New Anti-Kickback Provisions
To address this country’s opioid crisis and healthcare fraud, the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018 (EKRA) was passed last year by Congress. This Recovery Act falls under the SUPPORT Act umbrella and expands the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). EKRA includes additional provisions that apply to some laboratory and facility referrals and services. The […]
» Read More...March 28, 2019
Avoiding Healthcare Qui Tam Lawsuits
Healthcare organizations, workers, and physicians should be aware of qui tam lawsuits and their implications. These lawsuits are becoming more prevalent in the healthcare industry and can have negative impacts for workers and employers. Qui tam lawsuits are filed by individuals who may also be called whistleblowers. Under the False Claims Act (FCA), qui tam […]
» Read More...March 12, 2019
Understanding the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act
There are several laws in place that prevent medical professionals from taking kickbacks. They prohibit the offering and accepting of money, gifts, or any other compensation for referrals to any federal healthcare programs. The first law, the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), was enacted in 1972 as a Social Security Amendment. A new federal statue, the Eliminating […]
» Read More...February 28, 2019
Physician Job Search
Physician’s may find themselves in a job that does not provide the satisfaction they seek. When this happens, they start to search for employment elsewhere. The following tips can help physicians better locate the position that will provide them with everything they seek. Know What You Want and Network Accordingly Many physicians leave university and […]
» Read More...February 14, 2019
Workplace Discrimination Against Physician Mothers
Being a physician is one of the most demanding professions. Aside from the years of difficult studying, the day-to-day demands are challenging and require talent, expertise, and professionalism. Yet even today, many female doctors still face workplace discrimination. Of concern are those who are treated unfairly because they have children, also known as maternal discrimination. […]
» Read More...January 31, 2019
Physician Separation Agreements
These days, every physician that is not self-employed should have a well-drafted separation agreement with their employer. Not having one in place can set physicians up for unexpected and unpleasant consequences that can be detrimental to their careers. Being proactive by having one prepared before any problems occur is in the best interests of any […]
» Read More...January 17, 2019
Medical Groups Protest Contraceptive Coverage Exemptions
In October 2017, the Trump administration attempted to change certain laws that apply to contraception coverage for employees. These actions, headed by the Justice Department and the Department of Health and Human Services, would allow employers to deny these insurance benefits if contraception went against their religion or morals. Trump claimed that forcing these employers […]
» Read More...December 28, 2018
Healthcare Industry Groups Want Anti-Kickback Waiver for Cybersecurity
In a move that may change the way patient healthcare info is processed and secured, several health care industry groups are asking the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enact an anti-kickback waiver allowing the donation of cybersecurity technology to better protect patient data. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) […]
» Read More...December 11, 2018
New Anti-Kickback Prohibition in Opioid Bill Creates Issues for Physicians
In early October, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (the SUPPORT Act) was passed by Congress. The goal of the SUPPORT Act is to end opioid abuse through a strict regulation of the activities of drug treatment and rehabilitation centers, recovery facilities, and drug laboratories. However, […]
» Read More...November 29, 2018
Investigations of Free Services from Drugmakers
A federal investigation into how pharmaceutical companies provide free services to patients and physicians is underway. Amgen Inc., Bayer AG, and Eli Lilly & Co. are all involved with whistleblower lawsuits claiming that services, such as complimentary reimbursement and nursing assistance, are used to drive up sales. Although the companies claim that these methods help […]
» Read More...November 15, 2018
