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The answer to the question of what health care services should be covered by a managed care plan is straightforward; the plan should cover whatever the consumer is willing to pay for. From the plan's perspective, the consumer is the payer, that is, the employer who negotiates the plan; not the individual patient whose personal preferences and interests may be quite different. Since managed care organizations contract with payers to arrange for health care services within a defined set of benefits, there is a broader question as well: Within the benefits chosen by the payer, what actually is covered? Criteria for determining "medical necessity," which managed care plans frequently use as the basis for coverage, are discussed.

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Q: What basic set of health services should be covered and who or what entity should pay for them?
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What does the HIPAA Privacy Rule applies to?

The following information is taken directly from the US government's Health and Human Services website and should be authoritative..Protected Health InformationThe Privacy Rule protects all "individually identifiable health information" held or transmitted by a covered entity or its business associate, in any form or media, whether electronic, paper, or oral. The Privacy Rule calls this information "protected health information (PHI)."The Privacy Rule, as well as all the Administrative Simplification rules, apply to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and to any health care provider who transmits health information in electronic form in connection with transactions for which the Secretary of HHS has adopted standards under HIPAA (the "covered entities").Health PlansIndividual and group plans that provide or pay the cost of medical care are covered entities. 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The HIPAA Privacy Rule applies to what?

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Should a covered entity need to have an established complaint process?

If an individual believes that a DoD covered entity (CE) is not complying with HIPAA, he or she may file a complaint with the:


Where could I find relationship counseling?

I would start by asking your general doctor for a recommendation. Since most mental health professionals are covered by health insurance, you should try your health insurance provider's website so that the services are covered and in-network.


When does HIPPA privacy rule applies?

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Health care providers include all "providers of services" (e.g., institutional providers such as hospitals) and "providers of medical or health services" (e.g., non-institutional providers such as physicians, dentists and other practitioners) as defined by Medicare, and any other person or organization that furnishes, bills, or is paid for health care.Health Care ClearinghousesHealth care clearinghouses are entities that process nonstandard information they receive from another entity into a standard (i.e., standard format or data content), or vice versa.In most instances, health care clearinghouses will receive individually identifiable health information only when they are providing these processing services to a health plan or health care provider as a business associate. In such instances, only certain provisions of the Privacy Rule are applicable to the health care clearinghouse's uses and disclosures of protected health information. 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1) The HIPAA Privacy Rule applies to which of the following?

The following information is taken directly from the US government's Health and Human Services website and should be authoritative..Protected Health InformationThe Privacy Rule protects all "individually identifiable health information" held or transmitted by a covered entity or its business associate, in any form or media, whether electronic, paper, or oral. The Privacy Rule calls this information "protected health information (PHI)."The Privacy Rule, as well as all the Administrative Simplification rules, apply to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and to any health care provider who transmits health information in electronic form in connection with transactions for which the Secretary of HHS has adopted standards under HIPAA (the "covered entities").Health PlansIndividual and group plans that provide or pay the cost of medical care are covered entities. 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In the business associate contract, a covered entity must impose specified written safeguards on the individually identifiable health information used or disclosed by its business associates.Moreover, a covered entity may not contractually authorize its business associate to make any use or disclosure of protected health information that would violate the Rule. Covered entities that have an existing written contract or agreement with business associates prior to October 15, 2002, which is not renewed or modified prior to April 14, 2003, are permitted to continue to operate under that contract until they renew the contract or April 14, 2004, whichever is first.


Is herpes medicine covered by health insurance?

"Depending on your health insurance, you may or may not be covered for herpes medication. If your policy includes prescription drugs, then you should be covered."


How often should a covered entity's HIPAA Security Standard be reviewed and updated?

When there is a significant change in the law and once a year.


Describe how one should evaluate products services and health information?

When evaluating products, services, and health information, one should consider the source of the information as well as determine the validity of the supporting documentation.


Are you covered under your parents health insurance if you are pregnant and a minor?

This will depend on the kind of health insurance your parents have. Some health insurance may cover pregnancy while others do not. You will need to contact your insurance agent and ask them about your family coverage.You should also have a insurance booklet that states what treatments and doctor visits are covered and what is not covered.


Where online might one apply for health insurance?

Your employer should have health insurance plans. If you are unemployed you can visit your social services office and get temporary health insurance. You can get temporary health insurance from social services even if you are employed, but you must meet the income requirements.


Should America substantially increase public health services for mental health care in the US?

Yes, increase in mental health care equals to increase in health for all people.