TerraCycle, a global provider of sustainability solutions, has introduced ClinicCycle, a national recycling solution designed for healthcare facilities of all sizes, from private practices and dental offices to urgent care centers and specialized medical clinics. The program offers a way to recycle complex waste streams commonly produced in medical environments, including personal protective equipment (PPE), plastic packaging, break room waste, and cleaning supplies.

Addressing Medical Waste Challenges

Each year, the U.S. healthcare sector produces approximately 1.7 million tons of plastic waste, much of which is discarded in landfills or incinerated. ClinicCycle provides a solution, enabling healthcare facilities to responsibly manage hard-to-recycle waste while upholding stringent hygiene and patient care standards.

A Convenient Recycling Option

“Medical waste is a growing challenge, and healthcare professionals need convenient solutions that align with their commitment to care,” said Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle. “ClinicCycle is an easy way to ensure that essential materials from a variety of medical settings are properly recycled.”

ClinicCycle Options

From single-use PPE to plastic packaging and disposable supplies, ClinicCycle offers specialized Zero Waste Boxes to help all types of healthcare facilities responsibly recycle a wide range of waste materials, including disposable gloves, disposable masks, plastic packaging, break room separation, cleaning supplies and accessories, and an all-in-one option.

Collection and Recycling Process

Clinics order the appropriate ClinicCycle Zero Waste Box, place it in areas where waste is generated, and start collecting their hard-to-recycle materials. Once full, the box is sealed and returned to TerraCycle using the prepaid shipping label. The collected waste is then carefully sorted, cleaned, and processed into raw materials that can be used to create new products, ensuring clinic-generated waste is kept in circulation and out of landfills and incinerators.

Photo: ID 337761976 © Narongrit Doungmanee | Dreamstime.com

In an era where data breaches and cyber threats loom, the security of patient information in plastic surgery practices (PSPs) is more critical than ever. Envision a scenario where, in a mere moment, the confidential data of your patients is at risk, posing a serious threat to the trust they place in your practice and to the ethical integrity of your operations. This situation is not a mere speculative exercise; it’s a critical, real-world issue that necessitates prompt and effective countermeasures.

After all, says Mark D. Epstein, MD, FACS, a dual-board-certified plastic surgeon in Hauppauge, N.Y., “As plastic surgeons, we are responsible for highly sensitive data but also tend to lack the necessary knowledge and skill set to safely protect it from unauthorized access and exfiltration.”

Integrating technology in healthcare has been a boon for PSPs, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. However, this digital transformation brings an increased risk of cyber threats. A staggering American Medical Association (AMA) statistic reveals that approximately 83% of physicians have experienced cyberattacks. This reality places an immense responsibility on PSPs to understand and actively combat these risks.

Cybersecurity in PSPs goes beyond protecting data; it is fundamentally about safeguarding patient trust and your practice’s reputation. The implications of a breach are profound, ranging from legal liabilities to irreparable damage to patient relationships. According to the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, the healthcare sector saw an average data breach cost of $11 million, the lion’s share being the theft of PPI files. 

These statistics are not just numbers but a clarion call for PSPs to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Below are seven actionable steps to secure your practice against ever-evolving cyber threats. Each step is tailored to be practical and achievable, ensuring that your journey toward enhanced cybersecurity is successful and sustainable.

1. Build a Cybersecurity Program Built on Risk

The foundation of a robust cybersecurity strategy lies in understanding and mitigating risks. Begin by conducting a thorough risk assessment and identifying system and process vulnerabilities. This could range from weak passwords to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. A cybersecurity program should include regular updates to your software systems, strict access controls, and frequent training of staff on cybersecurity best practices. 

Remember: Breaches can result not only from external attacks but also from internal oversights.Per HIPAA, maintaining patient confidentiality is an ethical and legal obligation. So, ensure your cybersecurity measures align with HIPAA guidelines.

2. Invest in the Right Technological Controls

Incorporating the right technological tools is essential in safeguarding your practice from cyber threats. Invest in endpoint protection, access control policies, next-generation firewalls, and strong intrusion detection systems. These mechanisms are essential as key defenses in case of a possible cyberattack. Additionally, consider implementing secure, encrypted communication channels for sharing patient data, especially when involving telemedicine. 

Regular data backups are also vital; in the event of data loss due to a cyberattack, having a recent backup can be the difference between a quick recovery and a prolonged, costly disruption. While the investment in these technologies may seem substantial, the cost of a data breach—financially and in terms of patient trust—can be far more significant.

