Healthcare Risk Management – September 1, 2020
September 1, 2020
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How One Hospital Screened Every Employee Daily for COVID-19
The Miami (FL) Cancer Institute achieved a feat that many healthcare institutions aspired to during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic: screening every employee and visitor every day for COVID-19 symptoms before allowing them into the facility. The logistics may be useful to other hospitals in the next disease outbreak.
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Common Misconceptions About HIPAA Can Threaten Patient Safety, Quality of Care
Misconceptions about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act continue despite years of education. Some wrong interpretations can jeopardize patient safety.
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Steps to Improve HIPAA Compliance at Home
HIPAA compliance for employees working remotely depends on a sound IT infrastructure, including encrypted routers and structured setup of equipment.
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Reduce Workers’ Comp Costs with In-House Services, Return Programs
Controlling workers’ compensation costs is challenging for any employer, and healthcare employers face difficult work-related situations. Paying attention to some of the most common and costliest risks can help manage the financial effects.
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Prosecutors May Look for COVID-Related Restructuring Fraud
Risk managers should be on the alert for fraud and abuse related to reimbursement issues and financial restructuring related to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the high reimbursement rates for a COVID-19 diagnosis for hospitals and an additional large sum for the use of a ventilator, the potential for fraud and abuse in hospitals is substantial.
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Appellate Court Denies Attempt to Vacate $8.3 Million Birth Injury Award
This case reveals lessons about both liability and damages, including the inherently speculative nature of damages for injuries caused to young individuals.
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Appellate Court Vacates $1.1 Million Sinus Surgery Verdict for Lack of Evidence
This case demonstrates the importance of carefully preparing one’s argument and presenting the evidence to support necessary findings. Another interesting lesson from this case is on the basic elements of medical malpractice: Even in the face of an undisputed breach of the standard of care, medical malpractice liability is not guaranteed.
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HIPAA Compliance a Concern as Working from Home Becomes Norm
Working from home is the new normal and will be for many healthcare employees for a while, so adjustments are necessary to maintain compliance with HIPAA. Protected health information must be managed properly whether the employee is in the healthcare facility or at home.
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7 Steps to Better HIPAA Compliance at Home
Ensuring HIPAA compliance with employees working from home will require a systematic approach. A compliance expert offers seven steps for better compliance.