0
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, better known as HIPAA, was a federal law enacted by Congress and President Bill Clinton in 1996. The first piece of HIPAA ensures that workers and their families receive health insurance coverage if they change or lose their jobs. The second part requires the establishment of national standards for electronic health care transactions and national identifiers for all healthcare professionals and providers.
651 Questions
What year was the privacy act come into effect?
The US Privacy Act was enacted in 1974, and is actually usually called the Privacy Act of 1974.
How HIPPA icd cpt and hcpcs influence each of the ten steps in the medical billing process?
HIPAA effects the billing process in that one needs to maintain HIPAA compliance as far as confidentiality and the handling of the medical record. ICD, CPT, and HCPCS influence the billing process in that they are the reference sources where the codes are contained that are used to find the diagnosis, procedure, and supply codes.
Who does the HIPAA Privacy Rule apply to?
Employees in a doctor's office, Soldiers working in the MTF, and Contract Dental Technicians.
What is an email that is compliant with Hipaa?
Hostway, Green View Data, App River, Data Pros, and Send Inc are all companies that offer HIPAA compliant email encrypting to companies and industries who need it.
If an individual believes that a DoD covered entity (CE) is not complying with HIPAA, he or she may file a complaint with what area?
True
Authorization for Release of Information?
Dear Sir or Madam:
You are hereby authorized and directed to release to ____________ at ____________ all banking information requested by him relating to our Account No. _______________, on this one time basis only.
We would consider it a great courtesy if you would respond promptly to their inquiries.
This shall be your good and sufficient authority for doing so.
With best regards,
________________
Authorized Signer on Account
cc Inquirer listed above
Authorization for Bank to Release InformationReview List
This review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation. Sign the original and forward it to the inquirer, so they can include it with their letter seeking information about your account. Keeping all the documents together will expedite the process. Keep a copy of the authorization letter in your file. The inquiry is limited to a one time one. We advise you not give blanket inquiry rights and simply issue a new authorization should you deem it appropriate at a later date.
What does the term HIPAA stand for?
It can be frustrating wading through online information on HIPAA. This website can help you become more educated about this important subject. In this way, you can be better informed when contacting HIPAA consultants.
HIPAA, which stands for the American Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, is a set of rules to be followed by doctors, hospitals and other health care providers. HIPAA took effect on April 14, 2006. HIPAA helps ensure that all medical records, medical billing, and patient accounts meet certain consistent standards with regard to documentation, handling and privacy.
In addition, HIPAA requires that all patients be able access their own medical records, correct errors or omissions, and be informed how personal information is shared used. Other provisions involve notification of privacy procedures to the patient. HIPAA provisions that have led in many cases to extensive overhauling with regard to medical records and billing systems.
HIPAA 101 Home
HIPAA FAQ
HIPAA Rules
HIPAA Glossary
HIPAA Books
For a historical note: This act was started because a women who was abused by her husband was hiding from him. He received one of her medical bills and found out where she was hiding. She appealed to Hilary Clinton or some Senator to do something about this matter so all people would be protected.
Yes -- HIPAA allows a patient to see their own medical record, with very few exceptions. * They may not demand Psychotherapy Notes * They may not demand material being specifically prepared for an anticipated legal defense by the Covered Entity (but they can still see their charts and such). * The CE may withold record that records the name of someone who has contributed to the patient chart and may be endangered (typically by the patient) if their name is revealed. * The CE may attempt to withold PHI if they have strong reason to believe this would incite an assault on someone listed in the record. * The CE cannot release the patient's PHI if the patient is a convicted inmate in a correctional facility. Or in the military. All you have to do is inform the Covered Entity in writing that you wish disclosure of your entire designated record set en toto. The CE is entitled to charge a nominal fee to recompense them for the effort of copying the record, but this fee cannot be so high as to restrict the patient's access to their records. The CE is allowed a reasonable amount of time to prepare the copies. 30 days is usually the number now. CE's are required by law to provide the patient with a Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) that describes the exact procedure the CE wants the patient to follow in order to get a copy of their record. This however doesn't in any way abrogate the patient's rights, so an NPP that said the CE would provide copies in a year wouild be overturned by a complaint. The NPP must by law contain the procedure to fiile complaints. Refer to the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil RIghts in Washington, D.C. for more data on this.
