Dealing with Disaster

Sandy may of been downgraded, but her damage is devastating.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of New Jersey and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union counties.

 Receive FEMA Updates During Disasters

STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Our office has no phone or Internet at this time.  To report claims, text your information to (862) 377-1785.Sandy will end up causing about $20 billion in property damage and $10 billion to $30 billion more in lost business, making it one of the costliest natural disasters on record in the U.S., according to IHS Global Insight, a forecasting firm.

  PPA is here to help.

Is your agency ready for Sandy?

With Hurricane Sandy currently a Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph winds, forecasters are predicting that the storm’s track may lead to a direct hit to the Northeast, as early as next week. With this potential threat, the time is now for you to prepare your agency and staff for the possibility of an interruption in business, and assist your clients in their preparation.

Here’s a few simple tips to help you get started and resources that will help you:

 

Tip No. 1

Determine your key management-level staff members who will be responsible for making decisions during a catastrophic event. Call them together for an Operations Management Team meeting to make sure you have appropriate plans in place before the storm hits.

Resources you can use:

• Sample management pre-planning meeting agenda
• Employee contact list
• Emergency supply list
• Alternate location plan
• Pre-catastrophe checklist

 

Tip No. 2

In addition to the internal issues of running your business, there are other entities whose information is critical. Be sure to determine who on your staff will deal with these issues and which key employees on your team (with a back-up) will be responsible for them during pre-catastrophe and post-catastrophe times.

 

Resources you can use:

• Carrier binding authority resource
• Carrier contact information
• Vendor contact list

 

Tip No. 3

Assisting your clients during these types of events is one of the most valuable services you as a professional, independent agent can provide. This is your time to shine and ensure client retention and even new business. Take the opportunity to help your clients prepare for the event with safety tips, coverage information, etc.

 

Resources you can use:

• QS90592—Get ready for hurricane season
• QS90356—Your homeowners policy and storm coverage—what’s covered?
• QS90190—Top 10 insurance tips for hurricane season
• QS90191—Hurricane fact sheet
• QS90452—Disaster planning and recovery
• Web content for your website
• Tweets

You do whatever it takes to safeguard your patients’ interests, what about their data?

• 77% of employees leave their computers unattended
• 65% of small businesses say their organizations sensitive information is not encrypted
• 56% of employees frequently stored sensitive data on their laptop or mobile device
• 62% of small businesses don’t routinely back up data

TrendMicro and Ponemon Institute 2012

Your skill brings patients in the door.  Trust brings them back.  When a patient’s personal information is compromised, their privacy and your practice may be at risk.  Protect with Data Breach Insurance.

Don’t let a data breach compromise your patients’ trust.

Data breach is a growing threat to many businesses and their clients.  If your business handles or stores Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as health information, Social Security numbers, or financial data you are at risk.  According to one source, more than a half a billion records have been exposed since 2005.

The financial exposure of a breach can be expensive, including notification expenses, public relations, legal fees, and most importantly, potential loss of business and patient trust.  Last year, the average cost of compromised health care record was $301 according to the Penemon Institute’s study: 2010 U.S. Cost of a Data Breach.  Therefore, a breach of 500 health care records could cost your business $150,500.

Here is some important information to help you safeguard your practice and your patients:

 

What is a data breach?

It is the loss, theft or accidental release of PII.  All it takes is a lost laptop, some paper files that aren’t properly shredded, a missing and unencrypted backup drive, ect.

 

Is my practice really at risk?

Breaches can strike practices of any size.  Healthcare providers, accounting firms, and law practices are particularly vulnerable because they accumulate a client’sPII.

 

What safeguards can I take to prevent a breach?

Start with the basics: restrict access to data; lock it up and put security systems in place.  Limit the use of portable technology; avoid unsecured wireless networks; and ensure network security.

 

What should be done if a breach has occurred?

Seek professional assistance.  Data risk management and forensics experts will confirm if a breach has occurred, who has been affected and who needs to be notified.  They will also help determine the need for remediation alternatives.  If you have data breach insurance, call your carrier immediately.

 

How can data breach business insurance help?

Data breach business insurance and services can guide you on how to handle a breach, and help cover response and liability costs to quickly restore the reputation of your practice and patient’s trust.  For example, The Hartfor’s collaboration with Identity Theft 911, business owners can access breach preparedness tools and professional assistance to handle a breach crisis should one occur.

