Blog
October 3, 2024

How Can Healthcare Organisations Using Telehealth Maintain HIPAA Compliance?

Deliver secure telehealth services while protecting patient privacy. This guide explores HIPAA regulations for telehealth, potential security risks, and best practices for compliance.

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Key Points

  • Telehealth services have seen significant growth, initially driven by necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing due to the convenience it offers for both patients and healthcare providers.
  • Healthcare organisations should choose HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms to protect patient data and understand the potential security risks associated with telehealth.
  • Metomic offers tools to help healthcare organisations maintain compliance with HIPAA by providing data discovery, access controls, real-time monitoring, and automated compliance reporting, which are crucial for securely managing telehealth services.

Telehealth services have grown in popularity in recent years; originally as a result of the pandemic which necessitated remote consultations, and subsequently, for convenience for patients and professionals alike.

In fact, according to recent reports, 74% of millennials prefer using teleconsultations to in-person visits, citing time saved by joining remotely as one of the main reasons.

But how can healthcare organisations using telehealth services ensure they remain compliant with HIPAA, and other industry regulations like GDPR?

In this article, we outline why telehealth is trending, how it’s being used to treat patients, and how organisations can choose a HIPAA compliant platform to work with.

What is telehealth? Why is it trending?

Telehealth refers to remote healthcare services, using devices such as laptops or mobile phones to meet with professionals, rather than in-person consultations.

It encompasses a broad range of activities, including virtual doctor visits, remote patient monitoring, and teleconsultations between healthcare providers, allowing patients to receive medical care without needing to visit a healthcare facility in person. This makes it an essential tool for improving access to healthcare, especially in more rural areas.

Telehealth has become increasingly popular, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the need for safe alternatives to in-person visits. Healthcare providers quickly pivoted to ensure they could still offer sufficient services to patients, leading to rapid innovation and improvements in telehealth technologies.

Even as the pandemic has subsided, the benefits of telehealth, such as reducing the need for travel, saving time for patients, and potentially lowering healthcare costs, have ensured its continued popularity.

How is it being used to treat patients?

Telehealth is being used in various ways to treat patients across a range of medical needs:

1. Virtual Consultations

Patients can consult with healthcare providers through video conferencing or phone calls, where they can receive diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-up care without needing to visit a clinic. This is particularly useful for minor illnesses, follow-ups, or chronic disease management.

2. Mental Health Services

Telehealth has significantly expanded access to mental health care, allowing patients to receive therapy, counselling, and psychiatric care remotely, benefitting those in areas with limited mental health resources or those who prefer the privacy of home-based care.

3. Remote Monitoring

Patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease can be monitored remotely using wearable devices that track vital signs. Data from these devices are transmitted to healthcare providers, who can then adjust treatment plans as needed in real-time.

4. Emergency Care Triage

Some telehealth platforms offer emergency care consultations to help patients decide whether they need to go to an emergency room or can manage their symptoms at home, potentially reducing unnecessary visits.

5. Prescription Management

Patients can receive prescriptions through telehealth consultations, and in some cases, medications can be delivered to their homes.

6. Rehabilitation Services

Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises can be guided through telehealth, where therapists demonstrate exercises and monitor patients' progress remotely.

What does HIPAA say about using telehealth?

HIPAA sets the standards for protecting sensitive patient information, and its rules apply to telehealth just as they do to traditional healthcare settings.

During the COVID pandemic, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued temporary waivers to ease some HIPAA enforcement on telehealth to encourage its use. Under this guidance, healthcare providers could use communication platforms even if they weren't fully HIPAA-compliant, without the risk of penalties. However, providers were encouraged to use HIPAA-compliant services whenever possible.

With the pandemic now over, healthcare providers are expected to use fully HIPAA-compliant telehealth solutions.

Here's what HIPAA says about using telehealth:

  • ‍Privacy Rule: HIPAA's Privacy Rule requires healthcare providers to ensure any communication platforms they use are secure and compliant with HIPAA standards, which includes denying unauthorised individuals access to communications and protecting patients' health information so that it is not disclosed without their consent.‍
  • Security Rule: The Security Rule under HIPAA mandates the protection of electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). Telehealth platforms must have appropriate technical safeguards in place, such as encryption, secure access controls, and audit trails, to protect ePHI from unauthorised access or breaches during transmission and storage.‍
  • Business Associate Agreements (BAAs): Healthcare providers must enter into a BAA with any telehealth platform or service provider that handles PHI on their behalf. The BAA ensures that the third-party provider will also comply with HIPAA regulations and protect the privacy and security of PHI.

