If you have explored the FootZine web site, you may be aware that there is a FootZine Archive directory, which provides access to all previous issues of FootZine.  There is a new search feature on that page, which allows readers to seek out previous issues and topics by entering a key word or phrase.  As the FootZine history grows, it may be helpful to be able to find all the references to any given subject.

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The main thing that used to bother some people about mid-April was tax-time, but now mid-April means.......HIPAA Deadline!   See the FootZine Feeture Article below for one important HIPAA element that must be ready by then.

 ~ Gayle

From:  John Bergmann, DPM
re:      New York Clinical Conference

Gayle:

Don't forget the New York Meeting in January. Second biggest meeting in podiatry.

John

*_*  (See below  -  as found on the NYSPMA web site.  ~  Gayle) *_*

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From:  Deb, PMA
re:      Certification

Gayle,

I have been a Podiatric Assistant for 6 years.  I'm not certified, but have been contemplating it for the last year.  I know I need to become a member of the ASPMA; are the dues still $65.00 annually?

Also, when taking the certification exam, is it given anywhere in Wisconsin?  Why doesn't the certification last for longer than 1 year?  Say maybe every other year, or every 5 years?
I know the ASPMA would like for us to stay on top of all the latest techniques, etc., but what about independent study with maybe a correspondence course?
Looking forward to hearing from you-

Deb, PMA
maadpm@g2a.net

*_*  Editor's Note  *_*

Deb,

Thanks for writing. You have many valid questions, and I do know that as of August 2002 the new member dues were $79.00, and renewals $69.00, as shown on the ASPMA web site.   Beyond that, I think that the answers to your other questions are best left to ASPMA's Board of Directors.

It is very possible that other FootZine subscribers may have similar questions, so perhaps information or opinions will be sent via FootZine in order for others to also see the responses.

 ~ Gayle

Jan.31 - Feb. 1, 2003    New York Clinical Conference
New York Marriott Marquis   Go to http://www.nyspma.org/pdf/FINALSCOMPSREG.pdf
 for information (see PDF page 11)

and as provided by Lynn Homisak, PRT:

February 28-March 2, 2003  American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management 
Midwinter Practice Management Workshop and Coding Seminar   
CME Credits: 6
Wyndham Pittsburgh Airport Hotel (800-328-9297 or 412-788-8800 x6663)
Contact AAPPM at 978-686-6185; email  Info@aappm.com  or visit  www.aappm.com


May 2-4, 2003   American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management partnering with the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Assistants Association
CME credits: 5 for DPMs, 15 for PMACs
Spring Practice Management Workshop and Coding Seminar - The Ultimate Staff Meeting:   
 Doctors and assistants learning together and from one another
Marriott Courtyard Downtown Philadelphia (215-496-3200)
Contact AAPPM at 978-686-6185; email  Info@aappm.com  or visit  www.aappm.com


The FootZine Calendar is posted on http://www.footzine.com/FZ_4.htm

In past articles we discussed HIPAA and its shades of gray.  In this article I will talk about a very clear-cut piece of HIPAA that will affect all practices on a daily basis.

Beginning April 14, 2003, you must provide a Notice of Privacy Practices to all new patients and to all existing patients on their next visit after April 14, 2003.

The HIPAA regulation requires you to have a Notice of Privacy Practices written specifically for your practice.

The HIPAA regulation requires that you post the Notice of Privacy Practices prominently in the patient waiting area and on your website, if you have one.

The HIPAA regulation requires you to provide a copy of your Notice of Privacy Practices to your patients, both new and old.

The HIPAA regulation requires you to have the patients sign a Patient Acknowledgment form for receipt of the Notice of Privacy Practices.  If the patient does not wish to sign the form then your staff must make a notation of that in the patient’s chart.  These Patient Acknowledgement forms must be kept on file for six years.

The first part of HIPAA went into effect in October of 2002 and pertained to the electronic billing.  This had very little effect on day-to-day operations.  This was more a matter for the software companies and the clearinghouses.  All the practice had to do was get a written compliance letter from their software company or file for an extension.

The Notice of Privacy Practices, however, will affect your daily workflow by causing a bit more clerical work.  What you need to watch out for is that failure to comply with this is a punishable offense under HIPAA.  Does anybody remember when HHS said that they are not going to do random audits of practices but rather enforcement will be complaint driven?  Well here it is, the first chance to generate complaints against a practice.  The Notice of Privacy Practices requires as one of its components the address for HHS, so that patients can file complaints.  Just think what kind of havoc this could cause: a patient who has a problem with your practice now has an instrument with which to inflict misery upon you.  When HHS gets a complaint, that now opens the door for them to come and take a look at your practice and check for your HIPAA compliance manual, your Policy and Procedures manual and any other possible HIPAA violations.  With over 3000 newly hired investigative agents in HHS, it would be prudent for every practice to make sure that they have their HIPAA compliance well under way.

By: Raymond F. Posa, MBA
Technology Advisor to the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management
President, R. Francis Associates

Any questions or comments can be addressed to Mr. Posa by E-mail: Rposa@Rfrancis.com
You can review previous installments from Mr. Posa at http://www.footzine.com/FZ_5.htm


* A thought heard today: "If you don't take good care of yourself, where will you live??" *

To maintain sanity within our offices we must all be well-prepared to deal with constant change due to today’s healthcare environment.  When speaking with assistants throughout the country, we have frequently heard that there is little consistency in their offices, and the doctor is always changing how they do things in the office.  The assistants complain that the constant change is difficult to deal with and causes frustration and friction between the staff and doctor.

The most successful practices in our profession understand that if you don’t grow, you shrink.  This means that to combat decreased reimbursement and increased administrative workload, you must constantly change in response to the transformation that occurs daily with insurance companies, government regulations such as HIPAA, the need to decrease expenses and, at times, increase volume within our practices.  It will help to take a step back and look at the entire picture.  And you will see that change is not just necessary, but critical to your success and happiness!


Previous "Gems" can be found on their own pages of the FootZine.com web site, at
http://www.footzine.com/FZ_90.htm

As a reminder, the FootZine.com "Links" page can send you to the CMS HIPAA web site, as well as to NJHIPAA and  to APMA's web site.  We need all the resources we can find as we try to meet the requirements on time.  Have a look at http://www.footzine.com/FZ_3.htm

There always seems to be more to do than there is time to do it...........but if you get a chance, I hope you'll write!  

  ~ Gayle

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