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IC jobs being eliminated because of new HIPPA laws? - Frustrated!

Posted: Aug 15, 2013

Is anyone elses company elminating IC jobs because of the new HIPPA laws?? We were told that the new laws effect all ICs and that we can either do all this paperwork and training to become a businness associate or become an employee, which for me means losing almost $600 a month in pay!

I don't know anything about this, but would - also like more info.

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm an IC who works as a subcontractor to another IC. I wonder if this will affect me.

meaningful use stage 2 - Lisa

[ In Reply To ..]
I don't know much, but have heard "Meaningful Use Stage 2" part of the Affordable Care Act, makes it to where the doctor has to have the note the same day, which could change a few things, unless you work with people who type in real time. Plus Windows XP will not be able to be used after April because they will no longer provide security updates.

HIPAA - but

[ In Reply To ..]
You can do the paperwork and get the training and then you don't lose $600 a month in pay, right?

It's time for ICs to get on board -- YOU ARE RUNNING A BUSINESS. ACT LIKE IT.

its not that easy - frustrated

[ In Reply To ..]
im sure it is not as easy as you are suggesting. They want way more than some paperwork and a HIPPA class. If it was that easy, dont you think they would be doing it?

It IS that easy - me too

[ In Reply To ..]
I work for one of the companies requiring this. But I already had 99% of the things in place because I knew that as an IC I was supposed to have them in place. I won't be losing any money. I won't be losing any sleep. It is that easy. I just dont get people who dont want to be accountable.

did you have to pay the company? - typist

[ In Reply To ..]
Ours is asking for $250 a year to work for them now, to help cover THEIR cost.

I'm so excited to become a business associate - in a dying field!

[ In Reply To ..]
Wow, the opportunities are going to be overwhelming!

Not.

An IC is a Business Associate--always has been - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Anyone operating as an IC (whether directly or subbing for another IC) is a Business Associate. Just because they're finally cracking down on the requirements doesn't mean they're anything new. ICs have always owned their own business, been responsible for their own benefits, been responsible for their own liability insurance, SS payments, taxes, equipment, hours, training--everything a small business owner is responsible for. They're just getting in writing what has always been the case IMO.

exactly....just had to sign an agreement - with a new company

[ In Reply To ..]
in regard to this. Had to take HIPAA testing and pass. had to sign agreement as a business associate (their wording) which is basically an IC and stating the fact that we acknowledge having to pay our own taxes, etc. No big deal and should not cost anyone money.

Distinction between IC title and BA title these days - MT

[ In Reply To ..]
The new contracts, mandated by the gov, specifically makes all business associates liable for errors and the consequences of those errors on down the line. Basically if you are an IC and you own your home, having retirement savings, etc., you better have liability insurance because your assets are at risk if the lawyers want to go for every possible dollar. As en employee you have the safety of the MTSO's insurance.

Business Associate Contracts $$$ - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
How much are you paying along with signing the contract? They are asking me to pay $250 a year.

no payment required with contract - whatwasthat

[ In Reply To ..]
The company I currently work for as a BA/IC just finished our HIPAA 'training' which is essentially the new rules EVERY IC MT has to comply with now, liability of noncompliance with PHI. No payment is required to comply and receive contract. If a company asks for money it's not legitimate.

includes your own attorney costs too (nm) - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
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