A complaint from a state licensing board (SMB) requires attention. The SMB acts on a variety of complaints, including those involving quality of care, failure to communicate, medical record deficiencies, prescription concerns, errors or inaccuracies on one’s...
Physicians And Group Practices
3 questions to ask before buying a healthcare group
Due diligence is important when looking to purchase a healthcare group. Whether looking at an entire facility or an individual private practice, it is important to ask the following questions before moving forward with a deal. #1: What are the financials? Get the...
Is my physicians’ group ready for an audit?
Healthcare organizations with delegation agreements with private or government insurance programs are wise to prepare for, at a minimum, audits on an annual basis. Insurance providers use these audits to better ensure the healthcare business complies with the...
New York officials accuse doctor of selling opioids
New York officials recently arrested a local pediatric surgeon. The officials state they caught the medical professional attempting to illegally sell opioids. The physician, who also serves on an opioid task force, faces up to nine years imprisonment for the charges....
HIPAA Right to Access spotlighted in recent NY case
Government enforcement efforts have proven successful with yet another Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) case. In this most recent case, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) settled with a New York spinal group over allegations the group failed...
What does my medical practice need to know about HIPAA violations?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) applies to sensitive patient health information. Medical practitioners are wise to understand how this federal law impacts their practice. Three important facts about this law include: #1: Not everyone is...
Age discrimination and medical practice: A case asks tough questions
A 73-year-old surgeon recently filed a case against his former employer. He claims hospital officials discriminated against him based on his age when they had him undergo a neuropsychological and physical exam as well as have a proctor present when he conducted...
NY podiatrist agrees to pay $1.25M to settle FCA claim
Government officials recently accused a local New York City hospital system along with a podiatrist of fraudulent billing practices. The allegations are in connection with a whistleblower lawsuit. The whistleblower brought the claim forward in 2012, stating the...
Anatomy of an OPMC investigation
What happens when a patient, co-worker or other medical professional files a complaint about a physician's work? If the complaint involves allegations of misconduct, the New York Health Department's Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) and state Board for...
Tips to reduce liability for telehealth services
The Department of Health and Human Services has relaxed regulations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), at least temporarily. This allows medical professionals to conduct communications with patients using technology like Zoom and...