Laureen shows you her proprietary “Bubbling and Highlighting Technique”
Download your Free copy of my "Medical Coding From Home Ebook" at the top right corner of this page
In an age where digital information is constantly under threat, taking every step possible to protect that information would seem to be paramount for any institution. Which is why you may be surprised to learn that one tool used to protect digital information — encryption — is not a mandatory component of the Health Insurance […]
The post Unlocking the HIPAA Security Rule’s Stance on Encryption appeared first on AAPC Knowledge Center.
The Boston-based nonprofit health system, Partners HealthCare System, Inc., discovered personal data and protected health information (PHI) had been accessed by computers infected with malware in May 2017. The breach involved more than 2,600 individuals of which Partners notified on Feb. 5. According to Boston Business Journal: The nonprofit health system, whose hospitals include Massachusetts […]
AAPC Knowledge Center
Pharmaceutical Packaging Has now become closely linked with drugs and indispensable component of the rapid development and medicine, but as the impact of its being a fake is obvious.
First, it must be clear Anti-counterfeiting technology Is difficult to counterfeit technology, rather than a pirate technology. In fact, there is now the world has never been a kind of anti-counterfeiting technology that can not be deciphered, anti-counterfeit effect only through the “anti-counterfeit materials + processing + security Law Attack “can be realized with each other.
Second, security is a multi-faceted cooperation of long-term work, on the one hand to ensure that the leading technological content and uniqueness, once a technology more than three master, the security effect will be compromised; the other hand, the part of technology level must be the same high-tech (cost) content, mutual support, are indispensable, but not a monopoly, so it will not be a part of technology low, loopholes and even a vacuum, so that speculators take advantage of. But should be more concerned must work in all aspects of management oversight role to play, so security programs will truly achieve real results.
Different times and in different market demand, and the battle of wits with those who make the market there are lots of security tools. As distinguished from the anti-counterfeiting materials can be divided into: laser anti-counterfeit technology (laser coating, laser positioning hot stamping, hot non-positioning laser printing, true color laser light Polymer ), Security ink (Thermochromic inks, optical variable ink, etc.), the watermark Security paper , Fiber Composite security paper, nuclear track security, network security (telephone Security code , Coding security code) so. Way from the security process can be divided into: Print Security, Plate (Version grain) security, security labeling, security lamination, hot stamping security and so on.
So how many of the security measures from the market to find the most effective and appropriate their own security plan? Let’s start with fake reason for the existence of view, as consumers purchased products will not identify true and false, in fact more difficult to identify genuine and fake products is the packaging, leading to the real brand awareness and loyalty down , and sales channels, product sales devastating blow. This situation was due to the low threshold of its packaging, manufacture, easy to counterfeit, consumers can not identify true and false from its packaging; the other hand, Pharmacy Indeed, the security company also uses means, but in the identification process, the procedures to be complicated or specialized testing equipment, manufacture of the identification of man-made obstacles, not easy to identify the consumer on the spot, would not achieve an effective role, so to those who make opportunity to capitalize.
Based on this, our security program should be in two ways: on the one hand, market-based, security is not just for experts, to manufacturers, to Monitor Departments and a few other people to see, more is to different geographical markets, the majority of consumers see, must make them the first time, without specialized training can quickly identify the authenticity of the spot, that is easy to identify?? Public recognition simple, convenient and accurate; the other hand, anti-counterfeiting technology and means must be implemented in only a few people can not afford three or more, or will not achieve security of the unique nature. There needs to be noted on the credibility of the security technology unit of study visits and technical strength are equally important. In a market economy is not perfect in China, as a result of the economic interests of the two cargo owners, should be the various pharmaceutical companies must always be cautious, but regarded the use of security portfolio is the best way to avoid such risks (example: laser positioning holographic hot stamping + printing security + security + version of the watermark pattern paper … … security must be formulated for different combinations of the practical needs of the pharmaceutical companies), created in this manner provided by the co-operation with the core of anti-counterfeiting technology advantage?? powerful combination, which requires companies not only overcome the cost of false problems, technical difficulties, but also to break through a security barrier or even multi-channel, which can more effectively protect the interests of pharmaceutical companies and consumers.
