By Manny Oliverez - Medical Billing Company CEO Leave a Comment

The HITECH Act and 300 BAUD Modems

Anyone Can Access Your Computer

I remember back in 1984 when I got my first modem for my computer. It was a 300 BAUD modem. In today’s terms think 186 times slower than dial-up. But WOW it opened up the world. No longer was my IBM compatible confined to my desk. My computer could now go anywhere in the world. Of course there weren’t too many anywheres to go. Now I can access almost any computer on the planet. Well you know what? Anyone on the planet can also access your PC now too.

There are penalties ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 per breach of patient data

This is why the Federal government has come up with HIPAA, Red Flag Rules and the HITECH Act for healthcare providers so they will secure patients data, both physically and technically. There are penalties ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 per breach of patient data, even if it was unintentional or just an accidental discloser. It doesn’t matter to the feds or the trial lawyers.

From what I hear in my dealings with medical practices, most are not aware of the compliance requirements and their computer systems are vulnerable. Hopefully within the next year the word gets out more and medical practices really start to take computer security seriously.

I would love to hear from you. Please leave me a comment below.

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Filed Under: Medical Billing and Coding News Tagged With: Breach, Computer Security, Healthcare Providers, HIPAA, HITECH Act, Medical Practices, Red Flag Rules

About Manny Oliverez - Medical Billing Company CEO

+Manny Oliverez has years of healthcare, business and teaching experience. He has a passion for helping physicians get paid for the work they do. Manny likes to blog, act and cook. READ MORE

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