HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, is a federal law that sets standards for the privacy and security of Patient health information. Medical billing and coding companies handle a significant amount of PHI in their day-to-day operations. They are responsible for submitting claims and handling payments for healthcare services provided to patients, which involves accessing and managing their sensitive health information. As such, medical billing and coding companies must comply with HIPAA regulations to ensure that PHI is kept confidential and secure. Here are a few reasons why HIPAA is important in Medical Billing:
- Improving Data Security: HIPAA regulations require medical billing and coding companies to have proper data security measures in place to protect patient information from unauthorized access, theft, or loss. By implementing these measures, companies can better protect patient data from potential breaches.
- Protecting Patient Privacy: HIPAA ensures that patient privacy is protected by setting strict rules for the handling, use, and disclosure of medical information. Medical billing and coding companies must follow these guidelines to ensure that patient’s health information is kept confidential.
- Building Trust with Patients: By following HIPAA regulations, medical billing, and coding companies can build trust with patients. Patients want to know that their medical information is secure and protected, and HIPAA compliance helps to reassure them that their privacy is a top priority.
- Avoiding Legal Penalties: Failure to comply with HIPAA can result in severe legal penalties, including fines, loss of licenses, and even criminal charges. Medical billing and coding companies must ensure that their employees are trained on HIPAA regulations and that they are following them properly
Overall, HIPAA is essential in the medical billing and coding industry as it helps to ensure the privacy and security of patients’ health information while also providing legal protection for companies that follow its guidelines.
Under the HIPAA Omnibus Final Rule issued by The Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) effective from 26th March 2013*, Medical Billing and Coding Companies considered the Business Associates are to comply with the HIPAA rule and any violation will be heftily penalized.
Things to consider while choosing your Medical Billing and Coding Partner:
The decision to outsource Medical Billing and Coding is no more a piece of cake. It takes a lot of homework and analyses to be done before concluding on an established and experienced Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Partner. However, knowing about the compliance and HIPAA policy requirements to be adhered to by your billing and coding partner will add value to finalizing your search. Have questions pertaining to HIPAA rules and regulations? Or need assistance in understanding or setting up your business rules and regulations in line with HIPAA? Ecare can help educate as well as set up your business rules and regulations to protect PHI and can also be your end-to-end billing partner.
About Ecare
Ecare is a Business Associate under HIPAA Privacy rules and has been in the industry for more than 28+ years with over 120+ clients across the US. Ecare understands the HIPAA requirements clearly and can educate our end clients as well as have our medical billing and coding staff regularly trained and refreshed with HIPAA process requirements. Ecare ensures high standards of confidentiality and security keeping in mind the importance of PHI and privacy policy. To know more about ecare pls. call 1-813-666-0028 or log on to HIPAA Compliant Medical Billing Company | HIPAA Compliance | Medical billing compliance (ecareindia.com)
Reference
* Omnibus HIPAA Rulemaking | HHS.gov