Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/643923
$ A S YOU KNOW, it is important to have an annual checkup, for your health, and the health of your practice. Please be seated. You do not have to disrobe. Now, let's begin with a review of systems, where we ask you to consider the status of ten important aspects of your practice. This exam will not be painful, but some doctors have reported side-eŸects, including headache. 1. Let's talk HIPAA. We all know the importance of maintaining confidentiality in regard to the protected health information of your patients, but you've read about the data breaches. Did you know that the O«ce of Civil Rights (OCR), tasked with enforcement of the HIPAA regulations, requires you to perform a security risk analysis? Did you know OCR is doing random audits of providers, including solo practitioners and group practices? 2. Tell me about your electronic medical record. Have you received meaningful use dollars? Can you survive an audit and not have to re-pay those dollars? 3. Are you experiencing stress because you have waited too long to snag those CMEs? Plan now — don't wait until the last minute. 4. How about those denied claims? Have you reviewed the causes and put into place the necessary remedies? Do you think you have a good chance on appeal? Better call for a consult. 5. Open wide. Let me look at your insurance and provider reimbursement agreements. Are they current? Describe the rates. Is there anything we could be doing here to negotiate for better reimbursement? 6. Do you have any symptoms of an unhappy work force, among your employees or independent contractors? Job descriptions current? Benefits in place? About that employee manual, is it current? 7. Rela x. We just want to review your ma lpractice coverage. Adequate? Current? It is time to do some shopping a nd cost compa risons? 8. Inha le deeply. Tell me about any employment agreements you may have. A re they current a nd sig ned? Is it time for discussion about renewal, or do they renew automatically? Compensation? Exha le. 9. Plea se close your eyes. Spea k slowly a nd describe the documents in your cor porate folder. Thin k about the status of space a nd equipment lea ses, Medica re pro- vider information, vendor a g reements, your f ina ncia l relationships with pha rmaceutica l compa nies or device compa n ies t hat shou ld be repor t ed u nder t he "su n- shine" law, your billing compa ny, a nd your accounta nt. A ny thing else? 10. Most impor ta ntly, describe your ba la nce. The ba la nce in your professiona l and persona l lives. Your spouse, your children — a re you spending time with them? W hen did you last send f lowers or a surprise to your spouse? A re you eating well, getting enough rest, a nd exercising ? Is your estate pla n in place? How about your living will a nd durable power of attorney for hea lthca re? There. Now that didn't rea lly hur t a ll that much. But this check list touches on a spects of your practice that need reg ula r attention. Doing so usua lly results in a reduction of stress, improved productivit y, a nd in ma ny insta nces improved revenue, a nd cost avoida nce. One la st question: W hen is the la st time you saw your doctor for a checkup? David Schweighoefer is a Par tner in the Health Care Practice G roup of Brouse McDowell in Akron . ■ BY DAVID E. SCHWEIGHOEFER, ESQ. IT'S TIME FOR YOUR ANNUAL CHECK UP… DOCTOR? 2 6