What are the potential security risks of using telehealth apps?

There are several security risks that healthcare providers need to be aware of when using telehealth apps, perhaps the most pressing being the risk of data breaches. Sensitive PHI can be an attractive target for cybercriminals, leading to patient data being accessed, and putting patients at risk of identity theft, or the unauthorised sale of their medical information.

Firstly, providers must ensure the communication channels they use for video calls or messaging are sufficiently secured with encryption methods to ensure sensitive information isn’t intercepted during consultations. Confidential patient data must also be stored securely while at rest, to ensure the data isn’t exposed during a breach.

Secondly, employee education must be a priority as staff or contractors who can access telehealth apps will be able to view and amend highly sensitive PHI, potentially leading to accidental or deliberate leaks. Insider threats are particularly concerning in environments where access controls and monitoring are lax, allowing individuals to access or share data without detection.

Finally, if telehealth apps do not adhere to regulations like HIPAA in the US, or GDPR in the UK and Europe, they may fail to adequately protect patient data, leading to legal penalties and an increased risk of data breaches.

How can healthcare organisations use telehealth platforms while maintaining compliance?

It’s vital that telehealth apps are implemented within the business while remaining mindful of compliance regulations. If compliance requirements are overlooked, it can be extremely detrimental for businesses who may face hefty fines, reputational damage, and business losses.

Carolina Goncalves, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmica, says,

“The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act 2018 are designed to protect patient data. To remain compliant, organisations must obtain consent from patients before processing personal health information and ensure that data is stored and transferred securely. This includes implementing measures such as data encryption and access controls. Regular audits of digital systems and maintaining comprehensive audit trails of online consultations and interactions are crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability.”

Here are some more ways healthcare providers can ensure the telehealth apps they use are compliant with industry standards:

  • Choose HIPAA compliant platforms that offer features such as end-to-end encryption and access controls that protect patient data during transmission and storage.
  • Ensure that any third-party vendors or telehealth service providers sign a BAA that outlines their responsibility to protect patient information and comply with HIPAA regulations.
  • Train healthcare staff on the secure use of telehealth platforms, including recognising phishing attempts, securely handling patient information, and following proper protocols during virtual consultations.
  • Likewise, educate patients on how to securely access telehealth services, including tips on protecting their personal devices, recognising potential scams, and understanding their privacy rights.
  • Develop and implement clear telehealth policies that outline how telehealth should be conducted within the organisation. This should include guidelines on patient consent, documentation, and secure communication practices.

What HIPAA compliant platforms can be used for telehealth purposes?

There are a few HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms out there, designed to ensure secure communication and data protection for healthcare organisations, including:

1. Zoom for Healthcare

Most people are familiar with Zoom, and their option for the healthcare industry lives up to their stellar reputation. Offering secure, encrypted video conferencing, it includes features like virtual waiting rooms, session recording with patient consent, and integration with Electronic Health Records (EHR).

2. Doxy.me

Doxy.me is a simple, browser-based telehealth platform that requires no downloads. It offers end-to-end encryption, secure video calls, and is free for basic use, with premium features available.

3. VSee

Like Zoom for Healthcare, VSee also integrates with EHR systems and offers customisable solutions for different healthcare needs. It provides secure video conferencing, file sharing, and messaging services.

4. Cisco Webex for Healthcare

Cisco Webex provides secure video conferencing with features like end-to-end encryption, virtual waiting rooms, and integration with healthcare systems.

When choosing a platform, healthcare organisations should consider which platform will be the best fit for them, based on integration with existing systems, ease of use, and the level of technical support offered, as well as ensuring the telehealth company will complete a BAA.

How can Metomic help?

Metomic can enhance data security and compliance in healthcare organisations. Here's how:

  1. Data Discovery and Classification: Metomic helps organisations automatically discover and classify sensitive data across various SaaS and GenAI applications. This ensures that any PHI is identified and handled according to compliance requirements.
  2. Access Controls: Organisations can implement fine-grained access controls to ensure that only authorised users can access sensitive data, reducing the risk of unauthorised access to PHI.
  3. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts: Metomic continuously monitors data flows and access patterns in real-time, alerting administrators to any potential breaches or non-compliant behavior. This proactive approach helps in quickly addressing issues before they lead to data breaches.
  4. Compliance Reports: Metomic automates the process of compliance reporting, helping healthcare organisations easily generate reports that demonstrate adherence to HIPAA and other regulatory requirements.

