Summary of Capture Billing Increases Network Security to Help Protect Patient Records
Capture Billing & Consulting, Inc. has partnered with Office Defender to enhance network security and disaster recovery protocols. This initiative addresses strict HITECH Act requirements for protecting patient health information (PHI) and avoiding significant penalties. The project involves upgrading encryption, implementing stricter access controls, and installing physical security measures like CCTV and badge readers to ensure compliance with HIPAA and Red Flag Rules.
Parts used in the Network Security Upgrade Project:
- Network administration services
- Encrypted backup procedures
- Disaster recovery protocols
- Closed circuit TV cameras
- Electronic badge readers
- Dynamic password authentication system (60-second rotation)
Washington DC (Vocus) September 9, 2009
Capture Billing & Consulting, Inc., a medical billing and practice management consulting company located outside of Washington, DC, has contracted with Office Defender of Sterling, Virginia to provide network administration services, upgrade network security, streamline encrypted backup procedures and implement disaster recovery protocols.
With new governmental requirements for securing patients protected health information (PHI) and the increased penalties in The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), it has become even more vital for medical billing companies to secure both physical and electronic data. Penalties for willful neglect under the HITECH Act can exceed $ 250,000 for data breaches of PHI.
Our network security and multiple backup systems have always been above the industry standards for healthcare firms, said Manny Oliverez , Director of Operation, but we are now taking it to a much higher level not normally seen in a medical billing company.
Although not required by statue, Capture Billing has also installed closed circuit TV cameras, electronic badge readers for facility access, and enhanced network security that authenticates users with passwords that change every 60 seconds.
To the best of our ability we want to make sure our clients data is secure, stated Oliverez.
Capture Billing, working with Office Defender, will continually review its administrative procedures for establishing and enforcing IT security policies, physical safeguards that protect computers and servers, and technical security that protects data and restricts access to the network to ensure compliance with the Red Flag Rules, HIPAA and HITECH Acts.
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- Why did Capture Billing upgrade their security?
To comply with new governmental requirements under the HITECH Act and avoid penalties exceeding $250,000 for data breaches. - What specific security measures were installed beyond legal requirements?
The company installed closed circuit TV cameras and electronic badge readers for facility access. - How often do passwords change in the new system?
User passwords authenticate every 60 seconds. - Which acts must the company comply with regarding data protection?
The company ensures compliance with the Red Flag Rules, HIPAA, and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. - Who is providing the network administration services?
Office Defender of Sterling, Virginia is contracted to provide these services. - What types of safeguards are being reviewed continuously?
Administrative procedures, physical safeguards for computers and servers, and technical security restricting network access are under review.
