Author Topic: Computer Question  (Read 2759 times)

Michelle1965

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Computer Question
« on: August 28, 2014, 07:54:27 AM »
I read in the How to start your own Medical Billing Business book, that you should use a separate computer from your personal one, so does anyone have any suggestions on how much memory and what type of antivirus/security I should use to make sure every patient's info is well protected?

PMRNC

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Re: Computer Question
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2014, 10:48:58 AM »
It is a good idea to have a separate computer if others have access to the one computer in your home office.. if not and your only one accessing it than I'd say you would be ok using the one computer. I don't maintain any PHI on my computer anymore at all because I work off the clients existing PM systems either by log in web browser or remote log in to which I use logmein (logmein.com) I have ESET Professional for my anti-virus and firewall. I have an external hard drive that has a lock on it so when I am done for the day I lock with the key and it can't be accessed. If I'm away I take the external drive with me. My computers have logins too even though no one else accesses them. I have a laptop I use to work when I am away but there is NO storage of PHI on there. My access to all clients is either via login (web based) or remote logme in connection. Back when I did maintain software I never worked on my laptop (too afraid of someone stealing it) and I would log off computer and the home office door would lock.  Oh and for clients where I correspond via email we use encryption software and keys.  Remember also to treat your paper files same way.. lock and key (filing cabinets) don't leave anything in the fax machine, I make sure when I am done for the day my cabinets get locked and there are no files left out, and the home office door is locked.
Linda Walker
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Michele

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Re: Computer Question
« Reply #2 on: August 29, 2014, 12:57:44 AM »
I read in the How to start your own Medical Billing Business book, that you should use a separate computer from your personal one, so does anyone have any suggestions on how much memory and what type of antivirus/security I should use to make sure every patient's info is well protected?

I will have to go back and take a look at that section.  I believe our point was that if the computer is used or accessible by others then it's not a good idea, especially if PHI is stored on  the  computer.  With that being said, if you are the only one using the computer or if you can lock any sections of the computer that do contain PHI then it is probably ok.  As for memory, and security we leave that up to our computer guy.  I know we are using Norton.  Memory will depend on the programs you will be using, etc.
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kristin

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Re: Computer Question
« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2014, 02:24:50 AM »
When I started billing from home, I just took a basic common sense approach... purchased a laptop only I use and have access to, I had excellent protection installed on it, and made sure to "lock" areas of it that needed locking, if necessary. I explained to the store I purchased the laptop from what my needs were, and they suggested one that was most reasonable in price, and has more than enough memory for what I need.

Honestly, with most of what I do being cloud based, I don't worry much about PHI being compromised. I rarely if ever print anything off, and if I do, it gets locked up, until I shred it.

PMRNC

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Re: Computer Question
« Reply #4 on: August 29, 2014, 10:29:10 AM »

Quote
I will have to go back and take a look at that section.  I believe our point was that if the computer is used or accessible by others then it's not a good idea,

Right, I agree.. TECHNICALLY there is no requirement or regulation stating you need a separate computer, the regs were written to make those use "Safeguards" by any means to protect the PHI. So let's say your computer and desk are in your living room, the regs say you need to do everything possible to protect the PHI you collect, locked filing cabinets, nothing left out in the open and appropriate log on/log off on your computer..  If you have a home office or any office and you can simply lock your door that would not necessarily mean you were not compliant, each entity has to take reasonable safeguards. Common sense says that if my kids or hubby play on my computer than I need a separate computer for work.

Kristin as an example, with her laptop, takes the reasonable safeguards. 

Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
One Stop Resources, Education and Networking for Medical Billers
www.billerswebsite.com

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Computer Question
« Reply #4 on: August 29, 2014, 10:29:10 AM »