The short answer is, “There is no “DOC$ and HIPAA.” As a purely informational, consumer-built resource, DOC$ is NOT a “covered entity” under the HIPAA law and enabling regulations. DOC$ does not gather nor store any linked personal identifying data. DOC$ is virtually anonymous for users. We are a Social Media outlet. Instead of Posts and Comments, our users "Post" the prices they have paid for Healthcare purchases from named VENDORS (Providers) of Healthcare services.

Linked personal identifying data :  this would consist of any two or more personal identifying data elements. DOC$ does not request nor gather or store the following:  real full name, address, telephone number, credit card info, Social Security number, account info with ANY entity in or outside the Healthcare industry, driver’s license or any government issued id.

DOC$ users create a “UserName” which can be virtually ANYTHING the user decides:  ‘John Smith’ can be “elmerfudd_72” or “buggs123” or “cayote_95” or anything else. Actual name is NOT required. Of course, any user can choose to use her real name as her UserName.

What personal identifying data DOC$ does collect and store:  Email address ONLY. This is strictly for the purpose of communicating with the user for password retrieval/change. Also for account confirmation so hackers do not misuse the site or a real person’s Email.

DOC$ does protect this information, however, as if we WERE in fact governed under HIPAA law. DOC$ does not EVER, under any circumstances, do any of the following:  1) link Emails to identifying data online on social media or public databases; 2) Request any additional personal information; 3) market Email lists to ANY other vendor(s); 4) publish or expose Email addresses in any form whatsoever, either individually or in aggregate, anywhere on any page of the site.

DOC$ is thereby a data resource where users can SECURELY exchange information about what we all pay for similar and comparable medical purchases from competing vendors. This price transparency in the Healthcare economy can be created, and viewed, with virtual anonymity by all.