FREE EHR Management and Security Questions and Answers
Individually identifiable health information that is transmitted or maintained by electronic media or is transmitted or maintained in any other form or medium:
Explanation:
Protected health information refers to individually identifiable health information that is transmitted or maintained electronically or in any other form or medium. This includes any information related to an individual's past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, as well as any healthcare services provided to them. This term is commonly used in the context of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which sets standards for the protection of personal health information.
Records that show who has accessed a computer or network and what operations were performed.
Explanation:
Audit trails are records that track and document the activities of individuals who have accessed a computer or network. They provide a detailed account of the actions performed, including any changes made or operations executed. Audit trails are crucial for monitoring and detecting unauthorized access, as well as for investigating security incidents and ensuring accountability. By maintaining audit trails, organizations can identify potential security breaches, analyze patterns of behavior, and implement necessary measures to protect their systems and data.
The process of converting data into an unreadable format before it is distributed.
Explanation:
Encryption is the process of converting data into an unreadable format before it is distributed. This is done using algorithms and keys to make the data secure and protected from unauthorized access. Encryption ensures that even if someone intercepts the data, they will not be able to understand or make sense of it without the proper decryption key. It is an essential technique used in various fields, such as communication, data storage, and online transactions, to maintain confidentiality and privacy.
Before a surgical procedure, an EHR specialist should obtain what to ensure payment of the claim by the third-party payer:
Explanation:
Before a surgical procedure, an EHR specialist should obtain preauthorization from the third-party payer to ensure payment of the claim. Preauthorization confirms that the procedure is medically necessary and covered by the patient's insurance plan. Failure to obtain preauthorization may result in denial of payment by the payer.
Permission to use and disclose information for uses other than treatment, payment, and operations:
Explanation:
Authorization refers to the permission granted by an individual to use and disclose their personal health information (PHI) for purposes other than treatment, payment, and operations. This is an important aspect of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations, which protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information. Covered entities, such as healthcare providers and health plans, must obtain authorization from patients before using or disclosing their PHI for non-standard purposes. This ensures that individuals have control over how their health information is shared and used.
What is a threat to the security of information in an EHR system?
Explanation:
Environmental factors can include natural disasters like floods or fires, as well as other environmental issues like power outages or hardware failures. These factors can threaten the security of information stored in an EHR system by potentially causing data loss or system downtime.
Limits access to patient information based on the user's role in an organization.
Explanation:
Role-based authorization is the correct answer because it refers to a method of restricting access to patient information based on the user's role within an organization. This means that only authorized individuals with specific roles or responsibilities will have access to certain patient information, ensuring that sensitive data is protected and only accessible to those who need it for their job functions. This approach helps maintain confidentiality and privacy by limiting access to patient information to only those who have a legitimate need to know.
Electronic Health Records help in the following except:
Explanation:
Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital versions of patients' medical records that provide a comprehensive view of their health history. EHRs aid in data input, ensuring accurate and efficient record-keeping. They also facilitate the standardization of forms, making it easier to collect and organize information consistently. Additionally, EHRs incorporate medical terminologies, enabling healthcare professionals to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. However, EHRs do not directly help with case descriptions, which involve a detailed explanation and analysis of a patient's medical condition.
The release of protected health information to an outside provider or organization:
Explanation:
Disclosure refers to the release or sharing of protected health information with an outside provider or organization. It involves the act of revealing or making known this information to a third party. This can occur when a healthcare provider shares a patient's medical records or personal health information with another healthcare provider, insurance company, or any other authorized entity. It is important to have proper safeguards and permissions in place to ensure that the disclosure is done in accordance with privacy laws and regulations.
Policies and procedures designed to protect electronic health information:
Explanation:
Administrative safeguards refer to the policies and procedures put in place to protect electronic health information. These safeguards include measures such as assigning a designated privacy officer, conducting regular risk assessments, implementing workforce training programs, and establishing policies for access control and data backup. These administrative safeguards are crucial in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic health information and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
What is the maximum number of days a provider's office has to notify patients when there is a breach of medical record security?
Explanation:
According to HIPAA regulations, a provider's office must notify patients within 60 days of discovering a breach of medical record security. This notification allows patients to take appropriate actions to protect themselves from potential harm resulting from the breach.