On January 25, 2008 CMS published a proposed rule which clarifies and expands the current enrollment requirements that durable medical equipment and prosthetics, orthotics and supplies ("DMEPOS") suppliers must meet to establish and continue to have billing privileges in the Medicare Program. These provisions may affect the ability of physical therapists to provide DMEPOS to their
Michael Cassidy
SS cards and ICE enforcement
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Legal News
The attached is a bulletin directing employers to be aware of possible I-9 violations and the fraudulent use of social security cards. Your company clients may have an interest in this info.
www.medlawblog.com/ICE update(2).pdfLisa M. Ventresca
CMS Posts Stark FAQs
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Fraud - Stark
CMS recently modified its website to include a new page called Frequently Asked Questions and just added twelve questions and responses under the Physician Self-Referral page. Access the FAQs. at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PhysicianSelfReferral/05a_FAQs.asp#TopOfPage.
Peer Review: Closed Staff, Medical Staff Bylaws as Contracts, and Exclusive Contracts Are Issues In Ohio Case
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Credentialing and Peer Review
Levy v. Clinton Memorial Hospital, a recent Ohio state court case, confirms the longstanding concept that hospitals may close medical staffs or departments for quality of care reasons, but also reaches the absurd legal conclusion that medical staff bylaws do not constitute contracts and that clinical privileges are equipment specific.
FACTS
Clinton Memorial Hospital…
USCIS Announces Centralized Filing Location For Certain H-1B Cap Exempt Petitioners
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Legal News
Good Summary of NPI from CMS
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Compliance
The NPI is here. The NPI is now. Are you using it?
Industry-Wide Enforcement of the NPI Compliance Date
The compliance date for the NPI for all HIPAA covered entities except small health plans was May 23, 2007. (Small health plans have until May 23, 2008 to comply.) In guidance provided on April 2, 2007, …
New I-9 Immigration Forms: 12/26/07
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Legal News
For the first time in 16 years, the Federal Government has changed
the I-9 Immigration Form.
It has now been released and ALL employers, regardless of size are
required to fill one out for each new employee. Only this amended
version of the Form I-9 will be accepted as valid after December 26,
2007.…
Physician Contract Issues
By Michael Cassidy on
PHYSICIAN CONTRACTS & ISSUES
INTRODUCTION
The structure, purpose and terms of every physician contract are different. The content and style vary with the institutional or private practice nature of the employer and the needs and leverage of the physician. Following is a list identifying major issues or components.
I. COMPENSATION
1. Base Compensation.
A. Fair market value…
Peer Review Litigation Requires Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Credentialing and Peer Review
EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES CONFIRMED AGAIN
A Colorado Federal District Court has confirmed the applicability of the doctrine of exhaustion administrative remedies regarding credentialing disputes. In Catholic Health Initiatives, Colorado v. Gross, Dr. Gross terminated the hospital peer review process by resigning during the early stages of an investigation. The facts of the case indicate that…
Health Savings Account (HSA) Limits for 2008
By Michael Cassidy on
Posted in Uncategorized
HSA limits for 2008 are as follows:
Annual Contribution Limits: The maximum HSA contribution is $2,900 for individual coverage and $5,800 for family coverage.
High Deductible Health Plan Limits:
· Deductible: The minimum deductible for HSA-qualified high deductible health plans is $1,100 for individual coverage and $2,200 …