As more physicians are integrating their patient electronic medical records (EMRs) with third-party patient portals, they’re looking for clarifications on many issues to stay within the various regulations boundaries and to be meaningful use-attested. It can be difficult to differentiate fact from misconception, however, so let’s clarify and dispel four myths related specifically to HIPAA “certification” among hosting providers.

But first, let’s catch up on some facts and definitions:

HIPAA: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was intended to: “Amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets, to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance and health care delivery, to promote the use of medical savings accounts, to improve access to long-term care services and coverage, to simplify the administration of health insurance, and for other purposes.”

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