Finally, security measures should not only packaging supplier, security and scientific research units provided for the pharmaceutical companies Service Projects with pharmaceutical companies should be the daily production management, market closely linked to, any part of the management oversight of all sectors are likely to naught. Anti-counterfeiting technology is not the protagonist of security work, but on the pharmaceutical industry security management, enabling users to add their own, only to effectively implement the management of all aspects of security program will truly achieve real results, the cost will be to achieve the best security Best value for money.
Pharmaceutical packaging business courier : Click to view more >>>>
I am a professional writer from China Computer Parts, which contains a great deal of information about 12v pump water , drum pumps, welcome to visit!
A medical alarm is a personal security device designed specifically for the individual. It is also commonly referred to as a personal alarm.
The panic button (or unit transmitter) is a small and portable device that can be worn as a neck pendant, a wristband, or belt clip. In the event of an emergency, all that is required is for the person to press the panic button to call for help.
DIY packages make owning and installing your own medical alarm very affordable and simple.
By doing-it-yourself, you can save the money a technician would normally charge for the installation. Choosing a stand-alone unit as opposed to the central monitored unit also saves you the monthly monitoring fees.
A Basic DIY package
DIY medical alarm packages are very easy to setup. They’re plug-and-play.
Setting up the unit is usually as simple as plugging in a phone or an answering machine. A basic DIY medical alarm package will include the…
Home base unit (or Main Unit).
Panic button or unit transmitter.
Plug-in power supply & phone cord.
Rechargeable backup battery.
Some companies offer additional accessories that you can add to the main package if you require greater security. Accessories like smoke and gas detectors, floodwater and motion sensors.
You can include a belt clip fall detector that dispatches an emergency signal the moment the person falls to the ground. Other possible accessories include things like bed and chair occupancy sensors.
How they protect you
The concept is very straightforward. All unit transmitters, detectors and sensors work in a similar way. They transmit an emergency signal back to the home base unit the moment they are triggered by some sort of action.
Panic Button – If a person physically presses the panic button, this triggers that unit transmitter sends an emergency signal back to the main unit.
Fall Detector – If the person falls to the ground, the fall detector they are wearing is displaced more than 60 degrees from the vertical position. This displacement triggers the fall detector and sends an emergency signal back to the main unit.
Occupancy Sensors – Depending on their setup, bed and chair occupancy sensors detect the absence of the person. As when an elderly person falls out of bed or out of their chair. This triggers the sensor to send an emergency signal back to the home base unit. Occupancy sensors can also be configured to detect if a person has been sitting or sleeping for too long.
How they work
A personal alarm establishes communication directly through the main unit that acts as both a loudspeaker and a microphone. If the injured person is in another room or far from the main unit, all they have to do is speak out loudly in order to be heard.
Stand-Alone – Stand-alone systems dial out a set of emergency telephone numbers that have been preselected by the system owner. Friends, family, or even emergency services can speak directly to the person who needs assistance.
Centrally Monitored – Systems that are monitored by a central calling station establish a two-way voice communication over the main unit. This allows the operator to speak directly to the person in trouble, assess the situation, and dispatch the proper help.
Newer systems now include the microphone and speaker directly on the unit transmitter. The person can speak directly into their neck pendant, wristband, or the belt clip.
GPS Tracking – Today, GPS tracking allows you to travel practically anywhere and know that your personal alarm is always monitored and that you’re always protected. In the past the unit transmitter would not work if you were too far from the home base unit. You would have to stay indoors and close to home
The DIY advantages
The advantage of a do-it-yourself system is that it simply costs you less.
Company installed medical alarms can cost you anywhere from $ 400 for the whole unit to $ 0 for the whole unit. A DIY medical alarm package will cost you a one-time flat fee of around $ 200.
Get a medical alarm that is stand-alone instead of centrally monitored.
This will eliminate the monthly monitoring fees that can be anywhere from $ 20 to $ 30 a month. The companies make their money off the monitoring fees, not the equipment. In most cases, they give you the equipment for free.
