Is HIPAA Compliance in Your Medical Practice a Problem?

By John Reimann

In 1996, the United States Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, most commonly known as HIPAA. This law was enacted to protect an individual's health information, while at the same time allowing the appropriate exchange of such information between covered entities, such as pharmacies, doctors, and hospitals, to name but a few. Healthcare providers and those in the allied health fields now have access to HIPAA medical software that has been developed to assure compliance with the act.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services issued the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (commonly known as the Privacy Rule) to implement the requirements of HIPAA. This marks the first time in United States history that a set of national standards has been enacted to protect the privacy of an individual's medical information. As with any government document, it is very difficult to understand the language of the Privacy Rule, and even harder to fully comprehend all of HIPAA.
So what does that have to do with HIPAA medical software? Well, as stated previously, the health care provider or allied health professional needs to be fully compliant with HIPAA. A wise man once said that ignorance of the law is no excuse.
To help those in the field of medicine protect the patient's rights while at the same time allowing (as needed) access to that information, HIPAA medical software does the following:

• Implements changes in how information management is handled.
• Addresses issues such as coding.
• Addresses issues regarding security of information technology systems.
• Changes in-patient record management.
• Streamlines insurance reimbursement.
• Handles patient care management issues.

Because most medical practices are switching from a paper based office management system to a computer (and therefore digital or electronic) based office management system, the wise medical professional will want to purchase HIPAA medical software to facilitate the switch over from paper to digital. It is not necessary to reinvent the wheel, after all, and if a software program means that your practice is HIPAA compliant, you are ahead of the game.
Using a good HIPAA medical software program means that your practice is in compliance with the 1996 act passed by Congress, at least as far as the Act has been implemented to date. Many rules relating to HIPAA have yet to be written, and keeping your HIPAA medical software updated is also a wise move.

For more information on medical software take a look at this Medical Software [http://www.medicalsoftwarereviewed.com] site. It covers a wide range of software programs suitable for the medical field.
Software from well-known and lesser-known companies is reviewed including Lytec's Medical Billing Software [http://www.medicalsoftwarereviewed.com/lytecmedicalbillingsoftware.php], IDX systems, Medisoft and many more.

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Medical Software For Your PDA - Does It Work?

By Matt Murren

PDA medical software is used by those in the medical world to keep track of their patients, schedule their time, and perform a number of other activities. The system basically acts as a small miniature computer that can be placed in the back pocket and used when needed. Doctors can no longer complain that they have an appointment on their day off, when their day off is clearly labeled in the system. Of course there are a number of other reasons to use PDA medical software.
The most obvious reason to use PDA software is that it makes life much easier for those in the medical world, especially students studying the practice. In the past the students were required to carry several volumes of medical information with them at all times. These volumes were available in handheld or pocket versions, but they were still quite large and bulky. The print in the books was also very small, making it extremely hard to read. When they did need to look up specific information, they had to thumb through the volume to find that one specific bit of information. Today the same students can use PDA medical software, and find it much easier to look for those answers.
Doctors are also finding that the use of PDA medical software has made their lives easier, but for the same reasons. When an issue arose with a patient, such as the patient who presented with a variety of unusual symptoms, the doctor may have been at a loss as to what their condition was, or how to treat them. To find the proper diagnosis, they needed to look through the multitude of volumes in their own office. They can now find that information quickly and easily by using PDA medical software.
PDA medical software has also made it easier to schedule appointments, and keep track of patients' medical files. Certain software allows doctors to upload all of their patient files onto their PDA where they can access it when needed. This also allows the doctor to keep track of their notes, and even file those notes directly onto the device. Certain software programs have the option of adding notes and other pieces of information onto the file during the appointment. This cuts down on the amount of paperwork needed, and also helps cut back on the amount of time the doctor spends in the office everyday.
Medical software is quite popular, and rightly so. The use of these programs can make life much easier for the doctors, professionals, and students involved. They now have access to a multitude of information, and it is right there whenever they need it, all by using PDA medical software.

Matt D Murren owns and operates http://www.medical-pda-software.com

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Making Things Easy With No Medical Term Life Insurance

     By Sharon Taylor

There are literally several hundred different online companies that are offering life insurance that does not require a physical examination. These no medical term life insurance policies may sound appealing when you first look at them, but it is absolutely vital that you read the fine print because not all plans are created equally. Some no medical exam policies require that the applicants for this type of insurance pay higher premiums. The applicant may even still be required to undergo a physical exam within one to five years after being qualified for the policy.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and No Medical Life Insurance
If you suspect that you may have a pre-existing medical condition, or if you are unsure of what the results of a medical examination may be, it may be a wiser choice for you to try to apply for no medical life insurance which allows you to forgo the exam all together. Insurance carriers do tend to share information with one another, such as the Medical Information Board or MIB that passes around client information to prevent applicants from taking advantage of the system.
So if you apply with one term life insurance provider and are disqualified for the insurance, other local insurance companies will be aware of this and you will have difficulty qualifying for the policy you seek.
Unfortunately, the MIB can make it a lot more difficult for people to get high quality insurance. So if you are looking for well-suited policies, rather than dealing with interested parties to find quotes for you, you can simply jump online and request quotes for no medical life insurance online.
Applying for No Medical Life Insurance
By applying online for no medical life insurance, you can greatly improve your chances of being approved for term insurance. Without having to deal with an insurance provider face to face, you can greatly simplify the process. Most websites offering quotes allow you to apply quickly and easily, filling out the necessary information as well as a basic personal history and health history that will let the insurance provider know that you are in good health and have no pre-existing terminal conditions that would disqualify you from being approved for a policy.
Fill out the necessary information, and in most cases you will be provided with information such as the type of policy you qualify for, what your premium will be and what steps are left to secure the policy. If you are approved, you should be able to print out your new no medical life insurance policy immediately, and your term insurance will go into effect as early as the following day. If you are not approved for what you applied for, you should be able to contact the website providing the insurance policy and inquire why you were not approved.
No medical term life insurance [http://www.hotosspot.com/2007/11/life-insurance.html] is a great option for a variety of different people. If you do not have a terminal illness and you are not living in a nursing home, you will probably be approved for a policy. If you do not want to deal with a medical exam, or you simply want term insurance as quickly and easily as you can obtain it, this is a great option for you to consider.

Sharon Taylor writes articles for eQUOTE Life Insurance. eQUOTE is a leading Internet life insurance company providing families with no-obligation term life insurance quotes, no medical term life insurance and other helpful family insurance resources since 1999.

