Yes, I know that we don't have class on Labor Day next week, but you will still have an assignment due by September 3, 2012. Here it is:
Blog assignment - Go to the NCMIC website. Log on with the username “college” and the password “NCMIC”. Click on the “case studies/articles” selection on the left side of the screen. Next, look under the “summer 2011”articles. Select and read: What Steps are Needed to Dispose of Old X-rays Q&A
For the blog, discuss the steps and problems if you do not dispose of your old x-rays properly. Your discussion should contain at least 2 key points.
The 5th person in each group will post on the blog. This assignment is worth 2 points.
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ReplyDeleteGroup #5
DeleteThe very first thing an individual must do when disposing of old xrays is learn the state laws in the individual states. (Making sure to find out the laws for adult patients and minors.) Each individual state is different. It is also important to remember that you can not just throw the xrays in the garbage, or shred them with your business paper shredder. Proper disposal means shredding, usually done through a professional document shredding company,or burning them. It is also important to keep in mind all HIPPA laws. In the event that one were to take xrays in their office, it is important to make sure the patient understands the doctor is paid to take, process and read the xrays. In addition, it is important the doctor weighs out the benefits and costs of keeping the xrays longer than the legal required time or getting a professional shredding company. When looking into a professional shredding company, make sure that the doctor has a written policy documenting the destruction, sees the companies policy and procedures for destroying the xrays they receive, you as the doctor are aware of the standards and requirements the company has for hiring/expectations of their employees and you are engaged with the company. I think it is important that all doctors, even those who are not planning on taking xrays in their office, have a plan on what to do with old xrays. I personally will refer to a local Radiologist center but I want to know how that center destroys the xrays. Yet more and more Radiologist centers actually take digital xrays, which would make this information a bit out dated. In conclusion, a doctor must think about the patient, the patients privacy, their legal obligations to the patient, and "interview" the business they might partner with to destroy the xrays.
Seung Ki Lee
ReplyDeleteGroup 21
Disposing old X-ray within certain period of time is illegal, and I am personally preparing to purchasing the digital X-ray system for my upper cervical chiropractic practice. Most of all it has better quality of film. And I can store the X-rays in hard drives as long as I want in the limited space. So upgrading the X-ray system to digital X-ray system would be one of the ideal solutions to the problem with disposing X-rays.
Maintaining the hard drive regularly is also important. The access to the hard drive should be locked with password that is frequently changed every 1 month. If someone has access to the hard drive other than myself, I am the one who is going to be responsible for the HIPPA violations. The computer that is hooked up to the hard drive should be surge protected. So in case of emergency the datas in the hard drive would not be lost.
Disposing of X-rays may seem like a tedious task but if you follow your state guidelines and are conscious of HIPPA regulations it can be easy. The two main problems with x-ray disposal are making sure the films are kept confidential and complying with EPA standards. Along with keeping patient information safe, you must be aware of the state's policy on how long the x-rays must be kept. Disposing of films before the date of which they expire can cause legal issues to arise. The most important thing to remember when disposing of films is to use good judgement. Make sure that if you use a vendor, you thoroughly check them out. They need to be fully compliant. If you are not sure whether or not you can dispose of a film, keep it to be safe. Remember that you cannot simply take the films to the local landfill. If you are not sure of the best way to dispose of x-rays, you can also contact your local hospital and ask them how they dispose of their films. To conclude, follow your state law, and be conscious of all the rules and regulations pertaining to disposing of your old x-rays.
ReplyDeleteskyler is in group 7
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ReplyDeleteGroup #15
ReplyDeleteAll doctors must learn the laws of the state which you are practicing in before discarding old x-rays. All states have different guidelines for disposal. Disposal is never as easy as merely throwing the films in the garbage. Proper disposal includes shredding or possibly burning. Throughout the disposal process, the doctor must never forget the HIPPA regulations so that all films remain confidential and EPA standards are met. The state laws will define the amount of time which an x-ray must be kept before disposal is allowed. When looking into a professional vendor to dispose of the films, make sure that the doctor has a clear cut procedure documenting the destruction of the films. Also, make sure the company is totally complaint with all state laws. If you are unsure of how or where to dispose of films, simply contact a radiologist, hospital, or refer to your state law for help. To conclude, throughout the process of x-ray disposal it is important to conceal all identity from the films, properly dispose of films in the right manner and timeline, and also use a vendor who will comply with all regulations as well.
