1. EachPod

#15: Protect Your Patients' PHI: Why You Need a BAA (Business Associate Agreement)

Author
Brittney Anderson, MD, FAAFP | Physician and Practice Owner
Published
Mon 21 Jul 2025
Episode Link
https://physicianshangingashingle.podbean.com/e/15-protect-your-phi-why-you-need-a-baa-business-associate-agreement/

If you're launching a private practice, there's one document you must have in place before working with vendors who access patient data: the Business Associate Agreement (BAA). In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly what a BAA is, who needs to sign one, and how to make sure you're protected.


Whether you're using a cloud-based EHR, outsourcing your billing, or working with a marketing agency — if they touch protected health information (PHI), they need a BAA.


 


Tune in to learn:



  • What a Business Associate Agreement actually does

  • Real-world examples of vendors who require a BAA

  • The simple steps to get your agreements in place

  • What can happen if you skip this critical compliance step

  • Protecting patient data isn’t optional — and neither is this conversation.


 


Resources Mentioned in this episode:


HHS.gov - Business Associate Guidance


 


Action Steps



  • Make a list of all vendors you work with

  • Identify who has access to PHI

  • Request and sign BAAs before sharing patient information

  • Store signed BAAs in your practice’s compliance folder


 


Make sure you download the FREE checklist I created to make sure you don't miss any important steps in the planning of your new medical practice.


Click here for The Ultimate Checklist for Starting Your Medical Practice


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Social Media Communities:


Private Facebook Group: Physicians Starting Private Practices


Instagram: @hanging_a_shingle


LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbrittneyanderson


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If you’re building your own private practice and want guidance from someone who’s done it successfully—I’d love to help.


Visit https://paperbell.me/theprivatepracticeblueprint to learn more about 1:1 coaching.


 


 

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