Hipaa and Information Technologies

HIPAA and Information Technology

Tracy A. Nunley

HCR 249

November 4, 2010

Kimberly Matewski

HIPAA and Information Technology

There are advantages of having a standardized medical records database, but it must be in compliance with all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules and regulations. The health care industry is slowly but surely moving away from paper and relying on computers more for all tasks. Information technology is what makes using computer hardware and software possible to complete these tasks correctly and securely.

Some advantages of having a standardized medical records data base are:

1. It would minimize errors such as misspelled words, hand writing not legible, misfiling, and other human errors.

2. Records and information would not be lost in fires, floods, and other natural catastrophes.

3. A computer takes up less space than multiple shelves or filing cabinets.

4. After start up and training costs it is more cost efficient.

5. Health care professionals can communicate and exchange medical information easier and faster, no matter if the patient is on vacation and far from home or close to home.

6. Better treatment for patients because their health information can always be retrieved faster, giving them treatment more quickly (Health WorldNet Inc., 2009).

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed by Congress in 1996 to set a national standard for electronic transfers of health data. At the same time, Congress saw the need to address growing public concern about privacy and security of personal health data, so after several modifications the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued a HIPAA Privacy Rule and was effective on April 14, 2003 and the Security Rule took effect April 20, 2005 (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse / UCAN, 2010). Even though health care providers, health plans, and health care clearinghouses must comply with all HIPAA...