If healthcare organizations take a lesson from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee's (BCBST) $1.5 million settlement for its 2009 HIPAA breach, it's that they should wake up and pay attention to where their ePHI is contained and stored, says Ali Pabrai, MSEE, CISSP, CSCS.
Leaders there established multidisciplinary barrier reduction teams (BRT) in late 2009, which are designed to increase efficiency and improve communication at the organization. The teams give staff members a way to speak up about issues that may hinder patient care and the discharge process.
Case managers have already become familiar with the Medicare Recovery Audit Program. In January, however, government Recovery Auditors began focusing on new territory: Medicaid claims.
Making sure patients are prepared for discharge can be a tricky process. When certain laws are considered, getting patients to their next destination becomes even more complex.
