...ways that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violations may affect the medical billing process. While researching, the findings conclude that confidentiality of health information was adopted centuries ago. The findings of the research show that although, HIPAA laws have been put into place to protect the privacy and confidential heath information of patients; HIPAA laws are sometimes violated. The medical billing coders are sometimes careless when handling confidential information; however medical health records should be protected adequately. The coder that violates the HIPAA laws concerning the confidentiality and privacy of patient health information can suffer serious ramifications. The ramifications of these violations could result in serious penalties such as disciplinary actions by the employer, monetary fines, and jail time, or both. HIPAA violations ranks number one among the complaints received by the Office of Civil Rights each year. Humans take pleasure in the right to privacy in every aspect of life. The right of protecting the confidentiality and privacy of identifiable personal health information takes first priority and is greatly cherished among most. The Hippocratic Oath, dating back centuries required physicians to keep medical information concerning their patients a secret. However, in today’s society medical health information is maintained by more than the physician and patient. Personal health information is retained in...
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...Protected Health Care Information is to maintain and protect patient’s information from being disclosed to another person such as patient, co workers and agencies. Personal Health Information is not always require to have a consent from a patient, law enforcement research purposes and workers compensation would need a patients consent to agree or disagree with releasing personal information. Government Agencies: Or any provider would have to have a written consent to obtain any information on a patient, this would include all government agencies such as Social Services and Disability. Legal agencies and representatives: Can release and Personal History Information on patients that have experienced any kind of domestic abuse or any kind of neglect. This would only be done if there would be no chanced of putting the patient in any kind of danger, law enforcement may acquire the Personal History Information. The reports can be directly on locating suspects, injuries on suspects and times and dates; law enforcement would not be able to receive any information without consent on DNA or anything with bodily fluids. Research groups: Allows certain doctors to obtain patients files for research purposes only, they can use and resend information to other providers or researchers, this would not require a patient’s signature for the research that is being done with their information. Although the providers would be using patient’s medical information for research their identities would...
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...The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is a federal law that requires covered health care entities, such as hospitals, to make sure a patient's health information is kept private. The HIPAA privacy rule is not intended to prohibit providers from talking to each other and to their patients. The privacy rule recognizes that oral communications often must occur freely and quickly in treatment settings. Thus, covered entities are free to engage in communications as required for quick, effective and high quality health care. These advances in information technology resulted in new ethical issues especially in transmission of one’s medical record from one provider to the other. Most health care providers require a written release of information from the patient or legal guardian before releasing health records. Records released are either through mail or sealed envelopes handed to the patient. But lately there are other ways that are quicker and easier to send and receive these records without hassles. A patient can just call the health care provider to request for a record and fax or email the signed release of information form. In return the requested record can be send to a provider’s office through fax or email. The new healthcare provider is able to receive information in a much quicker method and the patient can receive faster quality of care. The problem arises when emails or facsimiles are viewed by those who are not authorized to access and...
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...The world has changed. Client information (especially health information) can no longer be freely discussed or shared with just anyone. In previous years there has been limited regulations on privacy of health information. The how, why, and to who information was shared was less scrutinized, which allowed people to inadvertently gain access to information that was not necessary. There are very specific rules for who and when it can be used, discussed, shared or disclosed. These rules are outlined in various Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) (Codington-Lacerte, 2014). HIPAA is a set of standards that are used across the nation in an attempt to protect personal health information (Summary, n.d.). HIPAA uses the term covered entities to include entities that would not need a release signed such as health care providers, health plans, and healthcare clearninghouses (Summary, n.d.). The basic assumptions with HIPAA is that all personal health information (PHI) is kept to only those who need to know and is not disclosed to anyone. The values and beliefs associated with this concept is simple in that the primary goal is to limit how and when PHI is released. To do this HIPAA policies include information regarding the minimum necessary requirement. The minimum necessary requirement is defined as steps taken to limit the PHI to the minimum necessary for the intended purpose (Minimum, n.d.). Opportunities and obstacles associated with a HIPAA policy...
