Protecting Data and Privacy Makes Business Sense
HIPAA has too many letters to qualify as a “four letter word.” But, some medical providers – especially smaller practices – have given it that status. But, while many have focused on HIPAA, any breach of personal, healthcare or financial information can be costly to a business.A recent news article noted that retailers (large or small) credit unions and clinics all face the same problems as a huge firm if a breach in privacy occurs. Among the problems are government fines, lawsuits – individual and class-action, bad press and loss of customers. Most people in business don’t want to face any of these problems. A smaller firm faced with any – or all – of these problems is unlikely to survive them.May 2009 is the date for implementation of the Federal Trade Commission’s “Red Flags Rules.” These rules require many businesses – including healthcare providers – to implement a program to detect, prevent and mitigate instances of identity theft. Failure to comply with the rules could mean administrative penalties of up to $2,500 in fines per violation.Clearly, HIPAA, privacy and identity protection are concepts that warrant significant efforts if healthcare providers are going to thrive and consumers are going to remain confident in using their services. So, it’s time to stop cussing about our fate (another four letter word) and take action. Thankfully, Secure Services Corp. has developed affordable and interoperable solutions that help address these problems of security and identity protection. Help - a four letter word that I like.
SHAPE – Secure information at the tip of your finger.