Electronic Health Records For Dummies

Discussing your security concerns

To have a successful, sustainable vendor relationship, you must talk with your rep about your security concerns. Patients are bound to have security questions when you transition to EHR; keep security paramount for their well-being and the longevity of your practice.

This is the time to be candid — no question is out of bounds, especially if the vendor wants to ensure your level of comfort with the provided security measures. Though much of the onus to protect patient information is on the vendor and its software, the responsibility for maintaining data integrity is ultimately yours. Be sure your rep is knowledgeable about the software’s security features and how they’ll protect you during a security breach.

Knowing what kind of security coverage a vendor provides across office lines is vital. Because many stakeholders access your practice’s EHR data to provide patient care, all kinds of employees have contact with your patients’ health data. Ask your vendor to sign a Business Associate Agreement, which ensures that your practice and EHR support HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Your practice is held accountable for following HIPAA privacy guidelines, and you have to feel comfortable with your vendor’s level of compliance. Find out whether the vendor is up to speed on all of the latest HIPAA rules and regulations and that its software reflects a commitment to privacy and security. A Business Associate Agreement ensures ...