From the Desk of Matt Fisher – ICYMI

By Matt Fisher, Esq
Twitter: @matt_r_fisher
Host of Healthcare de Jure – #HCdeJure

Tune in weekdays at 2pm, 10pm or 6am ET as Matt serves up the hottest healthcare issues of the day, all from a legal point of view.  From public policies and Federal initiatives to privacy and security, join host Matt R. Fisher as he and his guests discuss a smorgasbord of topics, giving hospitals, physicians, vendors and patients a seat at the table. Matt’s virtual conversations can be listened to on demand or heard on air. So don’t miss a minute of what’s on the menu.

ICYMI, read the latest of Matt’s blogs. And don’t forget to join the conversation with Matt on #HCdeJure.

HIPAA: Healthcare’s Favorite Scapegoat
Stop if you’ve heard either of these or some other variation before: I can’t tell you anything about that patient because of HIPAA or I can’t give you a copy of your medical records because of HIPAA or HIPAA doesn’t let me say anything. Throwing up HIPAA as an excuse to prevent the free and usually justified flow of medical information is all too common place in healthcare. These issues have been forefront of mind because of a recent back and forth on Twitter that included a combination of providers, lawyers, patients and other individuals. The common thread throughout the discussion was that HIPAA is used a barrier with an alarming degree of frequency. Continue reading on HITECH Answers.

Don’t Skimp on Training: Know Patient Rights
What is the response when an individual submits a request to receive access to their medical record? The response can often be one of frustration over the time and effort that will go into compiling the record in response to the request. There can also be a desire to recoup costs (or make a little extra). Are all individuals in an organization prepared for responding to requests or obtaining necessary information? A lot of questions can arise when a request for access is made. Continue reading on HITECH Answers.

Data Protection Remains Shaky
Data remains exposed in significant numbers in the healthcare industry. The monthly Protenus Breach Barometer shows that the trend of at least one breach per day in a month is continuing. To be specific, Protenus and Databreaches.net showed 37 breaches being disclosed for the first time in May. The number is significant, demonstrating the ongoing challenge for the healthcare industry. The not so old adage of it is not a matter of if you get breached, but when you get breached is only proving to be more and more accurate. Continue reading on HITECH Answers.