Category: Healthcare

How to Find the Right HIPAA-Compliant Translation Partner
16/07/2024

How to Find the Right HIPAA-Compliant Translation Partner

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on How to Find the Right HIPAA-Compliant Translation Partner

In the realm of healthcare and linguistic services selecting a HIPAA-compliant partner is paramount. Doing so helps maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and security of sensitive patient information, safeguarding against data breaches and legal ramifications. A trusted HIPAA-compliant partner not only upholds regulatory standards but also fosters a foundation of trust and reliability crucial for maintaining the highest standards of patient care and confidentiality in the healthcare industry. 

What to consider when choosing your HIPAA-compliant translation partner 

We know how challenging it can be to find a HIPAA-compliant partner. To make this decision easier, we compiled a list of things to consider. 

Expertise and experience 

When selecting a HIPAA translation service provider for your ePHI projects, it’s important to choose a vendor with a reliable reputation in translation and a thorough understanding of the medical field. Since documents containing ePHI can have different intended targets (patients, medical staff, etc.), having the ability to navigate language subtleties is crucial. If you aren’t acquainted with their job, it’s always a good idea to ask about previous related projects or even case studies. You can also check if they are ISO-certified, as this certification illustrates a commitment to quality. 

Training and education 

It’s crucial to evaluate whether they have customized policies, procedures, and training programs tailored to ensure HIPAA compliance. Assess if they regularly conduct training sessions for employees at all levels, covering essential aspects such as data security, patient privacy, and the proper handling of ePHI. A comprehensive approach will demonstrate their commitment to maintaining compliance standards and safeguarding sensitive healthcare data. 

A committed team 

Having qualified people in charge of the translation project is important, but having a team that truly understands what the stakes are and has compliance top of mind when making decisions can make all the difference. A culture of compliance is not easy to cultivate, but a company that promotes it greatly reduces the risks of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. 

Security measures 

It’s a good practice to inquire about the strength of an organization’s cybersecurity measures, which should include encryption, access controls, and detection systems to protect ePHI against hacking. These measures can give you an idea of their proactive approach toward mitigating risks and improving defenses against cybersecurity threats. 

Technology 

The right technology is essential to help mitigate the potential risks associated with ePHI, storing platforms, and translation tools that are vital during the process. Your translation partner should be proactive in adopting new and better technologies. 

Legal and regulatory knowledge 

Double check that your potential partner has a solid team in place that stays up to date with the latest healthcare law and HIPAA regulations. Their Privacy and Security Officers play a huge role in ensuring that your organization receives accurate and current guidance, which reduces the risk of incompliance in every aspect of your workflow. 

The takeaway 

You need a meticulous evaluation process when selecting a HIPAA-compliant language services provider. Organizations should prioritize partners that demonstrate a robust commitment to safeguarding their hardware and software, consistently conducting thorough risk assessments. By aligning with such partners, you can rest easy knowing they will tackle the project with the precision and discretion demanded in this industry and that the integrity of healthcare data is assured. 

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Nurturing a Culture of Compliance Terra's Journey and Approach
11/06/2024

Nurturing a Culture of Compliance: Terra’s Journey and Approach 

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Nurturing a Culture of Compliance: Terra’s Journey and Approach 

A culture of compliance encompasses a set of values, behaviors, and attitudes guiding individuals within an organization to adhere to policies, procedures, and regulations. This framework facilitates better decision-making at all levels, ensuring alignment with the business’s rules. 

At Terra, our commitment to fostering a culture of compliance goes beyond mere adherence to standards. We emphasize cultivating a sense of belonging and shared purpose among team members. Our dedication to continuous improvement stems from the firm belief that there is always room for enhancement, presenting opportunities for growth and innovation. 

This commitment to compliance is evident in our ISO-certified services maintained since 2019 and our strict adherence to HIPAA regulations. Read on to learn more about how we nurture compliance culture at Terra.  

ISO Certifications 

We strive to select certifications that truly enhance our operations and client services. The ISO 9001 and 17100 standards drive our quality-oriented translation services. 

To maintain these certifications through the years, we develop structured training programs and strategic initiatives to provide each team member with the latest tools and encourage them to embrace new technologies. Throughout this process, we constantly review our procedures. Thanks to these efforts, our team members understand their pivotal role in our quality management system and diligently apply best practices in their daily tasks. 

