In an increasingly connected medical ecosystem where patient safety, health status improvement, and provider reimbursement are impacted at every point along the continuum, the need to efficiently, securely share data appears to have reached a tipping point.

The foundations of our national healthcare law do not strike observers as particularly stable. The laws and regulations scaffolding the delivery of healthcare are constantly evolving at best, and a shifting morass at worst.

The healthcare environment has long been one of constant change. In recent years, change has taken hold more rapidly. From trends in reimbursement, to new technologies, to compliance concerns, and various other regulatory, financial, and social shifts, the landscape is far from fixed.

For some people, the transition from work to retirement can be problem-free, but for others, complications can arise. Retirement can be especially problematic for individuals whose primary identity is their occupation.

Will 2019 be the year you launch a new medical practice? Are you hoping to update, expand, or move to a new location?

Your practice holds an important asset. While not reflected on your financial statement, it is potentially your most valuable tool. There are few tangible reports that show its productivity and worth.

While healthcare faces a lot of unknowns in the coming year, two national experts shared their expectations for 2019 with insights into trends and market forces.

Editor's note: Last month we covered the Alabama Hospital Association's campaign to expand Medicaid in Alabama and how expansion would improve access to care. This month we continue the coverage with a discussion about the economic benefits expansion would bring to the state's healthcare providers.

With the continued proliferation of qui tam False Claims cases showing no signs of slowing down, not only must providers consider the amount of any monetary settlements, they must also consider whether the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health & Human Services ("OIG") will require a corporate integrity agreement ("CIA").

The Alabama Hospital Association has launched the ALhealthmatters campaign, highlighting the importance of expanding Medicaid in Alabama.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced a historically large $16 million HIPAA settlement with Anthem, Inc. following its investigation of the equally historic 2014 breach affecting almost 79 million people. Is this an enforcement trend?

In this day and age, where a vast amount of information is stored electronically and you can buy almost anything with a "one-click" purchase, it comes as no surprise that cyber-incidents are on the rise, especially among healthcare providers.

To facilitate the American healthcare system's transformation from volume-based to value-based payment, CMS is requesting public comment regarding its newly proposed rule that would shift the amount of risk that participants in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) assume under the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP).

Many Alabama providers participated in the Quality Payment Program in 2017, under MIPS (Merit Based Incentive Program). A handful participated in a MIPS APM (Alternative Payment Model), which is a baby step towards alternative payments, but still left the participants free from downside risks.

Sunlight provides the energy that powers all life on earth. However, those radiant waves also have a darker side. They are a leading suspect in cellular changes that lead to melanoma, a cancer that can rapidly become lethal as it moves into surrounding lymph nodes and beyond.

"We have a problem with patients disregarding their medical provider, and that shows in many ways," says Maddox Casey, CPA, MBA, with Warren Averett healthcare division.

Only 4,177 rural health clinics (RHCs) exist in the entire U.S. A little over one hundred of those reside in Alabama.

CMS is proposing big changes in the physician fee schedule and quality payment program for 2019

On July 23, 2018 the United States House of Representatives passed HR 1676 approving grants to improve educational programs, research and workforce development in palliative medicine.

In an effort to provide more options in the insurance marketplace, the Trump Administration is making it easier for small businesses to form association health plans. These plans allow multiple small employers to band together to provide health insurance for their employees. By purchasing or providing insurance through an association, small businesses can take advantage of the leverage and economies of scale usually reserved for larger groups.

"We have 17 providers, but only four phone operators, all because of our patient portal," says Clay Barnett, director of internal programs at Birmingham Internal Medicine Associates (BIMA). This tech allowed them to add four physicians in the last two years without the expense of hiring any additional phone support.