The Federal Government is constantly auditing healthcare entities. A recent Michigan settlement resulted in prison time and a hefty repayment for violations of the False Claims Act.
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If your compliance plan needs to be updated, now is the time.
You want to make sure that your practice is protected so that you are not faced with a similar situation as a vascular surgeon from Bay City, Michigan.
A vascular surgeon was sentenced to 80 months in prison for defrauding healthcare programs by submitting claims for the placement of vascular stents and thrombectomies that he did not perform. He was also ordered to pay $19.5 million in restitution and up to $43,419,000 to the government to resolve civil allegations.
If you want to avoid prison time and hefty fines and payments, you need to make sure that your compliance plan is up to date and functioning correctly.
Your compliance program should be working daily to help you detect any potential discrepancies or issues when it comes to your billing.
If you are not sure if your compliance plan is up to date, make sure to do something internal audit.
Look at a variety of records, payor mix, and providers when performing an audit of your billing.
It is also important to carefully review your policies and procedures to make sure that they reflect your actual practices.
Let your staff know that you take compliance seriously by regular training and investigating any of their concerns.
If you are not sure if your compliance program is running smoothly, enlist help.
We help our clients update their compliance plans and their policies and procedures, train their staff, audit records, and more.
If you need help, call us today.
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Do you need help updating your Business Associate Agreement or negotiating contracts with third-party vendors? We can help. To contact us about your Business Associate Agreement, your vendor contracts or your other legal needs, call us today.
The post Are You Prepared for an Audit? appeared first on Rickard & Associates.
“I learned more about running my small business from a week of focused work in [LivePlan] than I have from any other single source. It has fundamentally changed the way I view my business ventures”
Matthew H
Capterra Review
“Using LivePlan is easy and there is so much assistance available. There are examples, templates, and videos explaining what to write. […]. It does the math for you. It creates graphs and charts. It is amazing.”
“LivePlan was a great help to design, work out, plan and strategically organize and think about all the ideas that go into developing a new project and business plan […] Think about it like a coach guiding you through the process.”
Alvaro F
Shopper Approved Reviews
“I’ve been using Liveplan with Xero for a few months now and love it. It’s given me visibility about how we’re doing against Forecast like I’ve never had before…”
Rob Mackley
Xero App Store Reviews
“Before LivePlan, my team and I had no idea where or how to start […] It helped us focus on and build every single area of our business strategy and recognize that some aspects of the company needed to be adjusted before we could launch.”
Ifeanyi K
Capterra Review
“Liveplan has eased my business planning processes and have provided me with easy access to credit from both banks and investors alike.”
Bashir T
Shopper Approved Reviews
“All businesses require solutions and tools […] for control of expenses, spreadsheets were always the first option, but since the arrival of LivePlan, all work is easier and more automated.”
Maggie L
Trust Radius Reviews
“I didn’t have a business plan and using LivePlan helped give me an easy tool to build a strong business plan for myself and clients. My clients have gone on to enhance their plans and grow their businesses.”
“LivePlan made us feel confident and secure in our numbers and gave us a clear view of our past, present and future!”
“Liveplan provides the balance between stating your vision, the framework to support it, and the numbers.”
Mike R
Shopper Approved Reviews
“I learned more about running my small business from a week of focused work in [LivePlan] than I have from any other single source. It has fundamentally changed the way I view my business ventures”
Matthew H
Capterra Review
“Using LivePlan is easy and there is so much assistance available. There are examples, templates, and videos explaining what to write. […]. It does the math for you. It creates graphs and charts. It is amazing.”
“LivePlan was a great help to design, work out, plan and strategically organize and think about all the ideas that go into developing a new project and business plan […] Think about it like a coach guiding you through the process.”
Alvaro F
Shopper Approved Reviews
“I’ve been using Liveplan with Xero for a few months now and love it. It’s given me visibility about how we’re doing against Forecast like I’ve never had before…”
Rob Mackley
Xero App Store Review
“Before LivePlan, my team and I had no idea where or how to start […] It helped us focus on and build every single area of our business strategy and recognize that some aspects of the company needed to be adjusted before we could launch.”
Ifeanyi K
Capterra Review
“Liveplan has eased my business planning processes and have provided me with easy access to credit from both banks and investors alike.”
Bashir T
Shopper Approved Reviews
“All businesses require solutions and tools […] for control of expenses, spreadsheets were always the first option, but since the arrival of LivePlan, all work is easier and more automated.”
Maggie L
Trust Radius Reviews
“I didn’t have a business plan and using LivePlan helped give me an easy tool to build a strong business plan for myself and clients. My clients have gone on to enhance their plans and grow their businesses.”
“LivePlan made us feel confident and secure in our numbers and gave us a clear view of our past, present and future!”
