American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which aspect of health information does HITECH emphasize?

1. Cost containment

2. Conversion to paper records

3. Privacy and security in electronic transactions

4. Focus on patient satisfaction

The correct answer is: Privacy and security in electronic transactions

HITECH, or the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, predominantly emphasizes the privacy and security of electronic health information as a critical area of focus. This legislation was introduced to promote the adoption of health information technology, particularly electronic health records (EHRs), while ensuring that sensitive patient data is adequately protected against unauthorized access and breaches. HITECH builds upon the existing HIPAA regulations by enhancing measures for safeguarding health information, thus signaling to healthcare providers and organizations the importance of implementing stronger security protocols and practices in electronic transactions. By focusing on the privacy and security of electronic transactions, HITECH ensures that patient data remains confidential and secure, fostering trust in electronic health information exchanges. This has become increasingly significant in an era where healthcare providers frequently utilize digital platforms for storing and sharing patient information.