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Aging Parents - Information You Need In Case Of A Medical Emergency

     By Martin R. Sabel

Today, many adult daughters and sons find themselves called upon to help care for their aging parents. Often that care must be provided in an emergency. Could you provide the vital information doctors would need to care for them? If you're like most, you're not sure.
Why You Should Have Instance Access to Your Parent's Senior Health Information
Having your parent's complete medical information handy during an emergency can make a life saving difference. Seniors have more chronic health conditions than the general population. Unfortunately, many adult children aren't aware of all those conditions. Not knowing your parent's medical details can have a life altering impact on the entire family - like not knowing about an allergy to a particular medicine.
If your loved one is unconscious or unable to speak during a crisis, having medical information available can literally be life saving. Medical personnel will need it quickly to properly treat during an emergency.
What Doctor's, Nurses and Emergency Medical Personnel Need to Know
At a minimum have the following information available, as well.
1. Names of doctors-Your parents' doctors are good sources for the details of your parent's specific health care needs. Include the name of the primary care physician and all specialists.
2. Medical history - Including any surgeries and chronic medical conditions like Alzheimer's disease, COPD, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease and cancer and any transplant surgery.
3. Medications - Including over-the-counter drugs, vitamin and other supplements
4. Allergies - Both to medicines and foods
5. Birth dates- Because many times insurance and medical information are stored by date of birth. can improve communication in an emergency or a crisis.
6. Emergency contacts - Include multiple contacts with alternate numbers
7. Advanced directives - The legal documents that tell doctors and hospital personnel whether life support is wanted and if resuscitation efforts should be used.
8. Insurance policies- including the name of the issuing insurance company, the policy numbers and contact numbers to get approval for procedures.
Getting Your Parent's Doctor To Discuss Your Parents Health Issues
Due to privacy restrictions created with the Health Insurance Portability and Affordability Act (HIPAA), doctors are no longer as open as they once were to discussing your parent's medical needs.
Your parent's doctor won't discuss private information with you unless your parent first gives the physician permission to discuss their care with you. The doctor's office may require your mom or dad to fill out a form giving the doctor written permission to freely discuss private medical matters. Without that permission, the doctor may still be willing to talk to you about your concerns and be glad to get your input but don't expect much detail in return.
If it's in your parent's best interest for a medical practitioner to discuss their health issues, HIPAA rules allow them to discuss that care. For example, if your mom or dad isn't able to give important medical information in an emergency. Emergency medical personnel will turn to you for that information.

Does an aging parent have you ready to pull your hair out? Save your hair and your sanity. Use Martin Sabel's popular elder care tips and resources at http://www.mreldercareonline.com to keep your loved one safe without emotionally or financially bankrupting yourself in the process.

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Just What is an EMR (Electronic Medical Record)?

     By D. York

An EMR, or electronic medical record, is a medical record for a patient in a digital format that is stored on a computer or in a computer server. In health informatics, an EMR is considered by some to be one of the different forms of electronic health records, but usually these two terms mean the same thing. Sometimes EMR's include other information, such as HIT, or health information technology, which are systems that keep track of medical information, like medical practice management systems. These systems support the electronic medical records.
Until 2006, most medical practices still do not use EMR's or other health information technologies, like computer physician order entry systems, or CPOE's. In fact, less than 10% of the American hospitals have begun to use this technology, while only 16% of primary care physicians now use electronic health records. The majority of medical transactions in the US are still done on paper, with a system that was developed in the 1950's and is still in use today. The health care industry actually spends only about 2% of their gross revenues on HIT's, or health information technology, which is way behind other areas like finance.
One of the main problems of most medical facilities implementing EMR's is the interoperability for different medical offices and professionals to use the systems and software to communicate and exchange data accurately. In the US, the development of standards for EMR's is at the front of the agenda for national health care. Without a good interoperable EMR system, physicians, pharmacies, hospitals, and other medical professionals cannot share patient information correctly, which would be necessary for patient-centered care.
Since the EMR's need to be compatible, in 2004, President Bush created the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology or ONC, to address issues that deal with EMR's and interoperability issues to help establish a national health information network, or NHIN. This organization, along with the Center for Information Technology Leadership, has placed four different categories, or levels, of data that is in the health care data exchange right now. These different levels are:
Non-electronic data - this includes paper, mailed information, or phone calls.
Machine transportable data - this includes faxes and emails.
Machine organizable data - this includes HL7 messages, images, and objects.
Machine interpretable data - this includes automatically transferred lab results to an electronic health record.

D. York is with Fox Meadows, a provider of electronic medical records software, EMR Software, and medical billing software. Learn more by visiting http://www.foxmeadows.com.

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What is Medical Identity Theft?

     By Clyde Cathcart

Everyone has heard about identity theft. You lose your wallet or purse, someone uses your credit cards to run up charges and leaves you to foot the bill. But there are other forms of identity theft that can have disastrous results even to the point of costing you your life. One of these is medical identity theft.
Medical identity theft consists of having your medical records and/or medical insurance information used by someone other than you. Someone may call in a prescription in your name so the information doesn't show up on their medical records. An uninsured person might use your identity and medical insurance to receive treatment. A doctor billing an insurance company for services not performed on an insured patient he never treated. These are some examples of medical identity theft.
The problems that arise from these practices aren't limited to just an insurance company being bilked. Everything medical that happens to you, from prescription antibiotics to organ transplants are reported to an insurance clearinghouse called the Medical Information Bureau (MIB). If your MIB information is wrong, then you're more vulnerable to errors in treatment that can jeopardize your life. From adverse reactions to allergy causing medications to getting the wrong blood type in a transfusion, you're at risk. There are plenty of errors that occur in medical treatment already without compounding the problem with false information. Also, many insurance policies have annual and lifetime limits on how much service they'll pay. If the protection you've paid for is used up when you need it, then that just might become a problem.
There can also be legal ramifications. Most medical insurance does not pay for 100% of charges. You can be left responsible for the unpaid deductibles and co-payments. If the person receiving treatment under your name is found under the influence of illegal drugs, the police could show up at your door. You can be denied employment, credit or rated for insurance because of the inaccurate information that your now appears in your history.
The chances that you can discover and rectify the situation are also slim with medical identity theft. HIPPA laws make it difficult for you to get your own information. If your credit is not adversely affected, you may not know that the theft has taken place for some time after it occurs. And these types of crimes are often attributed to mistakes in paperwork.
So although medical identity theft doesn't get reported as often as financial identity theft, it is still a growing problem and one to watch out for.

