HHS to Enhance Cybersecurity for Health Care & Public Health Sectors

The increased cases of cybercrime during the year 2018 – 2022 raised cybersecurity concerns. A shocking 93% increase in large breaches was reported to the Office for Civil Rights. This not only increased cybersecurity concerns but also disrupted the overall healthcare system. Back in 2022, under the governance of President Biden, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services took notice of these cybercrimes, and in December 2023 a report was released with a special focus on a robust security system for healthcare practices and patients.

HHS cybersecurity initiative outlines:

• Share Cybersecurity Goals: HHS will publish goals to help healthcare organizations understand the best cybersecurity practices to follow.
• Provide Resources and Support: HHS will work with Congress to secure funding and support for hospitals to adopt effective cybersecurity measures.
• Create Stronger Rules: HHS plans to introduce new enforceable cybersecurity standards. These rules will be added to current programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the HIPAA Security Rule.
• Improve Cybersecurity Coordination: HHS will enhance its support system for healthcare cybersecurity. This will help improve communication within HHS and with other federal agencies, making it easier for healthcare organizations to access resources and respond to cyber incidents.

Is Outsourcing Medical Billing a Solution to Handle Strict Security Challenges?

One effective way healthcare practices can alleviate some of the burdens associated with cybersecurity and compliance is by outsourcing their medical billing processes. By partnering with professional, HIPAA-compliant medical billing companies like Hello MDS, healthcare providers can offload the complexities of billing while ensuring that sensitive patient information remains secure. We boast years of experience in the field, equipped with specialized knowledge of HIPAA regulations and cybersecurity best practices. This allows healthcare practices to focus on patient care, knowing that their billing processes are managed by experts who prioritize data security and compliance.

What do medical group leaders say about outsourcing?

In Feb 2024, a poll was conducted by the medical group leaders by MGMA. It was found that nearly 20% of practitioners said they were looking at automation or outsourcing of their revenue cycle management in 2024.

Should we recruit more staff to handle medical billing better?

In October 2023, over 75% of medical group leaders said to MGMA that they spent more time on recruitment and interviewing compared to the previous year. Thus, it totally depends on your requirements and preferences whether you want to hire more staff or simply outsource your medical billing to a HIPAA-compliant company having years of experience managing medical billing. Let us know if you want a no-obligation quote or demo. We offer bespoke packages.

Conclusion

The HHS initiative to strengthen cybersecurity in the healthcare sector is a crucial step toward safeguarding patient data amidst rising cyber threats. While the increased focus on security raises valid concerns about HIPAA compliance, healthcare practices can mitigate these challenges by outsourcing their medical billing to experienced, HIPAA-compliant companies like Hello MDS. With a substantial percentage of practices already reaping the benefits of outsourcing, it’s clear that this approach not only streamlines operations but also enhances the security and compliance of healthcare organizations. Embracing outsourcing can lead to a more efficient, secure, and patient-focused healthcare environment.