HIPAA Compliance FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about HIPAA compliance and how TrueNorth supports your practice.
What is HIPAA compliance and why is it important?
HIPAA compliance ensures healthcare practices protect patient information according to federal regulations. It reduces risks of data breaches and costly penalties, safeguarding both patients and your practice.Which services does TrueNorth offer for mid-sized practices?
We provide risk assessments starting at $2,500, staff training programs, incident response planning, vendor management, and full compliance transformations designed for practices with 8-20 providers.Do we need to pause operations during implementation?
No. Our Compliance Transformation Program is designed to integrate with your ongoing operations. We work with your schedule and implement changes systematically to avoid disrupting patient care.
How does TrueNorth tailor solutions for mid-sized healthcare providers?
Our approach integrates compliance into existing workflows, minimizing disruption while addressing specific challenges faced by mid-sized practices, ensuring practical and sustainable HIPAA adherence.What if we've already had an assessment from another company?
We can review existing assessment findings and build on that foundation. However, our dual expertise in IT security and healthcare operations often reveals gaps others miss.
What are the risks of non-compliance with HIPAA regulations?
Non-compliance can lead to significant fines averaging $10.9 million, legal action, and damage to your practice’s reputation. TrueNorth helps mitigate these risks through thorough assessments and proactive planning.How can I get started with TrueNorth’s HIPAA consulting services?
Contact us to schedule a consultation where we assess your current compliance status and recommend a customized plan that fits your practice’s size and needs.How long does the North Star Assessment take?
Two weeks from kickoff to final report delivery. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your daily operations while gathering comprehensive insights.
How is TrueNorth different from compliance software?
Software provides tools and tracking, but not expertise or implementation guidance. We provide both - we help you understand what needs to happen AND make it happen. Many clients use compliance software alongside our services for optimal results.
What happens after the 90-day transformation?
You choose your own path. Some practices operate independently with the systems we've built. Others engage ongoing support for quarterly updates, training, and peace of mind. There's no forced dependency.
What's your response time for urgent compliance questions?
Current clients receive responses within 24 hours for standard questions, and same-day for urgent issues. Partnership clients get priority response based on their service level.
Do Business Associates really face the same HIPAA penalties as healthcare providers?
Yes. The HITECH Act made Business Associates directly liable for HIPAA violations. Penalties range from $141 to $71,162 per violation with annual maximums of $2.1M, plus potential criminal charges.
What's the difference between your vendor services and practice services?
The HIPAA requirements are the same, but the implementation is different. We customize everything for your business model - whether you're a tech company, billing service, or transportation provider.
We have subcontractors - does that complicate things?
It adds responsibility. You need Business Associate Agreements with your subcontractors and systems to monitor their compliance. We help you manage that entire chain.
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