To learn more about ID Theft and to receive a free e-book detailing how ID Theft occurs and what you do to protect yourself, visit http://www.clydereviews.com
Questions, comments? Write me at mail@clydereviews.com
Thanks for reading, Clyde Cathcart

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Medical Transcription Jobs - The Ins and Outs of Medical Transcriptionist Work at Home Jobs

     By Jasmine Berry

According to Wikipedia, medical transcription, also known as MT, is an allied health profession which encompasses the process of transcription or converting voice-recorded reports as dictated by physicians and/or other healthcare professionals into text formats.
The medical profession is growing rapidly. Doctors, hospitals, clinics and insurance companies are in need of skilled medical transcriptionists.
Job description:
Medical transcriptionists translate diction from physicians and other health care professionals, into written reports, correspondence and other documents so that it can be used for medical records. Medical transcriptionists who work outside the home can find employment in hospitals, doctors' offices, MT services and home based offices for medical offices and law firms. Those who work in doctors offices also have additional clerical duties. Most MTs who are self employed generally work on a contractual basis.
Because the medical information is increasingly received over the internet in recorded form, transcriptists must have knowledge of medical terminology and be able to spell medical terms accurately. They produce discharge summaries, operative reports, autopsy reports, progressive notes, diagnostive imaging studies, history and physical examination reports and referral letters. Medical transcriptionists will also edit documents for grammar and clarity, look for inconsistencies and errors in the documents and check with the physical or healthcare professional in order to correct them.
These reports are for medical history files, thus a transcriptionists must be able to type quickly and still maintain accuracy in grammar and spelling. They do not come into contact with patients but they need to understand the laws regarding medical record documentation because they are dealing with confidential information.
Requirements:
Medical transcriptionists must be organized and pay close attention to detail. Good analytical skills are a must as well as being able to work well under pressure.
A background in word processing, algebra, introduction to business, business computers applications, English, shorthand, record keeping, composition, health occupations/medical profession education and cooperative office education are an asset to this career. Although many companies train on the job, and state that the transcriptionists are not required to have post secondary education, most employers prefer to hire people who have an associates degree in medical transcription or a certificate. This training can be acquired through community colleges, vocational schools and distance learning programs. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, law and ethics in medicine, computer literacy and applications, and English grammar and punctuation.
Medical transcriptionists earn $10-$40 an hour. Some companies however, pay per line, in which case the transcriptionists may earn 7 cents per line for hospital transcription. Those who hold a certificate or degree in earn more than those without. Medical transcriptionsts without a degree make around 28,000 a year while those with post secondary education can earn as much as 50,000 a year.
Employment of medical transcriptionists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012.
The overall growth in the health service industry should be a major contributing factor for the expansion of this job market. The greater the demand the better it is for those working on a contractual basis from the home. Of course offline workers will also find that there is enough room for everyone in this job market.

The Moms Work at Home Directory is dedicated to providing legitimate work at home jobs for parents who desire to spend more time with their children. For more information on medical transcriptions work at home jobs please visit their resource on Medical Transcription Jobs [http://www.moms-work-at-home-directory.com/medical-transcription-jobs.html] to gives you all the information to find Work at Home Jobs [http://www.moms-work-at-home-directory.com/] in the 21st century.

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Focus On The Use Of Electronic Medical Records Programs Increased

     By Cassie Netherfield

A system to automate medical records has been built by the University of Maryland. Computerized medical records are a fairly new concept that allows doctors, nurses, and other health care practitioners to access patient records, files and information electronically in place of a tangible, fixed form.
A lot of aspects of its use was criticized because the medical industry wasn't quite open to it yet. Some practitioners had even questioned the practicality of the endeavor, particularly as doctors simply cannot be bothered with having to carry a computer with them at all times.
There is an answer to this problem, however. A stable, easy-to-use, and intelligently designed program. The University of Maryland Human Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL) had made sure that this new electronic medical records system would not create a delay in the health care professional's performance and time. In short, a system that decreases the search time significantly, enables the presentation of data properly and accurately, and is a lot less susceptible to glitches. To sum it all up, this program is beneficial since it provides the medical practitioners more time with their clients and less fiddling with their paper trail.
Equipped with the expertise of computer scientists and researchers, a sound plan for a great electronic medical records program was built, with this list of goals and benefits:
(1) Accurate and complete information.
(2) Finding and locating trends and anomalies in a patient's health history.
(3) Quick and easy access in spite of massive volumes of information.
(4) Keep the program simple, yet also flexible so it can be modified to address a variety of areas and uses.
One problem against automation was the probability of receiving incorrect or even losing information. Although similar concerns apply to using physical patient record information and documents they were at least physical, whereas electronic medical patient records are not. However, there are software nowadays that guarantee the safety of data.
One key perk to using electronic medical record systems is the fact that it can detect errors at once. With the right elements, an electronic medical record package can disseminate massive amounts of medical information from patient data and recognize patterns and trends across several elements and criteria. This part of the program can easily be customized meet the specific division's requirements.
If you need this product, or any other program for that matter, to succeed, it should be simplified. The more simple it is, the more effective doctors will be in their work. The time indicated in their schedules could be significantly narrowed down, since doctors can now easily get what they need from the database, and in a short amount of time, as well. This is best for such a busy industry, where time is of the essence.
The electronic medical records systems in place today are very much similar to what the University of Maryland has produced. Electronic medical records and software packages are in place and in use all over world.

Electronic Medical Records software can help your daily office routine flow. Visit http://www.ChartLogic.com now to see what they can offer your office, they'll change the way you think of Medical practice management software.

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Personal Health Records Could Save Your Life In Medical Emergencies

     By Catherine Collins

Imagine you are on a routine business trip to a foreign country. You collapse after your dinner at a fancy sea food restaurant. On arrival to the hospital, under the current fragmented health care system, retrieving your medical record is difficult, answers to questions whether you are allergic to any seafood or your previous medication history or even your primary physician contact details are difficult to obtain. You will be treated as any other emergency arrived patient. On discharge from the hospital you will carry no more than a paper based record of your medical history.
What are the probabilities of this episode recurring? And how can you make a note that you may be allergic to certain kind of sea food? Can you carry this vital medical information with you always?
Digital Personal Health Record can answer these questions. Digital personal health records enable people to store their vital health information in an easy to use format. It could be in memory keys like USB drives or in Compact Discs.However, Memory sticks or USB drives are popular as they are easy to use and carry around.Also the data in them could be repeatedly changed.
The basic health information that you should be carrying around in these USB drives are your personal contact information, emergency contact information and health insurance contact details. Along with medical or surgical history and medication history. History of any allergy to medicines and also any other food types should be part of your emergency information kit.
These could be easily created in a word document and stored in your USB drive. You could also identify this USB drive with a sticker stating that it is your health information file. The only danger of this method is that if you lose your USB drive, all your health information along with contact details are lost.
To safeguard against this you need to purchase a commercially available USB drive with stored template for health information along with a pass word protection. These small precautions will help you to better organize your health care data and help physicians to optimize their treatment to you in case of emergency.
If individuals carry portable personal record with them always, physicians on their arrival to hospital in case of any emergencies can rapidly establish the patient's medical antecedents. On their departure from the hospital they can carry their updated medical treatment history all the time, everywhere. This will enable an individual to maintain a record of their health information in illness. Physicians can deliver better optimized care to patients who have their complete health records.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purpose only and is in no way intended to be a substitute for medical consultation with a qualified professional. The author encourages Internet users to be careful when using medical information. If you are unsure about your medical condition, consult a physician.
Reference:
http://www.open.medicdrive.org
Open MedicDrive is a collaborative Wiki for advancing and educating about the role of Health care Information Technology in Personal Health Record Management.