HIPAA Compliance 

As a language service provider, we have a strong commitment to language access. However, we understand that in the healthcare space specifically, a lot of sensitive and confidential information is shared in the translation projects our client entrusts us. As such, we need to handle these files with the utmost care. The compliance culture we first cultivated among our team with ISO allowed us to pursue HIPAA compliance with confidence. Every individual handling ePHI projects understands the importance of safeguarding this information, shares these values, and does everything in their power to uphold them. 

Compliance is a Team Effort 

If a compliance issue arises, the focus becomes identifying the root cause of the problem—not the person responsible for it. During non-conformity analyses, individuals from diverse company teams work together to examine deviations, gain a deeper comprehension of the origin of the problem, and collectively devise solutions. 

While compliance is mainly an internal process, external validation is essential to maintain our clients’ trust. Terra hires experienced external auditors to conduct comprehensive reviews. These internal audits are invaluable learning experiences, where team members see firsthand the impact their compliance efforts have on the team results. This independent evaluation leaves no room for improvisation. At the same time, it enables us to identify areas for improvement in our processes. 

The Takeaway 

Fostering a culture of compliance isn’t easy, but organizations that prioritize it set themselves up for long-term success. At Terra, we navigate the path to continuous improvement with a compass of transparency, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

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The Role of Cybersecurity in HIPAA-Compliant Translation Services
21/05/2024

The Role of Cybersecurity in HIPAA-Compliant Translation Services

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on The Role of Cybersecurity in HIPAA-Compliant Translation Services

As healthcare cyberattacks surge, cybersecurity is paramount. A 60% year-over-year rise, affecting over 40 million individual patients’ data in 2023, highlights the growing complexity and harm. Robust cybersecurity is crucial to protect individuals from evolving threats and safeguard the integrity of sensitive health information. 

Let’s take a closer look at the role of cybersecurity in HIPAA-compliant translation services.  

Building a Strong Defense  

Terra is a language service provider (LSP) that handles the translation of very sensitive information, as such, we understand that cybersecurity is imperative. These are some of the measures we have in place to build a strong defense:  

  • Proper monitoring. All electronic devices owned by Terra are monitored through Microsoft Azure tools, which detect potential threats. Our translation management system tracks all log activities for projects, generating a distinct timestamped record on projects with ePHI. 
  • Secure on-premises servers. We have our own secure on-premises server in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which ensures that the data stays within our safe environments. This also gives us more control over information management in real-time and on demand. 
  • Unique logins. Everyone with access to ePHI has a unique login and strong password—which is frequently updated for additional security.  
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Terra utilizes this program to ensure security through MFA for all Active Directory users.  

An Ongoing Commitment to Improving Cybersecurity  

There are some other steps the Terra team takes to continue to improve our cybersecurity efforts: 

  • Continuous risk assessment. Terra executes risk assessments on a yearly basis under the most stringent guidelines and practices to preserve the security of all private information entrusted to us. During this assessment, our processes are audited by an external consultant specialized in HIPAA compliance and IT security. Their recommendations are then implemented so our processes, protocols and software comply with the latest regulations and stay at the cutting edge in terms of cybersecurity. 
  • Security protocols. Our routers actively track and log all attempted security breaches. We conduct regular evaluations to detect any unusual behavior in our processes. 
  • Data protection measures. Our IT department explores new advanced technologies to strengthen security and implement robust backup and recovery plans for ePHI integrity during emergencies or system failures. 
  • Fostering a culture of compliance. Our team regularly trains to uphold our commitment to safeguarding sensitive information. Continuous collaboration with the IT department and our Privacy Officer allows each team member to play a vital role in compliance. 

Cybersecurity beyond healthcare 

Terra places the highest importance on maintaining robust cybersecurity measures and not just because of HIPAA compliance. In the language services industry, all sorts of confidential and sensitive information are handled in a digital format that is usually shared electronically.  

“In the healthcare field, it could be a medical record that would really hurt people if it were made public. But at the same time, in our other verticals, we handle court statements, sometimes from extremely dramatic situations, that no one would want to see disclosed. In other sectors, the damage can be just economic, but it can be huge and disrupt industries,” Dr. Matías Giannoni, Ph.D. and Privacy Officer at Terra explained.  

