Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
What is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This federal act applies to every hospital, medical clinic or dental office that stores the confidential information of their patients and each of these institutions must comply with this act. The goal of this act is to keep patient records secure and confidential during when they are in storage. HIPAA also applies to the proper destruction of patient files when they no longer need to be stored.
HIPAA helps to provide security and privacy of personal health information, including but not limited to health insurance plans, electronic healthcare transactions and personal identifiers.
Who is subject to HIPAA Compliance?
HIPAA is a federal act, and virtually applies to every hospital, medical clinic or dental office that stores the sensitive information of their patients; each of these institutions must comply with this law. All health care providers and institutions, plus any business associates, are mandated to establish and follow strict processes that guarantee the confidentiality and security of protected health information (PHI) when it is transferred, received, handled, or shared. This includes all forms of PHI, such as documents, oral conversations, and electronic data. In addition, it’s important that only health information that’s absolutely required to perform business duties is used or shared.
What are my Rights Under HIPAA?
Generally speaking as a patient, you expect that your medical and other health information is kept private, and want to be informed on who has access to this information. The Privacy Rule, which is also a Federal law, provides you with specific rights over your health information and creates rules and limits on exactly who can review and receive your confidential health information.
The Privacy Rule requires HIPAA covered entities to supply individuals upon request, with access to their protected health information (PHI) in one or more “designated record sets” that is currently in the hands of a healthcare provider. This refers to the right to review or take a copy, of the particular record, or to have a copy of the PHI transmitted to a person of choice. As a patient, you have the right and ability to access your PHI for the duration it’s maintained at your particular health care institution. Individuals have a right to access this PHI for as long as the information is maintained by a covered entity. This remains the case regardless of the date the information was created, and whether or not the information is in paper or electronic format. This is a given right; the only downside to this law is that healthcare entities are able to charge for this service if they wish.
Who does HIPAA Protect?
HIPAA creates a national standard, and is in place to protect individuals’ medical records and other personal health information.
Why is HIPAA Important?
HIPAA allows you to instruct who may represent you on your behalf should there be an emergency or accident that inhibits you from communicating on your own. This is crucial for your safety, and can be one trusted individual or you may ask multiple people to speak for you in these circumstances. HIPAA was designed to protect patient and their confidentiality. All healthcare institutions must have a compliance department so if you are concerned that there is a compliance issue or breach of data get in touch with this department immediately to look after your issue.
Where can I find more information about HIPAA?
To learn more, visit this link: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/guidance-materials-for-consumers
What People Are Saying About PROSHRED®
It is very rare to find a company that actually does what it says it is going to do. To feel like your presence is... read moreIt is very rare to find a company that actually does what it says it is going to do. To feel like your presence is welcome and not just your money. When I contacted Proshred, I just wanted better security protocols for my company but what I got was someone who cared about our company. I got the president of the company to contact me directly. He was the one who sent me the estimate, scheduled the time and showed up at my door. He was so cheerful and passionate about his business. And; that is so rare to find. He gave me a brief overview of the protection that my company should have, delivery details and a quick contract. If I have any issues? I have the direct contact information for the President of the company. That is beautiful!!! It is a small business, but it is definitely worth looking into. I love, love, love the fact that I got a response so quickly and my company feels valued.
Thank you!!!!
