Understanding HIPAA and Its Importance

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted in 1996 to protect the privacy and security of individuals' medical information. HIPAA's primary goal is to ensure that personal health information (PHI) is properly safeguarded while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide high-quality healthcare.

When a third party, such as a healthcare advocate, attempts to obtain information on an individual's insurance account, HIPAA authorization is required. HIPAA mandates that individuals' health information be protected and only shared with authorized entities. To ensure compliance and maintain privacy, insurance companies require a signed HIPAA authorization form from the individual before releasing any account details to a third party. It is advisable to obtain this authorization on a yearly basis, as it helps keep the information current and ensures continuous access for the third party to assist with any insurance-related inquiries or issues effectively. Regularly updating the authorization also reinforces the commitment to protecting sensitive health information and adhering to legal standards.

* Your insurance carrier may not release information to third parties without your consent. If privacy laws prevent us from verifying your claim status and charges, we may need to contact you. 

** Please click the HIPAA link above to view the authorization forms we currently have on file, we may have a blank copy of your insurance carrier's authorization form that you can download.