3 Key Tips to Avoiding HIPAA Violations
HIPAA, which stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, refers to the rules that dictate the relationship between practitioner and patient in the medical field. If you're new to the medical area, learning how to avoid HIPAA violations can seem complicated and intimidating.
But, not to worry; whether you're new to the field or a veteran who simply needs to brush up on what you learned in HIPAA training, this article from PracticeForces will give you some essential things to keep in mind as you navigate interactions with patients and colleagues.
#1: Avoid Social Media Links with Patients
In 2022, we're all on social media. Whether it is Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or something else, nearly everyone has found a home online. While connecting with people via social media can be a good way of building relationships and can even be an effective form of communication in specific contexts, making these connections with your patients is unwise.
Learning to enforce your professional boundaries with patients politely is an essential part of getting used to working in the medical field, so this is an excellent place to start. Make sure clients understand your reasoning and that the issue isn’t about whether or not you like them personally.
#2: Always Be Mindful of Privacy
Although we know everyone starts to feel comfortable in their workplace over time, it's crucial to always keep in mind that working in the medical field involves working with sensitive personal information. Therefore, remaining mindful of when and where you have discussions with your colleagues can eliminate the risk of many of the most common HIPAA violations.
#3: Know Your Technology
When you're working with personal medical data, the security of your computer systems is vitally important. Make sure that every system on your network is password-protected, and never share passwords or login info with others. Remembering that your patients trust you with their data and using care will prevent HIPAA violations in many cases.
#4: Work with an Expert
Working with a medical billing company like PracticeForces can dramatically simplify the billing process and interactions with covered entities. The team at PracticeForces are experts at navigating the HIPAA code and are always happy to discuss how you can prevent HIPAA violations in your workplace.
If you think you need help with HIPAA issues or other aspects of medical document and billing management and revenue cycle management, PracticeForces can make a difference. With years of experience in the medical field, the helpful staff at PracticeForces is available to answer any questions you have at (727) 499-0351. So, if you’re tired of stressing about how to avoid HIPAA violations, call PracticeForces today.
