Did you know that over 80 percent of US citizens had their medical records leaked in the last decade? That’s a shocking statistic. So it’s no surprise that HIPAA compliance is at the top of everyone’s agenda moving forward.
HIPAA Compliance Meaning for Businesses: Why It’s Important
But why else is it so important, and what is HIPAA Compliance meaning in relation to your business? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
What Is HIPAA Compliance?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act governs the privacy of health information. The act protects patients from having medical records shared with unauthorized parties. HIPAA compliance means ensuring your business complies with all aspects of this legislation.
HIPAA Compliance Certification
There are two types of certification available under HIPAA – self-certification and third-party verification. Self-certification allows you to complete online forms on the Department of Labor website.
Third-party verification requires a company to hire a qualified consultant. These consultants conduct audits and provide reports detailing any non-compliance issues.
HIPAA Compliance Software
There are many software solutions designed to help businesses comply with HIPAA regulations. Some offer free trials, while others need payment upfront. Here are some popular HIPAA compliance tools:
HealthVault
This cloud-based solution offers secure patient data storage and provides access control features. Thus, only authorized users can view protected PHI.
Cerner Millennium Edition
Cerner’s flagship product includes advanced security controls, including encryption technology. These security measures help ensure that data is well protected and reduces the risk of hacks.
HIPAA Compliance Forms
When complying with the strict HIPAA requirements, take time to understand what’s involved. There are three main categories of documents required when submitting PHI:
- Administrative/Business Records
- Patient Treatment Records
- Medical Necessity Verifications
These must all be well-documented and noted as per the guidelines. That way you can make sure you’re protected and covered should any issues arise.
HIPAA Compliance Checklist
The best way to ensure compliance is to use a HIPAA compliance checklist. It lists all the steps required to make sure you’re compliant. Further, it also helps make sure you’re following all the procedures required.
You’ll need to complete these items before sending PHI to anyone else.
If you want to know how to become HIPAA compliant, here are some tips to get started:
- Understand what your obligations are under HIPAA
- Create a privacy policy and procedures manual
- Train staff on handling patient data
- Use an effective security solution for protecting PHI
By following these simple steps, you’re well on your way to being HIPAA compliant. If you’re stuck, you can always hire a professional to audit your business. These professionals will ensure everything is above board for peace of mind.
The True HIPAA Compliance Meaning is Security
It may seem like a lot of work. But there shouldn’t be too much trouble getting up to speed now you know the HIPAA compliance meaning. So long as you follow the above guidelines. Learn more about Faxbridge as a solution to bridge your fax machine with the internet and protect your data with HIPAA compliance
After all, it’s a vital part of running a business. So failure to comply can result in serious consequences! Keep reading for more expert advice!
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