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Why do I have to specify the purpose and type of information when I order records? HIPAA regulations require that the purpose for releasing the records and the specific types of information to be released (such as EKGs, Progress Notes) be tracked by the provider when releasing medical records. Back to Top How do I get help? Nearly every page or screen has on-line context sensitive help, which is accessed by clicking the question mark button in the upper right hand corner of the page. You can also enter a note on a specific request to get help from Customer Service. Our contact information is also available by clicking on the "Contact IUs" web link on the top and bottom of each page. Back to Top What is HIPAA? HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 2003. This rule includes standards to protect the privacy of individually identifiable information. Back to Top What information is protected under HIPAA? All medical records and other individually identifiable health information held or disclosed by a covered entity in any form, whether communicated electronically, on paper, or orally, is covered by the final regulation. Back to Top What boundaries does HIPAA place on medical record use and release? Disclosures of information must be limited to the minimum necessary for the purpose of the disclosure. The purpose for disclosure must be clearly stated. Back to Top How does HIPAA affect me? HIPAA affects record requestors due to the extensive requirements it places on healthcare providers and other covered entities and on their Business Associates, such as Medrec:
How does HIPAA affect healthcare providers? HIPAA has a major ongoing impact on healthcare providers in several areas:
When did HIPAA take effect? The HIPAA Privacy Rule became effective on April 14, 2003. However, many providers will began enforcing HIPAA regulations before that time. The HIPAA Security Rule has not yet been finalized, but it is expected that the rule will be very similar to the Proposed Security Rule. The Security Rule is based on best practices for sensitive electronic information. Back to Top What is Medrec doing to be compliant with HIPAA? Medrec has been in total compliance with HIPAA regulations since April 14, 2003. We have many years of experience working with healthcare providers and handling protected health information. We have reviewed the HIPAA regulations thoroughly and have reviewed our policies and procedures, processes, contracts, computer systems and usage, physical security, training, and all other relevant aspects of our business to ensure compliance by April 14, 2003. Our process has also been reviewed and found to be in compliance by outside legal counsel. Medrec has a HIPAA task force committee comprising senior management and representatives of all departments across the company. Back to Top Are Medrec employees HIPAA trained? Yes. Each employee that handles protected health information gets trained when hired and receives ongoing training in privacy, security, and proper protocols to ensure HIPAA compliance. We continuously review employee-client communication to ensure that the new HIPAA policies and procedures are strictly followed. Back to Top How do I get back a paper copy of the records? Check the option called "Send a paper copy of the record to the mailing address specified above." in the Requestor Info section of the Records Order form. Be sure to include your mailing address. We will mail a paper copy of the records directly to you. Back to Top Can I order additional paper copies? No. We provide only one paper copy of the records. If you need additional copies, it will be more economical for you to make copies yourself or have a copy service make copies. Back to Top Will I still be able to download the records if I request a paper copy? Yes. We will place an electronic copy of the records on the website, regardless of whether you order a paper copy. Back to Top Is there a charge for paper copies? Yes, there is an additional charge based on the number of pages in the record plus shipping and handling. Contact your Sales Representative for pricing. Back to Top Can I get a paper copy only, without the electronic version, to save money? No. We are the leader in on-line record retrieval. Providing an electronic copy of your records is a core part of our solution. Providing a paper copy is an add-on service. Back to Top How long does it take to get the paper copy of the records? Usually within two weeks after the records have been retrieved. Records with over 1000 pages may take slightly longer. Back to Top Where can I call with other questions? Feel free to contact us at 510-347-5858 ( Sales and Customer Service). You may also contact us by e-mail at Back to Top |
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