why not to use social security in patient portal

Because no unique personal identifier has been established, many providers have defaulted to the Social Security number (SSN) as a unique identifier. This practice brief outlines the importance of accurate patient identification.

Full Answer

Why don’t people use patient portals?

Multiple people could share parts of the numerical string so just using the last four digits of an SSN would not be as helpful as using the entire number. SSNs Improve Data Integrity Because of their unique nature, SSNs provide reliable patient identification information.

Are patient portals a risk to protected health information (PHI)?

Oct 24, 2014 · Conduct a comprehensive security assessment – A comprehensive risk assessment is required under the HIPAA security rule and meaningful use. Risk assessments should include assessing the risk posed by patient portals and the possibility of unauthorized access during transmission. An integrated identity and access management tool is important …

What should be included in a patient portal risk assessment?

Social Security's Secure Website - Multiple Patient or Student Records: Allows you to send batches of records online in a single operation using a scanner and your Internet connection. Fax: Allows you to use your fax to send records anytime day or night.

How can I ensure my patient data is truly secure?

In this issue, David Twiddy provides an excellent update on patient portals, “Removing Six Key Barriers to Online Portal Use,” that focuses on the challenges of portal implementation. Patient ...

Is it safe to give a medical facility your SSN?

No, there are no laws requiring you to give your SSN to hospitals or doctors.Mar 8, 2019

Should you give your Social Security number to your doctor?

Generally, you're under no obligation to provide your SSN to healthcare providers (but they're not obligated to take you as a patient either). Health insurers will likely ask for it, and you do have to offer it up if you're entering a VA hospital.Oct 11, 2019

What are the disadvantages of patient portal?

Even though they should improve communication, there are also disadvantages to patient portals....Table of ContentsGetting Patients to Opt-In.Security Concerns.User Confusion.Alienation and Health Disparities.Extra Work for the Provider.Conclusion.Nov 11, 2021

Does HIPAA require Social Security number?

First, and most importantly, the HIPAA regulations do not specifically prohibit the use or disclosure of an individual's Social Security number.

Why do doctors ask for Social Security number?

Most healthcare providers will ask you for your Social Security number when you are seeking medical care. They often require this so that they can collect payment for healthcare services and verify your identity when it comes to looking up your health records.Mar 1, 2020

Is it safe to enter your Social Security number online?

Never type your SSN into an email or instant message and send it. The majority of such messages can be intercepted and read. Also, don't leave a voicemail that includes your SSN. If you need to contact someone and give them your number, it's best to do it in person.

What are the pros and cons of patient portals?

What are the Top Pros and Cons of Adopting Patient Portals?Pro: Better communication with chronically ill patients.Con: Healthcare data security concerns.Pro: More complete and accurate patient information.Con: Difficult patient buy-in.Pro: Increased patient ownership of their own care.Feb 17, 2016

What are the security issues associated with engaging patients through an online patient portal?

Some of these risks include: reliance on the patient portal as a sole method of patient communication; patient transmission of urgent/emergent messages via the portal; the posting of critical diagnostic results prior to provider discussions with patients; and possible security breaches resulting in HIPAA violations.Mar 1, 2021

Can you think of any potential disadvantages of patients using the patient portal system within the EHR justify your answer?

One con to keep in mind with patient portals is that some patients may not have much experience with computers, preventing them from getting the most out of it. Another drawback is the potential for data breaches, so you'll need to work with a vendor that provides robust, secure EHR software.May 23, 2017

Can I refuse to give my Social Security number?

Yes, you can refuse unless you're legally required to provide your Social Security number (SSN). However, there's also no law preventing businesses from asking for it or refusing you service if you don't provide it.Jul 15, 2019

Is last four of SSN considered PHI?

It notes that derivations of one of the 18 data elements, such as a patient's initials or last four digits of a Social Security number, are considered PHI.Nov 27, 2012

What is a patient SSN?

Records patient's social security number. ... Patient demographics such as patient medical record number, patient Medicare number, patient social security number are used to link health information to help address differences and gaps in care within specific populations.

Why do patients feel uncomfortable with their SSN?

Given the seriousness and danger of identity theft or fraud, it makes sense if some patients feel uncomfortable providing their SSNs. Electronic data and confidentiality breaches ("hacking") of seemingly well-protected companies and services - such as financial institutions and popular sites like Facebook - can be devastating. Patients may also worry that it would be possible for an unauthorized individual - a disgruntled employee or someone unrelated to the practice - to find and improperly use SSN information. They may also worry that their SSNs will be used as patient identifiers; that is, that their SSNs might end up being an account code that would show up in correspondence and could be easily discovered by the wrong people.

What happens if you misidentify a patient?

