HIPAA POLICY

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

RAM Software Systems, Inc. will do everything possible to assist our customers with the continually changing HIPAA regulations.

As referenced in multiple documents…

“HIPAA compliance is the responsibility of the health care providers, not the software vendors”

However, we feel that the regulation is so complex and subjective that it would help to explain our position in regards to HIPAA regulations.

RAM Software has made every attempt to stay current with the ever changing HIPAA regulations. Please keep in mind, however, that not “all” of the final rules have been written, as of this date. Although we have been told the ambulance portion of HIPAA is finalized, we suggest you seek legal counsel for specific details.

It is our understanding that RAM and the AIM System Software meet the “Minimum Requirements Necessary” to secure what is classified as Protected Health Information.

The Security Module, that is included with all AIM System PC modules, has the capability to restrict users from multiple sections and layers of the program and its options.

RAM has met the “Transaction Standards,” which references electronic claims transmission of data (ANSI 4010A1 837) to Medicare and other payors. All Medicare Providers and Medicaid Providers are receiving production claims. We have shipped the new ANSI format to all of our Contract customers and all Per Call customers, which have purchased this. The deadline has been extended beyond the October 16, 2003 deadline, but this is an open-ended extension. This can be rescinded at any time, and no definite timeframe has been provided. We highly recommend you convert to the new format as soon as possible.

The transition was not a smooth one for anyone, as it did not seem that all of the rules were black and white at the beginning. Medicare has made several updates to their software in the first few months but all seems to be running smoothly now. There are many differences in this new format as far as required fields, data entry and exceptions. Once you know what they want it is as easy as the NSF version.

Confirmation files are a little different also. We have written a utility to read these if desired. Our ultimate goal is to always provide you with the easiest, most complete program available so you can run your system as smoothly as possible.

Click here to view our ANSI FAQ Page.

April 14, 2003 was the mandated compliance date for the “Privacy Standards,” which essentially states what you may do with the Protected Health Information and outlines how to track the flow of information.

RAM has developed the HIPAA Tracking Option to the software that will help facilitate the privacy standards. This will not make you HIPAA compliant, but it is a tool that will help your internal policies to be HIPAA compliant. This was released in early 2003 and can be added at any time to your system.

Click here to download the Privacy Tracking demo from our Demo Page.

RAM is committed to meet any mandated regulations that are imposed by any government organization and has done so for over 10 years. We are eager to assist your service in transitioning to HIPAA compliancy and want to do everything we can to assure your continued business.

RAM Software Systems
800.726.4690
892 New Castle Road, Slippery Rock, PA 16057