Consequences for HIPAA violations can often be quite harsh. If someone has breached the HIPAA privacy regulations – even without any malicious intent, civil penalties are applicable: $100 per violation for unawareness, a minimum of $1,000 for reasonable cause, a minimum of $10,000 if willful neglect is present and then rectified, and finally, a minimum of $50,000 for individuals who act with willful neglect and ignore the issue.
| Digital ExclusiveMassive Online Information and Education Effort Now Underway
The amount of traffic seen on acupuncturetoday.com has greatly increased since the addition of the AcupunctureLocator and the "Ask an Acupuncturist" question and answer forum:
- The AcupunctureLocator provides a complete listing of acupuncturists and doctors of Oriental medicine for people looking for care in their area.
- The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum allows visitors to ask question about acupuncture, acupressure, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal remedies and other aspects of Asian healing. Kevin McNamee, LAc answers each question, making this section of the website a unique and invaluable resource for educating consumers.
In an effort to educate even more people, acupuncturetoday.com is beginning an Internet marketing campaign that will drive thousands of consumers to the website.
The first phase of this campaign begins with 100,000 advertising banners being placed on numerous health-oriented websites across the Internet. This will be followed up by a continuous placement of 25,000 to 30,000 advertising banners online every month. Each banner is designed to direct interested viewers to learn about the benefits they can enjoy from acupuncture and Asian healing.
The net result of this first phase will be better educated healthcare consumers interested in acupuncture and Asian healing for their health. Once informed, they will be encouraged to find an acupuncturist or doctor of Oriental medicine on the new AcupunctureLocator.
Further reports regarding the results of this initial marketing effort along with information about the next phases will be published in future issues of Acupuncture Today.