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Pick the best HIPAA consultant.

HIPAA Weekly Advisor, February 1, 2002

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Q: So many HIPAA consultants have appeared overnight. How can my facility determine which one will provide us with the best service?

A: Ask the following questions when evaluating consultants:

1. How long have you been in business?
Many consultants have sprung up only for the sake of generating revenue out of HIPAA. It is imperative that covered entities choose vendors that have been in business for at least ten years and have the resources to stay afloat.

2. Can you provide end-to-end solutions?
The vendor should be able to provide the entire range of services in the HIPPA spectrum, working with you at the beginning of your compliance program through conducting a gap analysis, to actually developing and implementing new systems, policies, and procedures.

3. Do you understand the health care business?
It is essential that the vendor understands the nuances of the health care industry.

4. Are you associated with trade bodies in health care?
Membership in industry organizations ensures that the consultant stays on top of HIPAA and other regulatory developments.

5. How are you prepared to cope with uncertainty?
Consultants should have risk mitigation plans for adverse events, such as key professionals leaving the company.

6. What is the size of your company in market capitalization and employee strength?
In these days of dot coms going bust, it makes sense to associate with a company that has staying power. Size does matter.

7. Does your company have the right mix of professionals?
HIPAA has regulatory, management, legal, technology, and human resources components. A cross-functional team is essential.

8. Do you have clients who can serve as references?
Reference checking is a good practice in vendor evaluation.

9. Do you have tools that can speed up the implementation process?
Implementation time is a crucial factor in keeping the bills low. Choose a vendor that has experience in developing compliance programs.

10. Does the pricing model provide value for money?
Finally, price does matter, too. Do not go for a vendor that is priced exorbitantly high or pathetically low.

Answered by Saji Salam, MD, MBA, chair of Health Level Seven, Inc. India, and adapted from an upcoming article in February's Briefings on HIPAA.Go to http://www.hcmarketplace.com/product.cfm?ID=12944 for more information or to subscribe.

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