“Liveplan provides the balance between stating your vision, the framework to support it, and the numbers.”
By Vikas Agrawal, co-founder at Infobrandzan elite team of visual communication experts taking content marketing to the next level.
getty
Immersive technologies create a sense of presence in a simulated environment or augment the real world with digital elements. They are being increasingly used to create immersive presentations for entertainment, education, training, communication and marketing. And that’s not surprising. Immersive technologies can make presentations gripping and engaging while simplifying complex or abstract concepts manifold.
This is reflected by the global immersive technology market size, which was valued at USD 21.66 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow exponentially to an impressive hit of USD 134.18 billion by 2030.
So what are immersive technologies, how do they work and how can you apply them to amplify the effectiveness of your presentations? As co-founder of a visual marketing agency, I’d like to share my top six immersive presentation technologies.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented reality overlays digital information or objects on top of the real world, enhancing the user’s perception of reality. AR can be used for presentations that need to add context, detail or novelty to the physical environment. It is usually remotely accessible with just a mobile device, making it a hugely popular immersive presentation medium.
AR typically requires a mobile device with a camera, while some specialized applications may require specific AR glasses.
You can use AR to show the audience how a product works, how a building would look, how furniture would look in their home or how wearable accessories would appear on them, among other applications.
360-Degree Videos
360-degree video captures the entire scene from all angles, allowing the user to look around and choose their own perspective with the use of a headset or touchscreen. It creates a highly realistic and detailed experience by encompassing the entire environment.
This medium can be ideal for presentations that want to immerse the audience in a different location, culture or situation such as a travel destination, a real estate property or a personal story.
Interactive Presentations
In my experience, interactiveness is the key to engagement with your audience, and interactive presentations leverage this perfectly by including elements like hyperlinks and hotspots to create an engaging and personalizable interface. They also include audio, video, charts, surveys, navigation and transitions that are controllable by viewers.
Interactive videos require displays with touchscreens or other controllers like a mouse. They are usually also accessible on mobile devices, and this makes them convenient for remote presentations.
Interactive presentations can be used in various settings such as education, business marketing and healthcare to engage audiences, enhance learning and create personalized experiences.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual Reality creates a fully immersive experience that blocks out the physical surroundings and transports the user to a different reality. It typically involves 3-dimensional and 360-degree viewing technology as well as AR, 3-D audio, interactive elements, digital modeling and other regulators that control temperature and smell, among others.
VR presentations usually require the use of 3-D glasses and a headset with tracking along with other devices depending on the complexity of the experience.
Consider using VR presentations for simulations, product demonstrations and virtual tours of physical sites or digitally-modeled fictional worlds.
Mixed Reality (MR)
Mixed Reality combines elements of VR and AR, creating a hybrid experience that allows the user to interact with both digital and physical objects in a shared space. It is perfect for presentations that involve collaboration, creativity or problem-solving.
An MR presentation could enable the audience to co-create a design, manipulate a 3-D model or solve a puzzle.
Holograms
Holograms are three-dimensional images that appear to float in mid-air, creating an illusion of depth and realism. Holograms can impress, inspire and surprise the audience by leveraging the power of realistic visuals. They can create a more memorable experience, as 65% of the population are visual learners.
One holographic projector device with speakers is enough to create a complete 3-D experience at your target location. Consider using a hologram presentation to feature a celebrity speaker, a live performance, a product or special effects.
Getting Started
Immersive presentations are not easy to create, and your best bet as a business may be to go for specialized agencies that create immersive and interactive presentations. Alternatively, you can get started by doing the following:
• Research and select the correct tools and techniques as per your requirements and target audience, or hire experts in immersive presentations who help with it.
• Find an advanced SaaS presentation software that can support high interactivity and 3-D modeling with specialized features that suit your vision.
• Acquire specialized visual design, video editing and digital modeling tools that allow collaboration.
• Invest in high-quality video cameras based on the presentation medium you wish to use and the devices required for it.
• Create the scripts and slides and set up recording environments for your presentation.
Summing Up
We have discussed some of the top cutting-edge immersive technologies that can enhance presentations and make them more memorable and impactful. But don’t hurry up!
Before diving into the world of immersive presentations, you must remember to consider your options carefully and give enough time to plan and design. You must also ensure that they align with the goals and needs of the presenter and the audience.
Now go ahead and unlock the immense potential of immersive presentations to engage and convince your audience.
Many of our clients have had questions or issues regarding their license or credentialing. New physicians and physicians who have been practicing for years can all encounter issues with their medical licenses. We help our clients work to get the answers and results they need.
We can help you stay on top of the latest news that affects your everyday life. Subscribe to stay up to date. (To subscribe to our blog click here).
