A scan of healthcare news sources or the Office of Inspector General work plan often finds psychiatry and mental health practices under scrutiny. Laurie Bouzarelos, MHA, CPC, reviews revenue cycle functions, provider contracting/credentialing, and coding and documentation tips to avoid denials.
A recently published government guide outlines defensive strategies, recommendations, and best practices to combat pervasive cyberthreats affecting critical infrastructure. It also identifies known vulnerabilities that providers can assess their networks for, thereby minimizing risks before intrusions occur.
The National Correct Coding Initiative released the 2024 NCCI Policy Manual in early December, which will be effective January 1. This article covers the changes—both big and small.
Denise Williams, COC, CHRI,senior vice president of Revant Solutions in Raleigh, North Carolina, details the process of setting clear room rate policies.
The 2024 OPPS final rule details changes to price transparency compliance, reimbursement changes and, updates to numerous other hospital programs. Additionally, CMS is moving forward with its proposals to address unlawful payment reductions to 340B drug reimbursement.
HIPAA security compliance leaders should ensure that their organization’s sanction policies are well documented, transparent, understood by all workforce members, and applied consistently to reinforce a robust HIPAA compliance program.
The Office for Civil Rights recently issued two resources to help explain to patients the privacy and security risks associated with telehealth services, as related to personal health information.
HHS released two reports recently that provide in-depth insights and compliance tips to help healthcare covered entities contend with cybersecurity threats.
Healthcare covered entities continue to have trouble getting patients their medical records. Since 2019, when the Office for Civil Rights began its Right of Access initiative, the HIPAA privacy and security enforcer has settled 45 cases related to patient requests for medical records.
A recent settlement between the Office for Civil Rights and UnitedHealthcare serves as a stark reminder of the importance of HIPAA compliance and the right of patients to access their medical records in a timely manner.
