You may be under the impression that complying with HIPAA regulations is overly complicated and expensive. But the reality is that HIPAA compliance is actually 80% operational and facilities management, and only 20% technical. And when compared with the costs of non-compliance, the additional expense of complying with HIPAA is relatively low.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is a comprehensive law that drives the development of electronic data interchange (EDI) for specified administrative and financial healthcare transactions.
HIPAA’s intent is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system, by encouraging the use of health information systems that utilize EDI for administrative and financial transactions. It requires that all parties involved with these transactions follow the guidelines established in the law.
Federal privacy and transaction standards have already taken effect
Your organization benefits from improved workflow and more efficient patient flow
Competitive market advantage
Increased patient satisfaction
Civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance impact your reputation and your bottom line
Patient confidentiality is important, ethical and “the right thing to do”
GroupOne’s team of compliance professionals can help your organization develop and implement HIPAA compliance through cost-effective operational improvements. By conducting a preliminary analysis of your workflow and systems, GroupOne can determine HIPAA’s potential impact on your organization, and provide the following:
Detailed assessment and status report
Identification of organizational deficiencies and vulnerabilities
Implementation plan, timeline and cost assessment for establishing compliance
GroupOne offers flexible and customized HIPAA services to suit your organization’s needs. Services range from providing introductory or targeted HIPAA consulting, to developing a full-fledged HIPAA Compliance Strategy.
Risk analysis and assessment
Self-assessment tools
Gap analysis
Education and management assessment
Remediation plan
Integration of transaction standards, code sets and unique identifiers
Privacy strategy development
Health information uses and disclosure assessment
Development of HIPAA compliance strategy plan
Awareness and training
Medical records compliance review
IT infrastructure readiness audit
“GroupOne makes an extremely complex issue simple, with a step-by-step approach to preparing our facility for HIPAA compliance…GroupOne has been outstanding…”
Roger J. Bourne, MHA
Administrator
Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center, Inc.
Organizations that fail to comply with HIPAA requirements can face lawsuits, as well as steep civil and/or criminal penalties. Civil penalties can total as much as $25,000 per year for each requirement that is violated. Criminal penalties can reach $250,000 and/or ten years in prison.
Compared to the potential penalties for non-compliance, the cost of implementing HIPAA is relatively small.
HIPAA regulations and requirements are final and are being enforced. Is your organization in compliance?
For more information about our HIPAA compliance services and programs, call 800-769-5288 or email services@grouponehealthsource.com
