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In this issue:
STATpay LinkTM
is an occasional newsletter which highlights important changes
going on in the healthcare environment and news about billing
and practice management from STATpay, Inc., the superior
performing physicians billing service in the MD/DC/N. VA &
DE region.
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| August 20,
2002: Number 3 |
There
are far too many scare tactics and not enough plain talk
out there about HIPAA
Preamble
April 14th,
2003 is the implementation date for the Privacy
Standards of HIPAA (Healthcare Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act) for those who have been too busy.
We're getting asked pretty regularly what is needed
today and the final details have just arrived, so it
seems there is a need for some straight answers.
Key Considerations
Here is a list of the
questions that your practice need concise answers for
under the Privacy section of the final rule. There is
much more coming on the computer and data side for the
security of information, but it is not yet
finalized. These are the current issues to
address over the next few months:
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Do you
have a patient education notice disclosing when and
how information is released (for treatment, payment,
healthcare operations and the FDA) and when patients
are required to be notified?
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Does
your consent statement include informing patients
about your practices privacy policy and the patients
privacy rights?
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Have you
established a procedure for how to process and
approve/deny requests for records or information?
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How will
you ensure only the minimum amount of information
necessary is disclosed?
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How will
patients inspect and get copies of records?
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How can
patients correct or amend their records?
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How much
will you charge for copying and is within the legal
limits imposed by your state?
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How will
you restrict uses/disclosures if a patient wants
that?
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How do
you explain disclosures for research purposes,
emergencies, family requests or incidental uses such
as sign in sheets?
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Who is
in charge of privacy and who will monitor
performance?
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How will
you handle complaints of possible disclosure of
information?
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How will
you handle internal confidential reporting of
breaches to ensure lack of repercussions?
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How will
staff be formally trained on these requirements, and
resulting failure being sanctions or possible
termination?
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How will you handle
your continued prerogative to grant or deny access
to a minor child's health information by the parents
if supported by state law?
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Have you
inventoried all the locations that patient
information resides?
Final Comment:
Simple and straight talk on HIPAA. Do you desire
assistance with HIPAA or other practice issues?
Let us know if there is anything STATpay can do for you! |
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