Depending on the issues that you may be having, there are different approaches to take in dealing with the Bureau of Professional Licensing and the Board regarding your medical license.
However, no matter what stage you are at, there are certain steps you can take to improve your interactions.
First, make sure that you have all your documents in order. When dealing with licensing, it is likely that no matter the reason, they will require proof and written records. Depending on the nature of your interaction, you may need complete records of the following:
Continuing education credits,
Community service/volunteer work,
Letters of recommendation,
Proof of various trainings related to human trafficking, opioids, etc.,
education,
and more.
Second, know the statutes that apply. Various statute will likely apply to your situation and it is important that you are familiar with the laws. The statutes will impose certain requirements.
Third, dot your i’s and cross your t’s. Make sure that you are following the required formats for all submissions. Double check that no records are missing and that all of your explanations are in order. Know what needs to be notarized, and ensure that your notary follows the required format. It may be wise to have a third party review your documents prior to submission.
Fourth, follow up. If you can find a contact, following up on your documents can ensure that you have accurately submitted all requirements and are not missing any supporting information.
Finally, know when to call the experts. When problems with your medical license arise, it is essential you take it seriously. Find a healthcare attorney who is familiar with licensing and credentialing to help you from start to finish. At Rickard & Associates, we help make the process as easy as possible for our clients and work with them every step of the way.
If you need help, let us know. Having an advocate familiar with the process can make a big difference when it comes to your license.
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We publish vital information on health law topics and news every Wednesday and Friday. To get this important information delivered directly to your mailbox, subscribe today!
Do you need help updating your Business Associate Agreement or negotiating contracts with third-party vendors? We can help. To contact us about your Business Associate Agreement, your vendor contracts or your other legal needs, call us today.
Colorado researchers theorize that fructose metabolism may be the driving force behind Alzheimer’s Disease pathology. Diets high in sugar and high glycemic index carbohydrates would exacerbate the problem. Salt may also play a role. Fructose is a simple sugar (a monosaccharide) typically found in fruit, honey, and some vegetables. Table sugar is sucrose, a combination of fructose and a glucose molecule. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is added to many processed foods as a bulk sweetener. From the article linked above:
An ancient human foraging instinct, fueled by fructose production in the brain, may hold clues to the development and possible treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
The study, published recently in The American Journal of Clinical Nutritionoffers a new way of looking at a fatal disease characterized by abnormal accumulations of proteins in the brain that slowly erode memory and cognition.
“We make the case that Alzheimer’s disease is driven by diet,” said the study’s lead author Richard Johnson, MD, professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine specializing in renal disease and hypertension. The study co-authors include Maria Nagel, MD, research professor of neurology at the CU School of Medicine.
Steve Parker, M.D
PS: The Mediterranean diet is linked to a lower risk of dementia.
Now that I am in my 40’s I am always on the pursuit of natural anti-aging products.
In the quest for healthy and youthful-looking skin, we often explore various beauty treatments and products. Among the innovative breakthroughs in skincare, red light face masks have gained significant popularity in recent years. These remarkable devices utilize specific wavelengths of red light to deliver a range of benefits that can transform your complexion. There are numerous advantages of red light face masks and why they have become an essential tool in the pursuit of radiant, rejuvenated skin.
I use my red light mask daily! I love that red light therapy is a natural way to help my skin!
Red light helps with collagen production, helps eliminate acne, and it accelerates wound healing.
Unlike invasive cosmetic procedures or harsh chemical treatments, red light face masks offer a non-invasive, gentle approach to skincare. Red light masks do not require any downtime or recovery period, making them suitable for all skin types. I love that I can use my red light mask daily without having down time like most cosmetic procedures.
The emergence of red light face masks has revolutionized the way we approach skincare, providing a non-invasive and effective solution for a wide range of skin concerns. From reducing the appearance of wrinkles and acne to promoting collagen production and enhancing overall skin health, these devices offer a multitude of benefits. Incorporating red light therapy into your skincare routine can help you achieve a radiant, youthful complexion and boost your confidence. However, it’s important to remember that individual results may vary, and it’s always best to consult a skincare professional or dermatologist before incorporating any new treatment into your regimen.
Embrace the power of red light face masks and unlock the secret to glowing, rejuvenated skin!
WHERE TO GET RED LIGHT MASK
A few months ago, I emailed my friend Andy who owns Bon Charge that I wish he had a red light mask. I know he is always on the pursuit of health so I figured he would be interested in such a product.
