HIPAA Compliance – the right way to standardization in a health care industry
HIPAA Compliance at Anthem started in January 2000. In that year Anthem created the HIPAA Program Office. It was done to oversee all of Anthem’s HIPAA compliance activities. Since then, multiple HIPAA rules have been passed, including rules related to standard transactions and code sets, privacy, security and the national employer identification standard. Subsequent to publication of these rules, multiple project teams have been formed throughout the organization and receive guidance from Anthem’s HIPAA Program Office.
Anthem met its compliance obligations with respect to the HIPAA Privacy Rule prior to the April 14, 2003 compliance date and the Standard Transactions and Code Sets Rule prior to the October 16, 2003 compliance date. At this time, all other projects are expected to meet the applicable compliance dates.
Anthem expects to comply with the HIPAA Security Regulations as required. Since the Department of Health and Human Services just recently issued its final Security Regulation, Anthem is integrating the requirements of the regulation with its ongoing implementation of “industry” best practices. Anthem is committed to keeping member records secure.
What is Anthem’s current compliance status?
Anthem met its compliance obligations with respect to the HIPAA Privacy Rule prior to the April 14, 2003 compliance date and the Standard Transactions and Code Sets Rule prior to the October 16, 2003 compliance date. Anthem currently is in the discovery phase for the Security Rule. Changes required as the result of the Employer Identification Number (EIN) Rule have been analyzed with scope determined and the implementation approach planned and scheduled.
Will HIPAA impact my health benefits?
The benefits specified in your Anthem certificate are unaffected by the HIPAA Title II mandate. You can continue to use the same physicians and hospitals that you always have and as specified within your benefits contract. Your premiums, copays and deductibles also remain unchanged. HIPAA brings you additional added-value, including safeguarding your protected health information.