Agreement for use of mobile devices

January 1, 2015
Strategies for Healthcare Compliance

Mobile devices have changed the way people share and access information in their personal and professional lives. Smartphones and tablets may make it easier and faster for people to communicate, store, and access information, but they present risks if lost, stolen, or hacked. This can be especially challenging in the healthcare industry as it has become common for providers to use various mobile tools, including smartphones, laptops, notebooks, tablets, phablets, personal digital assistants, USB devices, digital cameras, and radiofrequency identification devices, to communicate with colleagues and access applications.

ICD-10 countdown: Testing may offer a glimpse into the future

January 1, 2015
Strategies for Healthcare Compliance

The new ICD-10 implementation date is less than a year away, and CMS is gearing up its end-to-end testing process in preparation.

HIPAA Q&A: Disclosure of PHI and confidentiality agreements

January 1, 2015
Strategies for Healthcare Compliance

Q: If someone calls a facility to schedule an appointment for a patient, is it a violation of HIPAA to admit the patient receives care at the practice? For example, the practice where I work often helps victims of domestic abuse. We received a call from a patient's estranged spouse who asked to schedule an appointment for the patient when, in reality, he was trying to determine the whereabouts of his spouse so he could harm her. I realize this is a safety issue but wonder whether it is also a HIPAA issue.

Start resolving ICD-10-CM questions

January 1, 2015
Strategies for Healthcare Compliance

Many coders rely on the advice in the American Hospital Association (AHA)'s Coding Clinic to resolve sticky situations with ICD-9-CM coding. However, the AHA will not be transitioning its current guidance to ICD-10-CM. Instead, in January, it began focusing solely on ICD-10-CM questions to help clear up confusion prior to implementation.