Psychiatrists provide important care. Like any other form of medical care, these services are often billable to insurance companies, both private and federal. As such, the practices fall under many forms of federal and state regulations. Four of the most important...
Year: 2023
How do I know if a letter from the Texas Board of Nursing is legit or a scam?
Nurses work hard to provide quality care to their patients. Sometimes, a patient, patient’s family member, or even a co-worker may disagree with the methods used and file a complaint with the state board. This can trigger an investigation and result in penalties such...
Pharmacists, a note of caution as role expands.
Just a few decades ago, the role of the local pharmacist was basically to fill prescriptions. These medical professionals could discuss the benefits and risks of various medications, potential concerns for interactions with other medications, and, if we were lucky,...
Physicians, prescriptions, and prison time
Authorities have announced crackdown after crackdown on the issuance of certain prescriptions in an attempt to combat the opioid crisis. Although those behind these announcements are likely doing so with noble intentions, there is fallout. Stories abound of the...
Pharmaceutical companies take note: DOJ to revaluate mergers
Merger and acquisition (M&A) deals are common within the pharmaceutical industry. Whether pharmacies looking to merge with other pharmacies or labs looking to expand their capabilities, these transactions can help to better ensure progress within the field. But...
Hospice centers face scrutiny for potential AKS and Stark Law violations
The United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has strict rules when it comes to business relationships between healthcare providers who file claims for payment from Medicare. Two primary examples are the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and the Stark...
What are safe harbors for the Anti-Kickback Statute?
The Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) is a federal law that lawmakers intend to help better ensure physicians and other medical professionals focus on quality healthcare over financial gain. The law makes it illegal to file false or fraudulent claims for payment with...
Can nurses keep working if they are accused of misconduct?
No nurse wants to find themselves in the middle of allegations of misconduct. These allegations can result in an investigation and an adverse action report. Unfortunately, those that find themselves in this situation are not alone. The National Practitioner Data Bank...
Physician practices take note: Should we worry about AI in medicine?
Healthcare professionals should note recent advances and the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the industry. With every new technical advance, there are benefits and risks. AI can certainly change how we provide healthcare by streamlining medical...
Can I use social media to promote my private practice?
Gone are the days when doctors make house calls and help heal anything that may ail a patient. Patients now travel to their doctors and physicians practice in a world that expects physicians have years of specialized training in their chosen field. This can also lead...