Compliance Challenges Facing Healthcare Providers in 2016.

It is time to add risk analysis and risk management to your policies and procedures manuals to comply with the HIPAA Security Rules. CMS is very serious about protecting patients' health information. There is no doubt that complying just with HIPAA security is a complex undertaking, because the rules themselves have multiple elements. Create a road map that not only sees the big picture but is detailed enough to address specific concerns unique to your practice, such as identifying the right individuals in your practice to lead the effort. And finally, if you need professional help then get it--because not every practice has the time and resources needed for this effort.

Pay Attention to Details when Selling Your Practice.

The healthcare industry is in a state of confusion and has been for the past 15 years. Physicians are faced with dwindling reimbursement rates, demanding administrative tasks, and changing federal and local rules and regulations. On the flip side, hospitals and healthcare networks are interested in pur- chasing physician practices. Should you consider keeping the status quo, turning over many of the administrative headaches, or just retir- ing all together? As a provider, should you take over or continue a solo practice, join a multispecialty group, or become an employee of a hospital? Buying or selling a practice can be life changing. The process is complex, and involves legal, tax, accounting, valuation, and psychological issues. It takes time and due diligence. It involves an entire team of professionals, which can and should include accountants, lawyers, and consul- tants all of whom specialize in this area. The intent of this article is to establish a starting point on wlhere and how to begin. It addresses major issues that should be considered in the beginning of this complex process. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, you will face many of the same processes and questions. A host of legal and practical issues will confront you, and this article explores your options.

Physician Challenges in 2015.

While the influx of new patients resulting from the ACA will increase the number of people receiving healthcare, the regulations associated with it will add to physicians' administrative duties, as will government regulations associated with HIPAA and Meaningful Use. Further stress will come from the demands of both payers and patients, requiring doctors to walk a fine line to protect themselves from litigation. Technology also will play an increasing role. The continuing move toward EHRs and the new ICD-10 coding standard will require investments in software, testing, and training staff, and may also require an investment in new computer hardware. Physicians and staff will have to teach patients how to use EHR portals and how to follow the record-keeping requirements of their insurance providers. The regulatory changes and increased costs of time and money associated with them may drive many physicians out of private practice and into hospital system-based team practices, which will face a greater challenge in recruiting and retaining top talent. Other physicians, in contrast, may continue to seek the independence of private practice; some of them may decide to stop accepting insurance because of their need for autonomy in their practices. Regardless of what decisions doctors choose to make within the changing nature of healthcare, it is important to keep abreast of the changes and develop a plan for dealing with them, in 2015 and beyond.

Concierge Medicine: is it becoming mainstream? Part II. Steps to developing a concierge practice.

Review your current practice, patient load and demographics, revenue, and insurance processing procedures. Work with an expert to develop a business plan of a direct-pay practice, and compare the expected patient load and demographics and revenue to that of your current practice. Will a direct-pay/concierge practice: Increase your revenue/decrease your expenses? Offer your patients better healthcare by taking decisions out of the hands of the insurance company? Provide your patients easier access to you and your staff? Maintain or attract a sufficient number of patients? Offer you more career satisfaction? Any change can be daunting, but many times, the results are well worth the challenges.

You've been served!

Regardless of how difficult this process may be, you want the plaintiff's attorney to believe that you are a formidable opponent. You want the attorney to know that you will give the jury an impression of a competent, caring physician who practiced within the standard of care and did everything possible to provide appropriate care for the patient. Smart attorneys will factor this into the chances of winning a verdict, and following a strong physician performance in a deposition, will often drop the case. With all things being equal, jurors frequently side with the litigant who is seen as more credible. Pay close attention throughout the deposition. Pause slightly at the beginning of every answer to make sure you understand the question and to give your attorney time to object if need be.