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You've probably heard the word "HIPAA" used when you register as a new patient at a medical facility, including doctor's offices and hospitals. We would like to provide a brief explanation of what HIPAA means to you as a patient.
What is HIPAA?
HIPAA is the acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
that was passed by Congress in 1996.
HIPAA does the following:
* Provides the ability to transfer and continue health insurance coverage for millions of American
workers and their families when they change or lose their jobs;
* Reduces health care fraud and abuse;
* Mandates industry-wide standards for health care information on electronic billing and other
processes; and
* Requires the protection and confidential handling of protected health information
Protection and Confidential Handling of Health Information:
The HIPAA Privacy regulations require health care providers and organizations, as well as their business associates, to develop and follow procedures that ensure the confidentiality and security of protected health information (PHI) when it is transferred, received, handled, or shared. This applies to all forms of PHI, including paper, oral, and electronic. Furthermore, only the minimum amount of health information necessary is used or shared to conduct business.
Here, at West Linn Primary Care, it is our responsibility to follow and uphold these regulations. By doing so, we must have every patient read and sign the "Acknowledgment and Consent for the Notice of Privacy Practices" and offer you a copy of the "Notice of Privacy Practices." We also have a laminated copy in our waiting room for your reading enjoyment.
HIPAA
