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AAHAM files joint petition for   Modernizing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)


AAHAM files joint petition for Modernizing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

Date Posted: Wednesday, August 10, 2016

 

The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) officially filed a joint petition with the FCC for relief under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The joint petition involving Blue Cross Blue Shield, WellCare and AAHAM, request an expedited declaratory clarification of the FCC's Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

"Modernizing the TCPA is necessary and vital for the healthcare sector to stay in touch with the consumers they serve to receive essential non-telemarketing calls, which are allowed under HIPAA," stated John Currier, AAHAM President. "The issues presented in this petition are not new to the Commission and have been raised in requests previously presented. Accelerating this petition will help support consumers being actively involved in outcomes involving their health" added Currier.

Studies have established that through the use of health related texts and phone calls, patients are more involved in their healthcare decisions which leads to better results and lower costs. In addition, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), have acknowledged the benefit of utilizing communication technologies which are denoted within HIPAA regulations.

Available data shows consumers want programs that use updated contact via telephonic means for health care related information. Uses for these contacts include, but are not limited to, physician recommended screenings, outreach for patients post-discharge from a hospital stay, health engagement programs, and providing disease prevention information.

"This petition does two things.  First, it requests the FCC clarify existing rules to not only maintain synchronization with HIPAA, but also to signify the benefits that are derived through public healthcare calls," commented Amy Mitchell, AAHAM Second Vice President.  "This joint petition also seeks clarification regarding prior express consent when a covered entity obtains a phone number as a part of a contact which is also subject to HIPAA regulation" added Mitchell.

 ABOUT AAHAM
The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) is a national professional association of thirty-two chapters and over 3000 healthcare patient financial services professionals from hospitals, clinics, billing offices, allied vendors, physicians and multi physician groups.   AAHAM members direct the activities of the thousands of people who are employed in the healthcare industry. 

AAHAM is the preeminent professional organization for revenue cycle professionals and is known for its prestigious certification and educational programs; professional development of its members is one of the primary goals of the association. AAHAM actively represents the interests of its members through a comprehensive program of legislative and regulatory monitoring and participation in industry groups such as WEDI, ASC X12, NUBC and NUCC.  For more information regarding AAHAM and its programs, please visit www.aaham.org or contact AAHAM, 703.281.4043.

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