The takeaway 

The imperative role of cybersecurity in ensuring HIPAA compliance cannot be overstated for LSPs. As technology bridges geographical gaps and facilitates the global exchange of information, the responsibility to safeguard sensitive patient data becomes paramount. Terra’s Privacy Officer, in conjunction with our vigilant IT Department, plays a pivotal role in fortifying cybersecurity measures not just as a regulatory requirement but as a fundamental pillar in safeguarding privacy, maintaining confidentiality, and preventing potential harm to the different industries we work with. 

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Thriving Together The Impact of Company Culture at Terra 
16/04/2024

Thriving Together: The Impact of Company Culture at Terra 

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Thriving Together: The Impact of Company Culture at Terra 

Having a strong company culture—also known as corporate culture or organizational culture—helps businesses retain the best talent, increases productivity, and improves employee happiness. Let’s explore what organizational or company culture is, why it is important to cultivate a good culture, and what benefits it can bring in the long run for organizations that prioritize it.  

What is “organizational culture” and why is it important? 

The term “organizational culture” is often discussed in business, but a clear definition is hard to pin down. It comes from social anthropology and includes the knowledge and beliefs people acquire in society. In the 1970s, this term became crucial for meeting the needs and values of workers. Today, companies value it more than physical assets, using it to shape new strategies.  

Since we spend over half our day working and interacting with colleagues, a positive organizational culture significantly impacts our well-being and satisfaction in both professional and personal aspects of life. At Terra, we focus on building a strong company culture, recognizing its importance in our success. 

Company Culture at Terra 

Being a 100% virtual company since its inception in 2000, Terra has always prioritized creating opportunities for connection and support amongst our team despite the lack of face-to-face interactions. We understand the importance of fostering a sense of companionship and collaboration, especially in a remote setting where traditional avenues for communication are often limited.  

To address these challenges, we implement various strategies such as prioritizing phone over email communication, hosting monthly company-wide meetings led by our leaders to discuss business updates and vision, team-specific monthly meetings with our CEO, and weekly check-ins within each team for progress updates. Additionally, we provide recreational spaces and flexibility to ensure a well-rounded and fulfilling work experience for our team members. 

Impact on retention 

Within each team, microcultures inevitably form, even within the broader organizational culture defined by the company’s mission and values. These microcultures develop unique values and work styles. While these microcultures need to maintain respectful and functional dynamics that align with the company’s overall objectives, it’s equally crucial to respect their individuality.  

Numerous studies demonstrate that factors beyond compensation influence an individual’s decision to remain with a company. Therefore, acknowledging and respecting the unique microcultures within teams contributes significantly to employee retention and overall organizational success.  

Thanks to these efforts, Terra currently boasts a remarkable 95% retention rate. Positive feedback from climate surveys underscores the effectiveness of our approach, demonstrating that employees continue to choose Terra not only for the supportive team environment but also for the career challenges it offers and the growth opportunities it provides for every collaborator. 

The takeaway 

Finding and training the right talent takes a lot of work and money. To retain top talent, you need to prioritize building a strong company culture that reflects shared values amongst your workforce. Doing so will help both the organization as a whole and individual team members thrive.

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How Does Terra Handle Translation Projects Containing ePHI
02/04/2024

How Does Terra Handle Translation Projects Containing ePHI?

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on How Does Terra Handle Translation Projects Containing ePHI?

We believe that every person, regardless of their background or native language, has the right to comprehend their medical information, which may require translation services.  

When it comes to the handling of electronically Protected Health Information, the utmost care must be taken in order to adhere to HIPAA regulations regarding privacy and security measures. Here’s how the Terra team handles translation projects containing ePHI. 

First Things First 

Before kicking off a translation project containing ePHI, we typically have a call with the client to better understand their needs, expectations, and special considerations. If they have concerns about cybersecurity measures or want to learn more about the HIPAA-compliant team that will handle their projects, we will walk them through our training program and introduce them to the strong culture of compliance we promote. 

Receiving a Project 

Once everyone is on the same page and the client is ready to send their first project, they usually do it through a secure file transfer platform (of their preference) where they upload the files containing ePHI that require translation. Our team also receives an email from the client where the details of this project are included, such as language pair, word count, and deadline. 

