HIPAA Creating privacy protection that works

All health care providers, clearinghouses, and health plans that transmit health information electronically in connection with a standard transaction (e.g., claims, coordinating benefits, payment and remittance advice, claims status, etc.) are subject to compliance under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The effective date of the regulations was April 14, 2001, and all health providers must be in full compliance by April 2003. It is extremely important that you and your organization understand HIPPA and the final privacy rule and begin working toward compliance now.