By now ALL Physicians MUST be HIPAA compliant
when submitting Electronic claims. Although all
Physicians are not forced to go electronic with
their claims, there are so many benefits of
submitting claims electronically. Most insurance
carriers will not accept "hand written" CMS1500
forms anymore, we've even had some Workers Comp.
return them. Being HIPAA Compliant is not that
hard, it just takes some common sense and using
the correct forms to protect your patients
privacy. Remember, if you were a patient you
would like your privacy issues (such as
condition and even SS#) protected completely.
You are sadly mistaken if you think that HIPAA
doesn't apply to you if you don't do any
electronic claims or have any staff.... HIPAA
Privacy rules apply to every Physician that
handle PHI.
We supply you with the proper forms that you
will need to be HIPAA compliant.
We supply you with a HIPAA manual to keep you
informed about changes and how and when to give
out information to.
We will give you a Notice of Privacy Practices
to post in your lobby and develop a brochure to
give to each patient.
Anytime you hire new staff we will happy to
train them to be HIPAA compliant.
This is what can happen to you if you're not
HIPAA compliant and you ARE a Covered Entity:
Improper use or disclosure of PHI (Private
Health Information) can result in the following
fines:
 |
Civil monetary penalties for HIPAA privacy
violations are $100 per incident, up to
$25,000 per person, per year, per standard
|
|
A person who knowingly violates HIPAA and
obtains IIHI (Individual Identifiable Health
Information) or discloses IIHI to another
person may be fined up to $50,000 and
imprisoned up to 1 year, or both.
|
|
If the offense is committed with the intent
to sell, transfer or use IIHI for commercial
advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm,
the fine may be up to $250,000 and
imprisonment up to 10 years |
NEWSFLASH:
Your Malpractice insurance will NOT cover HIPAA
violations!!!!
Stay HIPAA and OIG Compliance
Worry-Free.