Assigning the Project 

Next, we move on to assigning the project to a Terra account manager (AM) trained in HIPAA compliance. The AM opens the assignment email, analyzes the request, and downloads the files that need translation from the client’s platform to their encrypted devices. From there, they upload them to Terra’s secure storage platform. Then, the AM shares the project details with a project manager (PM) who is in charge of uploading the project to a secure translation tool, including only the vital instructions and information the translator needs to perform their job, and assigns it to a linguist selected from a list of already approved vendors.  

The linguists working on these projects are both experts in the healthcare field and are also trained in HIPAA compliance. To test their knowledge, they must pass an internal test to demonstrate their ability to properly handle the documents with the utmost care.

Translating & Editing 

When we’re ready to move on to the translating and editing stage, our trusted HIPAA-compliant linguist receives a notification about the assigned project and proceeds to translate it within the secure translation tool. The access this translator has to the project files is controlled, limited to view-only, and removed once the project is completed. 

Every person involved in the process has unique and non-transferable credentials. This helps us track everything and keep a record of the management of the project.

After the translation is performed, the next step is editing and an editor reviews the final version, making sure there are no spelling, grammar, or formatting errors.  

While the use of a CAT tool during the translation process supposes the use of a translation memory (TM) as well, our team has an established process to make sure that segments containing ePHI are not stored in the project TM

Final Delivery 

After editing steps are finalized, the project is ready and the PM in charge delivers the files to the client through the client’s secure platform. The final files are uploaded to our own secure storage platform for a set period of time in case they are needed in the near future, and after that period is over, the files are deleted.  

The Takeaway 

Terra ensures a secure and compliant ePHI translation process, prioritizing confidentiality and integrity. Clients can trust their sensitive healthcare information is safe thanks to Terra’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in handling electronically Protected Health Information. 

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Communication Matters: Translating After-Visit Summaries for Patient Understanding
05/03/2024

Communication Matters: Translating After-Visit Summaries for Patient Understanding

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Communication Matters: Translating After-Visit Summaries for Patient Understanding

Today, increasing language access in the U.S. healthcare industry is more important than ever. About 29.6 million people are identified as having limited English proficiency (LEP). Because of this, the translation of many patients’ after-visit summaries when attending a medical appointment becomes crucial.  

What is an AVS and why is it important?  

An after-visit summary (AVS) serves as a post-appointment document for patients that summarizes their health status and outlines future care steps, including self-management tasks. This document is so important to have because it enhances care and health outcomes for both adult and pediatric patients and makes life easier for their families or caregivers. The AVS includes treatment decisions for acute and chronic conditions, while for pediatric patients, it aids in tracking growth, development, immunizations, and specific instructions related to diagnoses. It’s a valuable tool for guiding self-care outside clinical settings, planning future appointments, and sharing crucial information with other healthcare providers. 

The critical role of AVS translations  

To better understand the important role translation plays in the realm of AVS documents, let’s look at a helpful example. An adult needs to start taking a statin medication (a group of medicines that help lower your cholesterol) and the explanation in their AVS is in a language they don’t speak, or they are not proficient in. In this case, the patient will likely not realize what they need to do next, and their cholesterol will go unchecked. Any type of misunderstanding will interfere with the patient’s current condition.  

Patients have the right to understand their health status and the instructions they must follow to take care of themselves, or in the case of parents, to take care of their children’s health. Having access to an AVS in their native language decreases the risk of them making a mistake when taking medication or missing their next medical appointment.   

How accessible language increases patient comprehension  

Understanding their medical condition can feel overwhelming for patients, which is why a compassionate approach is always necessary when it comes to communication. The message conveyed, irrespective of language, should be clear and accurate. That way, patients can easily grasp the necessary steps for recovery. Translating such documents requires tailoring the language, style, and tone to suit the recipient. Utilizing straightforward language aids in effective communication, fostering trust and respect between patients and their healthcare providers. 

For instance, while translating medication prescriptions and instructions it’s best to add the generic drug name to help patients locate their medicine easily at their local pharmacy. This thoughtful approach enhances comprehension and ensures better adherence to treatment. 

Another effective approach involves adapting complex medical terms and clarifying acronyms to ensure patients comprehend instructions for properly taking their prescribed medication. For example, rather than directly translating abbreviations like “4 puffs Q4 PRN for wheezing or cough” in EN>ES, it’s preferable to break it down into easy-to-understand steps.  

Providing instructions like “4 descargas cada 4 horas, cuando sea necesario en caso de sibilancia o tos” in Spanish, which translates to “4 puffs every 4 hours, when necessary, in case of wheezing or cough,” helps patients grasp the information more clearly and accurately. 

