HIPAA.
HIPAA impacts all areas of the healthcare industry. While the law was designed to improve the efficiency of healthcare by standardizing the exchange of administrative and financial data, it also includes protecting the privacy, confidentiality and security of patient healthcare information (PHI). This protection is encompassing to include the same standards and commitments from Business Associates, previously known as vendors or partners.
We are fully committed to meeting HIPAA guidelines at every level of operations. We understand our duty as a responsible and conscientious business associate in the healthcare industry. We recognize that our actions are imperative in maintaining a chain of trust link for each of our valued healthcare clients. We are completely HIPAA ready and will continue to work towards maintaining and exceeding all security and privacy regulations in accordance with both the current and future rulings.
Privacy:
HIPAA privacy guidelines are meant to protect patient’s health information. While Covered Entities are required to obtain consent and authorization from an individual prior to disclosing individual PHI, PBMS continues to illustrate our business associate commitment. We have the following procedures in place to act in accordance with HIPAA privacy issues:
Access to any data information is limited to authorized personnel with a ‘minimum need to know’ standard.
Data received from our clients is used solely to obtain payment for health care services rendered. Data is solely the property of each client and is never duplicated, extrapolated, sold, transmitted to a third party, or manipulated in any way. PBMS reasonably limits the amount of information disclosed to the minimum necessary as well as to abide by any reasonable requests for confidential communications made by the patient or the provider. Professional Billing & Management Services, Inc. has shredding services provided by nationally recognized and bonded document recycling company. All data deemed for shredding is stored in a secure locked container located on site.
To re-enforce the confidentiality of all data information, PBMS has each employee sign a confidentiality agreement. Under terms of the agreement, all employees agree not to use, publish or disclose, or permit others to use, publish or disclose, any confidential information they may come in contact with. Violation of this agreement warrants immediate termination.
Regularly scheduled staff meetings include agenda items discussing confidentiality and our commitment to exceed all federal, state and local privacy guidelines. These staff meetings along with ongoing training ensure each staff member understands, validates and exemplifies our commitment to our clients.