 

Contact us to learn more about data breach insurance, seriously.  Did you know some data breach insurance’s only cover digital? You’ve worked hard to build your dream into a thriving medical office.  We’ve made it our goal to understand the unique exposures and important issues that need to be considered when customizing an insurance package for a medical office like yours.

Social Media tips for physicians

1. Before you attempt anything else on the Internet please fix your online reputation first.

2. Physician ratings are the most socially-relevant channels in 2012. Starting in January, these companies have started spending millions of dollars urging patients to screen doctors. Bad online reputations are disastrous for practices.

3. Google Search is the most

cost- and time-effective social media tool available.

 

4. For doctors who perform elective procedures, who accept out-of-network benefits, or have fee-for-service practices, social media is a requirement.

5. Learn to blog.

6. Learn the basics of medical search engine optimization (SEO).

7. Link to articles and resources that are yours.

8. Do not advertise your services.

9. There is serious ROI that can be identified with Google Analytics. Install it into anything and everything.

10. Protect your social media ROI.

A Proactive Approach to Addressing Patient Safety Risks Associated With the 2012 Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

Medical Protective 10/18/12

 

The recent outbreak of fungal meningitis in the United States and subsequent recall of
a contaminated steroid medication have created concerns about patient safety and
liability among a number of Medical Protective’s insureds.
According to reports, the outbreak, which has been linked to an epidural steroid
injection produced and distributed by a specialty compounding pharmacy in
Massachusetts, has claimed 12 lives as of October 9, 2012. The pharmacy in question,
the New England Compounding Center (NECC), voluntarily recalled three lots of the
contaminated steroid (methylprednisolone acetate) on September 25, 2012. Less than
two weeks later, following a recommendation from the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), NECC issued a voluntary recall of all of its products.
As of the date above, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports
that medical facilities in 23 states received the contaminated steroids, with nine states
reporting cases of fungal meningitis as of early October. States affected include
Indiana, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio,
Tennessee, and Virginia. Experts reportedly believe that more cases will emerge over
the coming days and weeks. For a list of states and facilities that received the recalled
lots of methylprednisolone acetate, visit

http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/meningitisfacilities-map.html.
According to the CDC, the potentially contaminated injections were given beginning
May 21, 2012. Symptoms typically develop one to four weeks following injection and
may include fever, new or worsening headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, new
weakness or numbness, increasing pain, and redness or swelling of the injection site.
In response to ongoing concerns, Medical Protective offers its insureds the following
risk strategies—in addition to relevant guidance from the CDC and the FDA—to address
issues related to the meningitis outbreak:
1. Determine if your medication inventory contains any products made or
distributed by NECC. These products have been recalled, and they should be
removed from circulation pursuant to CDC and/or FDA instruction.
2. Determine if your medication inventory includes any of the following lot
numbers that, according to current reports, have been linked to the fungal
meningitis outbreak:
a. Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #05212012@68,
BUD 11/17/2012
b. Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #06292012@26,
BUD 12/26/2012
c. Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #08102012@51,
BUD 2/6/2013
3. Any identified inventory as described by 1 or 2 above (the “NECC Inventory”)
should be removed from circulation pursuant to CDC and/or FDA instruction.
Additionally, you should continue to review the CDC website to determine if any
other products require removal from your inventory.
4. Perform a current medication inventory audit. Be sure to include a review of
the record of medications previously received and administered, as they may no
longer be in your inventory. Then do the following:
a. Document that you performed the inventory audit, including dates and
times.
b. If your inventory includes items from the NECC Inventory, document the
steps you took to ensure the medication was pulled from your inventory,
including dates and times and how you sequestered the affected
medication. Take special care to document any lot numbers identified
by the CDC which appeared in your audit.
c. If your inventory does not contain items from the NECC Inventory,
document that you verified that your office did not receive or administer
any items from the NECC Inventory.
􀀹 Design and implement a communication plan to notify patients
who have received a “safe” injection, but who still may have
concerns.
5. If you confirm receipt of NECC Inventory items and administration of such items
to patients, audit all of your patient records to determine who might have
received the injections.
a. If any of your patients have received injections of NECC Inventory
items, document this fact in each of their charts. Be careful to focus on
your concern for patient safety, rather than on possible liability for the
drug manufacturer. Consider monitoring any such patients.
b. Design and implement a plan to notify patients who received an
injection from a CDC identified lot. Ensure that your office/facility staff
communicates a consistent message.
􀀹 Advise patients of the common symptoms of fungal meningitis.
􀀹 Advise patients where to seek help should they experience any
of the symptoms. Consider advising referral to their local
emergency department (ED). Also, consider including a
reference to patient resources, including the ED, on your out-ofoffice
voicemail message.
c. Contact your town’s local ED(s) to advise them of whether any of your
patients received an injection from a CDC-identified lot, and to put them
on notice of a potential influx of patients.
d. Contact your local health department to alert them about affected CDC
identified lots of medication within your inventory. Your health
department will be able to communicate this information to the broader
physician community in a timely manner, while maintaining
confidentiality.
6. Continually monitor relevant resources, including CDC and FDA resources, for
updates regarding the most current information and instruction.
a. Medical Protective advises its insureds to follow specific guidance from
the CDC and FDA on how to handle issues associated with the fungal
meningitis outbreak.
b. Information can be found at
http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/clinicians/
index.html. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please
contact your regional risk management consultant or call 800–
4MEDPRO.
The information and guidance contained in this release is intended to supplement, but
not replace, other available information and/or instruction from the United States
Government.

