Welcome to HIPAA 101
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 helps ensure that all medical records, medical billing, and patient accounts meet certain consistent standards with regard to documentation, handling and privacy. HIPAA is legislated under CFR Title 45, Subtitle A - Health and Human Services (HHS), Subchapter C - Administrative Data Standards and Related Requirements.
Is Your Healthcare Facility HIPAA-Compliant for 2023?
Any healthcare provider that electronically stores, processes or transmits medical records, medical claims, remittances, or certifications must comply with HIPAA regulations. HIPAA does not require a practice to purchase a computer-based system as it applies only to electronic medical transactions.
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 laws and regulations are divided into several rules:
- Privacy Rule
- Security Rule
- Transactions & Codes Rule
- Identifiers Rule
- Enforcement Rule
- Breach Notification Rule
- Omnibus Final Rule