Conclusion  

To recap—an AVS holds significant importance in the medical field, particularly for vulnerable groups facing communication barriers, like those with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). 

Clear communication serves as the cornerstone for establishing trust and respect between healthcare providers and patients. This, in turn, leads to enhanced care, improved health outcomes, and a more positive healthcare journey overall. Advocating for increased language access is pivotal in shaping a healthcare system that is more inclusive and centered around the needs of the patient. It’s a step toward creating a healthcare environment that prioritizes every individual’s understanding and comfort, fostering a more equitable and patient-focused approach. 

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14/02/2024

Protecting ePHI in Translation: The Role of a HIPAA Privacy Officer  

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Protecting ePHI in Translation: The Role of a HIPAA Privacy Officer  

In the complex landscape of healthcare, safeguarding sensitive patient information is paramount. Amidst the intricate process of translating documents containing Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI), the pivotal role of a HIPAA Privacy Officer becomes evident. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of this key figure in ensuring HIPAA compliance and preserving the integrity of patient data during translation processes. 

What a HIPAA Privacy Officer Does 

Matías Giannoni, Ph.D., works as a HIPAA Privacy Officer at Terra to ensure that everyone involved in handling ePHI knows the rules, regulations and policies really well and, more importantly, if in doubt, that they feel confident reaching out to him before taking any step or action that might be in violation of the rules or, worse, compromising information. “So, it is not just a matter of ticking a few boxes but being tangentially involved in operations to make sure all processes are compliant and secure,” Giannoni explained. 

The key responsibilities of working as a HIPAA Privacy Officer include: 

  • Making sure all the processes internally are compliant and everyone knows exactly what they have to do in order to minimize risks to almost zero 
  • Overseeing the annual training of team members handling ePHI to keep up to date with the latest developments 
  • Assessing new technologies to optimize our operations while remaining in compliance 
  • Acting as a liaison to the IT Department and prioritizing cybersecurity by taking all the steps to be at the cutting edge of information security technologies  
  • Being the first point of contact in case of any breach and the one in charge of communicating any situation with external stakeholders 

Working with Total HIPAA 

While Giannoni has strong experience working in heavily regulated environments with obscure and sometimes confusing regulations, Terra also relies on an external organization for additional consulting and guidance. When it comes to collaborating with Total HIPAA, Giannoni shared that they have been key partners in organizing our processes, conducting a thorough internal audit, and training our team. There are many things in which their expertise has proven to be invaluable. “Sometimes a certain technology is compliant with regulations, but it can be improved with a more advanced technology as regulations sometimes are defined with reference to technologies that existed at the point a certain legislation was put in place, and Total HIPAA advises us on those points where we can do even better than the minimum standards.” 

The Most Important Aspect of Protecting Patient Privacy 

The human aspect, both in terms of where the main failures can come from as well as in terms of the consequences cannot be overlooked. “When I think about this task, I am not thinking about potential fines or breaches of contract. Having access to all this sensible information, I am constantly obsessed about the fact that I would never like to see such sensitive information out in the open or in the hands of a heartless ransomware hacker,” Giannoni said, “That thought keeps me constantly alert.” 

To make sure that all staff members handling ePHI are trained on HIPAA policies and procedures, they receive Total HIPAA’s thorough training and evaluation annually. According to Giannoni, all of our team members scored high in their training and demonstrated a very strong culture of compliance. “Nevertheless, I often test their knowledge in our operational meetings to make sure they remember it correctly,” he shared.  

The Takeaway 

In safeguarding ePHI, the role of a HIPAA Privacy Officer stands as a crucial pillar in ensuring compliance and fortifying the security of patient data during translation processes. All patients deserve privacy while navigating medical care, which is why at Terra, we go to great lengths to remain compliant.  

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Building a Digital Fortress for ePHI A Three-Layer Defense System
16/01/2024

Building a Digital Fortress for ePHI: A Three-Layer Defense System

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Building a Digital Fortress for ePHI: A Three-Layer Defense System

In a world defined by seamless connectivity and digital advancement, safeguarding electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) stands as a paramount responsibility, especially within the realm of healthcare. As technology intertwines with the sanctity of personal health data, the stakes are high and demand a robust defense system.  