3. Take Account of Compliance and Regulations

For PSPs, compliance with health data regulations isn’t just a legal mandate; it’s a cornerstone of patient trust. In 2021, the healthcare industry faced over 22% of all data breaches, emphasizing the need for stringent compliance measures. Failing to adhere to regulations may result in significant financial repercussions. For instance, penalties for violating HIPAA standards can escalate to as much as $1.5 million annually.

PSPs must routinely carry out evaluations and reviews of their data management procedures to guarantee adherence to compliance standards. This includes evaluating how patient information is stored, accessed, and shared. Encryption of patient data, both in transit and at rest, becomes non-negotiable. Additionally, it’s vital to stay informed about changing state and federal regulations in response to emerging cyber threats. By embedding compliance into your cybersecurity strategy, you safeguard your practice against legal repercussions and reinforce your commitment to patient confidentiality.

4. Train Staff on Cybersecurity Hygiene

Your staff is the first and last line of defense against cyber threats. Astonishingly, human error contributes to 90% of all cybersecurity breaches. Therefore, comprehensive training in cybersecurity hygiene is essential. This training should cover basics like strong password policies, phishing attempt recognition, and safe internet practices.

Regular training sessions, updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and threats, are necessary. For instance, with the rise in telehealth services, staff must be adept at handling patient data securely over digital platforms. Moreover, instilling a culture of cybersecurity awareness can significantly reduce the risk of breaches caused by internal mistakes. 

5. Have a Vendor Risk Management Program in Place

The increasing reliance on third-party vendors for various services, including EHR systems and cloud storage, introduces new vulnerabilities into your cybersecurity framework. A startling statistic from the Ponemon Institute reveals that 54% of companies have experienced a data breach caused by a third party.

Implementing a comprehensive vendor risk management program is imperative. Start by conducting thorough due diligence before onboarding any new vendor, evaluating their cybersecurity status and compliance with applicable regulations. Continuous monitoring and periodic audits of existing vendors are equally important to ensure they maintain the required security standards. Establishing clear contracts with vendors, outlining their cybersecurity responsibilities, and protocols for incident response is also vital. 

6. Pen Test Defenses Regularly

Penetration testing (or pen testing) is a simulated cyberattack against your network to check for exploitable vulnerabilities. In the context of a PSP, regular pen testing is not just a proactive measure, but a necessity. Pen testing should be conducted annually by a third party or whenever significant changes are made to your IT infrastructure. 

This process is crucial for revealing vulnerabilities that hackers might leverage, including outdated software, inadequate encryption, or substandard security protocols. If you actively look for and fix these weak spots, there is a much lower chance of a serious cyberattack that could compromise private patient information and hurt the credibility of your practice.

7. Consider Cyber Insurance

Cyber insurance has become an essential layer of protection for businesses, including PSPs. Cyber insurance plays a pivotal role in lessening the economic consequences of cyberattack by providing coverage for expenses associated with data breaches, ransomware attacks, and disruptions in business operations.

When choosing cyber insurance, ensure it covers immediate expenses (e.g., forensics and legal fees) and indirect financial impacts (like business disruptions and reputation management).

According to IBM, the typical expense incurred from a data breach averages $4.45 million. That’s why having a robust cyber insurance policy cannot be overstated. This element is vital in your comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, offering both financial security and reassurance. 

“Setting aside an adequate budget for cybersecurity protection is difficult,” says plastic surgeon Mark D. Epstein. “If you don’t need it, it will seem like money wasted. But if you need it and you don’t have it, the consequences can be dire. While having every defense imaginable would be ideal, it’s also not feasible.”

Cybersecurity extends beyond mere data protection—it encompasses the preservation of patient trust and their overall welfare. From building a risk-based cybersecurity program, to investing in technology controls, to understanding compliance and training staff, a robust defense strategy will reinforce the commitment to providing safe, confidential, and high-quality care. “Working with the right cybersecurity consultants can help you use your available budget in the most efficient way,” Epstein adds. “It’s all about mitigating risk; no matter how hard you try, you will never eliminate it completely.” 

Michelle Drolet is CEO of Towerwall, a specialized cybersecurity consulting firm offering security and compliance services.

In 2022 Americans spent a whopping 11.8 billion—yes, with a B—dollars on aesthetic procedures, according to the Aesthetic Society. Estimates from the American Society of Plastic Surgery say that in 2022, that amounts to nearly 1.5 million cosmetic surgery procedures performed on the face, body, and chest. In recent years, surgeons have seen the amount of procedures tick up, with a 19% increase in the number of surgeries performed between 2019 and 2022 alone.

Perhaps as part of a cultural shift, we’re seeing more people become comfortable with the idea of cosmetic and aesthetic procedures “just because.”

