Search Results for: medicare suspension

Operating a Medical Practice in Texas during the COVID-19 Pandemic

(March 30, 2020): The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and has resulted in President Trump declaring a National Emergency[1] and Secretary Alex Azar, of the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to declare a public health emergency[2] for the nation. The effects of this pandemic have been felt across the country, and understandably, numerous […]

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Small Business Administration Releases Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program for COVID-19

(March 26, 2020): The Small Business Administration (“SBA”) announced an Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program on March 25, 2020.[1] The Express Bridge Loans are available to businesses, including health care providers, to provide economic relief for businesses impacted by the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) while they await long-term disaster financing.[2] I. Background: The Express Bridge Loan

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COVID-19 Outbreak Update – Two Recent Updates From CMS Affecting Relief From Quality Reporting Requirements, And New Targeted Plan For Healthcare Facility Inspections Including Provider-Self Assessment Tool For Infection Control

(March 25, 2020): As our clients and all members of the health care community are acutely aware, the challenges raised by the Coronavirus / COVID-19 outbreak are critical and widespread. Because of these challenges, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other principal operating components of the United States Department of Health and

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COVID-19 SBA Loan Support May be Available for Qualified Health Care Providers

(March 25, 2020): The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers loans to small businesses through community lenders. The SBA acts as guarantor for these loans. In addition to the traditional lending, the SBA is also authorized to offer disaster assistance to businesses, renters, and homeowners who are located in regions with “declared disasters.”[1] Small businesses impacted

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Providers Should Ensure That They Are Fully Aware of All of the Collateral Consequences that May Occur When Settling with the Government

(December 2, 2019): Over the past several years, several clients have come to our Firm who have resolved disputes through such mechanisms as settlement agreements, criminal pleas, or consent orders, either because they specified minimal penalties or because they did not include any time in incarceration. Later they discover that agreeing to these resolutions has

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An Overview of Administrative Rheumatology Audits / Adverse Actions AND Civil / Criminal Enforcement Actions

(May 20, 2018): It’s been a rough week for at least one Texas rheumatologist. Last Monday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced the indictment of a South Texas rheumatologist for multiple counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The magnitude of the alleged

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Sexual Harassment: Cases Against Texas Physicians in 2017

(January 26, 2018): From Churches to Congress, sexual harassment and assault charges have plagued many of the institutions that our society holds dear. As revelations of sexual misconduct continue to surface, we continue to learn of the many abuses of those in powerful positions; those whom we once revered. The rise of the #MeToo Movement

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Veterans Administration and CMS Announce Partnership to Address Fraud Prevention

(January 25, 2018): On January 23rd, the Veteran Administration (VA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a “partnership to strengthen prevention of fraud, waste and abuse.” According to the press release, under this partnership: “VA plans to capitalize on the advancement in analytics CMS has made by concentrating on its use

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UPIC / ZPIC Referrals to State Boards, Societies, Surveyors and QIOs

(November 29, 2017): The Medicare and Medicaid programs are managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS has engaged Unified Program Integrity Contractors (UPICs) and Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs), among others, to provide program integrity support. In the course of their duties, UPICs and ZPICs may initiate a prepayment review, postpayment

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