Ms.Catherine Collins has spent nearly a decade in writing about health care topics. She has published her work on health care management in several leading publications in online media.Her vision is to help people to take care of their health with aid of current technologies.

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Diabetes Medic Alert Bracelet - Fashionable And Helpful Identification

By Flor Serquina

Today, there are more than 17 million people living with diabetes in America. That makes the odds pretty darn good that at least a few of your co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family have already been touched by the disease on some level.
With that in mind, you may not need to tell them a lot they do not already know; then again, they may be sorely in need of some accurate and current diabetes education. Either way, you only have to share the basics of handling an emergency at this point, such as providing a diabetes medic alert bracelet.
Medical Identification
Even if you have got a buddy with you at all times, it is important to make sure that you have medical identification in case you need to be treated by medical personnel. You do not need a giant scarlet D on your lapel, but wearing some form of identification at all times is the best way to ensure you will get proper treatment should a blood sugar emergency cause you to lose consciousness among strangers.
One good example is the diabetes medic alerts bracelet. This particular bracelet contains all the necessary medical information about the patient who is wearing the bracelet. This diabetic information is engraved within the bracelet to alert paramedics if ever they need to take action in an individual's medical emergency.
The diabetes medic alert bracelet is a practical and hands-on step to efficient caring of one's health, especially with a disease that is erratic and unstable.

The Options
Today, the diabetes medic alert bracelet is gradually taking its fair share in the market. More and more people understand their importance, considering the fact that the occurrence of attacks is unpredictable.
And because many people are now affected with the disease, a wide array of fashionable designs is available to give people ample choices that will match their taste.
When you are shopping for a diabetes medic alert bracelet, keep these things in mind:
1. It must be noticeable.
This is the most important criterion for a good identification. In cases of emergency, most people may not be aware of the concerned individual's condition. They may be in shock or too agitated to look for your medic alert bracelet. Of course, their utmost concern is on how to give you first aid.
However, if you have a noticeable diabetes medic alert bracelet, it will be easier for paramedics or for other people to identify your condition and provide you the necessary medical attention that you need.

2. It must be comfortable.
Since you will be wearing this bracelet almost every single day of your life, you should wear something that is comfortable. Otherwise, you won't wear it. And when that happens, you will never know how unsafe your condition might be especially for those people who know nothing of your disease.

3. It must be durable.
As mentioned, you will be wearing this bracelet everyday. Hence, it should be durable enough to stand the wear and tear brought about by the surf, sand, or whatever other elements you may encounter.
4. It should be comprehensive.
The diabetic information contained in your diabetes medic alert bracelet must show all the pertinent medical information about your condition. In this way, paramedics will know what kind of medication they should give you.

5. It should be stylish.
Style should be one thing that you will not neglect. Attraction is one factor that people who should be wearing the medical bracelet should consider. Not that you want to show off your condition to everybody but more on making the item pleasing to wear. The idea behind this is that you must like the item, or, again, you might not wear it consistently.
So the next time you go shopping for accessories, do not forget to take home some fashionable diabetes medic alert bracelets with you. You will never know how these dainty accessories can save your life.

Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Learn-About-Diabetes.com. She provides more information on topics such as diabetes medic alert bracelet [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetes-medic-alert-bracelet.html], other types of medical diabetes bracelet [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/medical-diabetes-bracelet.html] and diabetes rubber bracelet [http://www.learn-about-diabetes.com/diabetes-rubber-bracelet.html] that you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

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Allied Health - The World of Medical Professionals

By Cecily Kellogg

When you think of the medical profession, naturally the first people that leap to mind are doctors and nurses. But the medical field is filled with careers that have little or nothing to do with being a doctor or a nurse. These careers fall into the Allied Health category--and together with other members of the healthcare system they make the system thrive.
If you are interested in working in the field of Allied Health, there is a career for you. This field is varied and specialized; there is something for just about everyone. Here are just a few of the possible careers available:
o Anesthesiologist Assistants function as specialty physician assistants under the direction of a licensed and qualified anesthesiologist.
o Athletic Trainers work with the consultation and direction of attending and/or consulting physicians and are an integral part of the health care system associated with physical activity and sports.
o Audiologists are professionals who work with people that exhibit hearing, balance, and related ear problems. They examine individuals of all ages and identify those with the symptoms of hearing loss and other auditory, balance, and related neural problems.
o Cardiovascular Technicians perform diagnostic examinations and therapeutic interventions of the heart and/or blood vessels at the request or direction of a physician.
o Clinical Laboratory Assistants are trained multi-skilled health care providers with a laboratory focus. Laboratory tests play an important role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.
o Cytotechnicians are specially trained technicians who work with pathologists to evaluate cellular material from virtually all body sites primarily utilizing the microscope.
o Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Ultrasound Technicians) provide patient services using medical ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves that produce images of internal structures) equipment.
o Dietitians are nutritionists who integrate and apply the principles derived from the sciences of food, nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, food management, and behavior to achieve and maintain the health status of the public they serve.
o Electroneurodiagnostic Technicians use specialized equipment to obtain interpretable recordings of patients' nervous system function.
o Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are trained to provide emergency care to people who have suffered from an illness or an injury outside of the hospital setting.
o Exercise Physiologists manage programs to assess, design, and implement individual and group exercise and fitness programs for apparently healthy individuals and individuals with controlled disease.
o Genetic Counselors are health care professionals trained to provide genetic counseling services to individuals and families seeking information about the occurrence, or risk of occurrence, of a genetic condition or birth defect.
o Health Information Technicians conduct health data collection, monitoring, maintenance, and reporting activities in accordance with legal and regulatory standards, and professional best practice guidelines.
o Health Information Managers apply their training and expertise in both science and management to develop, implement, and/or provide oversight to health care data collection and reporting.
o Medical Assistants function as members of medical offices and perform administrative and clinical procedures.
o Medical Librarians are information professionals who specialize in health resources and provide medical information for physicians, allied health professionals, patients, consumers, students, and corporations.
o Nuclear Medicine Technicians perform a number of tasks in the areas of patient care, technical skills, and administration. Nuclear medicine is the medical specialty that utilizes radioactive and stable nuclides to make diagnostic evaluations and to provide therapy with unsealed radioactive sources.
o Occupational Therapists address the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, sensory, and other aspects of daily functioning to help patients more easily engage in everyday life activities that affect health, well being, and quality of life.
o Ophthalmic Dispensing Opticians adapt and fit corrective eyewear, including eyeglasses and contact lenses, as prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
o Ophthalmic Assistants (as well as ophthalmic technicians and ophthalmic medical technologists) perform ophthalmic procedures under the direction or supervision of a licensed ophthalmologist.
o Perfusionists are trained and educated specifically as a member of an open-heart surgical team responsible for the selection, setup, and operation of a mechanical device commonly referred to as the heart-lung machine.
o Pharmacy Technicians assist licensed pharmacists in their duties.
o Physical Therapists provide services to many different kinds of patients/clients, from those recovering from accidents or illness and people with disabilities to world-class athletes. They help improve patients' strength and mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities.
o Physicians Assistants (PA) make clinical decisions and provide a broad range of diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services. The clinical role of PAs includes primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practice settings. PA practice is centered on patient care and may include educational, research, and administrative activities.
o Polysomnographic Technicians perform sleep tests and work with physicians to provide information needed for the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
o Radiation Therapists deliver prescribed doses of radiation to patients for therapeutic purposes. In fulfilling this primary responsibility, radiation therapists provide appropriate patient care.
o Recreational Therapists use various interventions to treat physical, cognitive, emotional, and social conditions associated with illness, injury, or chronic disabilities.
o Rehabilitation Counselors provide general and specialized counseling to people with disabilities in public human service programs and private practice settings.
o Respiratory Therapists work in a wide variety of settings to evaluate, treat, and manage patients of all ages with respiratory illnesses and other cardio­pulmonary disorders.
o Speech-Language Pathologists work with people who cannot make speech sounds or cannot make them clearly, and those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering.
o Surgical Assistants provide aid in all aspects of surgical procedures and help the surgeon carry out a safe operation. They also perform preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care.
o Surgical Technologists prepare the operating room by selecting and opening sterile supplies.

