3 Ways The Right Software Can Help You Become HIPAA-Compliant

Patient confidentiality is not only a courtesy; it's the law. Protected health information must be guarded closely by health care agencies and medical practices to avoid serious fines and potential lawsuits.

Compliance with HIPAA laws should be a top priority for any business handling health records. The right software program can serve as a valuable tool in helping you ensure your compliance with HIPAA regulations in the future.

1. A software program can track business associate agreements.

There are certain situations that require the sharing of medical information. Hospitals and clinics that outsource blood testing serve as the perfect example for one such scenario. Since the laboratory testing patient blood samples is considered an independent vendor, medical personnel must exercise caution when sharing protected health information with the lab.

Business associate agreements help mitigate liability by outlining the vendor's responsibility in caring for the health information provided. The right software program will automatically update business associate agreements as needed to ensure you are in compliance with all HIPAA regulations.

2. A software program can prevent employee oversight.

Software programs are equipped with certain fail-safes that prevent the accidental sharing of protected health information. Maintaining electronic records prevents paper records from being looked at by unauthorized individuals due to employee oversight.

Electronic records also make it possible to discreetly share vital information between healthcare providers serving the needs of an individual patient. Prevent accidental sharing allows your medical practice to remain fully compliant with all HIPAA requirements.

3. A software program makes it easier to complete internal audits.

Audits play an essential role in the maintenance of any HIPAA compliance system. You must regularly audit your communication channels to ensure that protected health information is not being accidentally shared or accessed.

A software program allows you to generate a report that outlines all of the ways in which patient data was used within a given time frame. You can identify potential HIPAA violations and use the information gathered to help improve the way you administer and store patient health information in the future.

HIPAA compliance is an integral part of the successful management of any medical practice. The right software program can help you streamline the compliance process and ensure the security of patient data being utilized by your clinic in the future. Rely on specialized medical software to help you establish and maintain HIPAA compliance in your medical clinic.

For more information, contact a company like HIPAA Solutions.