Articles and Webinars

On May 21, 2020, Hall Render published “Providers Beware: Avoiding the Pitfalls in Regulatory Flexibilities and Relief Funds,” which discusses the risks associated with pandemic related regulatory changes, as well as the acceptance of COVID-19 relief funds. On May 26, 2020, the Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) published “OIG Strategic Plan: Oversight of COVID-19 Response... READ MORE

In just a few months, CMS is going to introduce significant changes to office or other outpatient visit coding guidelines. With a historic provision in the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, CMS will attempt to address the administrative burden placed on providers and prioritize patients over paperwork. When it comes to documentation... READ MORE

CMS issued a memo update announcing additional blanket waivers for providers, including hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. This memo includes several service enhancements and waivers for hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (“SNFs”). CMS issued the hospital and SNF waivers to address potential skilled nursing bed... READ MORE

Unlocking real estate value and protecting one’s balance sheet are objectives hospitals and health systems have pursued for decades. The Non-Profit Real Estate Foundation (“NPF”) ownership structure is a compelling solution to unlock real estate value, significantly lower occupancy costs, provide many of the benefits of ownership, create alignment with a nonprofit owner and... READ MORE

Over the past several months, the federal government has issued copious amounts of new regulations, provided waivers to longstanding laws and made large sums of money available to health care entities. OIG published the “OIG Strategic Plan: Oversight of COVID-19 Response and Recovery” on May 26, 2020 to transparently let the health care industry... READ MORE

CMS issued explanatory guidance in reference to blanket waivers of the sanctions under 1877(g) of the Social Security Act. The guidance answered lingering questions about rental compensation arrangements that would allow for repayment to occur beyond the end of the term of the emergency waivers, such as emergency rent abatement arrangements. The explanatory guidance... READ MORE

Many businesses have become increasingly dependent on video-teleconferencing (“VTC”) platforms (such as Zoom) in order to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, this technology is susceptible to hacking attempts and cybersecurity attacks. The FBI has noted an increase in reports of virtual hijacking through VTC platforms (referred to as “Zoom-bombing” even when attacks... READ MORE

On April 6, 2020, HHS Office of Inspector General issued a report summarizing OIG’s interviews with hospital administrators across the country on COVID-19. The interviews focused on three key issues facing hospitals during the current crisis, including: 1) challenges responding to the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) strategies to mitigate the challenges; and 3) needs for... READ MORE

Destructive and disruptive cyberattacks are on the rise as threat actors try to profit off of the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes not only cybercriminals but also nation-state actors seeking disruption of COVID-19 response efforts. Hackers are also delivering targeted malware attacks, stealing confidential information and gaining access to information systems. Read more about cybersecurity... READ MORE

Mergers and acquisitions in the health care industry present unique challenges, especially when it relates to managing information technology, as information technology is utilized in all areas of health care business and clinical operations. IT leaders should establish a programmatic approach to M&A planning to build an integration program that addresses the three primary... READ MORE