General Surgery Coding Alert - 2014 Issue 3
Technology: Plan Ahead to Ensure Your Facility Stays Compliant After Computer Security Changes
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Article Overview
This article discusses the relationship between computer system maintenance, software security updates, and HIPAA Security Rule compliance. It is written for healthcare organizations, compliance staff, IT coordinators, and coding professionals who help safeguard electronic protected health information. The piece focuses on operating system support changes, risk analysis considerations, patching, and planning for security-related system upgrades.
Why This Topic Matters
Healthcare facilities rely on secure, supported computer systems to protect electronic protected health information and reduce the risk of HIPAA security problems. The article highlights why system planning, vulnerability review, and timely updates matter for compliance and operational continuity.
Article Sections
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Focus On the Requirements
This section reviews HIPAA Security Rule expectations for systems that handle electronic protected health information and discusses broad technical safeguard considerations. It also references risk analysis and operating system security issues.
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Keep Systems Compliant With Patches
This section covers the role of software updates and security patches in maintaining system security. It discusses general reasons why keeping software current is important for healthcare environments.
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Beware of Future Windows XP Issues
This section addresses the end of support for an operating system and the operational challenges that can follow. It emphasizes planning for upgrades, system inventory, and transition timing in healthcare facilities.
What You Will Learn
- How operating system support status can affect healthcare security planning
- Why software patches and updates are part of maintaining a compliant environment
- What broad HIPAA security considerations apply to systems that store or access electronic protected health information
- Why risk assessment is important when reviewing computer vulnerabilities
- How facilities may need to plan for technology transitions and upgrades
Who Should Read This
- Healthcare compliance professionals
- Medical practice administrators
- IT coordinators in healthcare settings
- Coding and billing staff involved in compliance
- Physician practice managers
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