Health Information Compliance Alert
Are You Leaving Your Patients In Limbo?
Don't let your patients think that their privacy complaints have fallen into a black-hole once they've been submitted to your organization. Have a look at these sample response letters crafted by the American Medical Association: Sample Response Letter 1 -- Generic Response This is an example of a generic letter that could be used to acknowledge those complaints that are made butdo not otherwise result in a finding by your organization that any violation of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the organization's policies and procedures has occurred or where the organization has decided not to take any further action: Dear :___________________________ Thank you for bringing to our attention your concerns regarding _______________ . Maintaining the privacy of health information is very important to us, and we appreciate the information you have provided. We will review your concerns and will take any necessary steps as part of our ongoing privacy compliance and improvement program. Again, thank you for your time and concern. If you have further questions about this matter, please contact______________at _____________. Sample Response Letter 2 -- Specific Response This is an example of a letter that could be used to both acknowledge a complaint and explain any steps taken by your organization in response to the complaint. Dear :_______________________________ Thank you for bringing to our attention your concerns regarding. Maintaining the privacy of health information is very important to us, and we appreciate the information you have provided. We have reviewed your concerns and [will take/have taken] the following steps to address this issue: ____ ___________ Again, thank you for your time and concern. If you have further questions about this matter, please contact _______________ at ___________________________. (Source: HIPAA Policies & Procedures Desk Reference, copyright 2003, American MedicalAssociation.)
Health Information Compliance Alert
- Training Strategies:
Attain Optimal Compliance By Scripting Responses For Frontline Staffers
Scripting makes your life easier by putting everyone on the same page. If all the [...] - Privacy Tip:
For PHI Peace Of Mind, Be Kind & Remind
Crafting log-on banners helps staff safeguard protected info. Don't have the time or energy to [...] - Reader Questions:
Are Photographs PHI Identifiers?
Question: For demonstration purposes in a sales context, if a picture or video of a [...] - Reader Questions:
Get Permission Before Emailing Immunization Reminders
Question: We like to send email reminders to employees who need to update their immunizations [...] - Industry News:
Why Does HIPAA Still Not Have the Healthcare Industry On Its Toes?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) -- as was expected -- got a big boost [...] - Security Compliance:
Don't Wager On HIPAA To Protect Patient Privacy At The Bank
But making the bank a business associate can temporarily safeguard your PHI. Do you send [...] - Compliance Tools:
Are You Leaving Your Patients In Limbo?
Don't let your patients think that their privacy complaints have fallen into a black-hole once [...] - Privacy:
Maintain Your Privacy With These Safeguards
Health system puts over a million records at risk. If you've been putting privacy compliance [...]
