As many healthcare providers begin using new technology to streamline practices, lower expenditure and improve efficiency, regulatory compliance procedures become more complex. In the healthcare industry, HIPAA compliance is among the most important standards to meet, and regulatory entities have recently increased audits and general contingency checks, Mlive reports.
According to the source, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a self-evaluation resource in conjunction with the American Health Lawyers Association to aid directors of medical facilities and organizations.
Recovery audit contractors who inspect Medicare claims have been increasingly employed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to broaden its audit capabilities and inspection policies, the source adds. This strengthening of auditory practices necessitates consistent and thorough checks of compliance practices and security policies.
Since the advent of HIPAA compliance(health care compliance) and its later counterpart, the HITECH Act, new technology such as cloud computing has assisted heathcare providers with tools to comply and receive incentives for implementation and proper use of electronic health records. According to the CMS, for example, the Medicare meaningful use program offers up to $44,000 to medical professionals who meet requirements.