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...each user. 9. Restrict physical access. 10. Track and monitor all access to systems and data. 11. Regularly test security. 12. Maintain a security policy. | HIPAA | To ensure that health information data is protected. Health information is any data that is created or received by health care providers, health plans, public health authorities, employers, life insurers, schools or universities, and health care clearinghouses. It relates to any past, present, or future health, physical health, mental health, or condition of an individual, and past, present, and or future payments for health care. | Security standards: Specific standards are to be used for storage of data, use of data, and transmission of data.Privacy standards: Data must not be shared with anyone without the express consent of the patient.Penalties: Penalties include mistakes, knowingly obtaining or releasing data, obtaining or disclosing data under false pretenses, and obtaining or disclosing data for personal gain or malicious harm. | FERPA | To protect the privacy of student records. This includes education data and health data. FERPA applies to all schools that receive any funding from the U.S. Department of Education. | FERPA grants rights to parents of students under 18. All personally identifiable information (PII) about the student must be protected. Schools usually need permission to release PII. | SOX | To reduce...
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...to protect private health care records to patients, HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) began in 1996. Companies that need to implement HIPAA rules and regulations include healthcare providers, health plan organizations, and health care clearinghouses. Although the rules are stringent some exceptions exist to ensure the healthcare industry can both abide by the law and give patients (and/or family members if authorized by the patient) access to their healthcare records. Health care organization employees need to be trained in HIPAA policy and procedures and must strictly adhere to the regulations. The patient gains access to his or her records by written consent. A release of information form is used to protect both the patient and the releasing party. Medical records data is computerized leaving some to fear their privacy is at risk. For this reason some patients do not divulge all of their health conditions. “According to a recent poll, one in six adults (17%) — representing about 38 million persons — say they withhold information from their health providers due to worries about how the medical data might be disclosed” (“Privacy and Health Information Technology,” 2009, p.124). These patients may not receive the best health care because their physicians may be unaware of conditions that affect treatment. There are 13 circumstances for which health information can be used unrelated to health care. According to Health Care Tips ( n.d.), they...
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...------------------------------------------------- Releasing protected health information Whitney Garcia March 20, 2016 March 20, 2016 “Resource: Ch. 9 of Essentials of Health Information Management Explain, using 700 to1,050 words, when covered entities may release protected health information only with a patient’s consent and when they may release it without consent, for each category: * Government agencies * Legal agencies or representatives * Research groups Discuss the principles that permit disclosure of protected health information without a patient’s consent, and state whether or not you feel privacy safeguards are adequate to support those principles.” Protected health information is the key to every single individual’s health records. It is their right to have it protected and for us to use it wisely, and properly and discuss it in a professional manner with others. There is so many things with in a patient’s record such as home addresses, socials, if they had std’s, abortions, miscarriages, anything a patient could be ashamed of and embarrassed to let others know about. So they put a lot of trust in us to keep that information protected and always have their consent and give them the knowledge that it is being shared. So in regards to government agencies yes they can have access to patient’s information as long as the patient does give them consent. For instance if an individual claims to be disabled and tries to get...
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...good information solutions 3 Increases Innovation and Economic Growth 3 Greater availability & comprehension of useful data 4 Generates possibilities for new "mash-up" of previously uncombined data 4 Removes Boundaries 4 Cost & Workload 5 Weaknesses 5 Non personal data being abused 5 Timing 6 Lack of control 6 Workload &Cost 7 Statistical misinformation 8 Initiatives by government and non-governmental agencies 9 Government 9 Non-governmental agencies 11 Innovated uses for Government data Samples 13 Conclusion 18 References 18 Appendices 19 Introduction Open government data is shared with the public often over the Internet. Public government information, such as government records, can often be promoted for analysis and reuse. Much of the information that the Irish government holds is potentially very useful to a variety of non-government individuals and groups. Currently the Irish government’s data management is controlled by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Here certain information is available, but it is limited and difficult to use and access. If the government is to follow the open data movement, there are many benefits to be gained. Many government entities have already begun to publish open government data such as the United States, United Kingdom and the New Zealand governments. The increased openness of government data is powerful and can drive increased innovation and increase economic growth. Making this information more...
