HIPAA Journal is conducting interviews with healthcare professionals and service providers to find out more about their compliance journeys, how the HIPAA Rules have affected their working lives, and the successes and challenges they have faced with HIPAA compliance.
Kimberly Heimback, Compliance Officer, WNY BloodCare has shared her thoughts.
Kimberly Heimback, Compliance Officer, WNY BloodCare.
Tell the readers about any significant event in your career
When I came on board, the Corporate Compliance Program and Compliance Privacy & Security Programs were very limited. In less than three years, I have built the Compliance Plans, received my CHC, CHPC, and my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
What products/services do you provide for the healthcare industry and what is unique about them?
We provide comprehensive care for patients with bleeding disorders from birth to death.
When did you first get involved with HIPAA compliance?
When I began working in health insurance, 16 years ago.
What are your main challenges regarding HIPAA?
Keeping up with all the regulations, laws, changes, and the risks of cyber security threats.
What do you think needs to be improved in the HIPAA regulations?
Lessen the restrictions on families assisting their loved ones with health issues and the barriers that get in the way.
Do you have any predictions for the future of HIPAA?
They are going to continue to get more stringent and more difficult to apply and manage.
Do you have any predictions for the future of healthcare regulation?
The doctors will be unable to treat patients using their expertise and qualifications because the payers limit the options and manage decisions based on money, rather than what is best for the patients.
Do you have any predictions for the future of the healthcare industry?
There will be less human interaction and more robotics.
Do you have anything else interesting to share with readers?
There is always something new to learn!
The post Interview: Kimberly Heimback, Compliance Officer, WNY BloodCare appeared first on HIPAA Journal.