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. Nursing homes, hospices and other patient care facilities have the responsibility of looking after the most vulnerable among us. These populations rely on their caregivers for more than their daily needs. In the event of a disaster, they’ll be looking to you...

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), homecare workers have a greater risk of injury while on the job than other health care and human services employees. For example, the injury rate in home care settings, cites the BLS, is about 50% higher than in hospitals. Based on the multiple exposures homecare workers face, it’s not surprising that Workers’ Compensation insurance represents one of the most significant expenses for homecare providers. For every Worker’s Compensation...

On November 27, 2018 CMS held a special open door forum to update Home Health Services providers on the soon to begin review choice demonstration. The van Halem Group participated and took notes for you! Here's what you need to know right now. Who is involved Home health agencies (HHAs) that operate in and render services to Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries in Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas AND whom also submit claims to Palmetto GBA, Jurisdiction M MAC. If you...

Being audited by a RAC or UPIC can be incredibly stressful for any health care provider, whether you’re a home medical equipment provider, a physical therapy practice, or a home health agency. Getting fined for billing errors that result in overpayment from an insurance carrier – Medicare or otherwise – can be downright frightful. There are stories galore about health care providers shutting their doors and closing up shop because they were found guilty and fined for receiving...

As much as most people enjoy the warmth of the summer sun, extreme heat accompanied by high humidity can be dangerous, even deadly. Each year, the summer heat kills nearly 175 Americans and sickens thousands more. It’s important to remember that heat safety is not just something to be aware of while enjoying leisure activities on the weekends – it’s also a major risk exposure for your business on any given work day. Health care providers whose duties call for them to work...

VGM Insurance acquires home health care and hospice insurance leader VGM Insurance Services is excited to announce the acquisition of Caldwell & Associates Insurance Services, Inc. of St. George, Utah. The acquisition was finalized on Oct. 31 and is a significant addition to VGM Insurance’s existing platform of specialty programs. “VGM Insurance’s acquisition of Caldwell & Associates Insurance Services furthers our drive to diversify and expand into additional markets and...