CACI Tests Health Care Procedures in Virginia

CACI International Inc. won a three-month, $200,000 readiness assessment contract to help the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services comply with federal regulations.

CACI International Inc. won a three-month, $200,000 contract to perform a readiness assessment to help the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services comply with federal regulations regarding health care, the company announced July 23.

CACI of Arlington, Va., will help the agency determine what measures it must take to comply with the federal government's Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

The assessment will focus on information security, privacy and health information management. CACI will evaluate the way both paper-based and electronic files are protected for confidentiality and review procedures for managing health-related information.

CACI also is examining the agency's facilities and technology infrastructure, and how it manages HIPAA project risks and obligations contractually with its business associates.

The results will provide the department with a comprehensive appraisal of its operations relative to full HIPAA compliance.

CACI has already begun work on the contract at department facilities in Richmond, Va. Following the assessment, the department is expected to award contracts for development and implementation.

HIPAA sets forth a federal mandate to improve the way health information is managed by health care providers, including government agencies, hospitals, insurance companies and other organizations that process such data.

All public and private organizations must comply with the law's national standards for electronic file transactions by October 2002.

The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance manages more than $2 billion worth of medical assistance services to residents, including programs such as Medicaid and children's health insurance.

CACI has about 5,000 employees and estimates revenue for fiscal 2001 will be between $558 million and $563 million, said company officials.