http://www.healthdegrees.com/allied-health-the-world-of-medical-professionals

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Simple Tips to Organizing Your Vital Information - Are You Prepared?

     By Ricki Pagano

If you're like most people, you have some good personal and financial records. It's just that they're in a dozen or more locations known only to you.
I grew up in a household where it was not unusual for my mom to be frantically running around "Where is my purse?", "Where are my keys?", and "Where are my glasses?". Perhaps that can explain why I have adopted the keep it simple principle. When I enter my home, my keys, purse, and glasses are placed on the counter in the laundry room. The same should apply to personal and vital information. Ideally, there is a central location where this information can be referenced and accessible to you, your spouse or your family.
GETTING YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER
Start by compiling the following information complete with account numbers,
phone numbers, and addresses:
Emergency plan-list emergency contact and any instructions
Family information-name and contact information for immediate family members
Medical information-names, addresses, phone numbers of physicians, specialists
Medical history-list of medications, allergies, medical problems, treatments
Insurance information-Health, Life, Disability Income, Long Term Care, Homeowner's, Auto,
Mortgage
Legal information-Attorney's contact information, location of legal documents
Location of personal documents-Social Security card, Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate,
Real Estate documents, Insurance policies, Tax Returns, Employment Records, Title for Home,
Auto, Loan documents, spare keys, safety deposit box key
Financial information-name of advisors, CPA's contact information, Bank, Brokerage Account,
Retirement Accounts, Credit Cards, Contents of Safety Deposit Box
Personal Property-Inventory of jewelry, artwork, collectibles, furniture, other valuables
Final arrangements-Cemetery, Mortuary preferences, Organ Donation information
Set up an organizational system to store this information such as a notebook, binder, file
system or software program. Once established, have a copy stored in a place where you or your family can locate and update it periodically. One option would be a fire safe box. You may want to give a copy to your attorney or legal representative.
HELPFUL TIPS
-Have a Will, Medical Power of Attorney, Living Will, Financial Power of Attorney
-Once organizing system is set up, it is important to review and update periodically
-Communicate with family the location of your vital information and documents
-It is probably not wise to list all of your passwords to online accounts in one place
-Need to save tax returns and supporting documentation for 7 years
-Carry an emergency list of loved ones, doctors and advisors, medical information in your wallet
THE TIME TO PLAN IS NOW
A sudden unforeseen event can happen to us at any age, so it is important to act now
while you are healthy. If you read the paper, you know there are many who have failed
to put their medical and financial wishes in writing. As a result, families who are under
tremendous stress as it is are battling over the authority of medical decision making or
insignificant details not addressed in a will.
Some questions to ask yourself: If you had a house fire, would you easily be able to grab
your vital information? If you had a medical emergency, would your spouse or family be
able to locate your medical directives? Would you be able to locate your spouse's medical directives? If something were to happen to you and your spouse, have you designated a guardian for your minor children? What would you want to happen if you became disabled or died? Have you addressed this in your estate plan?
I will leave you with this thought. I received a call from my mother last night informing me that she left her keys in a store (I am not making this up). In order to have a copy made of her car key, she needed to bring in the title to her car. She reports she actually
found her car title without a problem! However, after having a duplicate key made for $100, the store contacted her to inform her they found her keys. To add insult to injury, her housekeeper found her spare car key. Organizing mom continues to be a work in progress.

Ricki Pagano has devoted her life to helping people cope with problems not of their making, problems that could befall any one of us.
Ms. Pagano graduated from the University of Arizona in 1981 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and three years later received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Arizona State University.
She spent the next 15 years working in the field of medical social work where she developed an expertise in, and love for, the area of geriatric care. It was here that she learned how essential it is to our own sense of well-being that we are able to maintain control over our own lives. And it was here that For the Record was conceived as a valuable tool for helping people regain and maintain that control.
Since 2001, Ms. Pagano has worked in the financial services industry, and recently established Pagano LTC , a firm which focuses exclusively on long-term care insurance planning.
You can learn more about "For The Record: A Personal Facts and Document Organizer" by visiting http://www.FortheRecordBook.com

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Medical Alert Infomercials

     By Max Bellamy

Medical alert infomercials provide vital information about the various types of medical alerts that are available, their importance, and their usage.
Medical alerts are usually in the form of articles or accessories that communicate vital medical details, about a person to the medical society. This could be in the form of watches, bracelets, necklaces, clothing tags, and key rings. The trinkets can be stamped with important medical information, or a phone number of the person to be contacted, in case of emergency. The various forms of medical alert can also be shown on the infomercials.
Infomercials give physical demonstration about how to operate the various alerts. They show individuals having an emergency and being saved because of the medical alerts. They also get genuine users on the show, expressing their gratitude, for a specific medical alert that helped save their lives. The infomercial gives valid information about the procurement source, the cost factor, installation technique, and also the functional procedure of bigger medical alert devices.
The infomercials are sponsored programs on television or radio that are related to a specific topic. The manufacturers of these medical alert devices generally sponsor these. They generally give authentic information about the product, however they are business houses, and will definitely try and promote their product. They try and get eminent people on the shows to express their views on the subject. The infomercials could be in the form of a demonstration, a talk show, or even as a debate or a combination of all of them.
It is advisable for a prospective buyer to go through the infomercial that is either a visual or an audio, and then weigh all the pros and the cons of any system before the purchase. It is worthwhile to also go over other medical alerts being manufactured and promoted by various other companies. There could be a comparison made of all the various types and companies that would help the individual to make up their mind.

