The need to share

Effectively treating patients requires sharing protected health information

between healthcare providers. For instance, an elderly patient suffering from

shoulder pain may be sent to a specialist for treatment. Having the ability to

compare new x-rays with ones already taken would help the doctor diagnose

and treat the problem. When the information needed is protected

information belonging to another healthcare provider, even within the same

facility, it can cause an issue. Getting the necessary information to the new

doctor without breaching patient privacy is paramount.

Compliance

For the IT healthcare professional, ensuring that all the steps are taken for

protecting privacy and improving security can be time-consuming. Routers,

web servers, Smartphone’s, tablets and laptop computers must be

safeguarded to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of healthcare

information. Often the IT department is understaffed and over tasked.

Assigning a dedicated full-time IT position to maintain safeguards may not be

feasible.

Risk Assessment

Engaging in a security HIPPA risk assessment under HITECH, Meaningful

Use, HIPAA and Omnibus Rules can be overwhelming. The complexity of

these reporting period assessments only increases with the complexity of the

facility. However, a small practice may not have the resources for a dedicated

IT professional. It may fall to staff members to perform the IT risk analysis.

Even if IT professionals are available, performing a risk assessment and

ensuring compliance with all standards can stretch manpower to the limits.

Finding balance

The question becomes establishment of a system that effectively maintains

compliance with the reporting requirements. This becomes a more pressing

concern if non-IT personnel must complete the audit and submit reports.

The answer for many healthcare facilities may be with software. A software

package that is scalable, user-friendly and that meet legal requirements can

help the healthcare provider to protect the privacy and security of patient

health information.

The Compliancy Group LLC.

55 Broadway Unit 684

Greenlawn, NY 11740

Contact No: 855 854 4722

Fax: 631.731.1643

Info@compliancygroup.com

http://www.compliancy-group.com