Who summarizes the approved plans and programs of the DoD?
The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is responsible for summarizing the approved plans and programs of the Department of Defense (DoD). This includes the oversight and coordination of defense planning, programming, and budgeting processes. Additionally, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment plays a key role in these summaries, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and resource allocation.
all the above
Hipaa mandates that confidential information can be disclosed to any third party?
The Hippa is law that keep information safe and private. The Hippa is a law that has to be followed by everyone.
They will be giving the Privacy Act Statement which "provides protection to individuals by ensuring that personal information collected by Federal agencies is limited to that which is legally authorized and necessary and is maintained in a manner which precludes unwarranted intrusions upon individual privacy. "
What is the time frame to report a breach of information as it pertains to HIPAA?
10 days is the time frame to report a breach of information as it pertains to HIPAA.
What is the role of an medical assistant with HIPAA?
Every person who may have exposure to patient information through the performance of their job is bound by HIPPA and subject to the penalties for violating HIPPA. This includes you doctors, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse aides, orderlies, lab and radiology techs, secretaries, social workers, administrators, billing personnel, housekeeping and maintenance staff, IT staff, etc. HIPPA also applies to students and non-employed observers who are granted access to information at the invitation of anyone of the above. Anyone who works around patients and health care information in any capacity should be required to sign a HIPPA compliance contract by their employer or contractor.
What is a Breach as defined by HIPPA?
Breach means the acquisition, access use, or disclosure of protected health information in a manner not permitted under subpart E of this part which compromises the security or privacy of the protected health information.
(1) Breach excludes:
(i) Any unintentional acquisition, access, or use of protected health information by a workforce member or person acting under the authority of a covered entity or a business associate, if such acquisition, access, or use was made in good faith and within the scope of authority and does not result in further use or disclosure in a manner not permitted under subpart E of this part.
(ii) Any inadvertent disclosure by a person who is authorized to access protected health information at a covered entity or business associate to another person authorized to access protected health information at the same covered entity or business associate, or organized health care arrangement in which the covered entity participates, and the information received as a result of such disclosure is not further used or disclosed in a manner not permitted under subpart E of this part.
(iii) A disclosure of protected health information where a covered entity or business associate has a good faith belief that an unauthorized person to whom the disclosure was made would not reasonably have been able to retain such information.
Source: HIPAA Administrative Simplification Regulation Text - March 2013
dod wide system for reporting and managing serious security incidents
Good question! People are often amazed at how many different ways their health information or medical records can be used AND abused! I do not know if I can think of twelvecircumstances, but here are some that I know of:
The most common ones are:
1. Decision-making for insurers. Many people are often denied health or life insurance, based on current medical conditions. Often, coverage is denied because of "pre-existing conditions", that is, some condition the person applying already has or had. Many times, this is used by insurance companies very blithely, without really checking to see if it is true. For instance, a person might be denied payment for a doctor's visit for anything that included dizziness (such as a stroke), if in the past, they or a health professional had EVER used the word "dizziness" in a doctor's visit!
2. Joining the Armed Forces or other branches of law enforcement: Most people know of the rating system in the Army, for instance, but anyone wishing to be a police officer or FBI agent, would have to have rigorous medical exams and background checks for other medical problems/conditions.
3. Use in schools: All children in public schools are required to be up-to-date on their immunizations and to provide medical documentation of these, as well as history of yearly physicals, medication required or conditions about which the school should know, in case of emergency. Asthma is a common one.
4. Hiring and even firing. Though this is rarely said, it is also common knowledge that prospective and current employers often check applicants' and employees' medical records, with or without consent, to see if they will be a problem, say, with sick time, or medical claims (if the company offers insurance benefits). Many companies also ask for disclosure of an applicants' disability, if any on their application. This way, if the employee later claims disability, or lack of compliance with such, the company may use this to say they did not know, if the person claimed they had no disability. Responsible companies will use this to PROVIDE compliance for disabled employees (such as ramps).