Medical Alerts [http://www.WetPluto.com/Medical-Alert-Alarms.html] provides detailed information on medical alerts, medical alert system, medical alert bracelets, medical alert necklaces and more. Medical Alerts is affiliated with Advanced Medical Transport [http://www.WetPluto.com/Advanced-Medical-Transport.html].

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Electronic Medical Record Policies

     By Kent Pinkerton

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, went into effect in 1996, with an aim to protect the privacy of individually identifiable medical records. In April 2003, a mandatory Privacy Rule to protect individually identifiable health information came into effect for all health plans, health care clearinghouses, and providers who use electronic medical records. The Privacy Rule mandates the adoption of certain standards across the United States to protect, and prevent the misuse of, individually identifiable medical information. Failure to do may carry civil and criminal penalties under federal law. HIPAA is not meant to replace any existing laws that protect individual medical records, and some states have even more stringent laws in place to protect patients' privacy.
An entity covered under HIPAA is permitted to use medical information and to make certain incidental disclosures regarding medical information if reasonable safeguards are in place to prevent the use of such information for purposes not permitted under the Privacy Rule. Such safeguards include physician and medical staff discretion in discussing a patient's medical information, and structural safeguards such as storing patient files in a secure location with controlled access, protecting electronic records with passwords and firewalls, etc.
Another guiding principle of the Privacy Rule is that when medical information is disclosed for permitted purposes, the minimum necessary information, and no more, should be revealed. The minimum necessary standard does not apply to disclosures to or requests by physicians for patient information for treatment purposes. It also does not apply if an individual wants to access his or her own medical records, or authorizes others to access these records. Disclosures are also permitted where dictated by HIPAA, including disclosures to the Department of Health and Human Services where such disclosure is required for enforcement purposes.

Electronic Medical Records [http://www.WetPluto.com/Electronic-Medical-Record-Companies.html] provides detailed information on Electronic Medical Records, Electronic Medical Record Software, Electronic Medical Record Systems, Electronic Medical Record Companies and more. Electronic Medical Records is affiliated with HIPAA Laws.

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Medical Billing Basics - How Medical Billing Differs From Other Specialties

     By Kevin Nelson

You might have already done enough research that you're familiar with the term "medical billing". But often times, people have different understandings of what medical billing actually is and how it differs from other similar aspects of the medical profession. Most often, medical billing is mistaken for medical transcription or coding, which are very closely related but different enough that they should really be considered 3 separate specialties. It's true that there is some overlap in terms of the actually work done in each of the three areas, but they all carry enough uniqueness and fill a specific role within the medical profession that they really are three separate specialties.
Medical billing consists of a number of different tasks. First, it involves the process of submitting medical claims to the insurance company of each patient. In addition, medical billing requires an understanding of the front office skills required to keep a medical office running smoothly and in an organized fashion. These include billing and accounting, secretarial work to support the doctors and other staff, documenting patient visits and medical care and keeping all patient information organized and easy to find.
Medical billing covers a wider scope with broader responsibilities when compared to medical coding or medical transcription. It covers the entire process, starting from scheduling the patient's initial visit to the office, making sure the patient keeps their appointment. After seeing the doctor, it involves ensuring the patient's medical records are updated and setting follow-up appointments if necessary.
Based on the system used in each particular office, the medical billing specialist will be responsible for organizing and maintaining the office's patient records. Of course these records include detailed histories of each patient's medical treatment and other pertinent information. This allows doctors and other staff to have quick and easy access to patient medical information for routine visits or in case of emergencies. They are also used to create records used for billing the patient's medical insurance company for treatment they receive.

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What to Look for in a Spanish Medical Translator

     By Clint Tustison

Choosing a Spanish medical translator can be a difficult task for anyone. It's important for translators to always be as faithful as possible to the original sources, but medical translators actually often face situations that can be life or death.
Spanish medical translators translate all sorts of medical documents and information. This information can be anything from medical prescriptions to doctor transcriptions, to medical articles in medical journals. When you think about all the medical information out there that we use, it's easy to see how badly translating this type of information can quickly lead to very bad situations, and even medical tragedies.
Because medical translation is so important, choosing a good Spanish medical translator shouldn't be a process you go through half-heartedly.
So what are some things you should look for? Well, first of all, a good Spanish medical translator will be someone who obviously has a strong command of the Spanish language. Not only a strong command of the language is necessary however; the translator needs to have a good grasp on medical issues both in Spanish and English. Some medical treatments in Spanish-speaking countries could be different than treatments in the United States. The translator should know about these differences, or at least understand that these differences exist.
For the previous reasons, many Spanish medical translators are former or currently practicing physicians or nurses because they are better able to understand the medical industry, along with its often confusing jargon and terminology.
So if you're in need of a Spanish medical translator, or if you have desires to become a Spansh medical translator, be sure to take the above advice to heart. Your clients deserve the best and you have a duty to provide that to them.

Clint Tustison is a Spanish <--> English translator interested in helping businesses and translators better understand the translation industry. If you're interested in how to improve your translation business or your relationship with translation companies, check out his website at http://www.spanish-translation-help.com.

