340B Ruling: Good News for Some, Maybe
340B-eligible facilities are unsure of the fate of the 340B discount drug program as they await a U.S. District Court ruling on remedies that could further alter payments.
OIG’s Video Highlights a Busy Year
A recent OIG video highlighting various reports offers helpful reminders for finance personnel, compliance officers, legal counsel, and others who assist in ensuring that their healthcare organizations abide by all legal requirements.
Implementing Green Strategies That Contain Costs and Reduce Waste
A campaign to educate clinicians on proper waste segregation can improve compliance with regulations and keep regular waste out of more costly waste streams.
Hospital Policies on Medical Marijuana
Legalization of medical marijuana in 46 states raises concerns for hospitals and health systems in terms of administering the drug, patient safety, and staff impact. But sample policies and assistance exist such as three options from the Minnesota Hospital Association.
Reminder: Price Posting Requirement Began Jan. 1
CMS reminds healthcare providers that the format for posting is the hospital’s choice, but the information must be “consumer-friendly” and must enable patients to understand their financial liabilities and compare charges for similar services across other hospitals.
Crowdfunding: Assessing Benefits and Risks
Crowdfunding can increase investor participation and engagement between project initiators and potential funders, as well as raise awareness of neglected health issues.
HIPAA Breaches Make News, Cost Money
Three Boston hospitals that were recently slapped with HIPAA violations for allowing television crews into their facilities are reminders of the intricacies of patient privacy laws.
Shared Birthdays Cause Patient Matching Errors
Patients who share similarly spelled names and the same birth dates are particularly susceptible to patient record mismatches.
Patient Matching in the Era of EHRs
It is not uncommon for clinicians to have incomplete or inaccurate pictures of patients’ medical histories and conditions because the record and the patient do not match. This exposes healthcare organizations to medical errors, increased costs, and negative patient experiences.
The 2018 Midterm Elections: Implications for Health Care
The healthcare industry could see some significant changes now that the balance of power in Washington D.C. has shifted.