Based on our industry experience, there is currently less stigma associated with this type of care than ever before. For many individuals, treatments such as fillers and neuromodulators are increasingly integrated into their routine self-care practices. Still, because cosmetic procedures are largely voluntary and elective, patients must foot the bill themselves.

So, even though cosmetic procedures have become more commonplace, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are easily affordable for everyone. Depending on the treatment, costs can range from between a couple hundred dollars for neuromodulators, fillers, or hair removal to thousands for breast augmentations, rhinoplasties, and liposuction. For patients looking to make aesthetic changes, these prices can intimidate and deter them from receiving the care they want.

Aesthetic Care Affordability

In 2021, consumer financial services company Synchrony conducted a study revealing that, on average, patients take more than four months to make decisions about cosmetic care. During that time, patients conduct extensive research on everything from providers and practices to products, procedures, and payment options.

As mentioned earlier, cost concerns are a constant factor for cosmetic patients, and unfortunately, this is a widespread issue in the healthcare sector. Patients are overburdened with the responsibility of their healthcare costs, a result of ever-increasing out-of-pocket costs, high inflation rates, and health plans offering less coverage for more money. It’s all adding up to overwhelm today’s patient. Cosmetic procedures are typically elective and not medically necessary, placing the burden of covering the costs squarely on the patient.

However, as practice leaders, you can reassure patients that they can proceed with their desired care despite the associated costs.

Patient Resources

Prioritizing conversations around costs should be top of mind when a new patient seeks a consultation or referral for care. Especially for people new to cosmetic surgeries, it’s important to set the stage for what they can expect from their first appointment through their recovery process so they can begin planning appropriately. Conversations around costs also should be supplemented with information on the financial resources available to help pay for care once the time comes.

Patients have various options to finance their desired cosmetic procedures and treatments, including:

• Health Savings Account (HSA): This is available to those with a qualifying high-deductible health plan to save pre-tax dollars specifically for healthcare expenses.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): This is a pre-tax saving account that can be used for health-related expenses like copays, deductibles, and prescriptions.
• Savings Account: Even a basic savings account can help set aside money for costs not covered by insurance.
• Financing Solutions: Offering in-house or third-party financing solutions, such as the CareCredit health and wellness credit card, give patients the flexibility to pay for their care over time.

Setting up your patients up for financial success also includes making sure every patient has the opportunity to reach their aesthetic goals. If you’re looking for ways to introduce more options for your patients, a third-party solution like CareCredit is an easy place to start. But, ultimately, the goal is to provide resources that make it easier for your patients to afford out-of-pocket expenses and achieve their dream results.

Devon Niccole is the CEO of CosmetiCare and Greg Pierce is senior vice president and general manager, specialty, for Synchrony’s Health & Wellness business, including Synchrony’s CareCredit credit card and recent Allegro Credit acquisition. 

With cost as the biggest barrier to treatment, Galderma and PRIVI are joining forces to offer the aesthetics market a subscription-based membership to help patients achieve and maintain their look while practices are paid in full upfront.

Under this program, patients can receive recurring treatments with Galderma’s products with a new way to pay. PRIVI integrates with ASPIRE, so patients accumulate ASPIRE points and rewards. Practices gain a tool to keep patients coming back under their recommended treatment cadences, driving loyalty and predictable recurring revenue, while ASPIRE works to generate valuable rewards and savings for their patients.

Program officials say the ASPIRE + PRIVI collaboration aims to address the increasing demand for injectables in a crowded market. It seeks to reduce costs, improve patient loyalty to medical practices, and make injectables more accessible to a wider range of consumers looking for consistent and holistic results.

The survey was sent to 2,553 plastic surgeons across 22 countries and focused on understanding the impacts to the specialty from non-physicians and/or physicians across the globe who did not train in plastic surgery but perform plastic surgery procedures. Respondents were further asked to provide input on how such practices affect patient safety worldwide. 

The survey’s objectives also sought to identify knowledge of and implications for regulatory agencies in determining the scope of practice for physicians and nonphysicians in each country.

Key findings from the survey include:

• Most countries have a regulatory entity, but some face regulations that vary by region or lack a regulatory agency entirely.
• Responses were mixed on whether the regulatory entities in their country specifically govern professional titles or advertising.
• Many respondents stated they believe there are no restrictions for noncertified plastic surgeons performing cosmetic surgery in their location.
• Most respondents have the opinion that injectables should be restricted to trained physicians and view fillers and neurotoxins as cosmetic medical treatments.