After a few months of paying for monitoring fees, you’ve already covered the cost of your personal alarm. Every payment after that (for years to come) is money out of your pocket and into the monitoring company’s pocket.
Tom Kerasias is a passionate researcher in the area of do-it-yourself home security systems.
His acquired expertise and drive, allow him to discover and share with you the best-of-breed DIY tips, techniques, and advice. To learn how to setup your own home security system, visit his website at http://www.do-it-yourself-home-security-systems.com/
Security Q&A
EHR notes, encrypting email, and telehealth security
by Chris Apgar, CISSP
Q: In our pharmacy dispensing system, we can enter free-form notes for certain records such as a patient record, prescription records, and physician records. This field is used to enter notes that are customer service?focused and not treatment- or payment-related in nature. Would these notes be considered PHI, and would record retention requirements apply to these notes?
A: The notes entered into a patient record, prescription records, or physician records would be considered PHI. The customer service?focused notes entered into a patient’s medical record, prescription records, or physician records would not necessarily be considered part of the designated record set. However, the notes are related to what would fall under the umbrella of healthcare operations. The notes should be considered PHI and retained for a minimum of six years. It’s a good idea to pay attention to your state’s medical record retention laws because state law may view the notes as a part of the medical record and retention requirements are found in state law.
Q: Is it acceptable to send unencrypted email containing PHI provided it’s sent to only the intended recipient and is not accidentally sent to the wrong person? Some staff don’t feel it’s necessary to encrypt emails that are sent to only one individual because they feel it’s easier to check the single email address and less likely that they might accidentally include the wrong person on the email.
A: It is not acceptable to send unencrypted email containing PHI even if it’s only to an individual. HHS noted in the preamble to the HIPAA/CLIA bill that the encryption of email containing PHI is a reasonable safeguard and therefore, the only exception that HHS considers acceptable when it comes to the encryption of email is when the individual requests the email not be encrypted and the covered entity has explained to the individual the risks associated with transmitting PHI unencrypted. The email address may be right, but that doesn’t stop hackers from intercepting the email using, among other methods, a man-in-the-middle attack, which would represent a breach of unsecure PHI.
Q: Our clinic sends appointment reminders via text message to patients. Patients are given the option to specifically request this be done. They may do this by indicating a preference on the new patient paperwork, on the patient portal, or verbally requesting the change be made. The appointment reminders are not encrypted and include the date, time, and location of the appointment but not the patients’ name. I’m concerned that some patients may not notify us immediately if they change their phone number or someone else may see the messages.
A: As long as the patient signed off on it and the risks associated with sending PHI via text message were communicated to patients, sending appointment reminders via text message would not be considered a HIPAA violation. This is similar to sending unencrypted email to patients. There’s a better chance that someone other than the patient will hear the appointment reminder left on an answering machine than a text message sent to a phone number the patient is no longer using. In the end, if the patient signs up for texted appointment reminders, the patient accepts the risk if the wrong person reads the text message.
Editor’s note
Apgar is president of Apgar & Associates, LLC, in Portland, Oregon. He is also a BOH editorial advisory board member. This information does not constitute legal advice. Consult legal counsel for answers to specific privacy and security questions. Opinions expressed are that of the author and do not represent HCPro or ACDIS. Email your HIPAA questions to Associate Editor Nicole Votta at [email protected].
When companies try to reduce the complexity of network security defense, improve effectiveness and enhance operational efficiency of, Fortinet, vice president of Asia Pacific Mr JensAndreassen thorough analysis of: Why do these companies are now turning to adoption of an integrated, comprehensive The Unified Threat Management (UTM) approach to achieve customized network security.
Endured the past few years at great length the various explanations, most of the IT and security professionals are fully aware of the products based on single-point security strategy increasingly out of favor for many reasons.
Now, making money instead of name for oneself has become the main motive for hackers, which led to a threat to the diversity, complexity and sophistication in terms of change. Easy to use loopholes in the overall number of coding continued to increase, to achieve higher revenues and operational efficiency of the various opportunities and bring greater user mobility and interoperability, which means more network login point of emergence.