Within months, he created the best red light mask and I use mine daily! The Bon Charge Red Light Therapy face mask is the best one I have tried. I personally have bought two other red light face masks and none of them compare to the Bon Charge red light face mask. One of the red light masks was a hard plastic one and it hurt my face the whole time it was on. The Bon Charge red light face mask is soft and forms to your face. I also love how the Bon Charge red light face mask has multiple levels of strength to use and it also has a timer that you can set for as little as 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Andy is so generous, he is offering the LARGEST discount to my readers!
Use code MARIA to save 20%!!!! That’s the best deal out there for this product 🙂
CLICK HERE to get a red light mask! Hurry! They sell out often!
One document that we recommend for almost all of our estate planning clients is a Medical Durable Power of Attorney. This document allows you to select the person who will make medical decisions on your behalf, if you are incapacitated or unable to make them yourself.
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A Medical Durable Power of Attorney is an essential document, as no one can predict their incapacity.
This legal document allows you to list medical directions that you would like to follow.
It is important to choose a patient advocate that you know will follow your wishes and help ensure that you are taken care of in the manner that you would want.
You should discuss the relevant provisions with your patient advocate, and make sure that they are willing to act in the event of your incapacity.
It is also a good idea to have a backup person, in case your first patient advocate is unable to act.
When should you have a Medical Power of Attorney?
When you turn 18 or whatever age you are now.
As you are no longer a minor, you need to select who you want to be involved in healthcare decisions. This may be parents or relatives, but it should be in writing.
Powers of Attorney should be updated over time, as relationships and situations change.
If you have questions about Medical Powers of Attorney or need one updated or put in place, we can help.
Contact us today to help you get the right documents in place or to update your current estate plan. We will plan so that you don’t have to worry about your future.
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Regular readers will know that we love our dividends at Simply Wall St, which is why it’s exciting to see Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (ETR:BMW) is about to trade ex-dividend in the next 4 days. The ex-dividend date is usually set to be one business day before the record date which is the cut-off date on which you must be present on the company’s books as a shareholder in order to receive the dividend. It is important to be aware of the ex-dividend date because any trade on the stock needs to have been settled on or before the record date. Accordingly, Bayerische Motoren Werke investors that purchase the stock on or after the 12th of May will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 16th of May.
The company’s next dividend payment will be €8.50 per share, on the back of last year when the company paid a total of €8.50 to shareholders. Based on the last year’s worth of payments, Bayerische Motoren Werke stock has a trailing yield of around 7.9% on the current share price of €107.54. We love seeing companies pay a dividend, but it’s also important to be sure that laying the golden eggs isn’t going to kill our golden goose! As a result, readers should always check whether Bayerische Motoren Werke has been able to grow its dividends, or if the dividend might be cut.
Check out our latest analysis for Bayerische Motoren Werke
If a company pays out more in dividends than it earns, then the dividend might become unsustainable – hardly an ideal situation. Bayerische Motoren Werke paid a comfortable 49% of its profit last year. Yet cash flow is typically more important than profit for assessing dividend sustainability, so we should always check if the company generated enough cash to afford its dividend. The good news is that it paid out just 22% of its free cash flow in the last year.
It’s encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don’t drop precipitously.
Click here to see the company’s payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.
historic-dividend
Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?
Businesses with strong growth prospects usually make the best dividend payers, because it’s easier to grow dividends when earnings per share are improving. If a business enters a downturn and the dividend is cut, the company can see its value fall precipitously. With that in mind, we’re encouraged by the steady growth at Bayerische Motoren Werke, with earnings per share up 6.0% on average over the last five years. Management has been reinvested more than half of the company’s earnings within the business, and the company has been able to grow earnings with this retained capital. Organizations that reinvest heavily in themselves typically get stronger over time, which can bring attractive benefits such as stronger earnings and dividends.
Another key way to measure a company’s dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth. Bayerische Motoren Werke has delivered 14% dividend growth per year on average over the past 10 years. It’s encouraging to see the company lifting dividends while earnings are growing, suggesting at least some corporate interest in rewarding shareholders.
The Bottom Line
Has Bayerische Motoren Werke got what it takes to maintain its dividend payments? Earnings per share have been growing moderately, and Bayerische Motoren Werke is paying out less than half its earnings and cash flow as dividends, which is an attractive combination as it suggests the company is investing in growth. We would prefer to see earnings growing faster, but the best dividend stocks over the long term typically combine significant earnings per share growth with a low payout ratio, and Bayerische Motoren Werke is halfway there. It’s a promising combination that should mark this company worthy of closer attention.
With that in mind, a critical part of thorough stock research is being aware of any risks that stock currently faces. For example, we’ve found 4 warning signs for Bayerische Motoren Werke (1 is a bit unpleasant!) that deserves your attention before investing in the shares.
Generally, we wouldn’t recommend just buying the first dividend stock you see. Here’s a curated list of interesting stocks that are strong dividend payers.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content?get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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