Industry Notes: Psychotherapy With E/M? Break Down Time Spent on Each

Why This Topic Matters

The article highlights documentation and compliance risks that can affect reimbursement, audit exposure, and privacy/security enforcement. It also helps readers monitor federal activity from CMS, HHS OCR, and the FTC that may influence practice operations and compliance programs.

Article Sections

1. Psychotherapy With E/M: Documentation Time Requirements

   Discusses a CMS compliance reminder about documenting psychotherapy time when psychotherapy is billed in conjunction with evaluation and management services. References the revised psychiatry and psychotherapy code set and related Medicare guidance.

2. Random HIPAA Audit Program Ramps Up

   Summarizes federal activity related to a pre-audit survey for covered entities and business associates and the broader restart of HIPAA audit efforts. Includes timing and program background from HHS and OCR.

3. County Settles With HHS Over HIPAA Violations

   Reviews a HIPAA enforcement settlement involving a county government and discusses the privacy and security concerns that led to the action. Focuses on breach-related compliance and HHS OCR enforcement.

4. Beware: A HIPAA Breach May Bring You More Than Health Information Law-Related Penalties

   Covers a court-related enforcement discussion involving the FTC and a HIPAA-regulated business, emphasizing the possibility of overlapping federal oversight. Mentions legal analysis and the relationship between HIPAA and FTC authority.