The results also underscore a widespread issue of patients consulting trained plastic surgeons after undergoing procedures by under-trained or non-medical professionals. Many note patients present with additional complications or harm resulting from procedures performed by undertrained or non-medical professionals in their country.

Regarding advertising, responses indicated challenges plastic surgeons face in differentiating themselves from uncertified counterparts. Although these plastic surgeons indicate they use credentials and accreditations in social media messaging, the high-volume use of social media by untrained professionals and influencers continues to blur these lines in the patient audience worldwide.

ASPS officials say they remain dedicated to upholding high standards in plastic surgery nationally and internationally and investing in the education and safety of patients around the globe.

The partnership between PatientFi, a point-of-sale platform for healthcare providers, and Engage Technologies Group, a Software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based technology platform specializing in patient education and practice optimization, aims to bridge the gap between patients and affordable care. With a focus on elective medical services, the collaboration promotes financial accessibility and empowers individuals seeking treatments.

“We are excited about our partnership with Engage Technologies Group and the opportunities it presents to advance our mission of making life-changing procedures and treatments more accessible to patients,” says Todd Watts, CEO and co-founder of PatientFi. “Together, we will empower patients with the information they need to navigate their financing options effectively and improve their overall healthcare experience.”

Engage Technologies Group brings insights and resources to the collaboration, having worked with doctors and surgeons in various medical fields, including aesthetics, says C. Lloyd Mahaffey, CEO and President of Engage Technologies Group.

“Engage Technologies Group is committed to improving patient engagement and practice performance,” Mahaffey adds. “Our collaboration with PatientFi aligns perfectly with our mission, as we strive to provide patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and ensure healthcare practices are optimized for efficiency and profitability.”

PatientFi currently serves a nationwide network of healthcare providers in specialties such as plastic surgery and dermatology. Their point-of-sale platform offers flexible financing alternatives, making it easier for patients to manage out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, company officials say.

Research suggests that aesthetic medicine is experiencing an explosion in consumer adoption and is proving to be increasingly recession resilient. And as practitioners seek to meet the growing demand for aesthetic medical procedures, the company points out that practitioners need access to secure tools that comply with requirements for electronic prescribing for controlled substances (EPCS) and state prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). To that end, the integration of DrFirst’s Rcopia in the BoomerangFX practice management workflows reportedly accelerates and streamlines the prescribing process while giving physicians access to medication history and drug interaction warnings to mitigate errors.

To promote better patient adherence to prescribed medications, BoomerangFX’s practice management and digital marketing software platform also will integrate DrFirst’s RxInform to automatically trigger a secure message to patients after their physician sends an electronic prescription to the pharmacy. From the RxInform message, patients can view their prescriptions, pharmacy location, educational materials, and savings options.

“We are thrilled to incorporate DrFirst’s medication management solutions into our industry-leading practice management platform,” said Jerome Dwight, CEO and co-founder of BoomerangFX. “At BoomerangFX, we’re constantly seeking innovative ways to bolster the performance and profitability of our clients. The integration of DrFirst’s medication management tools further bolsters our mission to serve as the foundational global platform for aesthetic medicine – healthcare is in need of digital transformation and many of our latest innovations in patient workflow automation, AI-driven digital marketing and retention marketing are designed to radically boost growth and transform a clinic’s operations.”

“We are pleased to partner with BoomerangFX,” said G. Cameron Deemer, CEO of DrFirst. “Clinicians need intelligent solutions for safe and efficient e-prescribing, as well as tools that help patients take their medications as prescribed.”

Dwight further commented, “BoomerangFX has been at the forefront of modernizing outdated clinic operations—many of our recent product releases continue to reshape this evolving industry—for example, our virtual digital assistant  ‘Auviya’ was the first of its kind to take the guesswork away from operational decision-making for clinic managers; our patient retention tools allows clinics to run fully automated intelligent patient acquisition campaigns; our email and text automation tools offer clinics ‘hands-free’ strategies to connect with prospective patient leads on platforms like Google and Facebook—ultimately our ongoing investments in Artificial Intelligence leveraging our cloud-based data lakes will allow us to bring radical changes to private healthcare practices globally.”

In 2022, BoomerangFX announced the launch of a fully integrated lead management dashboard inside a practice management system to allow clinic owners to monitor new patient leads and respond using a variety of automated and digital tools. 

The company’s cloud-based solutions for practice management, digital marketing and eLearning service clients across the USA, Canada, Australia with plans to expand into the United Kingdom, Asia and Latin America. 

The announcement comes on the heels of BoomerangFX’s recent partnership with Stripe for integrated point-of-sale payments globally.

