The prevalence of ransomware attacks is increasing. In fact, “[o]n average, more than 4,000 ransomware attacks have occurred daily since January 1, 2016,” according to a recent interagency government report. Given this known threat, contingency planning by hospitals becomes even more important. This …
New Guidance on Exclusion
April 19, 2016 Leave a Comment
For the first time in nearly 20 years the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health & Human Services has issued new guidance on the exercise of its authority to exclude health care providers from participating in federal health care programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Tri-Care. …
Finally, A Final Rule on ACA’s 60-Day Repayment Rule
February 12, 2016 Leave a Comment
On February 11, 2016, CMS released the much anticipated final rule on the so-called “60-day rule.” The long road to the final rule began when the Affordable Care Act (ACA) established the 60-day deadline for returning Medicare and Medicaid overpayments. The clock started running from the time an overpayment …
A Recap of National Health IT Week
October 12, 2015 Leave a Comment
National Health IT Week wrapped up on Friday. This may have been the most eventful week in the ten year history of the event, which is organized by the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Below are a few of the highlights (each of which could likely carry its own blog post): Stage 3 …
OIG Approves Lease of Employees to Psych Hospital
July 29, 2015 Leave a Comment
On July 28 the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of Health & Human Services gave its blessing to a health system’s lease of employees to a related psychiatric system. Under the arrangement the system would also provide management services. In return, the hospital would pay the system its “fully …
Out of the Mouths of Babes: Millions of Medicaid Dollars
May 19, 2015 Leave a Comment
Last Monday the Office of Inspector General of Health & Human Services posted a hair-raising report. “Questionable Billing for Medicaid Pediatric Services in California” raises alarming questions about the billing practices and service quality of some of that state’s dentists—especially those working …