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...Health Care Communication Methods DeAndrea Wheeler HCS/320 June 11, 2013 Chalon Washington As the Communication Coordinator for this well known drug manufacturer, we will now debate and discus how we will get information to the public about the negative effects that our medications are causing the public. Our goal, as a vital asset to the public and medical community, is to convey all concerns to our community in a very sensitive and careful way. Using the power of newspapers, radio, internet, social networking and news related companies. The local news has already reported that a well-known public figure has been effected which goes against the health portability and accountability act. So as communication coordinator it is important to communicate this issue carefully, addressing the proper population, without losing business and the trust we created with our investors and consumers. Today in our meeting, we will discuss very important aspects of our company’s medical concerns and deciding which communication tactic is most suitable for this situation, while sticking to the very important and necessary HIPPAA guidelines. We will start by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using traditional media, to get the news out to a significant number of the population. Recent reports of negative effects caused by one of the company’s medications need to be addressed. News reports have alleged that one of the individuals is a well-known public figure. Traditional media...
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...Celtics Basketball Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release from Liability I, ___________________________, desire to participate in the Celtics Basketball Sports Program. This Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release from Liability covers the entirety of my participation in the Club Sports Program, including travel to any tournaments or any activities associated with the Celtics Sports Program. 1. Risk Factors – I understand and acknowledge that the use of equipment and facilities provided by and participation in the Celtics Sports Program involves risks including, but not limited to the following: risk of property damage, bodily injury. These risks may result from a variety of circumstances including, but not limited to, the use or misuse of the equipment or facilities, from the activity itself, from the acts of myself or others, including the unavailability of emergency medical care. 2. Assumption of Risk – I am participating in the Celtics Basketball Sports Program of my own free will. I understand that my decision to participate in the Club Sports Program is entirely voluntary. I assume full responsibility for all risks that may arise out of, or result from my participation in the Celtics Sports Program, including but not limited to those risks described in Section 1, above. 3. Acknowledgement of Policies and Procedures – I acknowledge that I have read, know, and agree to all of the policies and procedures relating to my participation in the Celtics Basketball...
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...Health Law and Regulations Federal regulations play a major role in the health care industry. Federal laws and regulations protect the American public from a number of health risks and administer programs for public welfare. Federal regulations also regulate the health insurance industry by implementing cost-containment measures. Through various regulatory bodies, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) protects and regulates public health at every level. HHS is the United States principal federal agency for protecting the health of Americans and providing essential human services. HHS administers more grant dollars than all other federal agencies combined. Medicare program administered by HHS is nation’s largest health care insurance. HHS governs more than 300 programs administered by its 11 operating divisions (Department of Health & Human Services, 2011). In addition, Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is also part of the HHS. Description of each 300 programs is beyond the scope of this paper. However, it is imperative to understand the role of each operating agency and how it affects the health care industry. Role of Federal Regulatory Agencies Each operating division consists of sub-divisions making health care system a complex maze. Main 11 operating agencies are: Administration for Children and Families (ACF) The ACF provides funding for family assistance, child support, and childcare. The state, county, and city governments provide these services (Department...
