Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/494122
F r e e S O A P n o t e s w i t h M a s s a g e B o o k f o r A B M P m e m b e r s : a b m p . u s / M a s s a g e b o o k 55 receive requests for documentation from both sides of the case on multiple occasions. Even if your client has not told you they will be working with an attorney, you may receive a notice from an attorney to submit your records and billing information—sometimes long after the client has finished treatment with you. Don't be alarmed if you receive a visit from a person with a subpoena for records. Providing these materials, usually by a specified date, is not optional. The attorney should provide a current written permission release from the client along with the request for records. Absolutely do not release chart notes or billing records to an attorney without a signed release from the client. You are allowed to bill a fee to the attorneys for administrative costs and per-page copying in order to provide the information to them. HIPAA COMPLIANCE The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPA A) was enacted by Congress in 1996. In general, it serves three purposes: (1) make health insurance more portable for individuals who change jobs, (2) simplify health-care record keeping by requiring some standardization, and (3) enhance patient privacy. The first two aspects affect you only if you submit insurance information and/or billing information electronically (or if you hire a third party to handle those tasks on your behalf ). The privacy requirements, however, apply to all health-care providers—and, as mentioned, if you bill insurance you are a health-care provider. You must familiarize yourself with privacy rights according to HIPA A and implement them in your practice. All clients should review your privacy policies and indicate in writing that they understand their rights and responsibilities under HIPA A. Conscientious massage therapists record an initial health history for each new client (a form is available under "Client Forms" in the Members section of www.abmp.com) and also ask clients on each subsequent visit whether anything is new on the health front, making note of any significant changes. You have a responsibility under law (both HIPA A and other laws in many states) to maintain these client files in a secure place, and not to wrongly disclose to third parties information linking an identifiable client to a particular medical condition or treatment. If you practice with other individuals, or work with employees, you are also responsible for training those individuals about confidentiality requirements. HIPA A compliance is far too complex to cover here, but it is important that you are aware this compliance is required of you as a health-care provider billing insurance. (See "Your Practice & HIPA A," Massage & Bodywork, March/April 2014, page 82, for more information.) For additional information, visit www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa. SUMMARY As you can see, there is much more to billing insurance than one might think at first glance. If you choose to undertake this new adventure, you will be rewarded with the opportunity to treat more clients who might not otherwise have the ability to see you. However, there will be a steep learning curve and possibly a loss of income compared to your current practice. Many massage therapists think billing insurance is the next step up in growing their practice—and it may be, for the right business model and the right type of practitioner. Be aware, though: many well-established health- care providers, including chiropractors, physical therapists, and even physicians, are trying to move in the opposite direction, integrating a cash-only practice to simplify their overhead and time commitment. Once you've looked at all the variables, you will be able to make an educated decision. Irene Diamond, RT, consults with many of the most successful wellness providers, helping them double their client base and generate more repeat and referral business. Creator of the rehabilitation technique Active Myofascial Therapy—The Diamond Method, and founder of Dream Practice Mastery Academy, Diamond is a 2013 Massage Hall of Fame inductee. For more information, visit www.irenediamond.com.