Therefore, enterprises need access to a hybrid Unified Threat Management (UTM) solution that can handle more complex multi-threat, provide functional coverage and integration of a variety of measures, including preventive measures (such as intrusion prevention ).
And combat the threat of a more diverse
The past few years, threats, and technological change shows that in a unified platform, any degree of network security integration can produce some unexpected benefits, better than the inefficient “patch solution” .
Enterprises to adopt a large number of peripheral-based response to the network layer are feeling powerless, because the network logon point increase, more resources need to be protected, and a more diversified threats to use in the various loopholes that may exist.
And regulations, threats, and technology relevant to the current situation, information is changing the nature and scope of security requirements. For the computing systems and related information assets to provide comprehensive protection, not only good business practice, and, in many cases the current mandatory requirements.
Many companies have selectively used UTM device, and will continue to regard them as the overall balance as a means of security solutions.
Best safety results Through one device offers multiple security features to reduce costs and complexity and improve the results, which basically is no doubt a good way. However, the same should be clear: the “practical effect” will change. After all, not all UTM technology is the same.
From one product to the next that contains a variety of products may differ, the use of large effect will inevitably change, so the difference may include: source, quality, and individual security and network components, integrated; function the degree of integration; management of the degree of unity; and the appropriate underlying hardware and functionality.
Many companies often network integration as a “non-all or nothing” choice. However, based on general-purpose CPU and operating system integration platform for the establishment of the lack of support wire-speed flow of the necessary framework for processing applications. Specifically tailored for security ASIC is able to provide the most powerful application rate required.
Enterprises have realized the additional single-point products to fill gaps in network defense strategy will inevitably lead to increased investment costs and operating expenses out of control. Moreover, even if they make the greatest efforts, this strategy is still not very effective, because the patchwork-style solutions to loopholes in the junction. Only through a customized network security platform, enterprises can ensure the best safety results, the lowest cost of ownership, maximum flexibility and the best overall performance.
Way to optimize performance
In this case, many companies still resort to UTM technology to streamline its overall security solution is not surprising that, despite all the factors that lead to security problems increase the scope and complexity.
I am a professional writer from China Manufacturers, which contains a great deal of information about jamaican foods , white basmati rice, welcome to visit!
Related Medical Coding Articles
Product watch
HITRUST security risk assessment
by Chris Apgar, CISSP
There are no federally recognized HIPAA certification standards for covered entities (CE) and business associates (BA) and it’s unlikely one will be. However, that doesn’t stop larger CEs from requiring some form of certification to demonstrate compliance with HIPAA and proof that BAs have implemented sound information security programs. The Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) (http://hitrustalliance.net) published its first common security framework (CSF) in March 2009 with the goal of focusing on information security as a core pillar of the broad adoption of health information systems and exchanges. Larger CEs, primarily large health plans, now require their BAs to become HITRUST certified.
HITRUST offers three levels of security risk assessments ranging from one that is self-administered to certification. The assessments are based on HITRUST’s CSF, an information security framework that addresses existing standards and regulations, including federal, third party, and government. HITRUST’s risk assessment tool was intended to deliver a comprehensive tool that can guide CEs and BAs in their information security and compliance planning activities. Unfortunately, in the opinion of the author and other healthcare practitioners, the HITRUST framework is overly burdensome and in some cases just plain wrong when it comes to assessing downstream vendor compliance.
The assessments are complex, burdensome, and, if certification is the goal, expensive. There is a cost to use the MyCSF tool and a certified HITRUST assessor must certify compliance with theMyCSF requirements.
After categorizing the entity to be assessed, scoping explores areas of security that are often addressed in a traditional risk assessment, a compliance audit, and other audits. This includes information system identification, system grouping. It also includes an evaluation or assessment of data elements, and determining system boundaries.
Facilitated or self-administered HITRUST assessments begin with scoping. Beyond determining where a CE’s or BA’s assets lie and what policies are in place, scoping takes into account the type of entity, the regulatory environment, the number of operational units, and so forth. Scoping determines the number of questions that need to be asked. For example, some questions about the security of those devices would not be pertinent to an entity such as a software-as-a-service vendor.