At Terra, we’re strongly committed to the protection of the data that our clients entrust us to translate. To help us achieve our privacy goals, we partner with Total HIPAA and continuously take steps in the various aspects that pertain to our business operations. This helps us ensure that our processes are always compliant with HIPAA’s Security and Privacy Rules. Let’s take a closer look at the three layers of our defense system.  

Layer # 1: IT Infrastructure 

Our IT Department understands cybersecurity is crucial to protect ePHI and considers it a top priority. Because of this, this department takes the following actions to ensure adequate protection of this information: 

Device protection  

All devices owned by Terra are administered and monitored through Microsoft Azure tools, which include observing for potential threats as well as tracking local user activity. Additionally, all of our connections are SSL (Security Socket Layer) encrypted and we are currently working on expanding our corporate VPN to all users for additional security. As a bonus, any activity logs generated by these tools can be analyzed on demand.  

Software and hardware monitoring 

We continuously monitor both software and hardware through Microsoft Intune, as well as the configuration and subsequent deployment of proprietary security policies. In order to provide maximum security to our clients, Terra hosts all information on our own secure on-premises server in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This ensures that the information stays within our secure environments, enabling us to have more control over the management of information. 

Security 

To help enhance security, Terra utilizes Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to ensure security through MFA for all Active Directory users. Our team also has limited access to protected health information. They can only view what is necessary and individual access to ePHI is constantly logged. Additionally, all our devices containing protected health information are encrypted and have strong password protection. We frequently update these passwords to maintain their strength.  

When it comes to our internal and external communication, as well as the sharing and management of files, knowledge bases, and content in general, we use Office 365 Suite for seamless collaboration across the organization.  

Layer # 2: Our Team 

Just as crucial as the IT infrastructure, having a team of people behind it who know how to use the tools is as important—if not more. Here’s how we make sure our team has the tools, resources and knowledge to remain compliant: 

All team members with access to protected health information, from leaders to project managers, are trained on the HIPAA compliant procedures and processes in place so they can handle ePHI securely from initial reception to final client delivery. This includes HIPAA concepts, standards, and security and privacy measures. Every member that passes all the courses also receives an official certification from Total HIPAA and is required to sign a confidentiality agreement that protects patient privacy. We promote and encourage a culture of compliance. Because of this, every year, our team participates in additional training.  

Documents that contain ePHI and require translation services are carefully assigned to linguists who are both experts in the healthcare field and are also trained in HIPAA compliance. To evaluate their knowledge, we created an internal test that they must pass to demonstrate their ability to properly handle the documents with the utmost care. These linguists are not able to download the ePHI to their own devices and always work within secure environments. 

Layer # 3: Our Privacy Officer 

Having the right team in place makes all the difference. Our Privacy Officer, Matías Giannoni, oversees the development, implementation, maintenance and adherence to the procedure regarding the safe handling of ePHI in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Matías acts as a liaison to the IT Department to ensure privacy and security practices are implemented. He guides the training of our team, addresses any concerns individuals may have, and promptly analyzes if actions should be taken.  

A Commitment to Risk Assessment, Mitigation and Continuous Improvement  

Maintaining confidentiality, document control, and client trust are vital to Terra. This commitment is illustrated by the entire Terra team executing risk assessments on a yearly basis under the most stringent guidelines and practices to preserve the security of all private information entrusted to us.  

Our journey towards maintaining privacy is always evolving as HIPAA regulations are subject to change. As a result, we continuously improve our policies and procedures to stay up to date. 

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The Importance of Language Access Surrounding Vaccine Distribution
07/04/2021

The Importance of Language Access Surrounding Vaccine Distribution

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on The Importance of Language Access Surrounding Vaccine Distribution

Vaccines can save lives and the massive importance of vaccine distribution has been magnified by the coronavirus pandemic. When it comes to public health issues, language access is undeniably important. This is especially true for vaccine distribution. In order to make sure proper language access occurs, it’s important to take medical translation seriously. 

Why Language Access Matters

Language barriers can become even harder to break through once you begin to involve complex scientific and medical terms. This lack of understanding can lead to devastating results. During the coronavirus pandemic, researchers found that communities with high populations of non-English speakers had more cases of COVID-19 than English-speaking communities and, as a result, higher amounts of COVID-19-related deaths. Coronavirus incidence rates were as much as 14.3% greater in communities with high populations of non-English speakers. Some experts worry that this is because of language barriers that make it hard to understand the public service announcements that share essential public health guidelines surrounding social distancing, masks, and other strategies for avoiding contracting the virus. 