To find out more, book a free risk assessment with one of our data security experts or get in touch with any questions you may have.

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Rich Vibert

CEO & Co-founder

Rich Vibert is CEO and Co-founder of Metomic

Key Points

  • Telehealth services have seen significant growth, initially driven by necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing due to the convenience it offers for both patients and healthcare providers.
  • Healthcare organisations should choose HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms to protect patient data and understand the potential security risks associated with telehealth.
  • Metomic offers tools to help healthcare organisations maintain compliance with HIPAA by providing data discovery, access controls, real-time monitoring, and automated compliance reporting, which are crucial for securely managing telehealth services.

Telehealth services have grown in popularity in recent years; originally as a result of the pandemic which necessitated remote consultations, and subsequently, for convenience for patients and professionals alike.

In fact, according to recent reports, 74% of millennials prefer using teleconsultations to in-person visits, citing time saved by joining remotely as one of the main reasons.

But how can healthcare organisations using telehealth services ensure they remain compliant with HIPAA, and other industry regulations like GDPR?

In this article, we outline why telehealth is trending, how it’s being used to treat patients, and how organisations can choose a HIPAA compliant platform to work with.

What is telehealth? Why is it trending?

Telehealth refers to remote healthcare services, using devices such as laptops or mobile phones to meet with professionals, rather than in-person consultations.

It encompasses a broad range of activities, including virtual doctor visits, remote patient monitoring, and teleconsultations between healthcare providers, allowing patients to receive medical care without needing to visit a healthcare facility in person. This makes it an essential tool for improving access to healthcare, especially in more rural areas.

Telehealth has become increasingly popular, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the need for safe alternatives to in-person visits. Healthcare providers quickly pivoted to ensure they could still offer sufficient services to patients, leading to rapid innovation and improvements in telehealth technologies.

Even as the pandemic has subsided, the benefits of telehealth, such as reducing the need for travel, saving time for patients, and potentially lowering healthcare costs, have ensured its continued popularity.

How is it being used to treat patients?

Telehealth is being used in various ways to treat patients across a range of medical needs:

1. Virtual Consultations

Patients can consult with healthcare providers through video conferencing or phone calls, where they can receive diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-up care without needing to visit a clinic. This is particularly useful for minor illnesses, follow-ups, or chronic disease management.

2. Mental Health Services

Telehealth has significantly expanded access to mental health care, allowing patients to receive therapy, counselling, and psychiatric care remotely, benefitting those in areas with limited mental health resources or those who prefer the privacy of home-based care.

3. Remote Monitoring

Patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease can be monitored remotely using wearable devices that track vital signs. Data from these devices are transmitted to healthcare providers, who can then adjust treatment plans as needed in real-time.

4. Emergency Care Triage

Some telehealth platforms offer emergency care consultations to help patients decide whether they need to go to an emergency room or can manage their symptoms at home, potentially reducing unnecessary visits.

5. Prescription Management

Patients can receive prescriptions through telehealth consultations, and in some cases, medications can be delivered to their homes.

6. Rehabilitation Services

Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises can be guided through telehealth, where therapists demonstrate exercises and monitor patients' progress remotely.

What does HIPAA say about using telehealth?

HIPAA sets the standards for protecting sensitive patient information, and its rules apply to telehealth just as they do to traditional healthcare settings.

During the COVID pandemic, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued temporary waivers to ease some HIPAA enforcement on telehealth to encourage its use. Under this guidance, healthcare providers could use communication platforms even if they weren't fully HIPAA-compliant, without the risk of penalties. However, providers were encouraged to use HIPAA-compliant services whenever possible.

With the pandemic now over, healthcare providers are expected to use fully HIPAA-compliant telehealth solutions.

Here's what HIPAA says about using telehealth:

  • ‍Privacy Rule: HIPAA's Privacy Rule requires healthcare providers to ensure any communication platforms they use are secure and compliant with HIPAA standards, which includes denying unauthorised individuals access to communications and protecting patients' health information so that it is not disclosed without their consent.‍
  • Security Rule: The Security Rule under HIPAA mandates the protection of electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). Telehealth platforms must have appropriate technical safeguards in place, such as encryption, secure access controls, and audit trails, to protect ePHI from unauthorised access or breaches during transmission and storage.‍
  • Business Associate Agreements (BAAs): Healthcare providers must enter into a BAA with any telehealth platform or service provider that handles PHI on their behalf. The BAA ensures that the third-party provider will also comply with HIPAA regulations and protect the privacy and security of PHI.

