Wait Time Notice from BCBS

Recently, doctors received a notice from Blue Cross Blue Shielf of Alabama concerning wait times and secret shoppers. (Click here for a copy of the notice) The important thing for doctors to know is that they are not required to fit the patient in during these timeframes. This is actually a requirement placed on the plans themselves. These new requirements are a way for CMS to assess whether the plans have adequate provider networks in place. The new rules require that enrollees of a plan that are seeking an appointment are able to schedule an appointment within the time frames at least 90% of the time. If the doctor can’t see the patient in that time frame, that is totally acceptable. The plans ultimately are the ones that have to attest to CMS that they meet these timeframes 90% of the time and they are required by regulation to do secret shopping to figure out if they meet that threshold.  For more background, this is the notice sent to the plans: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2025-letter-issuers.pdf

Windows 10 Hipaa Compliance Ending

Microsoft has announced that it will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. This interruption of support has significant implications for healthcare organizations that must comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Impact on HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA mandates that organizations handling Protected Health Information (PHI) implement safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic health information. A critical component of these safeguards is the use of supported software that receives regular security updates to protect against vulnerabilities. Past the date of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide those security updates for Windows 10.

Continuing to use Windows 10 beyond its end-of-life date means operating without essential security updates, leaving systems more susceptible to cyber threats such as malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access. This increased vulnerability can lead to non-compliance with HIPAA regulations, as the use of unsupported software is generally considered a failure to implement adequate security measures.

Recommended Actions

To maintain HIPAA compliance, your practice should take the following steps:

1. Plan ahead by identifying all devices running on Windows 10 within your organization.
2. Determine if your software and tools are compatible with Windows 11. Confirm that your practice management software, imaging solutions, etc. support Windows 11.
3. Determine if your systems meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. Hardware upgrades or replacements may be necessary.
4. All systems must be upgraded or replaced by October 14, 2025, if your organization relies on Windows 10.
5. After upgrading to Windows 11, verify that all systems remain HIPAA-compliant by conducing a security audit.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 ALOPAC CONTRIBUTORS!

Sign up for an ALOA Committee!

Sign up for an ALOA committee and get involved! Our committees meet through Zoom or conference calls so your time away from your practice is minimal. Signing up is simple - just click HERE and choose which committee(s) you would like to serve on.

Education Committee - Dr. Patricia Fulmer, Chair

Takes responsibility for meetings sponsored by the organization. With the assistance of staff, the committee should plan cost effective, profitable events that further the continuing education goals of optometrists.

Eye Care Benefits Committee - Dr. Robbie Hayes, Chair

Acts as consultant and liaison to insurance plans, managed care systems, large employers, vision plans, employer coalitions, and other organizations involved with third party health care delivery. The committee assists members in coding issues and reimbursement issues with third party payers.

Government Relations Committee-Dr. Caleb Gardner, Chair

Reviews proposed laws and rules, taking timely action to support or oppose issues that affect the organization and the profession. Organizes efforts to block unfavorable regulations and support favorable laws in state agencies and in legislature, and works with the ALOA contract lobbyist.

Industry Relations Committee - Dr. Rob Svensen, Chair

Works with ALOA Industry Partners to design a marketing and promotion packet and contacts companies to recruit them into the partnership program. 

Membership Committee - Dr. Bonnie-Kim Schwertz, Chair

Targets audiences for membership, successfully enrolling new members while retaining current members. Encourage diversity and inclusion in membership recruitment efforts and across the association. Focus on student issues and proactively encourage their participation in the association.

Young OD Committee - Drs. Mason and Giselle Childers, Co-chairs

Plans events and programs for optometrists that have been in practice for 10 years or less encouraging their growth in their practice and involvement in the ALOA.