Here is why you haven’t addressed HIPAA security yet

We know you know about HIPAA security. HIPAA breaches are in the news on a weekly basis. The new HIPAA Omnibus Rule has been finalized and there is a lot of buzz about it. So the question is why haven’t you gotten serious about HIPAA security? We think we know some of the reasons.

1. HIPAA security is confusing.  HIPAA privacy is much easier compared to HIPAA security. HIPAA security focuses in on a lot of technology safeguards. These safeguards include the use of encryption for data at rest and in transit, auditing of user access, designing and implementing disaster recovery plans that assure continued access to patient information in the event of a disaster. None of these topics are easy and most physician practices do have the technical understanding or the IT support to properly implement them.

 

2. HIPAA is just one of the many things on a long list of items that each physician practice has to worry about. Physician practices have to deal with a large amount of staff turnover, other government regulations such as OHSA, struggling with Medicare and private insurance reimbursements to name a few. Is it any wonder that HIPAA security keeps getting pushed down on the list?

 

3. Recent enforcement of HIPAA. Let’s face it, for years HIPAA privacy and security have not been enforced. There was little to worry about in terms of being audited for HIPAA compliance. That has all changed recently but many physician practices are just starting to get the word and to put HIPAA compliance on their radar screens.

These are valid reasons for not addressing HIPAA security. But times are changing and it is more and more important to take HIPAA security seriously. HIPAA breaches and government regulatory fines can put you out of business.

Take the first step and find out 5 simple and inexpensive tips to protecting patient information. Our guide gives easy to understand and inexpensive tips for addressing HIPAA security. Learning what you need to do to protect patient information is the best first step. Download your guide now!