Author Topic: Anit-Kickback and Stark Law Question  (Read 9119 times)

DMK

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 680
Re: Anit-Kickback and Stark Law Question
« Reply #15 on: October 05, 2010, 01:12:05 PM »
So what could the doctor do for his patients?  Just freebie advertising stuff?  Or the usual putting out coffee and cookies around the holidays. 

PMRNC

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4562
    • One Stop Resources & Networking for Medical Billers
Re: Anit-Kickback and Stark Law Question
« Reply #16 on: October 05, 2010, 01:51:44 PM »
If the provider wants to offer free/reduced services I would advise he discuss it with his legal counsel.. Putting out goodies is a good idea..but I hate being a stickler..I had a provider receive a citation from board of health for offering his patients donuts with the coffee.. go figure.. I thought that was ridiculous, he could put out coffee but not donuts? The board of health said it would be ok if the donuts/cookies were individually wrapped.. LOL  guess they think doc's might poison the patients?

As I stated before, I usually just tell my clients to talk to their lawyers when it comes to those questions because it's not within the scope of my services.
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

midwifebiller

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 154
Re: Anit-Kickback and Stark Law Question
« Reply #17 on: October 05, 2010, 11:18:47 PM »
Thanks for the ideas on seasonal gifts!  I think chocolate and gift cards sound like a great idea.

Since the Anti-Kickback laws specifically state "for an item or service payable by the government", could that possibly mean providers that never bill Medicare or Medicaid are immune to all these restrictions-?
Kelli Sugihara, CPMB
Midwife Billing & Business, LLC
www.midwifebilling.com

DMK

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 680
Re: Anit-Kickback and Stark Law Question
« Reply #18 on: October 06, 2010, 01:54:20 PM »
I'm sitting here with my jaw hanging down.  Someone COMPLAINED to the health department over coffee and doughnuts?!  What is the world coming too?  I've evidently lived too long when the world comes to this, or I'm too old fashioned.  What is wrong with humanity and the legal system?  It seems like kindness has gone out the window. Too, too bad.

PMRNC

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4562
    • One Stop Resources & Networking for Medical Billers
Re: Anit-Kickback and Stark Law Question
« Reply #19 on: October 06, 2010, 02:50:43 PM »
Yup, it only takes one spoiler. I remember even when my kids were younger I could no longer bake cupcakes, I had to bring in something individually wrapped. Same idea I suppose. 
Off topic sort of.. I am buying each of my clients a Keurig to put in their offices or homes if they want, for the holiday's. I love mine and they are great because no waste plus complies with health code :)  www.keurig.com
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Anit-Kickback and Stark Law Question
« Reply #19 on: October 06, 2010, 02:50:43 PM »