The rigor applied varies based on the level of the assessment. The self-assessment is just that: the CE or BA pays for the assessment and conducts scoping and the assessment itself. This option has the lowest level of rigor and potential accuracy, but is still a tall task to ask of a CE or BA given the amount of time necessary to accumulate the needed documentation and load it in the MyCSF tool.
The self-assessment has the lowest price tag. Conducting a self-assessment requires more than a little knowledge of information security and the internal workings of the IT shop. The report produced will be only as accurate and useful as the data. In other words: Garbage in, garbage out.
The next two levels require an external third party to conduct the HITRUST assessment. The cost of the assessment will vary depending on the size and complexity of the entity but, even with smaller entities, the cost is hefty. The validated assessment is conducted by a third party and validated by HITRUST. The last level of assessment leads to HITRUST certification that is good for two years with a mini-assessment conducted in the off year.
Version 7 of the MyCSF tool is clunky and time-consuming to use. If you begin loading documents, it takes more than a few seconds to load each document, and if you don’t save your uploads frequently enough you will lose your work. HITRUST states on its MyCSF webpage that the tool is user friendly. It is far from that.
Certification may not be immediately granted following the assessment. HITRUST does not ensure entities assessed will remain compliant between assessments. Compliance, along with information security, are not one-time events. There is no guarantee entities will not be audited or will pass an OCR audit. HITRUST assesses compliance on the information security side, but does not assess compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule or state privacy and breach laws.
All third-party vendors that perform validated assessments and certification assessments must be re-certified periodically by HITRUST. HITRUST also manages the CSF and the MyCSF tool. This is supposed to support consistency of approach, structure, standardization, and currency. It doesn’t always hit the mark, though, because it includes requirements that are simply overkill and, in some cases, are actually wrong.
The direct costs for HITRUST certification include both fees to HITRUST and to the HITRUST approved assessor. The direct cost is about $ 40,000?$ 60,000 but costs can be much higher for larger organizations, per Catalyze, a HITRUST certified cloud infrastructure vendor (http://content.catalyze.io/what-is-the-cost-of-hitrust-csf-certification).
Indirect costs are harder to quantify. Catalyze estimated the total time spent for all employees to compile and load the documentation into MyCSF at 200 hours. The time spent between each audit to address issues and solidify compliance and information security programs must also be considered.
Per Catalyze, conservatively estimating the cost of an hour of work to be $ 100/hour, a rough calculation can be tallied. With the cost of salaries, benefits, and lost opportunities from work not performed, a partial loss must be considered. Based on those numbers, the total cost of the HITRUST assessment is roughly $ 60,000?$ 80,000.
If the assessment is conducted correctly, HITRUST tools can be used to improve information security and adherence to compliance requirements. However, it is not a simple exercise and is fraught with high costs, headaches associated with using the MyCSF tool, and may wastes time and resources. There are other options for third-party assessments to demonstrate HIPAA compliance and a sound information security program, often at significantly less cost.
Any claims that OCR will recognize the HITRUST tool in and of itself as demonstrating compliance with HIPAA are false. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and OCR, among others, have published their own guidance about what should be included in a HIPAA risk analysis or risk assessment.
Editor’s note: Apgar is president of Apgar & Associates, LLC, in Portland, Oregon. He is also a BOH editorial advisory board member. Opinions expressed are that of the author and do not represent HCPro or ACDIS. This information does not constitute legal advice. Consult legal counsel for answers to specific privacy and security questions. Email your HIPAA questions to Associate Editor Nicole Votta at [email protected].
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released its Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) Health IT Certification Program: Enhanced Oversight and Accountability 2017 Final Rule. The ONC Health IT Certification Program is a voluntary program to provide for the certification of health IT standards, and “to provide assurance […]
AAPC Blog
Help prevent the damage that a criminal data attack can have on a healthcare organization. Often, when talking about information technology (IT) security, you hear responses such as, “It’ll never happen to us,” or “I’m too small to be a target.” The truth is, viruses, spyware, malware, phishing, hacking, phreaking, social engineering, data loss, improper […]
AAPC Blog