How should a small provider organization, struggling to understand and implement HIPAA, begin the process to become HIPAA compliant?
One recommendation is to get a good consultant as soon as possible. Try to find one with both HIPAA and EDI experience, and make sure you both maintain focus, because time is critical. In selecting a consultant, it is advisable to avoid consultants who a) spell HIPAA wrong (as in HIPPA); 2) spell X12 wrong (as in X.12 or X-12); or 3) try to sell you a product that will make you “HIPAA-compliant” automatically. You will also need to talk to your vendor and your clearinghouse (if you use these services) about how they can help you become compliant.
Related Questions
- Are small provider practices exempt from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Transactions and Code Sets regulations?
- How should a small provider organization, struggling to understand and implement HIPAA, begin the process to become HIPAA compliant?
- Where can I find the HIPAA Implementation Guides? Does my organization need to buy them in order to be compliant?
