to create and communicate a “brand personality”. Social media can also help generate new clients and business connections. When using social media to advance business goals, employees serve as an asset because they know your products and/or services better than anyone else. … Read More »
HHS Names 32 ACO “Pioneers”
The Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the names of 32 health care physician groups and systems that it anticipates will be leaders in the formation of accountable care organizations (“ACOs”). The “pioneers” are considered frontrunners in working toward achieving the ACO model’s goals of providing higher quality care and reducing health care… Read More »
4 Meaningful Use Tips for Physicians
The concept of meaningful use is key to earning federal electronic health records (“EHR”) incentives. The following are four tips to keep in mind when working towards meeting meaningful use criteria: 1. Track Progress. Many meaningful use measures establish a threshold that must be reached. Use “to do” lists and progress charts to track progress… Read More »
Medicare Part D Drug Plans Can Withhold Payments on Suspicious Claims
In a growing effort to prevent “doctor shopping,” Medicare Part D prescription drug plan sponsors can now safely withhold pharmacy payments on suspicious claims without violating prompt payment requirements. A recent CMS Notice clarifies that when a sponsor suspects fraud with respect to a particular claim, payment need not be made until the claim has… Read More »
CMS ISSUES HIPAA STANDARD FOR ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFERS
CMS has issued a new rule that adopts standards for electronic funds transfers (“EFT”) under HIPAA. The standards could reduce costs for providers by streamlining electronic payments from a health plan to a provider. The rule requires the use of a trace number that automatically matches a remittance advice (“RA”), or notice of payment, and… Read More »
Stop and Think Before Using Groupon to Promote Physician Services
The internet has vastly improved our ability to find great bargains. Many people subscribe to sites like Groupon, Living Social, and others that offer discount goods and services. Over the past several years, there has been a notable rise in the number of promotions related to cosmetic services and products. Is this a good thing… Read More »
OIG Releases 2012 Work Plan
Among the new areas of focus for the Office of Inspector General (the “OIG”) is increased scrutiny for incident-to services performed by non-physician practitioners. Specifically, the OIG is planning on investigating whether the non-physician practitioners are qualified to be performing the incident-to services that are being billed by physicians. This concern and others are highlighted… Read More »