ESPRAS, which represents national associations in plastic surgery across Europe, ensures that all its member plastic surgeons have undergone advanced multi-year training in plastic surgery. However, it points out that in most European countries, laws do not prohibit medical doctors without specialization, and in some cases, even paramedics, from referring to themselves as “aesthetic surgeons” or “beauty doctors.”

Riccardo Giunta, ESPRAS President and consultant plastic surgeon in Munich, Germany, underscores the potential risk to patient safety. “The financial allure of both aesthetic surgery and non-surgical aesthetics attracts many individuals,” he says, adding that the public is generally uninformed about the standard of care in training.

Giunta further warns that patients might believe that professionals with these titles have the appropriate qualifications to ensure safety, but this might not be the case. “They may not have passed the standards of a board-certified plastic surgeon and lack essential knowledge,” he explains, suggesting that unregulated commercial organizations could contribute to this problem.

ESPRAS recently conducted a survey across 23 European countries to assess levels of education and specialization in plastic surgery. The results highlighted the high level of training required for board certification, underscoring the potential risks of opting for a practitioner who is not trained to this standard.

In its position paper, ESPRAS calls for patient safety to take precedence over financial gain. It is working to support national legislation that would provide clear regulation of aesthetic surgery across Europe, and is urging the public to be aware of the dangers of under-trained practitioners.

The settlement resolves allegations that Joel Aronowitz, MD; Daniel Aronowitz; Joel A. Aronowitz, M.D., a medical corporation; Tower Multi-Specialty Medical Group; Tower Wound Care Center of Santa Monica, Inc.; Tower Outpatient Surgery Center, Inc.; and Tower Medical Billing Solutions falsified the place of service for skin grafts and billed multiple times for single-use skin substitute products. 

The U.S. contends that the Tower Medical Billing Solutions manipulated the place of service code on claims for skin grafts to fraudulently maximize reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. The U.S. further contends that Aronowitz failed to properly dispose of unused portions of single-use skin graft materials and, instead, used them in later procedures involving other Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, resulting in thousands of instances of double billing.

“When healthcare providers violate federal healthcare program requirements, they undermine the integrity of these programs and waste taxpayer dollars,” says Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement demonstrates the department’s commitment to preventing providers from misappropriating public funds for their own private gain.”

“Our investigation revealed a long-running practice to illegally maximize profits, ultimately costing public health programs millions of dollars,” adds U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “The Medicare and Medicaid programs are taxpayer-funded programs, and we are committed to wiping out abuses that line the pockets of unscrupulous providers.”

In connection with the settlement, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), negotiated the voluntary exclusion of Aronowitz and Tower Multi-Specialty Medical Group from Medicare, Medicaid, and all other federal health care programs, as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(f), for a period of 15 years. Daniel Aronowitz will be excluded for three years.

“HHS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, is committed to holding providers accountable for defrauding federal health care programs,” says Special Agent in Charge Timothy B. DeFrancesca of HHS-OIG. “Those who egregiously exploit Medicare and Medicaid put their personal financial gain before patients’ needs and safety.”

Aesthetic practices can use PRIVI’s cloud-based portal to build personalized beauty memberships that can be comprised of neurotoxin, filler, skincare, body treatments, and more —all on a monthly membership plan. Instead of facing large bills each time they visit their aesthetic provider, patients just pay monthly for an annual treatment plan, customized to them.

The global non-invasive aesthetic treatment market is expected to grow from $43.87 billion in 2021 to $49.32 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $85.64 billion in 2026. Today, there are nearly 40,000 medical providers in the U.S. who offer non-invasive treatments to patients. The largest barrier to continued growth is patient affordability and access to qualified providers who can deliver desired outcomes.

“PatientFi has become a leading provider of payment solutions for large ticket aesthetic procedures, so PRIVI was a natural extension for us,” says Todd Watts, CEO and co-founder of PatientFi. “PRIVI is solving some of the longest standing pain points for the non-invasive aesthetic market—affordability, scheduling, and treatment compliance. PRIVI offers practices a new way to increase business and retain it while dramatically increasing accessibility for patients.” 

Key elements of PRIVI include: 

• Streamlined payments: Enables participating providers to receive payment in full when treatments are rendered, while patients benefit from the convenience of a monthly membership payment. 
• Auto reminders and scheduling: Delivers high patient retention with scheduling tools and automatic reminders to keep patients coming back for ongoing, regular treatments.
• Customized user experience: Offers functionality to customize the membership experience to a practice’s brand and offerings—complete with incentive add-ons and rewards to attract more patients to the membership.