Author Topic: In a perfect world...  (Read 4319 times)

Christy

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In a perfect world...
« on: June 07, 2013, 04:12:16 PM »
In a perfect world, wouldn't the docs be providing the BAAs? Shouldn't they be the ones who dictate how we should use (and not use) their patient information?  Just wondering. Of course, I have never encountered a single doctor who ever had one. I even argued this with my lawyer when she said I did not need one, because the docs surely would have them, lol! Lawyers and doctors are WAY different.

Yes, I have a BAA and sign them with my docs, but just wondering....

PMRNC

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Re: In a perfect world...
« Reply #1 on: June 07, 2013, 05:10:18 PM »
The Business Associate is actually the one responsible:  "business associates are entities that receive personal health information in order to perform a service or function on behalf of a HIPAA covered entity

Either party could be in violation without one however.

Quote
I have never encountered a single doctor who ever had one. I even argued this with my lawyer when she said I did not need one, because the docs surely would have them, lol! Lawyers and doctors are WAY different.

I've been asked for one which makes sense but no I have never seen a provider have one either, but with us, again we are responsible for providing it since we ARE the Business Associate. Not sure if that's the "legal" way but that's how I would interpret it.
Linda Walker
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www.billerswebsite.com

RichardP

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Re: In a perfect world...
« Reply #2 on: June 07, 2013, 06:44:43 PM »
When we signed one of our providers up with Office Ally, it was Office Ally who provided the doctor with the Business Associate's Agreement - which was quite extensive; several pages.  They wanted to make sure they were covered regardless of whether the doctor was interested or not.  I do not think that Office Ally would allow a Business Associate's Agreement from the doctor to replace what they wanted him to sign.  Office Ally has a team of lawyers, so I'm certain their approach is legal.

PMRNC

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Re: In a perfect world...
« Reply #3 on: June 07, 2013, 07:12:13 PM »
Office Alley (clearinghouse) could be both a covered entity and a business associate but I agree.. better we cover our own asses. 
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
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Christy

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Re: In a perfect world...
« Reply #4 on: June 12, 2013, 12:36:21 PM »
thanks, Richard and Linda!

I am confused though...how could OA be a covered entity? What info do they carry that the user (doctor) has to protect?

Medical Billing Forum

Re: In a perfect world...
« Reply #4 on: June 12, 2013, 12:36:21 PM »

PMRNC

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Re: In a perfect world...
« Reply #5 on: June 12, 2013, 02:07:04 PM »
Covered Entities include clearinghouses
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

Medical Billing Forum

Re: In a perfect world...
« Reply #5 on: June 12, 2013, 02:07:04 PM »