Thanks to everyone that responded! Here are what some of the offices
are doing:
1. We used to have them sign one every time they came in for a
billable service but went to once/lifetime a little while ago. Then
have your privacy notice posted on your website and in your waiting room
and copies if someone wants one. And just saw your Medicare supplier
standards question – If we’re billing Medicare, we have them sign the
acknowledgment before EVERY service. (Not if it’s for adjustments or a
non-billable service)
2. We actually complete every few years, or as my paper work changes.
3. We have them sign the registration form each time we bill for
something but the HIPPA and supplier standards we only have them do if
we have not seen them for a year.
4. We hand out the supplier standards with each transaction and HIPPA
every six years.
5. It is my understanding that the HIPPA paperwork is connected with
the “service” that we render to the patient.
In my office, we have the patient sign the form when they first come to
the office, whether it is for a consultation, or measurements, etc.
And, we also have the patient sign the HIPPA form again when they
receive the device, on the “date of service” of the device. This way, I
am sure to have enough signatures on file for any occasion.
I do not have them sign every time they come in to the office, for
follow up, adjustments, etc. When they come back a couple years later
for getting a new limb or device, then I have them sign the paperwork
again just to be safe that I am covered.
I make sure that at least with every delivery of a device, there is a
signed HIPPA paper in that packet of things to sign.
Thanks again!
Kristy Hall
Dept. of Prosthetics & Orthotics
UNC Healthcare
Ph. 919-966-4630
Fax 919-863-0670
