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Kardon Tech
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Greetings!
Just this week, I was speaking to a gentleman at a networking event. He had retired several years ago from the medical research field. He was asking what we did here at Kardon.
He was familiar with HIPAA guidelines, but had retired before it got a bit more... complicated. He was a bit shocked when I told him how difficult it was to address HIPAA guidelines with many practices. His thought was, "wouldn't the doctors want to do everything possible to protect their practices; and their patients?" Uh, how does one answer?
If you are on the outside looking in, or on the inside looking over, what is your assumption? The release of the Omnibus Final Rule introduced additional HIPAA changes. If your practice is in line, the changes should be relatively simple. If you still have a little work to do, then maybe the timing of the Final Rule is perfect. You can learn everything all at once.
Whichever the case, the Omnibus Final Rule is in effect. It is entrenched in Federal and State law. I know you are compliant with the law. But, can you prove it? Enjoy the articles below!
Sincerely,
Brian G. Wilson
Kardon Technology
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Ask Chantz
The Eyes and Ears at the Office Question: So, you've been writing about this HIPAA topic a lot lately, What are some questions I need to ask my doctor? Answer: You can start with are they HIPAA compliant? And then watch their eyes spin.
No, but seriously, HIPAA is in place to protect the privacy of your patient records. You want to be certain your provider has put in place every measure possible so that your records don't become public. Take some extra time during your next appointment and ask to sit with the Privacy Officer. For a list of common questions you can print A Patient's Guide to the HIPAA Privacy Rule. |
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Wait, What? Ummm. What Did I Just Miss?
Effective Date Just Passed
Now, I can't tell you which year it was that I heard my bosses talking crazy, but it was in the late 90's. At the time, though, they weren't my bosses. Just good friends (yes, we have known each other for many years). But, something had happened in their world. They were both excited and anxious about this announcement. I just heard, blah, blah, blah.
I can't tell you if they were talking about HIPAA, or Medicare, or ICD whatever number it was back then, or electronic transactions. Remember, All I heard was blah, blah, blah, literally. But I knew it was related to something 'medical'. I knew...
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You Really Are A BA
A Business Associate is What, Now?
Office of Civil Rights (OCR) - U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources (HHS): Hey
You: Hi...?
OCR: Did you hear that Business Associates (BA) are now directly held liable for HIPAA violations?
You: O.K...?
OCR: Oh, you don't know.
You: Know what?
OCR: By definition, you are considered a Business Associate.
You: WHAT??!!!!!
This is an ENTIRELY possible exchange. Although Business Associates were defined...
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This is Just Too Much
But, Where Are You Going?
We've heard every comments. "If I get audited, I'm just packing up and moving to Florida" "Make it stop. Maybe it's time to just sell to a larger group or a hospital" "This is just too complicated. Sounds like it's time to for me to let my medical clients go."
We are talking about medical. I can't recall the last time I was at a party and heard someone say, "My Insurance Agent was once a Brain Surgeon. But then, HIPAA came." These are doctors. I can't tell you how many years are invested in learning particular specialties. I missed that episode of 'Scrubs'. But after most of us graduate and hit the job market, they go back! I can't see... |
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About Us
We strive to be your partner, not just a phone number or an email address. If you need someone that works to understand the needs of your business and wants to help you succeed, if you need an IT staff without actually hiring one, then we need to talk.....
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Contact Us
Kardon Technology,
A Division of the Kardon Group
(678) 292-5001
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A Note to Our Readers
The 'Ask Chantz' article block is for simple questions and answers. If there a subject that you would really like more information about, please let us know. We take many research topics on as a team. We are interested in what matters to you.
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