The Department of Health and Human Services has issued a News Release describing how the Affordable Care Act Grants are working to help contain health insurance premium hikes. The Affordable Care Act earmarked $250,000,000 in health insurance rate review grants. This money is being awarded to states to allow them to do a variety of things to
2011
President Obama Signs America Invents Act into Law on Sept. 16, 2011
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Intellectual Property
Contributed by Lee Kim, Esq.
+1.412.594.3915
lkim@tuckerlaw.com
The America Invents Act has been signed into law by President Barack Obama today (September 16, 2011). The effective date for many provisions is September 16, 2012. Some provisions are effective immediately and still others are effective 10 days after the date of enactment.
The America Invents…
The America Invents Act
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Intellectual Property
Contributed by Lee Kim, Esq.
+1.412.594.3915
lkim@tuckerlaw.com
The America Invents Act was recently passed by Congress and it is expected that President Obama will sign this legislation into law when it is presented to him. Historically, the United States considers the first-to-invent as the person with rights to the invention. However, this Act is…
Attorneys’ Fees Awarded in Failed Peer Review Dispute Pursuant to State Law
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Credentialing and Peer Review
In Crow v. Penrose-St. Francis Healthcare System, a Colorado Appeals Court awarded attorneys’ fees to a hospital that successfully defended the claim by a physician seeking damages for breach of contract and torte claims.
The Colorado Rules of Civil Procedures authorized an award of attorneys’ fees when a trial court dismissed an action under…
United States Patent and Trademark Office Awards Patent Number 8,000,000
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Intellectual Property
US Patent No. 8,000,000 Awarded to Second Sight Medical Products for a “Visual Prosthesis Apparatus” that Enhances Visual Perception for the Sight Impaired
On September 8, 2011, the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") will host a ceremonial signing Thursday for US Patent No. 8,000,000 entitled "Visual Prosthesis Apparatus" which enhances visual perception…
Fifth Circuit Clarifies Qui Tam Public Disclosure Bar
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Fraud - Stark
The Qui Tam process is designed to encourage and Whistleblowers or “relaters” to disclose illegal billing arrangements by paying a percentage of any recovery to the relaters for providing “confidential” information. The theory is that these individuals will be providing information with would not otherwise become available. A corollary to this theory is that relaters cannot…
U.S. Physician Practices Spend Four Times As Much As Payer Administrative Money As Canadian Counterparts
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Medicare & Reimbursement
A commonwealth fund supported studies reported some key findings:
1. Physician practices in the United States spent $82,975.00 per physician per year interacting with payers compared with $22,205.00 in Canada.
· If U.S. physicians had similar administrative costs to their Canadian counterparts, the total annual savings would be $27.6 billion dollars.
· U.S.
US DC of Massachusetts Orders Production of Performance Evaluations to Medical Resident
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Credentialing and Peer Review
In Gargiulo v. Baystate Health, Inc., Dr. Debra Gargiulo alleged that she was discriminated against on the basis of her age and disability by Baystate Health in violation of both federal and state law. As part of her claim, the plaintiff sought production of numerous documents relating to her records, evaluations and reports, as well…
Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program FAQs
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in HIPAA, HIT, and EHR
CMS has recently updated its EHR frequently asked questions about the federal incentive program for the meaningful use of electronic health records. The most recent update pertains to guidance for critical access hospitals. The FAQ also discusses how eligible professionals and hospitals apply for incentives under the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive program.
More information is available
2011 Medicare Physician Guide
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Medicare & Reimbursement
CMS has published a revised Medicare Physician’s Guide.
http://www.cms.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/MedicarePhysicianGuide_ICN005933.pdf