OIG demands transparency for physicians and staff in 2010: welcome to the modern era of compliance.

A compliance plan is a physician practice's defense against legal and ethical misconduct. A compliance plan that sits on a shelf provides no protection from government watchdogs. You have to have a practice culture that demonstrates the importance of a commitment to compliance with the law. Your practice must encourage every effort to combat fraud and abuse. Your employees must know that you are committed to doing the right thing. Everyone in the practice must live up to the procedures and policies in your plan on a daily basis. Implementing a compliance program not only makes you aware of the processes in your office but gives you feedback on what you staff members doing and how competent and knowledgeable they are. It is a "win win" situation for all involved.