HIPPA vs. HIPAA Palmyra PA

I am sure you are thinking – what kind of title is that for an article? Well, it came up because I was visiting my local megastore to purchase new contact lenses. I was running dangerously close to the end of my supply, and oh the horrors if I had to leave the house with my glasses. Whatever would I do? So, off I went to order a fresh supply. Upon arriving I was duly informed that they had a new computer system and I would need to be patient as they configured the sales aspect. I glanced down at my watch regretting that I did not bring my laptop. After all, I could be doing something productive while I was waiting. Well it didn’t take long, and before I knew it I was ready to pay for my new supply of lenses. I made my way up to the counter, scanned the Amex card and looked down to sign my name. What did I see? I saw HIPPA – a print out from one of those label makers plastered right on the credit card machine. I looked at the vision care specialist and said, “I think you have the wrong acronym here. It’s HIPAA, with two A’s. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.” Where did this rogue P come from? If it’s HIPPA, what does the extra P stand for? Are they thinking Hippo? No, probably not. Did they change it? No. I have since been back to the vision care center at the meagstore. Wouldn’t you know it – HIPAA is still there, with two P’s. Can I be the only one who notices this and finds it irksome enough to mention? If they are referencing it, it’s my feeling they should get it right.

Several years ago my husband went into a bakery where they advertised ‘raisen cookies’. Umm, don’t you mean raisin, he inquired. Apparently they didn’t care enough to change it because the sign remained that way for 3 years until the store went out of business! I don’t know about you, but I would have changed that immediately. I think it’s a bit embarrassing to spell things incorrectly for your clients. If someone points it out to you, isn’t it simple enough to change? I have seen other instances of this (I am sure you have too) where there are signs with blatant spelling errors. Even in newspapers there are errors too numerous to count.

Admittedly I am a stickler for these things. I see things where the apostrophe is used incorrectly. I have been told that ‘nobody but you knows, Deb’. I can’t be the only one! Still, I am compelled to fix it or mention that it needs fixing.

Let me address this as far as career planning is concerned. If you make a spelling mistake on your résumé, what chance do you have of getting the interview? Nearly none is the answer. Of course, if the error remains undetected by the reader you are fine. But I can tell you having reviewed thousands of résumés during my days as a recruiter I caught errors constantly. Did those candidates get an audience? Nope.

Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of ResumesDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career ...

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