From the Desk of Matt Fisher – ICYMI

By Matt Fisher, Esq
Twitter: @matt_r_fisher
Host of Healthcare de Jure – #HCdeJure

Tune in weekdays at 2pm, 10pm or 6am ET as Matt serves up the hottest healthcare issues of the day, all from a legal point of view.  From public policies and Federal initiatives to privacy and security, join host Matt R. Fisher as he and his guests discuss a smorgasbord of topics, giving hospitals, physicians, vendors and patients a seat at the table. Matt’s virtual conversations can be listened to on demand or heard on air. So don’t miss a minute of what’s on the menu.

ICYMI, read the latest of Matt’s blogs. And don’t forget to join the conversation with Matt on #HCdeJure.

Data at Risk: Exposure from Breaches
The threat and occurrence of data breaches receive frequent attention in the healthcare industry. It often feels as though a new breach (or more) is reported on an almost daily basis. The significant rise in breaches also corresponds with the rise of electronic information from many sources. The general sense is being reinforced by studies and reviews as well. Continue reading on HITECH Answers.

HIPAA as Facilitator
The excuses for health information not freely flowing are numerous, but very often come back to alleged privacy concerns under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and its associated regulations, or “HIPAA” as it is more often referred to. The excuses often fall back on a position that HIPAA requires all patient-related information to be fully locked down and maintained in “airtight” systems that can only be opened with permissions. While that is the perceived standard, actual systems do not really reflect this position. Despite the likely reality, the privacy concerns are raised between providers, by providers to patients, between vendors and any number of combinations among those groups. Continue reading on HITECH Answers.

Value-Based Care Conundrum: Overpromised Solution or Real Change
The path to value-based care in healthcare is becoming murky. After a few years of heightened promise and hope, the current and near future reality is not necessarily so promising. Results from innovation programs such as accountable care organizations, bundled payments, and other ideas have not been as rosy as expected while bringing a number of attendant challenges. Those troubles are underscored by the findings from a recent survey conducted by Quest Diagnostics. In fact, the results are called “Stalled Progress on the Path to Value-Based Care,” which puts out the uncertain state without shying away from the perceived truth. Continue reading on HITECH Answers.

Listen in on one of Matt’s Healthcare de Jure episodes.