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(Editor's note: To submit a question for 'Dear Labby,' email us at khatt@advanceweb.com.)
Q: "I want to have experience with compliance; I wonder how I can expose myself to that? On top of that, I want to find a job in that area. I am already in the process of obtaining a certification; I will like to know where I can start looking for a job?"
"When I go for interviews, people tell me I have enough education, but I don't have enough experience. How can I obtain those kinds of experiences besides someone willing to give you an opportunity on the job?"
 A: Compliance is the term used to describe the art of operating ethically within the confines of relevant laws and regulations, of which there are many when it comes to healthcare. When you consider the magnitude of the impending changes driven by healthcare reform, coupled with existing rules and obligations imposed by various regulatory bodies and the Office of Inspector General (OIG), it's no wonder compliance is such a rapidly growing field.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics predict that the job outlook is excellent, with projections showing compliance related occupations growing faster than average through 2018. So how does one obtain experience to break into this desirable profession? Excellent question.
There are several avenues one can pursue to obtain an education in compliance. The Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) routinely offers Basic Compliance Academies at various locations across the country. Topics covered include:
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Compliance Infrastructure
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Corporate Responsibility
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Education and Training
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Routine Auditing and Monitoring
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Stark and Anti-Kickback
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Risk Assessment
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HIPAA Privacy and Security
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Conflicts of Interest
Attendees gain the skills needed to prepare for the "CHC" exam, for those who wish to take their proficiency to the next level and obtain board Certification in Healthcare Compliance. In addition to providing a wealth of knowledge, Compliance Academies provide great networking opportunities. Never overlook the power of networking and the potential impact it may have as far as career prospects. Impress others with your knowledge and commitment to the field and they may be a reference or referral for your next position.
The HCCA website includes a job posting board, as well as a link to internships that are available. Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door and get some experience under your belt. Don't be afraid to inquire within your own organization, or professional network, for an internship opportunity. Just because it isn't advertised doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I often feel there is a "sales" component to working in a compliance profession. We are selling the message about doing business the right way for the right reasons to our organizations, and sometimes can experience the "kill the messenger" effect if we don't obtain proper buy in from our internal customers. Hone this skill now by selling your commitment to becoming a master of compliance through an internship.
The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) has also begun offering training and credentialing in compliance, as have an increasing number of colleges and universities. Exercise due diligence to ensure you select a reputable program. Due to the implicit nature of compliance work, obtaining and maintaining education is critical step to a successful career. Once the fundamentals are in place, there are several ways to tailor your specialty to the clinical laboratory arena. The following documents are integral to the foundation of clinical laboratory compliance:
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OIG Compliance Program Guidance for Clinical Laboratories
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OIG Advisory Opinions pertaining to laboratory practices
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OIG Special Fraud Alerts, Bulletins, and Other Guidance pertaining to laboratory practices
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OIG Work Plan
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Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Part 493
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Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 16, Laboratory Services
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CMS Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule
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CMS Clinical Laboratory Transmittals
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Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Pathology & Laboratory Guidelines
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CPT Pathology & Laboratory Subsection Notes
And if you have trouble sleeping at night, try reading some of the OIG's Corporate Integrity Agreement Documents. This is a great way to learn from the mistakes of others and further broaden your understanding of how laboratories can avoid operational pitfalls and the consequences of non-compliance.
These are some of the resources I call on time and time again. No doubt, there is a lot to learn when breaking into the field of healthcare compliance. Educate yourself, and don't forget to stay current, as healthcare rules and regulations change faster than the seasons. Find ways to network with other compliance professionals, and be willing to work your way up and prove your skills. If you're still having difficulty getting your foot in the door, consider seeking out an internship. Be persistent and don't give up. Compliance can be a lucrative and rewarding career.
Melissa Scott is senior consultant, Sinaiko Healthcare Consulting Inc., Altegra Health.
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