From your friends at Stella & Dot, San Bruno, CA. read lessB S2/08/2014All I can say is 'Awesome!!!'. Scheduling with Michael was super easy. He quoted the fees over the phone and followed up with a... read moreAll I can say is 'Awesome!!!'. Scheduling with Michael was super easy. He quoted the fees over the phone and followed up with a formal quote via email. Pricing was very affordable and straightforward. No hidden costs. Communication was superb as Angel kept me updated with the appointment status. On the appointment day, Ramon, the driver, called me 45 minutes before he was coming. Angel called me 2 minutes after that to request whether it would be all right to divert Ramon to a job between his current location and my location, which would be about an hour delay. I okayed the delay as it would give me extra time to gather more junk to shred. Ramon arrived on time in what looks to be a brand new truck (it's probably not new...buts looks brand new because it's very well maintained). He pulled right up to my garage where all the boxes are kept. Ramon helped me dump my documents into a 96-gallon recycling bin. He even spent time to help me empty the 50 or so binders which I think I was instructed to have done so before hand but didn't (he didn't complain...thanks Ramon!). During the shredding, I was able to view the documents being shredded via a small video screen on their control panel. Three bins & 45 minutes later, we were done. I got rid of 8-10 years worth of useless, space-hogging paperwork! I probably would not need ProShred for a long while, but I certainly will recommend them to anyone who asks and needs to purge their garage/storage/office.TDSan Ramon, CA read less
Thuan D.8/11/2015What an amazing locally owned company! I was looking for a place to take tons of paper and I was lucky enough to see that... read moreWhat an amazing locally owned company! I was looking for a place to take tons of paper and I was lucky enough to see that Proshred San Francisco is based in Pleasanton! I went in and met a helpful and sweet receptionist. I drove my car to the back where owner Mike took over. He was so kind and thoughtful. He was able to shred all my papers and give me a great price also. I highly recommend Proshred for all your paper shredding needs. read less
Shari N.11/23/2015I have to arrange shredding for clients who are serviced in many locations. Proshred San Francisco Bay Area gives them amazing service at great value... read moreI have to arrange shredding for clients who are serviced in many locations. Proshred San Francisco Bay Area gives them amazing service at great value which gives me peace of mind. I have no hesitation recommending them to any of my clients. read less
S D Bryerman1/31/2016So... for the last 15 years have been collecting taxes, documents, paperwork, utilities, bank statements, my life in short which in bags needed to be... read moreSo... for the last 15 years have been collecting taxes, documents, paperwork, utilities, bank statements, my life in short which in bags needed to be shredded! I was so worked about fraud/safety etc, but upon calling, Mike the owner, took my call and within a week, his crew were there, reliable, safe quick and so professional; they essentially require nothing but for you to have the paperwork there for them to shred, safely, at your site, until it is further compressed at their site. Angel at their office, was extremely sweet ensuring that the visit went well and between Mike, who could not be kinder and more professional and Angel, you are provided with a team of expertise and graces! They also illicit confidence for those out there, worried about safety of Identify etc. They are the BEST in the west, and I would encourage anyone out there seeking to have their documents shredded to use them. PLUS you don't even need to own a cumbersome shredder... with their great prices and quick efficient timely service, nothing could be easier than this. Peace of mind and great ppl! Thank you so much Mike and Angel!! You are both phenomenal and provide an amazing service, that feels SO good to all who are needing this in their lives! read less
Valerie G.1/08/2016Had 3 boxes of old personal docs to get rid of. Called around Livermore, and Proshred had the best deal (by a factor of... read moreHad 3 boxes of old personal docs to get rid of. Called around Livermore, and Proshred had the best deal (by a factor of 2!). Went there, and it took about 2 minutes to offload, pay, and leave. Angel was great! read less
Gary D.8/28/2015It is very rare to find a company that actually does what it says it is going to do. To feel like your presence is... read moreIt is very rare to find a company that actually does what it says it is going to do. To feel like your presence is welcome and not just your money. When I contacted Proshred, I just wanted better security protocols for my company but what I got was someone who cared about our company. I got the president of the company to contact me directly. He was the one who sent me the estimate, scheduled the time and showed up at my door. He was so cheerful and passionate about his business. And; that is so rare to find. He gave me a brief overview of the protection that my company should have, delivery details and a quick contract. If I have any issues? I have the direct contact information for the President of the company. That is beautiful!!! It is a small business, but it is definitely worth looking into. I love, love, love the fact that I got a response so quickly and my company feels valued.