You do whatever it takes to safeguard your patients’ interests, what about their data?

Your skill brings patients in the door. Trust brings them back. When a patient’s personal information is compromised, their privacy and your practice may be at risk. Protect with Data Breach Insurance.

77% of employees leave their computers unattended
65% of small businesses say their organizations sensitive information is not encrypted
56% of employees frequently stored sensitive data on their laptop or mobile device
62% of small businesses don’t routinely back up data

Don’t let a data breach compromise your patients’ trust.

Data breach is a growing threat to many businesses and their clients. If your business handles or stores Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as health information, Social Security numbers, or financial data you are at risk. According to one source, more than a half a billion records have been exposed since 2005.

The financial exposure of a breach can be expensive, including notification expenses, public relations, legal fees, and most importantly, potential loss of business and patient trust. Last year, the average cost of compromised healthcare record was $301 according to the Penemon Institute’s study: 2010 U.S. Cost of a Data Breach. Therefore, a breach of 500 healthcare records could cost your business $150,500.

Here is some important information to help you safeguard your practice and your patients.

What is a data breach?
It is the loss, theft or accidental release of PII. All it takes is a lost laptop, some paper files that aren’t properly shredded, a missing and unencrypted backup drive, ect.

Is my practice really at risk?

Breaches can strike practices of any size. Healthcare providers, accounting firms, and law practices are particularly vulnerable because they accumulate a client’s PII.

What safeguards can I take to prevent a breach?

Start with the basics: restrict access to data; lock it up and put security systems in place. Limit the use of portable technology; avoid unsecured wireless networks; and ensure network security.

What should be done if a breach has occurred?

Seek professional assistance. Data risk management and forensics experts will confirm if a breach has occurred, who has been affected and who needs to be notified. They will also help determine the need for remediation alternatives. If you have data breach insurance, call your carrier immediately.

How can data breach business insurance help?
Data breach business insurance and services can guide you on how to handle a breach, and help cover response and liability costs to quickly restore the reputation of your practice and patient’s trust. For example, The Hartforts collaboration with Identity Theft 911, business owners can access breach preparedness tools and professional assistance to handle a breach crisis should one occur.

Contact us to learn more about data breach insurance, seriously. Did you know some data breach insurance’s only cover digital? You’ve worked hard to build your dream into a thriving medical office. We’ve made it our goal to understand the unique exposures and important issues that need to be considered when customizing an insurance package for a medical office like yours.

Senate passes health exchange bill

Senate passes health exchange bill

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2012
BY MICHAEL LINHORST
STATE HOUSE BUREAU
THE RECORD

A key part of New Jersey’s response to President Obama’s federal health care overhaul cleared the state Senate on Thursday, but its chances of becoming law remain uncertain.

The bill, which passed the Senate with no Republican support, would create an online marketplace to help small businesses and some consumers buy health insurance coverage.

New Jersey has until Nov. 16 to declare whether it will create its own statewide marketplace or will join a federal program instead.

The bill will next be considered by the Assembly. But to become law, it must be signed by Governor Christie, who previously vetoed a similar bill and has not expressed support for the legislation.

Christie vetoed the previous bill in May. He called it “premature,” arguing that the state should not create an exchange until the U.S. Supreme Court decided whether the Affordable Care Act was constitutional.

But after the court ruled in support of Obama’s health care law in June, Christie said he wanted to wait until after the November election to decide whether to create a New Jersey insurance marketplace.

On Monday, the governor maintained that creating a statewide exchange is ultimately his decision, and he plans to take his time.