What are the potential security risks of using telehealth apps?

There are several security risks that healthcare providers need to be aware of when using telehealth apps, perhaps the most pressing being the risk of data breaches. Sensitive PHI can be an attractive target for cybercriminals, leading to patient data being accessed, and putting patients at risk of identity theft, or the unauthorised sale of their medical information.

Firstly, providers must ensure the communication channels they use for video calls or messaging are sufficiently secured with encryption methods to ensure sensitive information isn’t intercepted during consultations. Confidential patient data must also be stored securely while at rest, to ensure the data isn’t exposed during a breach.

Secondly, employee education must be a priority as staff or contractors who can access telehealth apps will be able to view and amend highly sensitive PHI, potentially leading to accidental or deliberate leaks. Insider threats are particularly concerning in environments where access controls and monitoring are lax, allowing individuals to access or share data without detection.

Finally, if telehealth apps do not adhere to regulations like HIPAA in the US, or GDPR in the UK and Europe, they may fail to adequately protect patient data, leading to legal penalties and an increased risk of data breaches.

How can healthcare organisations use telehealth platforms while maintaining compliance?

It’s vital that telehealth apps are implemented within the business while remaining mindful of compliance regulations. If compliance requirements are overlooked, it can be extremely detrimental for businesses who may face hefty fines, reputational damage, and business losses.

Carolina Goncalves, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmica, says,

“The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act 2018 are designed to protect patient data. To remain compliant, organisations must obtain consent from patients before processing personal health information and ensure that data is stored and transferred securely. This includes implementing measures such as data encryption and access controls. Regular audits of digital systems and maintaining comprehensive audit trails of online consultations and interactions are crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability.”

Here are some more ways healthcare providers can ensure the telehealth apps they use are compliant with industry standards:

  • Choose HIPAA compliant platforms that offer features such as end-to-end encryption and access controls that protect patient data during transmission and storage.
  • Ensure that any third-party vendors or telehealth service providers sign a BAA that outlines their responsibility to protect patient information and comply with HIPAA regulations.
  • Train healthcare staff on the secure use of telehealth platforms, including recognising phishing attempts, securely handling patient information, and following proper protocols during virtual consultations.
  • Likewise, educate patients on how to securely access telehealth services, including tips on protecting their personal devices, recognising potential scams, and understanding their privacy rights.
  • Develop and implement clear telehealth policies that outline how telehealth should be conducted within the organisation. This should include guidelines on patient consent, documentation, and secure communication practices.

What HIPAA compliant platforms can be used for telehealth purposes?

There are a few HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms out there, designed to ensure secure communication and data protection for healthcare organisations, including:

1. Zoom for Healthcare

Most people are familiar with Zoom, and their option for the healthcare industry lives up to their stellar reputation. Offering secure, encrypted video conferencing, it includes features like virtual waiting rooms, session recording with patient consent, and integration with Electronic Health Records (EHR).

2. Doxy.me

Doxy.me is a simple, browser-based telehealth platform that requires no downloads. It offers end-to-end encryption, secure video calls, and is free for basic use, with premium features available.

3. VSee

Like Zoom for Healthcare, VSee also integrates with EHR systems and offers customisable solutions for different healthcare needs. It provides secure video conferencing, file sharing, and messaging services.

4. Cisco Webex for Healthcare

Cisco Webex provides secure video conferencing with features like end-to-end encryption, virtual waiting rooms, and integration with healthcare systems.

When choosing a platform, healthcare organisations should consider which platform will be the best fit for them, based on integration with existing systems, ease of use, and the level of technical support offered, as well as ensuring the telehealth company will complete a BAA.

How can Metomic help?

Metomic can enhance data security and compliance in healthcare organisations. Here's how:

  1. Data Discovery and Classification: Metomic helps organisations automatically discover and classify sensitive data across various SaaS and GenAI applications. This ensures that any PHI is identified and handled according to compliance requirements.
  2. Access Controls: Organisations can implement fine-grained access controls to ensure that only authorised users can access sensitive data, reducing the risk of unauthorised access to PHI.
  3. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts: Metomic continuously monitors data flows and access patterns in real-time, alerting administrators to any potential breaches or non-compliant behavior. This proactive approach helps in quickly addressing issues before they lead to data breaches.
  4. Compliance Reports: Metomic automates the process of compliance reporting, helping healthcare organisations easily generate reports that demonstrate adherence to HIPAA and other regulatory requirements.

