Is there a difference between being HIPAA ready and HIPPA compliant?
Yes. HIPAA ready typically refers to a company that is not required to adhere to the HIPAA regulations, but offers products used by covered entities (healthcare providers, insurance plans and clearinghouses). These products are often referred as HIPAA ready, meaning they comply with the published guidelines. HIPAA compliant refers to the covered entities themselves being in full HIPAA compliance. Such compliance extends beyond the information systems, and includes the way in which patient records are handled physically. HIPAA makes numerous references to electronic transactions. What can be classified as an electronic transaction? “Electronic transactions” refers to any communication that is stored or transmitted electronically, or that has been stored or transmitted electronically in the past. Examples of the data covered include databases, tapes and disks. Among the transmission methods covered are the Internet and office networks. Specific transaction types include claims, claim sta
