Next issue -- advanced preview: Pinpoint how, when you notify payers to comply with HIPAA

Why This Topic Matters

Practices need to understand where disclosure risks arise in their workflow so they can support patient privacy requests and reduce compliance exposure. The article is relevant to organizations that manage scheduling, referrals, testing, prescriptions, records transfer, and patient collections under HIPAA.

Article Sections

1. Workflow points where disclosures may occur

   Identifies common practice operations where information may be communicated in ways that could involve a payer or another covered entity. The section focuses on the need to review routine administrative and clinical processes for privacy implications.

2. What to charge patients requesting restriction

   Discusses general billing considerations when a patient asks that information not be disclosed to a health plan after paying out of pocket. It addresses contract review and usual practice charging considerations at a high level.

3. When patients don’t pay

   Covers the follow-up situation where payment is not received after a patient requests restricted disclosure. The section outlines broad compliance and collection considerations for handling the unpaid balance.