Group 9:
ReplyDeleteAll Doctors must dispose of x-rays in the proper manner. There are some restrictions that a doctor must be aware of before disposing of x-rays. First the doctor must be aware of the state law that tells him how long he must keep the x-rays before it is legal to dispose of them. Good practice would be to keep them as long as you have room for them. If you must dispose of them then follow the state regulations. The doctor must also be aware of the HIPPA regulations tied to the disposal of x-rays. They cannot simply be thrown away because that would violate HIPPA and the EPA regulations. Patient information must be protected at all times. One way to ensure this is to hire a company to dispose of your x-rays for you. You should investigate the company and make sure they do background checks and that their security measures are up do date and complete. Once you hire a company, you can also audit them to make sure that they are following all regulations. In conclusion, make sure to keep your x-rays for the required amount of time, make sure when you dispose of them you do it in a manner that protects the patient information, and ensure that all state and federal regulations are being followed when you hire an outside company.
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ReplyDeleteGroup 11
ReplyDelete#5
To properly dispose of old X-rays a practitioner must first follow state and federal laws dictating the proper disposal guidelines. The patient must be at least 25 years of age and it must be seven years since the last treatment date. Since HIPAA privacy requirements apply to X-rays, they must be destroyed in a manner that renders the patient health information unreadable. This includes shredding, burning, pulping, or pulverizing. X-rays cannot be disposed of in landfills due to the hazardous materials they contain so disposal companies are often utilized. When utilizing these companies, a HIPAA Business Associate agreement should be prepared along with a document destruction policy, employee background checks, and unannounced audits. The patient’s needs and wishes should also be considered when disposing film.
Improper disposal can lead to litigation, privacy violations, and a loss of reputation as a professional. Patient confidence and perception of you as a doctor could also be damaged by the improper handling and disposal of their health information.
Group #6
ReplyDeleteWhen disposing of old xrays, it is first important to make sure it is necessary and acceptable. Most need to be kept on file for 7 years and for some minors up to 25 years of age. When you have deemed it necessary you must keep two things in mind; "is the way i am disposing of these xrays HIPPA compliant?" and "am I complying with my state's laws in safe and proper disposal?"
You may choose to destroy them yourself or to go through a shredding company. To avoid HIPPA violation know the differences between recycling and destroying films and periodically check on the company employees and destruction facility to ensure patient confidentiality.
Patient's put their trust in you to maintain confidentiality of their information so it is necessary that you give them notice. The consequences of not following these simple rules and taking the necessary precautions may include but are not limited to litigation, privacy violation and loss of your own reputation.
Group 3
ReplyDeleteAaron Christiansen
X-ray disposal may seem like a daunting task, but it is important to take appropriate steps to protect the privacy of patients. Each state will have its own regulations on x-ray disposal, so it is important to check the state you are practicing in and follow appropriate measures. Most states, for an adult, require the practice to keep the films on hand for 7 years after the patient's last visit. For minors, the films need to be kept until the patient is 25. Some states require the office to contact the patient before disposing of their films. To comply with EPA and HIPPA regulations, films need to be shredded, burned, or pulverized. It is a good idea to hire an outside company to destroy the films. Make sure the company knows and follows the HIPPA, federal, or state regulations. If you hire a company who does not keep the patient confidentiality there could be a major breach in HIPPA. Some recommend keeping x-rays in storage as long as the practice is open. This can be take up a lot of space. Each practice needs to research what is best for them. If there is a lot of empty space it may be wise to keep the x-rays. If not, it is important to keep in mind the patients best interest when disposing the films.
Group 14
ReplyDeleteWhen disposing of xrays it is important to keep in mind patient confidentiality and federal requirements. Regulations can require xrays be kept a minimum number of years, along with the patient's medical health records. Minors should be retained until the patient is 25, while adults for a minimum of 7 years after the last visit. After that time frame has been met, it is important that the patient's privacy be maintained even in the destruction of films. HIPAA rules and regulations should be followed, and those hired to destroy the films should sign confidentiality and HIPAA agreements. Some states also require patients be notified that their xrays will be destroyed. Some recommend to keep the xrays as long as the practice is open, if space allows and there is adequete storage. Patient's interest and confidentiality should be priority when considering destroying xrays.
Group 2
ReplyDeleteIn order to dispose of old x-rays, it is imperative to know your state and federal requirements as well as your patients’ wish. Most patients will want to have their old x-rays since they paid for them. If the patient is a minor, x-rays must be kept until patient is 25 years of age; otherwise most states require keeping them 7 years after the last treatment date. When disposing old films, one should consider EPA and HIPAA requirements. Doctors can enlist with a professional document shredding company to destroy old x-rays and have to make sure this is done in accordance with HIPAA. Another option is to sell the x-rays to a third party company for the silver content. However some authorities suggest keeping x-rays longer than what the law requires if the space is not an issue.