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Medcasting - Podcasting for the commercial medical industry

By Ryan Hoback

Medical casting or "Medcasting" is the commercial application of podcasting for medical related institutions. Medcasting is the distribution and publishing of audio and video feeds, that offer medical information delivered over the Internet, for on demand listening.
This is a new step in the evolution of on-demand medical information delivery, making it accessible, informative, useful and appealing. This mix presents the medical industry with a very unique opportunity to reach its community through this new medium. Those individuals, who are already seeking medical information actively, will use RSS subscription technology built into each podcast feed, to receive information immediately as it is updated by the medical institution. With one click of a button, a user can subscribe to a feed that may be interesting, and any related information that is ever updated to that feed will be automatically processed to their personal aggregator. An aggregator is able to subscribe to a feed, check for new content at user-determined intervals, and retrieve the content.
To take this process one step further, podcasting publishes each feed with the capability to be transferred to any portable audio or video device. So with the growth of the ipod and all the other portable media devices, you have the ability to grab Medcasts and place them on your portable player for listening or viewing. Most users attach their portable players to their computers daily or weekly, and once the player is attached they automatically receive the new medcast updates.
The flexibility of this medium is what will drive the growth of Medcasting tremendously over the next few years. Currently the most useful application for medical institutions worldwide is to compliment already existing medical information web pages. Most institutions have numerous web pages which deliver medical information in text format, by providing an audio or video link on that page it gives the user a different and potentially more effective format for receiving the information. This is also a great way to teach your existing users how to start utilizing medcasting services.
The popularity of portable on demand information will grow even greater as wireless internet services continue to flourish across the country. These portable devices will no longer have to be connected to the internet; they will receive information wirelessly as it is updated. In addition, as cell phones and portable devices continue to merge together, the market grows larger.
Additional formats that are being used consist of; medical talk shows, where various specialists within each institution will speak or answer questions on a certain topic. Medical lectures and seminars can be recorded and made available for the public or employees to download easily and on-demand. In addition, any information that may need to be delivered to employees can be recorded and made available on an in-house delivery network. For institutions that have thousands of employees, the distribution of company information is very important, and once again this offers each institution a method of on-demand delivery which is convenient to all. Medcasting can also be used as a direct line of communication, by recording video-casts of company messages from executives for company wide distribution.
There are numerous uses for medcasting currently, and over the next few years it will explode in popularity. It is beneficial to institutions as well as the consumer, and it will be seen as a great tool in any medical organizations' operations.

Ryan Hoback is CEO of What I Want Podcasting. They specialize in developing podcasts & nanocasts for a wide range of industries. Their development team guides each client through the process of creating podcasts that incorporate brand integration and deliver the target message through a positive visual & listening experience.
http://www.WhatIWantPodcasting.com
info@WhatIWantPodcasting.com

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Medical Alert Bracelets for Seniors

By Richard Romando

Senior citizens are an ideal age group for medical alert bracelet use. Medical alert bracelets for seniors are available in a wide array of materials. More so, these bracelets are vital in the event of a medical emergency.
Medical alert bracelets for seniors are vital. If an elderly person has a medical emergency, paramedics and other professionals can easily identify medical alert bracelet and note important medical information. For example, a bracelet may specify a diabetic's information, or simply note that the person is diabetic. Medical alert bracelets for seniors speak for senior citizens when they may not be able to directly relay their medical history to a paramedic. In addition, if their family member who knows their medical history is not present at the time of the emergency, the medical bracelet can easily report that information.
These bracelets are ideal for senior citizens with Alzheimer's, dementia, diabetes or a heart condition. Any condition is reason enough to take this important medical safety precaution. Especially when they travel and are not at home with their familiar doctor, a medical alert bracelet is a must-have item.
The key to getting senior citizens to buy and use these medical alert bracelets is to have a son, daughter or other loved one initiate the purchase if the senior citizen has not or is not willing to do so. By gently bringing up the matter, and letting the senior citizen know that medical alert bracelets for seniors are imperative for the child's peace of mind, many senior citizens will be receptive and order the bracelet. Some senior citizens may need to be reminded not to take the bracelet off, or to put it on at least when they travel and are not at home. Children of the elderly, home healthy aides and other caretakers should take special precaution to make sure the senior citizen knows how important it is that he or she wears the medical ID bracelet.

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Beaded Medical Alert Bracelets

By Richard Romando

If medical bracelet shoppers are looking for a stylish, fashionable medical alert bracelet, they may want to get away from traditional metals and go with beads. Owning a beaded medical alert bracelet is not only nice to wear, but can save your life in the event of a medical emergency. These bracelets, stylish as they are, are imperative for anyone with a medical condition to relay their personal medical information in the event that they cannot do so.
There are many websites on the Internet to help you find a beaded medical alert bracelet that suits you best. From nonprofit organizations that make beaded medical alert bracelets specifically for children to jewelers who make gemstone bracelets that look elegant, there are all sorts of beaded bracelets to suit personal needs and tastes. There are all sorts of beads to choose from in order to make a beaded medical alert bracelet look attractive.
From lamp-work beads and sapphire crystals to turquoise and coral, there are many materials and colors to choose from. Buying a beaded medical alert bracelet is ideal for anyone who wants to remain trendy and colorful, yet still keep authorities informed of their medical condition in the case of a medical emergency. Beaded medical alert bracelets bring a new style to the ever-growing number of designs. They bring an element of color to the medical alert bracelet industry, and offer a creative solution for those who want to discretely wear a bracelet, yet maintain style.
These bracelets are imperative for anyone with a medical condition from diabetes and Alzheimer's disease to lymphedema and allergies. They not only give live-saving information on behalf of the person wearing it when they cannot speak for themselves; they act proactively to prevent any medical mishaps. Beads provide a classic look that never goes out of style, and can be worn by men, women and children.

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Medical Alert Bracelets for Children

By Richard Romando

Children aren't exempt from having medical conditions, so it is important for those who do have medical problems to wear a child medical alert bracelet.
Parents can't always be there in the event of a medical emergency; and with kids at school all day, it's integral for peace of mind if they invest in a child medical alert bracelet. These bracelets are an easy way for medical and school personnel to retrieve important medical information when your child cannot relay it. They help avoid allergic reactions and other medical issues, for example.
Kids can be choosy, but with the many sellers online and offline, parents can easily help their children select a stylish piece of jewelry. It may be good to let children help select a child medical alert bracelet to ensure that he or she likes it enough to keep it on when you're not around -- when it's needed most.
Beads are a popular choice for girls and boys. Girls will like sparkling beads, while boys may go for something more plain. Plates with the medical symbol on them come in everything from stainless steel to silver and gold. Designer bracelets are growing in popularity for many adults, and many medical alert bracelet companies now make bracelets specifically for children. Other popular designs include plates in
fun shapes with the medical alert information on them.
Teens are a sensitive group, as many of them care about their appearance and the opinions of their peers. Ankle bracelets with a dangling charm or a small engraved plate are very acceptable jewelry accessories for teen girls. The beaded bracelets are also fun, decorative and fashionable and will complement any style rather than compete. Boys can discretely wear medical alert jewelry by wearing a sports wristband band or handsome watchband. These pieces can be as simple or elegant as the wearer wants and many manufacturers produce medical jewelry with a keen eye on fashion and style trends.
Parents can regain peace knowing that their child's medical information can easily be relayed to the paramedics or a school official in the event of an emergency. Children especially should have the proper medical information on them at all times, as many of them may have a drug allergy, asthma allergy, diabetes, or bee sting allergy.

