The OCR continues to crack down on HIPAA breaches, but it also paused to take a look back at past incidents in two annual reports to Congress. The reports, which were released in May, summarize the reported 2011?2012 HIPAA breach and compliance activities as required by the HITECH Act. Although the data presented in the reports details the events from prior years, the causes of the breaches reported to and investigated by OCR are still relevant?and problematic?for healthcare organizations today.
It's time to get the recognition you deserve and put the focus on your department by celebrating National Case Management Week, scheduled this year October 12-18.
Some hospital case managers may be breathing a small sigh of relief because a provision in the 2015 OPPS proposed rule would, if finalized, put an end to a burdensome physician inpatient certification requirement for most patients.
In the middle of a heated conversation the angry family member of a patient blurts out, "I think it's time to call my lawyer. I'm going to sue." These are words that can strike fear into the most steadfast case managers. After all, lawsuits can be time-consuming and potentially costly.
A team of researchers may have uncovered what many involved in the transition to ICD-10 have feared all along: Disruption of data and financials is on the horizon.
CMS' 2014 IPPS final rule redefined inpatient admissions when it implemented the 2-midnight rule, which requires a validated physician order, documentation of medical necessity, and the expectation of a stay crossing two or more midnights.
