Medical Transcription Info & News
HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The act, which became effective July 1, 1997, is a grouping of regulations that strive to combat abuse and fraud in health insurance and health care delivery. As a medical transcriptionist, you must follow HIPAA regulations and secure the hundreds of patient records you'll come into contact with.
Patient records are confidential and it's your duty to keep them that way. If you work at home, this means working in an area away from family and friends - no one can hear the dictation you're transcribing. Additionally, if you use a family computer to complete your work, make sure all your transcription files are protected by using a screen saver password. Ideally, you should have a computer dedicated solely to your transcription work.
Now here's an important question - is your computer set up to help you stay HIPAA compliant? To protect patient confidentially, equip your computer with at least the following:
- Secure, password protected email and FTP sites
- File encryption software
- Regular Windows updates involving computer security
- Firewall protection
There are other ways to ensure file protection, so visit your local computer software store to better understand your options. Follow a security protocol at home and with your computer - you'll work more effectively, stay HIPAA compliant and keep your career on track.
By Danielle Macklin, Medical Transcription SchoolsLabels: HIPAA, Medical Transcription Tool
1. File Management Software. Line counting, invoice creation and daily work logs. Do you have time to do all this and more? You don't have to with management software. Research options and choose a program that meets your needs. It's like having a personal assistant.
2. Spell Checking Tool. Ensure the accuracy of your reports with a medical terminology spelling reference tool. Several comprehensive programs can be easily downloaded off the Internet for free.
3. Electronic Medical Dictionary. A must-have tool for creating thorough and accurate medical reports. Get the electronic version and have instant access to definitions, pronunciations and illustrations.
4. The AAMT Book of Style. Medical transcription has specific rules for punctuation, grammar and editing. Get the CD-ROM version for time efficiency and make sure your reports meet set standards.
5. Encryption Software. Your medical reports will contain confidential patient data. Ensure your reports are transported over the Internet safely with encryption software.
6. Antivirus Protection. Can you imagine unintentionally infecting clients with a computer virus? Protect yourself. Protect your clients. Purchase or download a free antivirus program. Most importantly, use common sense when opening email attachments - no antivirus program is 100% effective.
7. Internet File Backup. There are several options for backing up your essential records and accounting information. One convenient option is off-site Internet backup. So if your computer crashes, your files are still be accessible by logging onto your online account.
8. Paper Shredder. As a medical transcriptionist, you'll need to master paper flow. Stay organized - shred unwanted paperwork right away.
9. Internet Fax. Why tinker with a space consuming fax machine? Easily send faxes via email instead. Several companies offer basic, online fax programs for free.
10. Professional Association Membership. Network, stay on top of industry news/trends and more. Association memberships are a beneficial career tool - especially if you work from home.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Medical SchoolLabels: Medical Transcription Tool
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