Practice Help

It’s no fun, but you have to do it: a HIPAA security risk assessment.

And if you participate in the Medicare Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), conducting or updating a risk assessment is a requirement in the Promoting Interoperability category. In order to meet the 2019 performance year requirements, you must complete your security risk assessment by Dec. 31. This is not an optional measure. 

Beginning March 1, all prescribers must set up an account with the Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), known as PMP Aware, and check the PMP prior to prescribing opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or carisoprodol. An account allows physicians to check a patient’s prescription history for information that indicates illicit activity, drug abuse, drug diversion, or doctor shopping.

Traditional referrals are likely the main way you attract new patients. But in our technology-driven world, that shouldn’t be the only way.

Physicians spend many years in medical school, and marketing probably wasn’t a part of the curriculum. However, there’s a good chance your next potential patient will be looking for a physician with a search engine or on Facebook. So what’s a savvy practice to do? 

Telemedicine use has grown considerably in the past few years, helped in part by TMA-backed legislation that established a framework for telemedicine in Texas and established coverage requirements. But whether you’re currently using telemedicine or are interested in incorporating it into your practice, you’ve probably got a few questions. TMA has answers.

As you’re no doubt aware, communicating effectively with your patients is key to providing the best health care possible. After all, you can’t get to the root of a patient’s health problem if you and the patient don’t interact openly and honestly.
The same can be said for the health of your practice. Do your staff’s communication skills support patient treatment, your reputation, and the livelihood of your business?

Federal anti-kickback law has changed, and it’s gotten broader.

As a result, you may need to re-examine your practice’s compensation arrangements. That includes payments for laboratory referrals.

In a medical practice, physicians, administrators, managers, and other staff may all be responsible for maintaining compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. The Texas Medical Association offers several resources, tools, and even discounts on compliance services to help keep your practice compliant.