Regulatory mandates have been recently published (12-21-2000) that require all healthcare providers and service organizations to fully implement patient information security. This means that 450,000 physicians in approximately 250,000 practices must face a make, buy, or modify decision within 24 months ("A covered health care provider must comply with the applicable requirements of this subpart no later than April 14, 2003"). While the vast majority of practice management software vendors are updating their business models by attempting to modify decades-old client/server and legacy technology, PRSUroSC is already distributing its HIPAA-compliant and true ASP solution in the marketplace. Federal legislation designed to regulate the transmission and security of health-related information could cost as much as three to four times that spent on technological upgrades associated with Y2K, according to a report released Friday, Sept. 15 by the international rating agency Fitch. `Healthcare providers who fail to accurately assess and budget for the significant requirements associated with HIPAA will place themselves at risk for possible financial peril,' said Rebecca C. Lageman, analyst, Fitch. `This is a wake-up call. Health care organizations need to prepare for HIPAA regulations now, especially those that already find themselves in financial or technological disarray.' Click to review and download the HIPAA Final Rule directed by President Clinton on December 21st, 2000. Click to review the updated FAQ's on Final Transactions Rule. We highly recommend that practices immediately contact their practice management system vendors and claims clearinghouses to ascertain when, or if, they plan to be compliant. Their reply must be in writing. Don't wait until the last minute, which may be too late! See Question 21 in the above FAQ's. |
|
