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Biomedical subjects

J A Lovitky

Publications and source records attributed to J A Lovitky.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

The National Practitioner Data Bank: coping with the uncertainties.

The National Practitioner Data Bank is a database of adverse events involving physicians and other practitioners. Querying the database is mandatory for hospitals in several situations. So too, hospitals are required to report specified adverse events. Thus, hospitals need to be able to identify incidents that are reportable events, events that require them to update the databases, and any possible liability issues that may surround the hospital's reporting duties. The author argues that the regulations are unclear in addressing these issues. Likewise, he notes that practitioners should be aware of other problems with the reporting system, including the lack of sufficient Data Bank security.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed2000

Qui tam litigation: "whistleblower" lawsuits.

Qui tam lawsuits are increasingly being used in the fight against fraud in the managed care environment. Brought by private individuals, called relators, on behalf of the U.S. government, the lawsuits aim to recover funds obtained through the presentment of false claims. The relator may eventually collect between 15% and 30% of the funds recovered. This article provides an overview of qui tam litigation and its role in the government's war against fraud.

Fraud↗
PubMed1999

Designing compliance programs that foster ethical behavior.

The federal government continues to expand its initiatives to uncover healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse. It is therefore more important than ever that healthcare organizations have an effective compliance program in place. The organization should have a compliance officer with adequate authority and staff to carry out the compliance program's functions. The program should include an ethics code, an internal hotline that employees can use to report compliance concerns, and education and training for all employees. In addition, the program should be audited periodically to ensure its viability. To be successful, a compliance program also needs the support of the healthcare organization's senior management.

Communication↗
PubMed1997

Health care fraud: a growing problem.

Individuals and facilities convicted of health care fraud are likely to be excluded from participating in any federal health program. Knowingly disregarding the truth by submitting false claims is one type of fraud that is punishable by law--from a stiff fine to a lengthy imprisonment. Understanding the types of fraud in the health care context helps prevent abuse and liability.

Delivery of Health Care↗