Today’s dentist faces increasing pressure to modernize, to operate their practices more efficiently and to protect the privacy of their patients.
Remember when dental imaging software first attempted to integrate with practice management software…well, sort of. T2 Consulting has helped hundreds of dentists integrate dental products into their practices since 1998 and strongly stresses to begin with the end in mind. Start with an established goal and work backwards will minimize compatibility issues. This strategy will save you time, money and headaches. Now, hold that thought until later in this article.
OCR Desk audits require documents in electronic format
The Department of Health and Human Services has recently started its desk audit program where compliance documents are emailed in electronic format rather than old school snail mail. HIPAA regulations are an ongoing work in progress with annual training certificates, vulnerability test data, risk analysis, plus privacy and security rule updates. The one and done perception of HIPAA compliance simply isn’t true. The question remains if “the binder” sounds like the best solution?
The Right Treatment Plan To Protect Your Practice
HIPAA compliance tools are no different than integrating dental imaging systems. Convoluted systems that are disorganized have no total integrated solution which introduces more pain than gain. Various tools are used from various vendors that don’t necessarily talk to one another. Sound familiar?
Are you compelled to think that dental practice management software and hardware are HIPAA certified – when in fact, they can’t be? HIPAA compliance applies to dental practices including their operating facilities and processes. Software or hardware products only contribute to overall HIPAA compliance.
The bottom line is that accountability for Protected Health Information (PHI) is not just a compliance concern – it’s also a serious security concern! Thieves are hacking patient data for the money – serious money. And if you let them, you may be liable to pay hefty fines and worse, a loss of reputation!
Strategic thinking applies to HIPAA compliance tools.
The decision to start a HIPAA compliance program is not only the right thing to do but should be applauded. Let’s recognize that all “deadlines” for compliance have passed. If you are a dental practice owner or staff member, you should achieve and maintain compliance now – not sooner or later.
Next, identify a reliable tool-set for self-examination and self-audit to ensure you will readily pass a HIPAA audit conducted by the HHS.
