Disclaimer: This blog article was written by an AdvancedMD partner. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AdvancedMD.
In today’s digital healthcare landscape, patient data security is critical. Medical practices handle vast amounts of sensitive information–medical histories, financial details, and social security numbers–making patient data protection a top priority. One way to prioritize patient data security is by working with a U.S. based medical billing partner versus an offshore company.
Not only is working with a domestic partner convenient, but it’s also essential for maintaining healthcare compliance and upholding medical billing ethics. Keep reading as we dive into why a homegrown billing partner is the best way to ensure compliance, protect patient information and build trust with your patients.
The importance of a U.S. based billing partner for patient data security.
In the United States, we have specific regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which sets rigorous standards for data privacy and security and costly fines for violating them. We also must adhere to the strengthened breach notification rule outlined by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH).
When outsourcing your medical billing, a key advantage to working with a domestic-based partner is that they:
- Already operate in a compliant manner.
- Have deep knowledge of the specific rules and regulations that impact your practice.
- Are held accountable under domestic cybersecurity laws.
Conversely, offshore billing providers may not be subject to the same legal requirements and could rely on storing information on servers in countries with weaker regulations, which leaves your patients’ data vulnerable.
How partnering with a RCM partner in the United States can help build trust with your patients.
Medical billing is more than just processing claims and payments, it’s about trust. Patients rely on you to handle their most sensitive information securely.
One of the biggest ethical concerns with offshore billing is the lack of oversight and transparency. Due to the strict regulations domestic billing companies have to adhere to, there is greater transparency in how patients’ data is handled, stored and shared. They are subject to federal and state audits, requiring them to maintain clear records of all transactions.
The same cannot be said for offshoring RCM partners. Because they operate outside of U.S. jurisdiction, it is more difficult to enforce ethical standards or hold them accountable for errors, fraud or patient data mismanagement.
Unethical billing risks you could experience with offshore partners.
When partnering with an offshore billing provider, you run the risk of encountering hidden fees, incorrect coding and unnecessary upcharges that could go unnoticed.
Domestic providers must follow regulations that prevent unethical billing practices such as upcoding or balance billing. Both of these unethical actions end up costing patients more, either for services that weren’t rendered or amounts that insurance should cover.
The benefit of partnering with a U.S. based billing partner like Tyrus Health.
With a local billing partner like Tyrus Health, you can rest assured that all activities adhere to HIPPA and HITECH regulations, prioritize patient data security and billing accuracy, all while being done in a timely manner.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of an experienced, trustworthy RCM partner, contact us today!