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Technologically Boosting the Medical Transcription Company

By Joe Miller

Medical Transcription Company
Virtually every medical service provider dictates SOAP notes into recorders for transcription and sends them off to a medical transcription company to transcribe and return a refined copy of necessary medical information.
In fact, without the medical transcription company the medical service provider would be too overburdened with transcription to pay the attention it needs to its clients. However, the medical transcription company has had to undergo technological changes in order to keep up with demand and with competition. Fast-paced medical service requires fast-paced medical transcription. So, which medical transcription company will survive? The answer is the one that takes advantage of time-saving technology.
Medical Transcription
This answer is not at all uncommon now-a-days, but it is especially challenging in the field of medical transcription. Medical transcription is just as it sounds: transcribing on paper the notes that were audio recorded. It doesn't seem at first that much more technology is needed than a word processor and a cassette tape player.
The crux of the matter is controlling quantity. Effective records of SOAP notes, especially in the quantities supplied by medical offices, require the technological ability to not only record medical transcription but also to track it and store it.
Medical Transcription Job
The medical transcription job would be daunting at best without the help of technology. Let me review a general version of a medical transcription job check list:
1. Receive tapes from medical service provider.
2. Transcribe 1st draft of SOAP notes.
3. Save transcription.
4. Continue process with entire batch.
5. Review medical transcription for errors.
6. Make changes on 1st draft of medical transcriptions.
7. Send medical transcriptions back to medical service provider.
8. Bill medical service provider.
This process most often overlaps itself due to the management of multiple batches from multiple service providers. Organizational skill is high up on the requirements list for a medical transcription specialist.
Medical Transcription Program
Due to the massive amounts of medical transcription jobs and batches continually being sent back and forth between medical service providers and the medical transcription company, the market has awakened to meet medical transcription needs. Looking for a medical transcription program is so easy, it's hard. Just type "medical transcription program" into Google, Yahoo, or MSN and witness first hand the millions of indexed pages you might have to sift through.
In your search for a versatile medical transcription program suitable to medical service providers' needs, there are a few things to keep in mind. A medical transcription program has the ability to work in house, without IT infrastructure overhead.
There are additional medical transcription program specs to keep an eye out for. For example, a medical transcription program which combines the secure storage of medical databases and medical transcription provides the security and accessibility a medical service provider needs.
The right medical transcription program also provides organization for tracking the editorial stages of the SOAP notes and securing them, as well as sending them back to the right medical service provider.
The medical service provider runs a race of efficiency and professionalism in order to stay in business. The right medical transcription program provides a technological boost to propel medical service providers ahead of the rest of the pack.

Joe Miller is an author of informational articles and online advertisements [http://www.10xmarketing.com/Services/Advertising/Online-Advertising.html] on business, technology, and health. Information on Medical Transcription Company is available at AdvancedMD.com.

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The Right Prescription to Prevent Medical Identity Theft

By Linda K. Vincent

What do you do with your empty prescription bottles? What about all of the medical information you receive, such as your explanation of benefits? Being careless with your personal medical information can be dangerous, and the theft of this priceless data can be deadly.
Approximately 1.5 million Americans are victims of medical identity theft each year, a crime that costs the nation $41.3 billion annually. Prescription fraud is a growing form of medical identity theft that is not only extremely costly and time-consuming; it can also put your health at risk and even be life-threatening. Unfortunately, medical identity theft isn't commonly known by many Americans, and often isn't detected until it's too late. When we don't take precautions to prevent prescription fraud and other forms of medical identity theft, we put ourselves in jeopardy of becoming another victim.
What is Prescription Fraud?
Prescription fraud occurs when identity thieves use your personal information to fill prescriptions in your name. They use your medical identity to receive medical treatment at hospitals and doctors' offices, obtain medications, and access other healthcare services.
Prescription fraud doesn't just leave you with a huge bill-it can potentially put your health at risk as well. You may find that false information has been added to your personal health record, such as a change in blood type or supposed allergies. Every medical procedure received and prescription filled by the identity thief becomes part of your medical history, which means you may not be able to obtain the life-saving treatment you need in an emergency medical situation.
Detecting and resolving medical identity theft can be difficult as well. You may not discover that you're a victim until a pharmacy refuses to fill a prescription because it conflicts with another medication you appear to be taking. To make matters worse, fixing errors in your record can be very challenging due to medical privacy laws. Ironically, the same laws that were implemented to protect your privacy and health information are now protecting the medical identity thief. This restricted access to medical records prolongs the duration of the theft, costing you countless time, money, and frustration.
How to Prevent Prescription Fraud
One of the easiest ways to avoid this type of medical identity theft is simply to be aware of what you throw in the trash. Prescription medication labels carry such sensitive information as your full name and address, the prescribing physician, the type of medication, prescription number, and the pharmacy's contact information-all of the things a thief needs to perform prescription fraud. Instead of throwing empty prescription bottles in the trash, including the drug information forms, remove the labels and shred them. Other ways to prevent prescription fraud:
• Review every explanation of benefits (EOB). Examine the charges for medical visits or prescriptions you didn't receive, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
• Never simply toss medical information in the trash. Dumpster divers can easily access your personal information if you fail to shred the documents.
• Secure medical records. Keep your medical records in a safe place inside your home or in a safe deposit box, away from the prying eyes of visitors. Believe it or not, friends and relatives who have easy access to your personal information are often the culprits.
• Safeguard prescription bottles. Hide or lock-up your medication rather than leaving it in plain sight or in a medicine cabinet. This will prevent anyone from walking off with your prescription medication and, later, your identity.
• Manage written prescription slips. Don't throw them away or leave them out where they can be stolen. These slips are all an identity thief needs to fill a prescription in your name, leave you without your medication, steal your medical identity, and even put your life in danger.
• Enlist the help of an identity theft protection service such as ID Theft Solutions, which can proactively help prevent medical identity theft and even restore your identity when it's stolen.
Protecting your identity is an ongoing process that takes vigilance. By taking some common sense precautions, you can avoid the exorbitant costs and health risks of medical identity theft.

Get more tips for preventing prescription fraud and other types of medical identity theft by visiting The Identity Advocate at http://www.TheIdentityAdvocate.com or calling 310.831.4400.
Linda Vincent, R.N., P.I., is an identity theft, medical identity theft, and healthcare fraud prevention expert specializing in medical consulting and investigations. She is the president of The Identity Advocate, which teaches corporations, professional practices, and consumers how to stop identity theft, medical identity theft, and healthcare fraud.

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