SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 19, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- MedCom USA, Inc. (Pink Sheets:EMED) has launched their HIPAA E-Learning program this month for doctors and hospitals. As per HIPAA regulation 164.530, all "covered entities" must train their entire workforce on HIPAA policies and procedures. HIPAA defines a "covered entity" as any practicing healthcare provider, health plan or clearinghouse. Based on this regulation, it is critical that the entire staff of a physician practice is trained on HIPAA policies and procedures by April 14, 2003.
The HIPAA training regulation requires you to do the following: Section 164-530 (b)(1) Standard: Training. "A covered entity must train all members of its workforce on the policies and procedures with respect to protected health information required by this sub-part, as necessary and appropriate for the members of the workforce to carry out their function within the covered entity."
MedCom USA's MedCard Division is committed to assisting physician practices in achieving HIPAA compliance as quickly and as cost effectively as possible. "This product can help the doctors office achieve these training objectives with little effort or disruption to their day-to-day practices. Best of all, this educational training tool will record the training as proof of completion in the event the doctors practice is ever audited," according to Bruce Weitzberg, Vice President of Sales.
With MedCom's HIPAA e-Learning tool, the physician staff can easily be trained over the Internet. Users can access the HIPAA training course at their convenience, at MedCom's website https://www.medcardconnect.com from their desk or from wherever they are located. "This course further eliminates the headaches of coordinating staff schedules, booking office space, booking a trainer, maintaining manual records, etc., that are common in conventional face-to-face training," according to Mr. Weitzberg.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) would receive funds in fiscal 2004 specifically earmarked for enforcing HIPPA, according to President George W. Bush's proposed budget for the department of Health and Human Services. (Additional information covering CMS and OCR's enforcement initiatives can be found in the Guide to Medical Privacy and HIPAA)
About MedCard USA, Inc.
MedCom USA, Inc. provides innovative solutions for electronically processing transactions within the healthcare industry. The Company's healthcare business unit: MedCard, a service package for physicians, clinics and hospitals includes the following services; Patient Eligibility, Paperless Claims Processing, Electronic referrals, patient Easy Pay, Credit/Debit Cards and Check Guarantee; MedCom's Internet address is www.medcard.com
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the impact of competitive products and pricing, product demand and market acceptance, reliance on key strategic alliances, fluctuations in operating results and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.