Q: We need to train a wide range of employees on HIPAA — from physicians to temporary nursing staff hired through a staffing agency to medical scribes and coders. Should we utilize the same HIPAA training methods across the board? Or do you recommend that we develop different training methods for each department? How should we go about doing that?
Q: There have been frequent waivers and regulatory changes throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency. What are the most important changes that case managers need to be aware of?
Q: HRSA says that COVID-19 diagnoses must be in the primary/principal diagnosis field for hospitals to be reimbursed for treatment of uninsured patients, but this violates the coding guidance we’ve received from CMS and Coding Clinic. How should we handle such claims?
Q: If a patient is incapacitated, the Privacy Rule allows for a doctor to discuss the patient’s condition with a family member, according to HHS. What would the protocol be when the patient is divorced, but the ex-husband or ex-wife makes an inquiry about the patient’s status?
Q: I understand that disclosures of PHI can be made to law enforcement without patient authorization when the patient is suspected of committing a crime. What disclosures are permitted when law enforcement officials are investigating another person of a crime and a patient’s PHI may or may not provide evidence?
Q: Do you know if offices have any tablets or computers people can use in which they might log into an account? If so, are there rules governing password retention or auto logouts they need to consider?
