News and Updates >> Client Update
August 5, 2009
Important Information on the New Red Flags Rule for Medical Practices
As you may know, medical practices will now be required to comply with the new FTC Red Flags Rule. This rule has been put in place to help detect and prevent identity theft. Though similar to HIPAA in some ways, it is different and requires that medical practices have associated policies and procedures in place.
Background
The Identity Theft Red Flags and Address Discrepancies under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 regulations were published in final form on November 9, 2007. The specific regulations that affect health care providers are those of the Federal Trade Commission; the agency responsible for enforcement of these regulations within the health care sector.
It was initially unclear if these regulations applied to health care providers, but it has since been determined that most health care providers meet the requirements for compliance. The deadline for compliance is November 1, 2009.
PhyLogic Policy
PhyLogic is committed to complying with all such regulations; we have implemented steps to insure that your patients’ information is protected from identity theft at our facility. This includes a formal Red Flag Program here at PhyLogic, as we act as an extension of our medical practice clients. However, medical practices should also have their own plan in place. We are advising our clients to take appropriate steps to be in compliance with these regulations.
Red Flags Compliance Made Easy
PhyLogic has identified a great resource to help practices become compliant in a simple, easy and comprehensive manner. A “RED FLAGS PROGRAM MANUAL”, published by VantagePoint HealthCare Advisors, includes everything a practice needs including policies and procedures, staff training presentation, risk assessment, forms, and copies of the federal regulations. We especially like the included PowerPoint training presentation which summarized the program nicely for practice employees. A CD accompanies the manual enabling a practice to customize the program, if they so choose. It is written in simple language that allows for easy implementation. Best of all, PhyLogic clients are being offered a $20 discount off a manual.
You can order your RED FLAGS PROGRAM MANUAL on line at www.redflagsmanual.com for $199. However, as a courtesy to our clients, if you order via phone with our discount code of PHYL, you will receive a $20 discount.
Call VantagePoint at 203-288-6860 with your order. Be sure to have the discount code ready.
If you have any questions regarding PhyLogic’s commitment to the Red Flags Rule, please contact Kim Paradis at 877-273-3100.