The Compliance Insider 

Q: I am a dentist and currently use a lab coat laundry service. The cost, however, is quite high. I would like to consider doing it myself at home. Assuming that I am washing them separately, using hot water,... Continue Reading

The HIPAA 5010 compliance date is fast approaching. There are only 100 days left until full implementation on Jan. 1, 2012. As of this date, version 5010 will be required for all HIPAA standard transactions. This... Continue Reading

The Medicare EHR Incentive Program will provide incentive payments to eligible professionals, eligible hospitals, and CAHs that demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology. Participation can begin as... Continue Reading

Q. An outpatient physical therapy clinic verifies a patient's benefits prior to his or her first visit. When the patient arrives, the front desk staff reviews the patient's insurance benefits and out-of-pocket costs.... Continue Reading

Why is it important to ensure HIPAA and Medicare fraud training and auditing in your practice? Here is a good example of what can happen: Matthew Paul Brown, 30, formerly of Atlanta, Georgia and... Continue Reading

Talking about violence in the workplace can be an uncomfortable process. But it is also unavoidable if you want to do all you can to eliminate the threat of violence from your practice. Why not approach employee... Continue Reading

Q: Patients receive a Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) at their initial visit that includes information explaining their privacy rights. This includes the patients' right to opt-out of the facility directory. Should... Continue Reading

Do your employees find it difficult to remember the order in which they should put on and take off PPE? The recommended order for donning items is not the same as for doffing PPE used for protection from... Continue Reading

Provider groups have slammed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services after the agency issued a final rule that would reduce Medicare payments to skilled nursing facilities by $3.87 billion for the fiscal... Continue Reading

Q: In-home healthcare who is responsible for purchasing gloves-employer, employee, or patient? If the employer, can the employer put a limit on the number of gloves per month? A: If you are an employee of a home... Continue Reading