“I won’t make a decision until I have to. I don’t have to make one until the 16th, so I want to make sure I’m as fully informed as I can be,” he said. “That’s ultimately our call. It’s an executive branch call and we’ll make the call.”

On Thursday, the bill passed 21-17 as senators debated whether creating a state health insurance exchange was the right choice.

“It is vitally important for New Jersey to make sure that it has a state-run exchange,” said Sen. Nia Gill, D-Essex, one of the bill’s sponsors. “A federally imposed exchange still requires taxpayer money, and it removes the regulatory power of the state over the marketplace.”

But Sen. Tom Kean Jr., R-Union, argued that the bill “creates a parallel infrastructure that’s going to be unresponsive” to patients.

The health insurance exchange is not designed to work with systems already in place in the state, he said, so it would create needless inefficiencies.

When Is an Occurrence Not an Occurrence

Although there is controversy behind this statement, it is axiomatic that not every type of loss is covered by insurance. In fact, in order to obtain coverage for a particular loss under a standard liability insurance policy it must first be considered an “occurrence.” In an insurance context, an occurrence is usually synonymous with “accident.”

It is important to understand the difference between the two most common types of professional liability insurance plans — “Claims-Made” and “Occurrence.”

Occurrence coverage is the most desirable form of coverage. It is complete when you purchase it and on cancellation continues to provide coverage for future claims based on conduct that took place during that policy term. The limits that are available to pay a claim are the limits that were in place during that policy term that the service was rendered.Premiums for this product are level except to the extent that a company may increase or decrease premiums over time.

Under a “Claims-Made” policy, the policy covers claims made against you only while the policy is in effect. The down side of this type of policy is that coverage must be continued indefinitely to assure coverage for claims filed in the future for actions that occurred in the past.

Professional Protective Alliance wants to provide you with insurance information so you can make informed decisions. If you have any questions, call us. We will take as much time as you need to explain policy terms to your satisfaction.

Managing VFC: Best Practices and Lessons Learned

8th Annual Vaccines for Children Conference

Registration Now Open! One Low Price of $45! Limited Seating Available!

Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 7:45 AM – 4:40 PM

Location: The National Conference Center, East Windsor, NJ

 

Topics to Include:

VFC Update & Vaccine Management

Vaccine Hesitancy

Hepatitis B Birth Dose Initiative Update

Immunization Techniques Update

NJIIS Update

Compliance Visits A-Z – Meet the PHR’s

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

Describe recent changes and additions to the Vaccines for Children Program and how it can impact clinical and practice management.

Discuss issues regarding vaccine initiatives that affect the child and adolescent populations and how to best implement clinical updates.

Illustrate how the NJIIS can enhance clinical practice and vaccine management and identify pitfalls that can affect vaccine accountability.

Examine strategies for increasing immunization rates in all age groups.

Recognize Vaccines for Children accountability issues, vaccine management plans and implement established best practices within their organization.

 

Follow-up Links:

Registration Form

Online Registration

And don’t forget, MDAdvantage offers Pediatrics a 20% discount on medical malpractice.  Stop by their booth and tell them Professional Protective Alliance sent you!

Subscribe to our newsletter
to be notified when similar opportunities arise.

 

AMA Credit Designation Statement: HRET designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ on November 13, 2012. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.

HRET-NJHA is an approved provider of continuing education by the New Jersey State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission On Accreditation. P#131-5/11-14.

There is no commercial support for this activity.  Accredited status does not imply endorsement by the provider or American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission On Accreditation of any commercial products displayed in conjunction with an activity.

If something seems to good to be true, is that because it is?

Things are changing in today’s insurance marketplace. In many cases, once highly established insurers are struggling financially and have experienced reductions in their ratings, some dropping from A+ to B or even lower. These ratings are critical for you, as a physician, to understand.

Today’s marketplace is extremely competitive and so carriers are being aggressive with pricing, maybe to much so, in order to attract new clients.

This risk is obvious. These pricing policies are to low to even cover the risks involved. So if have a claim, the carrier may not be around to provide the financial protection promised. So a new responsibility has fell upon physicians and their brokers to avoid low-cost leader “of the moment” temptation. We especially must remember to consider the strength and stability of medical liability and disability of an insurance carrier..

If you are paying premium every month, you need to make sure your insurer will be there for the long run. In today’s market, we can’t assume a big name carrier is stable.  This may sound alarmist but it’s for good reason.

You definitely want to benefit from the decreased pricing in our current market, but just be sure that the focus remains on the best carrier.

If you are concerned, if you don’t know exactly who covers you and what you are paying, take a few minutes to find out.