Physician practices scramble to comply with new privacy reg
May 7, 2010
Physicians in many small practices are still struggling to comply with Massachusetts’ sweeping new data privacy regulation that went into effect on March 1 – and many doctors aren’t even aware of the changes. Read more
Few sure things for doctors in health care reform plan
February 26, 2010
For physicians, Scott P. Brown’s surprise election to the U.S. Senate on Jan. 19 was a reminder: You can’t count on anything in health care.
“I think overall, health care reform is in a really dicey position right now,” said Kevin Pho, a Nashua, N.H., primary care physician who blogs about health care policy at KevinMD.com. “The components of it are changing on a daily basis.” Read more
Health providers facing stiff HIPAA regulations
January 13, 2010
In the coming months, health care providers and contractors to the health industry can expect broader HIPAA coverage, beefed-up enforcement and stiffer civil penalties for violations. Read more
Physician licensure targeted
January 13, 2010
Doctors and health care attorneys are up in arms over a bill pending in the state legislature that would tie physician licensure to participation in a proposed affordable medical plan for small businesses.
They contend that such a change could drive doctors into bankruptcy while exacerbating the already dramatic shortages of Massachusetts physicians in critical specialties. Read more
Social networking 101 for physicians
October 19, 2009
The usefulness of online social networking is undeniable and it’s no surprise that physicians are embracing it.
But lawyers and other experts warn that these tools present a minefield of legal and professional hazards for medical professionals who don’t take the utmost care in how, what and where they post. Read more
Doctor’s View: Aging drivers and public safety: The physician’s role
October 13, 2009
Following several widely reported incidents in which older drivers caused auto accidents, including one that resulted in the death of a 4-year-old, the elderly driver is increasingly seen as a major public safety concern. Read more
Hospitals: Obama likes Mass. health plan
June 25, 2009
With President Barack Obama adopting the same buzzwords as hospital advocates who support Massachusetts’s landmark health insurance access program, those advocates are convinced that his vision for health care mirrors their own. Read more
Electronic health records surge despite barriers
June 24, 2009
By Kimberly Ashton
Although Massachusetts has a head start on the national effort to digitize medical records, much work remains to be done before the state can meet President Barack Obama’s goal of having all health documents computerized by 2015. Read more
Doctor’s View: The public health problem of domestic violence
April 14, 2009
It was another first for the state. Last June, Governor Patrick signed a violence intervention bill making Massachusetts the first state to require health care providers to refer victims of violence to a variety of social services.
The impetus behind the action was clear: the soaring number of deaths from domestic violence. Murders of domestic partners in the Commonwealth were nearly three times higher in 2007 than in 2005, reaching 42 in 2007, with an additional 13 suicides. In 2008, 25 homicides occurred, with 10 suicides.
Tips for avoiding communication problems in the hospital
March 30, 2009
As hospital staffs become more diverse, cross-cultural and cross-gender communication snafus are common, according to Janet H. Moore, a trainer and executive coach based in Houston. Read more
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