From now through November, HIPAA.com is providing a run through of HIPAA transaction & code set, privacy, and security definitions, along with relevant HITECH Act definitions pertaining to breach notification and securing of protected health information. These definitions are key to understanding the referenced HIPAA and HITECH Act enabling regulations that are effective now and that will require compliance by covered entities and business associates now or in the months ahead, as indicated in HIPAA.com’s timeline. Each posting will contain three definitions, with a date reference to the Federal Register and citation to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). We begin the first series of postings with definitions from “Health Insurance Reform; Modifications to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); Final Rules,” Federal Register, January 16, 2009. 45 CFR 162, Administrative Requirements: 162.103, Definitions.
Descriptor
The text defining a code.
Designated Standard Maintenance Organization (DSMO)
An organization designated by the Secretary [of HHS] under 45 CFR 162.910(a).
Direct Data Entry
The direct entry of data (for example, using dumb terminals or web browsers) that is immediately transmitted into a health plan’s computer.