As usual, we gathered the most interesting questions we have received from our clients throughout the month. This time the IT and Credentialing Departments experts share the answers that can also be of interest to you. 
 
Question 
Does a provider from the East region need to be credentialed with the West region to accept patients from the West region? 
  
Answer 
Tatyana Kantor, Credentialing Specialist  
A provider from the East region needs to be at least certified with Health Net Fed Svs/Tri West for claim payment purposes. He doesn’t need to be necessarily credentialed, but a claim may trigger the cert process. We suggest first calling them at 844-866-9378 and giving them your TIN to understand if you have been certified already in their system from a prior claim from the West patient. You can also request to be certified with Health Net in advance by contacting them at Become a Non-Network Provider (tricare-west.com)  
  
Question 
Talking about security, does HIPAA extend to wearables and medical devices? 
  
Answer 
Ilya Mirolyubov, IT Specialist 
It can if the device collects, stores, or transmits PHI (glucose level tied to a specific person for example) to a Covered Entity or Business Associate organization. More medical devices, wearables, and IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) devices have built-in microprocessors and WiFi/Bluetooth that can store PHI data and transmit to the cloud to be accessed by a healthcare entity. A Fitbit for personal use is not bound by HIPAA, but a Fitbit doled as part of a corporate wellness program and tied to a CE or BA would be bound by HIPAA. In this particular case, Fitbit has a Business Associate Agreement for this application. 
 
Question 
Is it possible for Tricare East provider to accept Tricare for Life patients under his current contract? 

Answer 
Nargiza Sabirova, Credentialing Specialist 
As long as you take Medicare, you can also see Tricare for Life/TFL patients with a Tricare certification that you already have. 
In any case, you can verify the plan info by contacting the number for WPS TFL 866-773-0404. You can also apply to your credentialing specialist at WCH.