HIPAA is an acronym for: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, an act, which was enacted into law by Congress in 1996. People consulting a doctor, will be presented with a statement that they are required to sign, confirming the fact that the medical establishment has advised them that they are operating in accordance with the HIPAA Laws. This then, begs the question, what actually are the HIPAA laws? More often than not, you probably read through quickly, or barely scan the documentation before putting your name on it. However, HIPAA laws are essential, for they are in place to safeguard you from identity theft, and from being prevented from receiving health care entitlements.

The HIPAA laws have created a new national standard in protecting your medical history. Should you consult a number of physicians or get moved to a select hospital, your health information should keep up with you. As your health records pass through the various channels of the system, the coordination of the HIPAA Law protection keeps your identity, and your personal information fully confidential. As more transactions are completed electronically nowadays, HIPAA laws focus on the protection of your health information specifically through these channels.

At present, Identity theft is a very major crime, HIPAA Laws shield all personally identifiable health information, such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and the likes, as well as current, past, or even future physical or mental conditions and treatment. This type of information will not be viewed, except by selected users. Medical history that is not covered by the HIPAA Act, must be of an anonymous nature. In securing this sort of information, there is added protection against identity theft and more alternatives to pursue, if such a thing occurs.

HIPAA laws, also protect the way health insurance providers may deal with your health history. These entities may utilize your information without your authorization only, if they are sending you information, using this information to provide higher quality medications or therapy, or collecting payment on medical expenses, among other things. If giving your health information is not included in any of these categories, you should authorize the transfer of information in writing. Furthermore, because the government understands that highly technical language can be an obstacle in comprehending your health information privacy rights, any authorization has to be in simple language.

This may all sound like unnecessary paperwork, but beyond identity theft, HIPAA laws also help those looking for health insurance coverage. Title one of the HIPAA laws manages the availability and breadth of health insurance plans for those who are in poor health. It outlaws any health insurance plan from making discriminatory rules to create premium rates or deny coverage. HIPAA laws are quite extensive, but this gives you a look at how your health information is being protected and utilized. Your department of health ought to be able to give you additional information, or you can browse the government's web page for the entire HIPAA law.

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