So, what does HIPPA mean to you on your next office visit? It is easy to see that HIPAA means more work
for your healthcare provider. Adding
layers of administration to the office visit affects every person in the chain
from the front desk registration staff checking you in to the billing staff
generating the invoice. Expect to spend more
time in your physician’s waiting room and plan for increased paperwork while
you wait. Healthcare providers are
spending millions of dollars working toward and maintaining HIPAA
compliance. That cost will eventually
make its way to your insurance company and to your bill for services as well as
an increased insurance premium over time.
There is an associated cost for increased security and patients will
eventually shoulder that cost.
Finally, when in doubt, ask questions. Ultimately HIPAA is meant to protect both you
and your healthcare provider. Each
organization is required to have a designated HIPAA Security Compliance Officer
on staff to coordinate compliance and answer questions. Ask to see this person and ask your questions. Healthcare providers are in the business of
providing for your healthcare needs while living under HIPAA constraints. If you have a legitimate problem, chances are
it is something that organization needs to address and you are doing them and
yourself a favor by bringing it to their attention.