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...Administrative ethical issues occur in health care today such as patient privacy, confidentiality or HIPAA. It is best to resolve this type of issue because patient privacy in health care is very important. These policies are designed to protect the rights of patients by making sure personal information of the patient is not disclosed in any way. Protecting a patient’s privacy by way of disclosing personal information and is not to be released without personal formal consent. Also, of employees discussing patient information on the job to people with no knowledge of the patient or even off the job. Many health care organizations enforce privacy policies such as HIPAA and confidentiality although all employees do not abide by such policies. It is being found that more frequently that people from these health care organizations are breaking these policies and their must be changes to provide patients with protection. Administrative ethical issues of the HIPAA Policy within health care organizations must make necessary changes to appropriately protect the rights of patients. The issue at hand is that of health care organizations properly protecting the rights of their patients. The article that will be discussed in this paper is that of OCR issues proposed Modifications to HIPAA Privacy and Security settings (Frank Irving, 2004). The population that is affected by it most has been impacted by such ethical issues brought upon by employees of health care organizations. The population...
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...Recording, Analysing and Using HR Information – 3RAI Activity 1 Two Reasons Why Organisations Need To Collect HR Data 1) Organisations need to collect HR data to comply with legislative and regulatory requirements such as equal opportunities monitoring, equal pay audits, recruitment planning, assessing skills balance, minimum wage, working time directive and health and safety. 2) Organisations also keep information records on training and performance for employees, this enables the management team to assess each individual employee for productivity and possibly identify training needs. By doing this the management team can assess the productivity within the business. Two Types Of Data Collected and How Each Supports HR Practices 1) Statutory Records – Such as tax, national insurance contributions, sickness and SSP, hours worked and accident book. These types of records ensure that the HR department is compliant to all of the regulatory requirements. 2) Organisational Records – to include all Recruitment documentation, absenteeism records, staff turnover and learning and development. These records are essential to all HR departments as it allows them to monitor staffing levels and recruit when necessary. Staff sickness is monitored very closely to help with productivity and ensure there are no underlying management issues. Having these monitoring processes in place will in turn help staff to maintain a high level of efficiency and in turn benefit the...
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...HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 T he Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, commonly referred to as HIPAA, became a federal law in 1996. The act contains insurance reform provisions and introduces the establishment of a fraud and abuse control program when rendering medical care to Medicare patients. In 2000, regulations were established to protect the privacy of personal health information maintained by health care providers, health plans, hospitals, health care clearinghouses, and health insurers. These regulations became effective in 2003 (2004 for small health plans). Violators of HIPAA may be subjected to fines, prison, or both. HIPAA is organized into three parts: • Privacy regulations. HIPAA regulations guide health care providers with overall privacy measures, such as turning the charts toward the wall and making sure the computer screen is not visible. Five forms are required (privacy notice, acknowledgment, authorization, business associate agreement, and trading partner agreement). • Transaction standards. Requirements must be followed when putting the office software into HIPAA compliance. • Security regulations. HIPAA requires health care providers to keep computers safe. The first two parts had 2003 deadlines for compliance and the third part has a 2005 deadline. To adhere to the HIPAA regulations, a medical practice must have an appointed privacy official draft privacy policies and procedures, and implement a...
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...Disease Control and Prevention is one of the major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services” and it that offers health and safety information regarding health issues” (CDC.gov, 2014, organization, para.1). CDC.gov is a free on-line communication that is available to individuals, researchers, students and health-care providers. According to their website, the CDC.gov (2014) offers approximately 500 million pages and averages 41 million views per month. The purpose of CDC.gov (2014) is to offer reliable health information about data and statistics, diseases and conditions, emergencies and disasters, environmental health, and many more topics to all individuals who are interested (CDC.gov, purpose of website, para. 1). The particular section of the CDC.gov researched is about Vaccines and Immunizations. The search engine used to locate this information was Google Scholar. Its URL is http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/?s_cid=cdc_homepage_topmenu_002. Website Criteria Five criteria’s must be present when performing an analysis of a reliable website. The CDC’s website clearly addresses each of them. There are several qualified authors responsible for the material on this website who are experts in the area of vaccines. The CDC.gov website indicates the content source for vaccines as the National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases (2014). The information is neatly organized by different topics that appears to be accurate, current, readable and easily...
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