To find out more, book a free risk assessment with one of our data security experts or get in touch with any questions you may have.

Key Points

  • Telehealth services have seen significant growth, initially driven by necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing due to the convenience it offers for both patients and healthcare providers.
  • Healthcare organisations should choose HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms to protect patient data and understand the potential security risks associated with telehealth.
  • Metomic offers tools to help healthcare organisations maintain compliance with HIPAA by providing data discovery, access controls, real-time monitoring, and automated compliance reporting, which are crucial for securely managing telehealth services.

Telehealth services have grown in popularity in recent years; originally as a result of the pandemic which necessitated remote consultations, and subsequently, for convenience for patients and professionals alike.

In fact, according to recent reports, 74% of millennials prefer using teleconsultations to in-person visits, citing time saved by joining remotely as one of the main reasons.

But how can healthcare organisations using telehealth services ensure they remain compliant with HIPAA, and other industry regulations like GDPR?

In this article, we outline why telehealth is trending, how it’s being used to treat patients, and how organisations can choose a HIPAA compliant platform to work with.

What is telehealth? Why is it trending?

Telehealth refers to remote healthcare services, using devices such as laptops or mobile phones to meet with professionals, rather than in-person consultations.

It encompasses a broad range of activities, including virtual doctor visits, remote patient monitoring, and teleconsultations between healthcare providers, allowing patients to receive medical care without needing to visit a healthcare facility in person. This makes it an essential tool for improving access to healthcare, especially in more rural areas.

Telehealth has become increasingly popular, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the need for safe alternatives to in-person visits. Healthcare providers quickly pivoted to ensure they could still offer sufficient services to patients, leading to rapid innovation and improvements in telehealth technologies.

Even as the pandemic has subsided, the benefits of telehealth, such as reducing the need for travel, saving time for patients, and potentially lowering healthcare costs, have ensured its continued popularity.

How is it being used to treat patients?

Telehealth is being used in various ways to treat patients across a range of medical needs:

1. Virtual Consultations

Patients can consult with healthcare providers through video conferencing or phone calls, where they can receive diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-up care without needing to visit a clinic. This is particularly useful for minor illnesses, follow-ups, or chronic disease management.

2. Mental Health Services

Telehealth has significantly expanded access to mental health care, allowing patients to receive therapy, counselling, and psychiatric care remotely, benefitting those in areas with limited mental health resources or those who prefer the privacy of home-based care.

3. Remote Monitoring

Patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease can be monitored remotely using wearable devices that track vital signs. Data from these devices are transmitted to healthcare providers, who can then adjust treatment plans as needed in real-time.

4. Emergency Care Triage

Some telehealth platforms offer emergency care consultations to help patients decide whether they need to go to an emergency room or can manage their symptoms at home, potentially reducing unnecessary visits.

5. Prescription Management

Patients can receive prescriptions through telehealth consultations, and in some cases, medications can be delivered to their homes.

6. Rehabilitation Services

Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises can be guided through telehealth, where therapists demonstrate exercises and monitor patients' progress remotely.

What does HIPAA say about using telehealth?

HIPAA sets the standards for protecting sensitive patient information, and its rules apply to telehealth just as they do to traditional healthcare settings.

During the COVID pandemic, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued temporary waivers to ease some HIPAA enforcement on telehealth to encourage its use. Under this guidance, healthcare providers could use communication platforms even if they weren't fully HIPAA-compliant, without the risk of penalties. However, providers were encouraged to use HIPAA-compliant services whenever possible.

With the pandemic now over, healthcare providers are expected to use fully HIPAA-compliant telehealth solutions.

Here's what HIPAA says about using telehealth:

  • ‍Privacy Rule: HIPAA's Privacy Rule requires healthcare providers to ensure any communication platforms they use are secure and compliant with HIPAA standards, which includes denying unauthorised individuals access to communications and protecting patients' health information so that it is not disclosed without their consent.‍
  • Security Rule: The Security Rule under HIPAA mandates the protection of electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). Telehealth platforms must have appropriate technical safeguards in place, such as encryption, secure access controls, and audit trails, to protect ePHI from unauthorised access or breaches during transmission and storage.‍
  • Business Associate Agreements (BAAs): Healthcare providers must enter into a BAA with any telehealth platform or service provider that handles PHI on their behalf. The BAA ensures that the third-party provider will also comply with HIPAA regulations and protect the privacy and security of PHI.

What are the potential security risks of using telehealth apps?

