New Security Risk - PLEASE READ

The tech wires are buzzing today with news of the "Bash Bug" - a serious security flaw with wide ranging effects and implications.  This new security flaw may allow hackers to access everything from Servers down to internet connected appliances such as disital cameras.  What makes this even more serious is that it can affect most operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and even Unix and Linux systems.

What you should do:

This security flaw has only just been discovered.  Many software vendors use the BASH code within their systems, and if you use software that hasn't been patched, you may be affected.  Fixing it will require software vendors repair their systems, and you will need to install the software update to secure your systems.

We strongly recommend that you contact all software vendors and hosting companies and ask A) Is their software/systems vulnerable to the BASH Bug and B) If yes, when do they anticipate them to be patched.

Be sure to document all conversations, and to stay on top of this issue until you are certain that all patchws have been supplied to you and applied to your systems.




Contact Systematix today to learn more about how our HIPAA-STAT program can help protect your practice

Meaningful Use Audits going back to 2011

We have been getting information from our clients and prospects that CMA is auditing for Meaningful Use not just from the current reporting period, but are going back as far as 2011.

Even if you have applied for and received incentive payments, it dies not mean that you are safe from audits.  You can be audited for previous reporting periods even if you were not audited at the time you received payment.  Also, if you are audited for a recent reporting period, it is very likely that you will be subject to audits for earlier periods, even if you pass the current audit.

The best strategy is to be prepared, and have all of your documentation organized and ready, including, of course, your Risk Analysis for Core Measure 15.

Can your practice pass a CMS Audit?  Can your colleagues?


If not, please contact Systematix Consulting  today to learn more about our affordable and effective
HIPAA-STAT system.

Definitive Information on Meaningful Use Audits

This is a very interesting article regarding CMS audits.  Basically, between 5% and 10% of all  physicians applying for Meaningful Use will be audited prior to receiving their incentive payments, and a similar number will be audited after receiving their incentive payment.

This translates to between 10% and 20%   of all physicians applying for Meaningful Use payments will be audited.  As we have said, those who did not meet Core Measure 15 by conducting a Risk Analysis will most likely fail their audits and not receive (or will be forced to return) their incentive payments.

It is a worthwhile read, but you may have to register prior to veiwing the article:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/782181


Can your practice pass a CMS Audit?  Can your colleagues?


If not, please contact Systematix Consulting  today to learn more about our affordable and effective
HIPAA-STAT system.

Russian Hackers steal over 1 Billion Passwords

• Now would be a good time to update and change all of your office and internet passwords.  While it is suspected that these hackers will not utilize these passwords directly, it is expected that they will re-sell them on the Black Market.

Read all about it HERE:

Contact Systematix today to learn more about how our HIPAA-STAT program can help protect your practice

Notice of Privacy Practices

Your Notice of Privacy Practices, which must be given to every patient, also has to be made accessible in other ways.

1 - It should be displayed in your waiting room

2 - If you have a web site, it should also be available there

For more information, please see HERE

Don'r have a current Notice of Privacy Practices?  Contact Systematix Consulting and ask about our HIPAA-STAT program

Practice Fined $800,000.00 for Privacy Violations

Many practices are still living in denial (or blissful ignorance) when it comes to safeguarding patient privacy.

The government is getting serious about patient privacy and security, and you should be as well.  As a case in point, a practice was recently fined $800,000.00 for improper disposal of patient records.

Read more about it HERE:

The sad fact is that this could have been easily avoided if only the practice staff was properly trained in Privacy and Security rules.

HIPAA guidelines for practices shouldn't be difficult to understand or implement.  A small investment in staff training and policy implementation could save yiur practice from a similarly devastating fine.


Contact Systematix today to learn more about how our HIPAA-STAT program can help protect your practice

HIPAA Fines Explained

It's often challenging to explain to practices just how devastating the fines for violating the HIPAA Laws can be.  This is due to, largely, the complicated nature of the law, and the variations in fines and penalties.

Since, as the old saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words", I'd like to share this link with you.  This 'infographic' presents an overview of the HIPAA laws and penalties in a clear and concise fashion.

I trust that you will find it both interesting and informative:    HIPAA Infographic

http://blog.inspiredelearning.com/free-infographic-the-high-cost-hipaa-violations/


Have you already taken the steps towards protecting your practice from HIPAA fines?  Have all of your colleagues?  If not. I urge you (or urge you to urge them!) to contact Systematix Consulting today to learn about out HIPAA-STAT system - the easy and cost effective pathway to HIPAA compliance and meeting the requirements of Meaningful Use Core Measure 15