Healthcare Legal Policies and Ethics Overview Infographic

Are you in the know? This infographic I came across by the University of Cincinnati provides a few highlights on HIPAA, patient rights, medical malpractice and 5 tips to remain in compliance with the rules.

Many doctors who are busy in the day-to-day demands of providing quality care for their patients don’t realize how important legal policies can be to their medical practice. But not understanding legal matters in healthcare can get ugly.

The Importance of HIPAA

HIPAA was passed in 1996 to protect patient information. Patient information is in the hands of healthcare providers making them responsible to protect it and use it carefully. A basic right of a patient is the right to his own information, but HIPAA takes it a step further. HIPAA also allows a patient to know how his information is being used by others.

Patients can rest knowing that their information will be kept private from those not directly involved in their care. Most importantly, the law prevents the wrong people from getting a hold of any personal information. Ultimately, confidentiality protects both the patient and the provider.

So what information is protected under HIPAA? Some types of protected health information (PHI) include medical records and billing information.

Also included are photographs, fingerprints, and anything else that can be used to identify someone. Even conversations that your doctor has with other healthcare professionals about your care are protected under HIPAA!

The graphic offers 5 tips on how can medical professionals stay HIPAA compliant? Some ways include verifying caller identity, fax numbers, and email addresses. Do not release information without verifying that the requester has the right to view it. Additionally, don’t view any information that is not necessary to do your job.

Patients’ Rights

Another topic discussed in the infographic is patient rights. We know that under HIPAA, patients have the right to have their information kept private. But patients also have the right to access information about their healthcare coverage, including costs and payment decisions. They have a right to a range of options when it comes to their healthcare, including providers and treatment options. This allows them to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

Special thanks to University of Cincinnati Online Master of Health Administration for this infographic with us.

What are some of the things you do in your medical practice to comply with HIPAA? Comment below.

— This post Healthcare Legal Policies Infographic was written by Manny Oliverez and first appeared on Capture Billing. Capture Billing is a medical billing company helping medical practices get their insurance claims paid faster, easier and with less stress allowing doctors to focus on their patients.

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