Security · 8 min read
Why You Want a HIPAA-Compliant Platform for Telemedicine
Standard video apps aren't built for protected health information. Here's how to identify a truly compliant telehealth platform.
Technological advancements and significant evolutions in the needs and expectations of patients have led to marked shifts in healthcare. Now, telemedicine solutions offer providers a new way to serve their patients, supporting improved health outcomes while streamlining operations.
However, one thing that hasn't changed is the importance of patient privacy. This means that many standard virtual communication platforms simply aren't suitable for telehealth purposes. Although it may seem easier to rely on popular apps such as Skype or FaceTime, apps like these aren't equipped with the essential security features you - and your patients - need.
What Does "HIPAA-Compliant" Mean in Telehealth?
Technically, there isn't an official government auditing or accreditation process used to determine whether or not a company is HIPAA-compliant. But even so, there are many reasons for a company to be investigated or fined for non-compliance.
Any company that deals with any aspect of healthcare is required to implement policies and procedures to prevent, detect, contain, and correct security violations, as well as conduct annual risk assessments to confirm compliance. Providers and their telehealth platforms are deemed responsible for maintaining full compliance with HIPAA and any other applicable rules and regulations.
Why Do Providers Need a HIPAA-Compliant Solution?
HIPAA compliance isn't just an attractive feature in a telemedicine solution; it's an absolute non-negotiable. A breach of protected health information (PHI) can negatively impact a patient's healthcare experience, putting their safety and mental health at risk while also undermining their trust in the healthcare system as a whole.
Providers have a vital legal and ethical duty to make sure PHI is properly protected. Under HIPAA regulations, providers and companies can face serious penalties for breaches related to PHI:
- Healthcare organizations can pay up to $50,000 in fines per violation and up to $1.5 million per year.
- Individuals can be fined up to $250,000 and be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
- Even unintentional breaches carry consequences.
Security breaches are a very real threat. According to research studies, the healthcare industry actually encounters more data breaches than any other sector. Since 2010, more than 250 million Americans have been impacted by healthcare data breaches.
How to Identify a HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth Platform
The simplest way to pinpoint which telehealth apps are HIPAA-compliant is to do your research - if a company doesn't advertise as HIPAA-compliant, then they most certainly are not.
UVO Health prioritizes being completely transparent with providers considering our telemedicine program. Right away, we make it clear that our app is HIPAA-compliant and utilizes the most advanced security and privacy features on the market. In addition to the required compliance measures, UVO Health is the only telehealth provider offering HIPAA-compliant recording as a feature.
Venture into Telemedicine with a Platform You Can Trust
When you're ready to grow your practice and explore telehealth solutions, a HIPAA-compliant app is truly the only option. With UVO Health, you can make a confident and informed decision that provides the very best in telemedicine technology, benefiting you, your practice, and your patients.