HIPAA and Third-Party Software

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Your Patient Data, HIPAA and Third-Party Software

By Stacey Byrne

As you may remember, in early 2003 Datacon prepared and signed HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) business associate agreements with all of our clients. This agreement states that Datacon, as a recipient of Protected Health information from a Health Care Provider, (you), will properly safeguard this protected health information pursuant to the written agreement contained in the HIPAA Regulations (particularly 45 CFT 164.504(e))

This agreement specifies that Datacon will care for and protect this patient data while caring for your Datacon system:

Converting your data to Datacon Dental Systems format

Converting your data with regards to the sale or acquisition of your practice

Installing, upgrading your Datacon system or network

Troubleshooting your system

Training your staff members

Designing and developing reports for your practice(s)

It is our belief that you should have a signed HIPAA agreement with ANY entity that has access to your patient data. This includes digital imagery, electronic submission, automated recall software vendors and website creators that have access to your patient data. If you are interested in more information about HIPAA rules and regulations, please visit http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/administrative/index.html

If you cannot find your copy of our Business Associate Agreement, please contact our office to request an electronic or hard copy for your records.