Bruce, Easy....the feds haven't put any federal laws in place requiring Wal*Mart to do something different. Thus, Wal*Mart is free to determine its own electronic commerce strategy and requirements as it chooses for each market/geographic region of the world it does business in.
Furthermore, keep in mind that Wal*Mart's in-store pharmacies are providers. Thus, this function of Wal*Mart is now a covered entity under HIPAA and as such, Wal*Mart will have to determine its compliance strategy. Rachel Rachel Foerster Principal Rachel Foerster & Associates, Ltd. Professionals in EDI & Electronic Commerce 39432 North Avenue Beach Park, IL 60099 Phone: 847-872-8070 Fax: 847-872-6860 http://www.rfa-edi.com -----Original Message----- From: Bruce T LeGrand [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, May 31, 2002 8:41 AM To: Mimi Hart Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: TA1 responding to non-participating health care providers I'd have to turn the question back around. How can Wal-Mart, not mandated to support federally required security and privacy, require a closed environment and the Health Care industry not? ------------------( Forwarded letter 1 follows )-------------------- Date: Thu, 30 May 2002 15:30:18 -0500 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Mimi.Hart[HartAM]@crstlukes.com.comp Sender: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: TA1 responding to non-participating health care providers I understand your argument Greg...but isn't healthcare different in the following: 1. Walmart uses EDI when it places an order with a supplier...who it has talked to initially, probably had several meetings with, and exchanged trading partner agreements and companion documents and pricing. A supplier does not "walk in the door" unannounced and declare itself in need...... 2. Healthcare providers have "customers" walk in the door, declare themselves in need...and pretty much, regardless of whether they have treated them before or not (especially with EMTALA provisions).. need to treat them. To stay in business..they need to create a claim and send it....regardless of whether they have ever worked with their customers insurer or not.... How can the two situations be compared? Just because "closed' works for a Walmart...how is it going to work for us? Mimi Hart Research Analyst, HIPAA Iowa Health System 319-369-7767 (phone) 319-369-8365 (fax) 319-490-0637 (pager) [EMAIL PROTECTED]