There are several security risks that healthcare providers need to be aware of when using telehealth apps, perhaps the most pressing being the risk of data breaches. Sensitive PHI can be an attractive target for cybercriminals, leading to patient data being accessed, and putting patients at risk of identity theft, or the unauthorised sale of their medical information.

Firstly, providers must ensure the communication channels they use for video calls or messaging are sufficiently secured with encryption methods to ensure sensitive information isn’t intercepted during consultations. Confidential patient data must also be stored securely while at rest, to ensure the data isn’t exposed during a breach.

Secondly, employee education must be a priority as staff or contractors who can access telehealth apps will be able to view and amend highly sensitive PHI, potentially leading to accidental or deliberate leaks. Insider threats are particularly concerning in environments where access controls and monitoring are lax, allowing individuals to access or share data without detection.

Finally, if telehealth apps do not adhere to regulations like HIPAA in the US, or GDPR in the UK and Europe, they may fail to adequately protect patient data, leading to legal penalties and an increased risk of data breaches.

How can healthcare organisations use telehealth platforms while maintaining compliance?

It’s vital that telehealth apps are implemented within the business while remaining mindful of compliance regulations. If compliance requirements are overlooked, it can be extremely detrimental for businesses who may face hefty fines, reputational damage, and business losses.

Carolina Goncalves, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmica, says,

“The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act 2018 are designed to protect patient data. To remain compliant, organisations must obtain consent from patients before processing personal health information and ensure that data is stored and transferred securely. This includes implementing measures such as data encryption and access controls. Regular audits of digital systems and maintaining comprehensive audit trails of online consultations and interactions are crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability.”

Here are some more ways healthcare providers can ensure the telehealth apps they use are compliant with industry standards:

  • Choose HIPAA compliant platforms that offer features such as end-to-end encryption and access controls that protect patient data during transmission and storage.
  • Ensure that any third-party vendors or telehealth service providers sign a BAA that outlines their responsibility to protect patient information and comply with HIPAA regulations.
  • Train healthcare staff on the secure use of telehealth platforms, including recognising phishing attempts, securely handling patient information, and following proper protocols during virtual consultations.
  • Likewise, educate patients on how to securely access telehealth services, including tips on protecting their personal devices, recognising potential scams, and understanding their privacy rights.
  • Develop and implement clear telehealth policies that outline how telehealth should be conducted within the organisation. This should include guidelines on patient consent, documentation, and secure communication practices.

What HIPAA compliant platforms can be used for telehealth purposes?

There are a few HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms out there, designed to ensure secure communication and data protection for healthcare organisations, including:

1. Zoom for Healthcare

Most people are familiar with Zoom, and their option for the healthcare industry lives up to their stellar reputation. Offering secure, encrypted video conferencing, it includes features like virtual waiting rooms, session recording with patient consent, and integration with Electronic Health Records (EHR).

2. Doxy.me

Doxy.me is a simple, browser-based telehealth platform that requires no downloads. It offers end-to-end encryption, secure video calls, and is free for basic use, with premium features available.

3. VSee

Like Zoom for Healthcare, VSee also integrates with EHR systems and offers customisable solutions for different healthcare needs. It provides secure video conferencing, file sharing, and messaging services.

4. Cisco Webex for Healthcare

Cisco Webex provides secure video conferencing with features like end-to-end encryption, virtual waiting rooms, and integration with healthcare systems.

When choosing a platform, healthcare organisations should consider which platform will be the best fit for them, based on integration with existing systems, ease of use, and the level of technical support offered, as well as ensuring the telehealth company will complete a BAA.

How can Metomic help?

Metomic can enhance data security and compliance in healthcare organisations. Here's how:

  1. Data Discovery and Classification: Metomic helps organisations automatically discover and classify sensitive data across various SaaS and GenAI applications. This ensures that any PHI is identified and handled according to compliance requirements.
  2. Access Controls: Organisations can implement fine-grained access controls to ensure that only authorised users can access sensitive data, reducing the risk of unauthorised access to PHI.
  3. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts: Metomic continuously monitors data flows and access patterns in real-time, alerting administrators to any potential breaches or non-compliant behavior. This proactive approach helps in quickly addressing issues before they lead to data breaches.
  4. Compliance Reports: Metomic automates the process of compliance reporting, helping healthcare organisations easily generate reports that demonstrate adherence to HIPAA and other regulatory requirements.

To find out more, book a free risk assessment with one of our data security experts or get in touch with any questions you may have.

Rich Vibert

CEO & Co-founder

Rich Vibert is CEO and Co-founder of Metomic

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