Alerts
RED FLAG RULE New Deadline: June 2010
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The May 1st deadline has been extended to June, 2010!
for physician practices to become compliant.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted to again delay implementation of the Red Flags Rule until June, 2010.
The Florida Medical Association (FMA) is committed to helping physicians practice medicine in an increasingly complicated health care environment. As of June, 2010, all medical practices should be compliant with the FTC “Red Flags Rule.” In response, the FMA has developed resources to help physician practices make a thorough and effective transition.
To ensure your practice is in full compliance, review the FMA’s Red Flags Rule Frequently Asked Questions and Checklist.
Those who do not have adequate policies and procedures may face a penalty of
up to $2,500 per “knowing violation.”
Please visit these websites for additional resources:
American Medical Association (AMA) Practice Management Center
Offers in-depth guidance in making the transition, including a sample policy.
26 Illustrated Examples of Red Flags or Warnings of Possible Identity Theft
Descriptions of suspicious types of identification or financial activities.
FPIC Insurance Group, Inc. Red Flags Rule Compliance Measures
Includes sample written policies and procedures and a sample letter in the event of a compromised Social Security Number.
If you have further questions regarding the FTC's Red Flags Rule, please contact the FMA Office of the General Counsel by calling (800)762-0233.
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SWINE FLU ALERT
PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT
The State of Florida has declared a Flu Emergency
For up to date information on Swine Flu in Florida call Hotline: 800-342-3557 (Eng & Span)
PILOT PROJECT for LSMS Members only!
1. Lake Sumter Community College and the University of West Florida have collaborated to produce a “distance learning” pilot program designed to help physicians and practice managers assess, select and implement an EHR. Discussion will include evaluating your needs, comparing the different products, and analyzing advantages/ obstacles. There are just 5 SEATS available to Lake-Sumter Medical Society, 2 for physicians and 3 for practice managers. The bonus is that this learning opportunity is FREE. The course will entail 2 hours of lecture (self-paced), a book chapter and several resources. CEU’s and CME’s will be available. Please contact the LSMS at frontdesk@lakesumter.org to reserve a seat and visit http://uwf.edu/sahls/alliance/ehr.cfm to view a syllabus of the program.
SCAM ALERT! SCAM ALERT! SCAM ALERT!
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has become aware of a scam where perpetrators are sending faxes to physician offices posing as the Medicare carrier or Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). The fax instructs physician staff to respond to a questionnaire to provide an account information update within 48 hours in order to prevent a gap in Medicare payments. The fax may have the CMS logo and/or the contractor logo to enhance the appearance of authenticity.
Medicare FFS providers, including physicians, non-physician practitioners, should be wary of this type of request. If you receive a request for information in the manner described above, please check with your contractor before submitting any information. Medicare providers should only send information to a Medicare contractor using the address found in the download section of the CMS.gov website found athttp://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNGenInfo/orhttp://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll .
