Telehealth or telemedicine is fast becoming a preferred method of providing healthcare services for patients who can’t travel long distances for medical care. It gives the patient access to the necessary providers in a more convenient method, while at the same time reducing patients’ overall healthcare costs.
However, remote healthcare access opens up issues for the privacy and security of patient information. Patient data may be accessible to more people, making it more susceptible to privacy and security threats. That’s where HIPAA compliance comes into play.
What Is HIPAA?
HIPAA, which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, provides privacy protections to maintain the confidentiality of patient information, including the right to have access to and control over certain records that contain personal health information.
It requires that all patient records be kept private, secure, and confidential. It also gives patients the right to examine their records, the right to request corrections to their records, and the right to receive notification in case of a security breach or unauthorized release.
What Is Telehealth Or Telemedicine?
Telehealth or telemedicine is the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely. Instead of office visits, doctors can now diagnose and prescribe treatment plans from a distance via Internet video conferencing, phone, text messages, faxes, email, and other technological means.
Why Is HIPAA Important In Telehealth?
Remotely providing healthcare services also means healthcare providers need to transmit patient data over cyberspace, and HIPAA establishes conditions to make this exchange secure and confidential.
Many mistakenly assume that compliance is unnecessary if the communication is directly between two HIPAA-covered entities or between the patient and the provider.
However, the method or communication channel is one of the many other factors all healthcare professionals and covered entities should consider to ensure compliance.
HIPAA Guidelines On Telehealth
The HIPAA Privacy Rule allows HIPAA-covered entities to disclose protected health information to a business associate for the proper management and administration of the healthcare provider’s practice, including the appropriate billing of healthcare services.
The HIPAA Security Rule requires HIPAA-covered entities to:
1. Implement A Secure Communication Channel
Telehealth services might be accessible through any means, such as video conferencing, Internet, faxes, or even by phone.
That’s why covered entities should ensure that all information must be transmitted over a secure connection and communication channel to ensure that third parties can’t intercept the data. Regular SMS or email isn’t safe, thus, shouldn’t be used to transmit patient data.
2. Monitor Communication Channels
HIPAA requires that covered entities have a monitoring system in place that’ll help them identify potential risks or vulnerabilities in the covered entity’s technology infrastructure.
3. Implement Strict Access Controls
Only specific individuals should have access to patient data. Allowing too many people (and more so the wrong people) to see sensitive data can cause security breaches and HIPAA violations.
The Threats Of Unsecured Data – The Disadvantages Of Non-HIPAA Compliance
The countless ways entities can communicate electronically means more paths PHI (Protected Health Information) can be compromised.
Whether it’s an accidental email with the wrong patient’s name, a cyber attacker getting access to critical patient information, or a breach of patient data in transit to another healthcare provider, the risks and possible legal ramifications are also numerous.
The agency responsible for enforcing HIPAA rules has levied millions of dollars in fines against HIPAA-covered entities who have compromised patient records.
Under HIPAA, covered entities are held responsible for any patient data that’s disclosed.
How To Comply With HIPAA Requirements
Following the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules will help healthcare professionals ensure patient data remains secure at every step of the telehealth process.
Communication Channels & Methods
Utilizing electronic means of communicating patient information is an obvious advantage to telehealth services, but it also opens up more loopholes for the security of patient data.
Covered entities should consider the following when choosing electronic communication channels for telehealth:
- The nature, format, and permanence of the information transmitted
- The likelihood of changes to the format or content of the data by parties with access
- The authentication of the identities of third parties with access to the data
- The possibility of interception and tampering with transmitted data
- The robustness of security measures associated with the communication channel
Authentication
When considering authentication, covered entities must think about how they’ll authenticate the identity of patients, providers, and other relevant parties involved with the transaction.
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends these three steps for authentication:
- Ensure the person is who they claim to be.
- Verify that you’re communicating with the correct individual or entity.
- Assess that the person or entity seeking access is authorized to do so.
HIPAA-Compliant Software
Healthcare professionals using information systems to exchange patient data should ensure the system is HIPAA-compliant.
HIPAA-compliant software provides a reliable method for protecting PHI, and they also give providers a more efficient way to do their job. Tools such as encryption software, secure messaging apps, and identity management systems can bolster a practice’s ability to secure patient data.
HIPPA Medical File Sharing
While HIPAA violations aren’t typically associated with file sharing between providers, there are ways patient data can be compromised during the process. Thus, physicians should have an understanding of their legal responsibilities when it comes to sharing data with other physicians.
They should also know how to avoid common mistakes that could put patient PHI at risk, such as failing to secure file-sharing services or using non-compliant email applications.
Final Words:
As the healthcare industry becomes more connected, doctors and other healthcare professionals must understand how to use electronic communication channels in their daily practice.
When transmitting PHI in telehealth practices, covered entities need to think carefully about the nature, format, and permanence of the data they’re exchanging.
They must also make sure third parties involved in the transaction are authenticated, and that patient data is appropriately encrypted and secured.
Covered entities must understand HIPAA’s rules and regulations, as well as their legal responsibilities for protecting electronic data to keep patient PHI secure.
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FAQs
What does HIPAA stand for?
HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
What is the purpose of HIPAA?
The purpose of HIPAA is to protect individuals’ privacy and ensure the security of their health information. It sets standards for the electronic exchange, privacy, and security of protected health information (PHI).
What is protected health information (PHI)?
Protected health information (PHI) refers to any individually identifiable health information, including medical records, lab results, treatment history, and insurance information. It includes both electronic and physical records.
Who does HIPAA apply to?
HIPAA applies to covered entities, which include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. It also applies to business associates who handle PHI on behalf of covered entities, such as IT companies or billing services.
Why is HIPAA important?
HIPAA is important because it safeguards sensitive health information, ensuring individuals have control over who can access their PHI. It establishes rules and safeguards to protect patient privacy, reduce fraud and abuse, and promote the secure exchange of health information. Compliance with HIPAA regulations helps maintain trust between patients and healthcare providers while safeguarding confidential medical information.