April 23, 2009

Frequently Asked Questions about Red Flag Rules

Effective May 1, 2009 St. Charles Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, Inc. (SCOSA) must comply with The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA) as amended in October of 2007 to include Red Flag and Address Discrepancy Requirements (Red Flag).

Why was FACTA amended to include Red Flag Rules?

The Red Flag rules are designed to protect consumers from identity theft by requiring businesses like SCOSA to recognize activities that indicate the possible existence of identity theft.

What kind of activities will SCOSA watch for that may indicate identify theft?

Some things that may indicate identify theft, or Red Flag activities that SCOSA will watch for are:
- Documents provided for identification appear to have been altered or forged.
- The photo ID provided by the patient is not consistent with the appearance of the patient requesting treatment.
- The SSN, birth date or other personal information provided is the same as that submitted by another patient.
- The patient requesting treatment is not able to produce personal identifying information such as driver’s license or insurance card.
- Notice from patients that they have received an Explanation of Benefits from their insurance company for services they never received.
- Medical records report medical treatment or conditions that are inconsistent with a physical exam or medical history as reported by the patient.

What will SCOSA do if they find Red Flag activities on my account?

SCOSA has created policies and procedures to reduce the opportunity for identity theft, recognize signs of identity theft (Red Flags), and respond to Red Flags when identified. SCOSA staff has been trained on these policies and procedures and will monitor and update these policies for their effectiveness.
Depending on the type of Red Flag identified SCOSA staff may do one or more of the following:
- Flag an account for suspected identity issues so that SCOSA staff will be alerted to watch for suspicious activity.
- Verify information provided by the patient by researching public information like the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File.
- Contact a patient to discuss concern about a possible identity theft

What will SCOSA do to reduce the risk of identity theft?

SCOSA requires a copy of a picture ID for each patient; this is used to confirm the patients identity and is kept in a secure protected environment for SCOSAs use only. SCOSA has security policies in place to ensure that your data is safe from exposure or release to other parties. Our staff is trained in patient privacy, committed to protecting your information and on the alert for suspicious activity.

What can I do to protect my identity?

As a consumer of medical services there are several things you can do to help safeguard your identity, here are some suggestions:
- Safeguard your medical information; keep your medical insurance ID card and other information in a secure place like you would a credit card.
- Request an annual listing of all benefits paid by your insurer and review to be sure only service you or your dependents received are listed.
- If fraudulent activity is suspected be proactive in contacting the provider of service and investigating the situation.
- Check your credit report. Starting in December 2004 you can get a free copy of your report from the three national consumer reporting agencies, depending on where you live. For more on free credit reports and when you can get yours, see PRC Fact Sheet 1, Privacy Survival Guide, www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs1-surv.htm.

For questions, concerns or comments please contact our Privacy and Security Office, Suzann Crowder at 636-946-7050, Ext. 137 or scrowder@scosamd.com

St. Charles Orthopaedic Surgery Associates Receives Accreditation by the ICAMRLJune 10, 2008

SCOSA has been granted accreditation in the area of Musculoskeletal Imaging by the Intersocietal Commision for the Accreditation of Magnetic Resonance Laboratories (ICAMRL). Participation in the accreditation process is voluntary, indicating our commitment to quality MRI imaging and a willingness to meet ICAMRL's nationally recognized, intersocietal standards for providers of MRI imaging procedures.

This is what our patients are saying about us...May 6, 2008

Last updated April 23, 2009

-It was simple to fill out the paperwork by downloading the forms beforehand - made things much more efficient when I arrived. The staff was very friendly. The nurses/assistants and Dr. Berni made my son feel comfortable.

-Your staff is very friendly and always have a smile on their faces. Dr. Paranjpe is an excellent doctor. He takes the time and explains what is going on in a way I can understand. He is very friendly and courteous. I would highly recommend him to family and friends.

-With every visit I have had, the staff has always been respectful and courteous. I have never encountered anyone being in a bad mood or seemed to to \"crabby\" or having a bad day. That is very important in a medical office. I work in a medical office and it can be very difficult to do when you are having a bad day. Also, I always get in and out! Awesome!!

-Dr Paranjpe and staff were knowledgable and courteous.

-Every person I met today was very nice. My wife and I like Dr. Keohane very much.

-I saw Dr Paranjape for the second time. He is an awesome physician. He left me feeling totally at ease, was absoultley compassionate, and had a game plan and kept me informed. I would recommend him to anyone. When I notified the receptionist that I was in pain and really needed to see the physician right away, she talked to the doctor and was able to fit me in the next day. When you are in true pain and have a real problem, it is nice to know that the office is willing to work with you to get your needs taken care of. Thanks so much.

-I really appreciate Dr. Melander and Ellen, they are both very helpful and take the time to listen to/answer your concerns/questions fully.

-The day of my visit was a very busy day, I feel that everyone I came in contact with was very pleasant, even as busy as it was.

-All staff handled my 8 year old daughter very well. they spoke with her not at her.

-Dr Berni has an awesome bedside manner...nothing but good experiences (at SCOSA)

-The staff are extremely friendly and open.

-Dr. Paranjpe was WONDERFUL!!! I had been struggling with my ankle and limping in pain for months-He knew exactly what was wrong and fixed it immediately. He's very good and very kind. I've been recommending him to everyone I know with foot problems.

-Ellen did a great job at working me in the schedule today without a planned appointment. It meant alot to me that she did this and that Dr. Melander took the time to make my problem important to him. I apprecaite the flexibility in their schedule.

-Dr. Powell (and) Jodie, his right hand, is one of the most professional physicians I have come across. Truly concerned (that) the patient is aware of their options; not just surgery and will take the necessary time to explain and answer any and all questions without making you feel ignorant, silly or repetitious.

-Dr. Melander listened to my concerns and followed my lead of the type of treatment I was comfortable in following.

-Ellen was awesome and showed geniune concern with my new medicine and make sure I understood how to call her with any questions.

-Dr Schaberg made me feel very comfortable about the surgery he was about to do on my ankle. I came in the ER with an ankle fracture and was very nervous. He explained what he would do and put my mind at ease.

-Dr. Schaberg was a second opinion for me. The first doctor I went to didn't give me options for the replacing my knee. Dr. Schaberg's bedside manner was great! He gave me several options for my knee surgery and explained every step. There was no over night stay and I had a speedy recovery. No one wants to be cut on, but you guys are pros at it. Thank you!

- My whole experience, from the first visit through the surgery has been very positive. Even the new knee was a lot less traumatic than I thought.

- Judy was very courteous and helpful with my billing questions.

- Dr. Schaberg is personable, competent and is quick without seeming to be rushing. I liked that he spoke directly to my son, on his level, not just to me as the parent.