Sharing with the Right People is Caring – And It’s the Law: UnitedHealthcare’s $80,000 HIPAA Lesson

August 24, 2023

“Sharing is caring” – an age-old mantra. But in healthcare, it’s all about sharing information with the right people. The recent settlement between the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (UHIC) serves as a compelling narrative for this.

The Tale of a Delayed Share

March 2021 saw a curveball thrown at UHIC when OCR flagged a concerning delay. An individual’s simple request for their medical records, made in January, wasn’t fulfilled until July. The tardiness wasn’t a first for UHIC – it was their third offense.

UHIC’s oversight cost them $80,000, a commitment to make amends and a year under the OCR’s microscope. HIPAA makes it loud and clear: Patients have a fundamental right to timely access to their health information.

Sharing Timely is Both Caring and Complying

Melanie Fontes Rainer, the face of OCR, pointed out that delays aren’t just unkind – they’re unlawful regarding members’ health data. And the cost isn’t just monetary; reputations are at stake, too.

Abyde’s Sharing Compass

Navigating the maze of HIPAA compliance can be tricky, but Abyde’s HIPAA and OSHA Compliance Software offers a lifeline. Here’s what Abyde brings to the table:

  • Guidance for the Troops: With intuitive training modules, Abyde ensures the essence of HIPAA is ingrained in every team member.
  • Always There, Always Care: Abyde’s stellar support team is always on standby, addressing every compliance query.
  • Say No to Fines: With Abyde’s tech prowess, many compliance complexities are simplified, shielding organizations from potential financial pitfalls.

 Your Path to Smart Sharing

UHIC’s story is a powerful reminder of the gravity of healthcare privacy laws. Instead of being the next UHIC, make “Sharing with the right people is caring – and the law” your motto. Let Abyde guide you in this endeavor. Kickstart your journey to guaranteed compliance. Set up a demo with Abyde now. Our mavens will craft a plan tailored to your organization, ensuring you comply and lead in this ever-evolving regulatory environment.

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