Smart Talk

Q. What is multi-factor authentication?  A. If you’re like one-third of Americans, you’ve gotten a lovely letter from Change Healthcare informing you of what you already know: Your health care data was part of their recent breach and is out in the wild.   Why did this happen? Andrew Witty, CEO of United Healthcare, Change’s corporate parent, revealed that the root cause of the breach was a lack of multi-factor authentication on a particular service, and that...

Q. What steps can I take to prepare for audits under managed care contracts?  By Kit Shellhouse  A. As a provider, preparing for audits under managed care contracts can be a chore, but the key is to understand the requirements and expectations well in advance. Invest time in reviewing your managed care contracts to grasp all requirements, including billing procedures, documentation standards and compliance obligations. This foundational knowledge is crucial for staying well-informed...

Q. How can manufacturers empower young caregivers with their equipment?  By David Carson  A. As the aging population grows, young adults are increasingly stepping in as caregivers for aging family members. Many of these caregivers are turning to home medical equipment to help manage the physical and logistical challenges of providing mobility assistance. For manufacturers, this demographic presents an opportunity to innovate, supporting young caregivers with products that are ergonomic,...

Q. How can I use holiday marketing to reach customers?  By Lalaina Rabary  A. The holidays are approaching fast! With upticks in purchasing, social media engagement and more, now is the time for DME providers to begin preparing to connect with their clients and expand their client base. Here are some strategies to make the most of the season and tap into the market more meaningfully.   Festive email marketing campaigns: Holiday-themed emails that showcase DME products as...

Q. What is incident response planning and why is it important?  A. Incident response (IR) planning involves developing a structured approach to detect, respond to and manage cybersecurity incidents. As businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, having a robust and documented plan is crucial to safeguarding an organization’s assets. A well-developed plan allows an organization to quickly identify, contain and mitigate an incident, minimizing downtime and financial losses.   In...

Q. What types of information will I be required to provide to the OCR in the event of an audit of my HIPAA compliance program?  A. Being proactive will alleviate the pressure of an OCR (HSS Office for Civil Rights) audit. The OCR will request documentation from you as a provider. This information must demonstrate that your company has adhered to the required HIPAA Program.   To prove adherence, a portion of the required documentation will include the policies and procedures related...

Q. What are the long-term financial benefits of keeping caregivers healthy for patients and their families?  A. Keeping caregivers healthy has substantial long-term financial benefits not only for the caregivers themselves but also for the individuals and families they care for. Healthy caregivers are able to provide consistent, high-quality care, which can reduce complications that often lead to expensive hospital visits. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 60% of...

Q. How can I effectively market breast pumps to moms?  A. As a marketing expert and a mom, I understand the nuanced approach needed for promoting breast pumps effectively. For DME providers looking to capture their market share in this niche, the strategy goes beyond mere product placement—it’s about creating an inviting and supportive environment that speaks to the needs of mothers.   First, reaching the right audience and referral sources is key. DME providers should...

Q. Is cybersecurity a critical risk in the HME/DME Industry? What are some basic things we can do to protect ourselves?  A. In today's world, cybersecurity is a critical concern, especially in the home medical equipment industry. The risk of cyber threats grows exponentially as these sectors increasingly rely on digital technologies for managing operations, patient records and sensitive data. HME providers are prime targets for cyberattacks, given their essential role in our nation's...

Q. Should I be performing regular audits of my provider enrollment record?  A. Short answer, yes! Providers should review, or audit, their Provider Enrollment Record at least annually. In doing so, you could avoid potential issues with incorrect or outdated information that, when discovered by your payer’s provider enrollment department, could result in a revoked or deactivated enrollment. Loss of enrollment status could not only result in penalties and fines, but also impede the ability...