If you misidentify a patient at the billing stage, you may receive incorrect information about the patient's insurance eligibility or amount of coverage -- or even invoice the wrong carrier. This could result in an incorrect denial (or acceptance) of coverage, which could possibly lead to delayed or incorrect reimbursement. If the wrong patient is billed and the bill is sent to collection, this person's credit could also be jeopardized.

Why is it important to have accurate and up-to-date information for identification purposes?

For medical care providers, it is essential to have accurate and up-to-date information for identification purposes -- not only to ensure that the proper treatment is given to a patient but to correct important administrative errors. This article covers issues related to the collection of social security numbers ("SSNs") of patients and prospective patients.

Can a patient's records be merged?

There have been cases in which patient records have accidentally been merged. For instance, if you have a son named after his father and both are patients of the same clinic or medical practice, a records system might not be able to distinguish the two and will treat them as duplicate entries. This is especially true if father and son share the same address because they live together. This error could have consequences not only on statistics for analysis but on the accuracy of diagnoses as well.

Can you use patient information for insurance?

Patient information is only to be used by medical facilities with health insurance carriers and other medical facilities for the purpose of providing medical care. In addition, you can only use as much patient information as is necessary to ensure proper patient identification.

Can you have more than one John Smith?

In many cases, health clinics and medical offices will have multiple patients with the same (or incredibly similar) names. You might have more than one "John Smith", for example, since it is a common name, and you will need to be able to distinguish between them. In some situations - such as an urgent or emergency situation - if a patient is misidentified or there is a confusion as to which patient is seeking treatment, precious diagnosis and treatment time could be lost.

Why is PHI encrypted?

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to date have related to the theft or loss of unencrypted mobile devices, encrypting the data is a primary defense against data loss and against the consequences of improper disclosure.

Is PHI unsecured?

Under the HIPAA security rule, as long as PHI is encrypted according to National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, it is no longer considered “unsecured” and provider s are effectively exempt from improper disclosure being considered a “breach.”.

How to contact Social Security Electronic Records Express?

Just call the Social Security Electronic Records Express Help Desk at 1-866-691-3061. This number will be staffed from 7am – 7pm EST, Monday thru Friday. After hours questions about new ERE account registration may be emailed to electronic-records-express@ssa.gov.

What is electronic records?

Electronic Records Express is an initiative by Social Security and state Disability Determination Services (DDS) to offer electronic options for submitting health and school records related to disability claims. When you receive a request for health or school records or other information about a person who has applied for Social Security disability ...

Why are portals so complicated?

A big issue for many users is that portals are simply too complicated for at least two opposite kinds of users: those who have low computer literacy, and those who are so computer savvy that they expect the simplicity of an Uber or Instagram app to get a test result or appointment with a click or two.

Is the portal concept slow?

Acceptance of the portal concept continues to be slow, especially within physicians’ offices and small to middle size hospitals. Though these providers implemented portals via their Meaningful Use / MIPS incentives, portals are often not treated as a central communications tool. Patient engagement? Yes…a laudable objective for policymakers — but many physicians already lament the deep cuts in their daily patient schedule that have been created by complex EHR-related obligations. The added work of portal interaction has been the opposite of a pot-sweetener, despite touted financial benefits.

What is the DBN number on a TRICARE card?

The DoD Benefits Number (DBN), which is an 11-digit number found on the back of the ID card that can be used to verify eligibility and file TRICARE claims. A DoD ID number, which is a 10-digit number found on the front of the ID card. The 10-digit DoD ID number should not be used when submitting TRICARE claims.

What is a non-covered form?

The Request for Non-Covered Services form can be used to document the specific services, dates, estimated costs, and other information. If the beneficiary does not sign a Request for Non-Covered Services form or equivalent, you are financially responsible for the cost of non-covered services you deliver.

What is the number to contact PGBA for EDI?

Contact PGBA's EDI help desk at 1-800-259-0264 for more information.

Do TRICARE providers have to file claims?

TRICARE network providers must file their patients’ TRICARE claims with Health Net Federal Services/PGBA, even if a patient has other health insurance (OHI). All network provider claims must be filed electronically.

Can I use my 10 digit ID for tricare?

The 10-digit DoD ID number should not be used when submitting TRICARE claims. If the DoD ID number is used, the claim will be denied or returned. If your office requires the Social Security number (SSN) of the insured for claims filing, make sure the SSN used is the insured service member's and not the family member’s.

Do non-network providers need to be informed of non-covered services?

Non-network providers should also inform beneficiaries in advance if services are not covered. Although not required, non-network providers are strongly encouraged to use a Request for Non-Covered Services form or their own office equivalent to document payment agreements.