An example of a GOOD reason to look up a patient's health history, would be in dangerous professions, or ones in which the employee is responsible for many lives, such as an airline pilot, or a doctor!
5. Legal claims: Often, people who sue individuals or companies for conditions due to injury (both on the job and off), are in for a tough road, if the defendant's lawyers uncover a medical condition that could even remotely account for the plaintiff's condition. An example would be: An plaintiff is hit on the head and develops seizures. Head injuries are the most common cause of sudden onset seizures. However, if the plaintiff has a history of alcohol or drug abuse and treatment, a good defense lawyer will almost CERTAINLY claim that this, not the injury, caused the seizures. And a crummy litigator will give up and settle for far less, or so they hope!
6. Information for other doctors. Though reading a patient's COMPLETE medical history is rare these days, with the current state of health care, doctors do use a person's health history to test and diagnose conditions. Dentists often use medical history (such as a heart murmur), to prevent damage to the heart during dental procedures. Other health professionals, such as chiropractors or dentists will often need some of this information.
7. Housing. Though one's medical health is usually not asked for on a lease application, the landlord might very well look it up, using an online service. One might ask why, but it is similar to the employer's reason: not wanting the tenant complaining that their disability was not accommodated (this is against the law) or that they were discriminated against (this is why the landlord would look up medical history secretly, then give another reason for not renting, such as bad references or credit). Also, if the tenant had something that made them prone to injury, such as epilepsy, the landlord might fear being sued if they fell and were hurt).
8. Marriage. It sounds unromantic, but potential spouses often want to know about any history of illness, genetic or otherwise. Also, many partners (wisely) want the other tested for STD's such as HIV and Hepatitis C. In most states, testing for syphilis is mandatory, though there is a cure in the early stages.
9. Conceiving and carrying a child. Most parents are asked if there is a family or personal history of genetic disorders, so that they can prepare for possible outcomes. some people choose not to reproduce, if there is a high risk of passing on a genetic disease, such as Tay-Sach's or Huntington's chorea. There is also the mother's health. Doctors should investigate possible birth problems (diabetes, hypertension, injuries, malformations of the skeleton or uterus), or anything that could complicate pregnancy and/or delivery.
9. Child custody - This could come under the "legal" category, but many times, individuals make decisions on their own, without legal advice, about who will care for their children (say, if both parents die), based on the potential care-giver's health. Often, grandparents are either not considered, or only given temporary custody, due to age-related issues.
10. Ability to make decisions, legally and otherwise. Many times, families take over decisions about living arrangements, finances and many other aspects of a person's life, if the person's ability to make sound decisions is compromised by a disease such as Alzheimer's or drug/alcohol abuse. This often happens if the person is mentally or emotionally challenged, such as with retardation or mental illness.
11. Marital problems, Separation and/or Divorce - Sadly many spouses who are diagnosed with a lasting, crippling medical condition, such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, are deserted by their spouses (usually women by their husbands), especially if any personal care may be needed in the future! Men are usually not raised to be caregivers, so possibly, the prospect of caring for a sick or disabled spouse frightens them. Or they may just be callous and want "something better".
12. Driving. Of course, eyesight is tested, but few people know that people with certain conditions, such a seizures, may not be allowed to drive or subject to restrictions (such as being free of seizures for 2 years, after treatment, as certified by a doctor). Obviously, any health condition that impairs a driver's ability would either limit their driving or cause their license to be taken. It is still amazing, however, that such strict rules are imposed on teen drivers, yet not on the elderly (such as yearly eye exams and road tests), when their accident rate is almost the SAME as that of teenage males!
Is release of phi to emergency department not limited by the minimum necessary standard?
There is no real protected health information. Many people cite HIPPA as a protection against sharing information but they are wrong. In a health setting like an emergency department, any information that is available on a patient is used to treat and considered in the treatment of that patient.