Thank you!!!!
From your friends at Stella & Dot, San Bruno, CA. read lessA Google User2/08/2014We do an annual Shred Event for our real estate business, and this Pro Shred operation is the perfect business partner. Locally owned, Mike and... read moreWe do an annual Shred Event for our real estate business, and this Pro Shred operation is the perfect business partner. Locally owned, Mike and his crew run a top notch business. Professional, the best trucks and equipment, always on time, everyone is so friendly - this is why we love and support local businesses. Keep up the great work! read less
Carol5/23/2017I just came from Proshred in Pleasanton, was greeted so warmly and kindly by the receptionist, gave me instructions on what to do, drove to... read moreI just came from Proshred in Pleasanton, was greeted so warmly and kindly by the receptionist, gave me instructions on what to do, drove to the back of building, was greeted by the owner, I believe April was her name and she was so kind, informing and professional. She took care of the process and reasonably priced, for sure my go to place from now on. read less
A Google User6/04/2019Pro shred pleasanton ca
Fantastic company
Pro shred employee great
Worker fast and efficiency.
Super job well maintained
Equiptment real nice job
Today !
I highly reccomend.give them
A try you will... read morePro shred pleasanton ca
Fantastic company
Pro shred employee great
Worker fast and efficiency.
Super job well maintained
Equiptment real nice job
Today !
I highly reccomend.give them
A try you will like.the guy that
Serviced us did very nice jobk
Hard worker seem dedicated
Clean cut and fast and friendly ! read lessA Google User4/22/2019This is a great local business! I visited this business for the first time this morning. I met the owner Michael and his wife... read moreThis is a great local business! I visited this business for the first time this morning. I met the owner Michael and his wife Angel who were very accommodating to my needs. They were able to properly take and shred my sensitive documents that have been lurking in my garage for several years. This business is not open on weekends but Michael was still open to taking in my documents to help me out. The actual facility is meticulously clean. I have been to several shredding businesses and every time I walked into one of them I was greeted with a plume of dust which is not great for allergies! This business is spotless and very orderly. Their prices are very reasonable at $30 for 4 banker boxes. If you compare this to Office Depot, they charge you by the pound with a single banker box potentially costing you $30+! Michael, the owner, didn't even weigh my documents and he charged me the minimum fee which I greatly appreciate. There is something to be said about a good local small business ran by a young family. It is definitely refreshing and I highly recommend ProShred for anyone's document shredding needs big or small! read less
Michael W.2/01/2016Great customer service. Highly recommend Proshred. Fast, friendly & reasonably priced.
Debbie O.12/17/2015My office had over 33 banker's boxes of paper and we felt it was time to move on. We looked into a few other shredding... read moreMy office had over 33 banker's boxes of paper and we felt it was time to move on. We looked into a few other shredding companies, but nothing stood out. Pro shred simply had the best services and price points. Michael, the CEO, was very friendly and professional. He was able to get us scheduled for the week after we called! Romero, one of the employees, came in a few hours earlier than expected but it was at a time that worked better for us. Romero was also very friendly and helpful in terms of explaining the shredding process. I was able to watch the documents get shredded via a TV screen on the side of their truck. Overall, this is a very well run business. We will recommend them to all of our connections. read less
Andrew C.9/02/2015Drove up and the guy took my bags of paper right from my car. Minimum charge of $30, which I believe includes 5 bankers boxes.... read moreDrove up and the guy took my bags of paper right from my car. Minimum charge of $30, which I believe includes 5 bankers boxes. I only had 2 half filled Target paper bags so it was a little pricey for a small amount, but I was willing to pay the $30 instead of standing over my shredder trying to shred a few hundred pieces of paper, having it get too warm to continue and stop working on me, and having to go back later to finish the job. Would use again. read less
Danville B.1/30/2016Guaranteed service, and at a lower cost than at Office Depot. It is, after all, their core business.
Kevin Short7/29/2019
