With all the different privacy regulations out there and the rising client sensitivity to the way their identities and information are handled, it is important for your call service to have HIPAA training. It is quite expensive for you to pay for this training, so your best bet is to go with a service that guarantees that all employees have the HIPAA training they need to be compliant at all times. You can then assure your patients that their data is being protected and know that your own backside is covered as well.
Within the medical community, there are far too many horror stories about data that escaped thanks to poorly trained call service operators. For this reason, you need to screen your call answering service providers carefully. You will want to look for trained operaters who are based in the United States.
It is far too easy for international providers to skimp on HIPAA training. There is no regulatory body to make them comply, and a limited incentive for them to make the investment in training their whole team. Ongoing HIPAA training is something that typically only US based corporations place as a priority item.
For your practice, having HIPAA compliance in every area of the business is vital. This extends to areas of the business you have outsourced. Since call answering is one of the most commonly outsourced elements of medical practice, you will want to check twice that you comply in that area as well.
Some of the areas you can check with your call provider are whether or not they have password protection on all of the data, and whether or not they have secure processing of voice and data information. Another good check point is the secure storage of records--secure digital storage is best. Providers who neglect these areas may be careless in other areas as well, so you will want to avoid them.
With these areas in compliance and assurance that ongoing training is happening, you will be able to face your patients without a stressful shadow hanging over your shoulder. You will know that their information is being protected even as you outsource some of the mundane administrative elements of your practice. They will know that your guarantees of privacy protection are valid and continue to bring their business to you for years to come.
