Steps to help physicians safeguard privacy, security of patients’ protected health information and ensure compliance with HIPAA rules

Steps to help physicians safeguard privacy, security of patients’ protected health information and ensure compliance with HIPAA rules
Key benefits, as well as legal structure options, post-merger governance, noncompetition and buy-out provisions, and bail out clauses should be addressed when contemplating a medical practice merger
Ongoing payment reform, healthcare consolidation forces otolaryngology practices to reconsider ways doctors are paid
Doctors must consider, review bylaws of hospital medical staff privileges when entertaining employment with a hospital or private practice
Failure to have an updated Notice of Privacy Practices by September 23, 2013 could result in fines and penalties
The federal act mandates disclosure of physician ownership and investments in healthcare manufacturers and group purchasing organizations
Physicians’ business associates can now face civil, criminal penalties for violating HIPAA confidentiality laws
A controlled substance agreement can help a physician communicate expectations for their pain medication treatment plan, and guidelines for safe usage by their patients
Direct communication and a concern for the patient’s welfare should guide the process of terminating a physician-patient relationship
How to avoid restrictive employment agreements that prevent moonlighting, volunteering or appearing as an expert witness outside your clinical practice work