Archive - September 2019

For the first time, a study has shown that exercise has a direct biological effect on breast tumor gene expression, providing potential insight into previously reported links between exercise and lower mortality risk in breast cancer survivors who exercise compared to those who do not. Previous to this research, they did not have direct evidence that exercise had an effect on mortality risk. This is the first study that shows that exercise can cause changes in a tumor in people.  The study

CBD recommendations hope to provide some clarity for using the cannabis-derived ingredient, despite a lack of scientific evidence proving that it works to treat pain. CBD use has become popular over the past few years. It can be found in creams, pills, tinctures, among other products. However, there has been no guidance on how to use CBD safely.  That is why the Arthritis Foundation recently released guidelines for people who want to try CBD. Their guidelines are the first from any

Although CMS has not made any recent changes to the current proof of delivery (POD) documentation requirements and guidelines for Medicare, it is recommended as best practice to evaluate the procedures you have in place for meeting the Medicare requirements for proof of delivery and ensuring you have the documentation available in the beneficiary files to support and ensure Medicare compliance for payment purposes.   Suppliers must maintain proof of delivery documentation in their

Facing an unexpected disaster, whether it be a hurricane, fire, earthquake or even terrorist activity is daunting for any business. And those in the healthcare industry have even more to worry about than their facilities and equipment. If you aren’t ready for it, an emergency can cost a healthcare-based business more than just money or assets. It can cost your patients their lives. This represents an enormous risk and responsibility that can bring your business to its knees even after the

New research shows that while rarer, breast cancer is much more deadly in men than women, and researchers don't know why. The American Medical Association analyzed nearly 1.9 million patients with breast cancer. They found that even if men were diagnosed at the same stage as women, their survival rate was significantly lower. For men, the three-year survival rate was 86.4% compared with an average of 91.7% for women. More research still needs to be done on how to treat male breast cancer and

Advocates for breastfeeding say Alabama employers should do a better job of allowing breastfeeding at work. There are at least 29 states that have laws protecting breastfeeding and pumping at work, but Alabama is not one of them. The state has the third-lowest breastfeeding rate in the nation, according to the CDC. Mothers in Alabama tend to quit breastfeeding sooner than elsewhere in the United States. This is happening due to a lack of knowledge and support from their employers. Read the

The federal anti-kickback statute (“AKS”) prohibits a supplier from paying any money to a person or entity in exchange for (i) the referral of a federal health care program (“FHCP”) patient, (ii) arranging for the referral of an FHCP patient, or (iii) recommending the purchase or lease of a product covered by an FHCP. There is an “employee” exception and an “employee” safe harbor to the AKS that state that, if certain conditions are met, then the supplier

Georgia Bulldog fans showed support over the weekend for their opponent's coach, Blake Anderson, football coach for Arkansas State. Anderson's wife, Wendy, passed away from breast cancer last month after a two-year battle. After taking a leave of absence after his wife died, Anderson came back to coaching last week. The Bulldog crowd hosted a 'pink out' to honor Wendy at their game on Saturday. A Bulldogs Fighting Breast Cancer Twitter account started the movement and posted

Before Breast Cancer Awareness month officially starts, double-check to make sure you and your staff are registered for Focus Conference. Registration is just $225 through October 31.  Why should you attend? Focus Conference is the leading continuing education and networking conference in the women's healthcare industry. Both scientific and business CEUs through ABC and BOC will be offered. Here are a few highlights: Keynote speaker Regina Hampton will be presenting on breast cancer updates

While you’re taking care of your clients, who’s tending to your company’s human resources (HR) compliance? Taking the necessary steps to ensure your business is HR compliant might seem like a no-brainer, but with all of the responsibilities you hold as a business owner, compliance can easily slip through the cracks. HR noncompliance is costly in many ways, and a minor error can escalate into inaccuracies and oversights that jeopardize your entire operation. HR compliance