A Disservice to Vaccine Distribution

In order to properly, and safely, distribute vaccines, the proper distribution of information is necessary. Language barriers can discourage consumers from feeling comfortable getting a vaccine and understanding what the risks are, as well as how to get one if they do want one. 

Language barriers are leading to low vaccination levels for Hispanics in North Carolina. Even though Hispanics make up 10% of North Carolina’s population, only about 2.5% of all coronavirus vaccines administered in the state have gone to Hispanic recipients. Enrolling to receive a vaccine online may be causing problems for non-English speakers who can’t understand the website and the enrollment process. Even though many health departments offer phone assistance in Spanish, a lack of staffing can lead to long wait times and a lack of assistance. A properly translated website could easily increase access to vaccines for the Hispanic community in North Carolina. 

How Human Translation Can Help

When it comes to translating medical information around complex topics like vaccines and their distribution, there seems to be some confusion as to why unsupervised machine translation tools cannot get the job done. As advanced as that technology is becoming, terms and phrases that are more nuanced often end up literally getting lost in translation. For example, recent mistranslation-related events in Virginia caused mass confusion. After utilizing Google to generate a translation of the Virginia Department of Health’s website, their Spanish readers were under the impression that the COVID-19 vaccine was “not necessary.” Why? Because the website showed a translation of “the vaccine is not required” as “la vacuna no es necesaria”, which in Spanish means “the vaccine is not necessary.” 

It’s easy to see how this faulty translation caused misunderstandings that can have a life or death impact. Working with a human translator can help avoid any misunderstandings caused by syntax choices. Translators not only take word choice into account, but cultural and historical influences that can impact how a translated work is perceived.

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Translation of Summary of Benefits and Coverage 101
18/11/2020

Translation of Summary of Benefits and Coverage 101

Posted on | by Jacqueline De Marco | Leave a Comment on Translation of Summary of Benefits and Coverage 101

All professionals in the medical industry should have their consumers’ best needs at heart, this includes insurance companies. Generally, they do, which is why so much importance is placed on the translation of the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) in the medical industry. 

The role of a SBC is to ensure that consumers are aware of the health benefits and coverage available to them through their healthcare plan. In fact, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) typically requires that any group of health plans or health insurance companies provide a summary of benefits and coverage that can accurately describe the benefits and coverage available under the plan. While that definition will give you a quick glimpse at why SBCs are so important, let’s dive a bit deeper into this complicated topic and how medical translation comes into play.

What is an SBC?

Alongside helping consumers understand their health plan’s features and offerings, an SBC also covers the costs associated with the plan. An SBC can cover very complicated topics, such as cost-sharing rules or limits and exceptions to coverage, in a way that is easy for the average consumer to understand. One way that a health insurance or plan company can do this is by providing consumers with a “Uniform Glossary” designed to clearly explain any medical or insurance-related terms that may apply to a plan. Not only are all plans required by the ACA to provide a SBC to their consumers, but they must follow a uniform template that is customized to reflect the terms of a specific plan. 

Why do SBCs matter? 

It is of the utmost importance that consumers have access to an SBC. Not only does this access help them understand their plan features and the costs associated with it once they’re enrolled, but they can use the SBC to answer some of their general questions regarding a health plan before they choose to enroll in it. This knowledge helps consumers make informed decisions about their health and finances. 

Why does an SBC need to be translated into other languages?

Because we live in an increasingly global world, health plans and insurance providers must keep diversity in mind. A minimum of 350 languages are spoken in homes throughout the United States. While providing SBCs in each of those languages wouldn’t be possible or even necessary as many of these languages are spoken by bilingual citizens, compliance regulations dictate which languages providers must accommodate. Vital plan information must be available in the 15 non-English languages most commonly spoken in a state or languages spoken by at least 10 percent of a county’s population. The ACA, and other related statutes and regulations, currently have strict language requirements. For example, qualified health plan insurers that have been registered for at least one year are required to provide oral and written translation services to consumers in a minimum of 150 languages.

It is important to remember that the translation of the Summary of Benefits and Coverage is not just a matter of compliance, but of inclusion. Providing resources for a growing and diverse population should always be a priority.

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