Jeremy Washburn
ReplyDeleteGroup #19
If you are going to dispose of your xrays and not retain them it is important for you to do it right according to HIPAA regulations. If the xrays are those of a minor, the x-rays must be kept until the patient is 25 years of age. If they are over the age of 18 it is seven years after the last treatment date. If you do not have the room to store extra films and you would like them to be destroyed there are several ways to do so and still comply with HIPAA regulations. The doctor can hire a professional shredding company to come in and shred them for you and make sure the company prepares a HIPAA business associate agreement and
provides a certificate of destruction. They can also sell the xrays to a third party so they can retain some of the silver from the xrays, but in doing this you still need to protect the patients' identity. Some still recommend as long as the doctor has the room to store them, he should store them indefinitely.
Group 8
ReplyDeleteAlthough not practical, some authorities suggest retaining X-rays indefinitely. If you have the space and the right facility with the proper humidity and temperature than it may be advisable to keep X-rays longer than legally required. If you do not, then it is imperative you properly dispose of them, maintain patient confidentiality and follow EPA regulations.
Most states require adult X-rays be kept on file for 7 years after last day of treatment. Minor patient X-rays need to be kept on file until they reach 25 years old. HIPAA requires X-rays must be destroyed. Some states require notification to the patient and a response prior to destruction of X-rays. Proper disposal includes shredding, burning, pulping, or pulverizing to ensure the patient health information is unreadable.
If you choose a company to destroy your X-rays, make sure the company prepares a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement and a certificate of destruction. If these steps are not taken then you are at risk of litigation, privacy violations, loss of reputation and confidence in your office.
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ReplyDeleteGroup #1
ReplyDeleteMost states require patient x-rays to be kept for 7 years after the last time they were treated. Those under 18 must have their films kept usually until they reach age 25. After you’ve ensured the correct timeline has been reached, you may dispose of them in accordance with EPA and HIPAA.
Proper disposal includes shredding, burning, pulverizing the films so patient health information is unreadable. Home and office shredders are not sturdy enough to destroy them and the material left over is too hazardous to be put in a landfill.
A good option may be to have a company destroy them for you and make sure to prepare a HIPAA business associate agreement. It is most important to protect your patients and prevent identity theft so you must do your homework on how the company will go about destruction of the x-rays because just recycling the x-rays does not comply with HIPAA. It may be wise to have written documentation on how you want the documents destroyed and examine the company’s policy for how they manage the materials afterward.
Ensuring your documents are destroyed using the correct precautions will prevent privacy violation, litigation, and loss of reputation. It may be easiest (though take up more space) to keep x-rays indefinitely as long as they are stored in a secure location at the correct temperature and humidity.
Group 10
ReplyDeleteThere are many things to consider when it comes to the decision to get rid of patient x-rays. Throughout our educational experience, referral to old film has been stressed as an important tool for patient care. Laws defining specifically how long films must be kept each dependent area enforce this. It will not likely always be a clear decision as to when specific images of a patient may not again become valuable in the management of their health. You have to protect the identity of the patients in the films, protect the environment from bad stuff in the film. Silver reclaim may offset some expense of disposing of the film, but you have to trust another entity with protected information.
Patient x-ray disposal is one of the rare occasions where recycling probably isn't the best idea. Digital x-ray can help eliminate a lot of the potential waste of plain film, and data storage is cheap.
Group 16
ReplyDeleteProviders must be aware of what process the third party uses for X-ray destruction in order to protect patient privacy and prevent identity theft. Some companies that offer recycling, as opposed to destroying, films do not comply with patient confidentiality laws. Also, the patients' perspective needs to be considered. Many patients think they own or are entitled to x-rays that were taken and may have negative feelings about the income being made by the doctor through x-ray disposal. As always, effective communication is key.
Group 13
ReplyDeletePatient privacy is one of the greatest concerns when disposing of old x-rays. If you hire a company to destroy the x-rays, be sure to request a HIPAA Business Associate agreement and a certificate of destruction. On the other hand, some authorities recommend storing x-rays indefinitely. However, this would require a large enough space that also allows for the appropriate temperature and humidity. This hassle may soon be less troublesome with the advent of digital imaging.
Group #17 (Vito Spadafino)
ReplyDeleteWith old x-rays, the standard amount of time necessary to hold them is a mimnum of 7 years. In one's local area it is helpful to reference local hospitals and other medical offices and their protocols. Radiographs belonging to minors usually must be held until the age of 25, however this may vary by location. Films need be kept safe and private or destroyed, disposing them is not an option. If one will use an outside company to destroy the films, they should make sure it is trustworthy to ensure HIPPAA is not violated. Confidentiality of the patient data must always be well maintained. If a practitioner fails to show due diligence they may be subject to litigation, privacy violations, and a general loss of reputation.