Medium-sized practices utilize digital communication channels, like email, when interacting with patients. Email allows healthcare providers to share patient data regarding appointments, prescriptions, and test results. With the sensitive nature of such information, healthcare professionals need to use Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant email. Here are the reasons why medium-sized practices require HIPAA compliant email:
Secure Email Communications
Email communications between healthcare providers and patients, or other professionals, need to be adequately secured. Communications may relate to patient treatment plans, billing options, and more. Before an email reaches the receiver’s server, strong security measures are required to safeguard it from unauthorized access. This protection is also critical when securing Protected Health Information (PHI), such as patient names, medical histories, and insurance information.
Leveraging HIPAA compliant email provides an effective way to protect email communications in medium-sized practices. A HIPAA amenable email utilizes advanced security features like access control and end-to-end encryption to secure patients’ PHI. With strong security measures, healthcare providers can prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.
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Reduce Errors
Verbal communication between healthcare providers and patients might be prone to errors. Errors can occur when healthcare providers mix up details or misinterpret information during a phone conversation. With HIPAA compliant email, it’s easier for medium-sized practices to avoid communication errors.
HIPAA conformable email services provide a data backup plan for storing incoming and outgoing emails. This allows healthcare professionals to follow up on treatment plans and patient conversations. They can also provide clear instructions to patients, which are sent and saved in their inboxes. Data backup enables patients and professionals to retrieve archived information for clarification purposes.
Block Spam and Viruses
Email is a potential entry point for cybercriminals, leading to a potential breach. Cybercriminals might send email viruses and spam to lure healthcare professionals to open attached files or click on links. Opening infected files or clicking on infected links can lead to cyberattacks.
To protect medium-sized practices from email-based cyberattacks, healthcare providers need to block spam and viruses. A reliable email will provide an anti-spam system that detects and blocks untrustworthy emails. This system can prevent email spam and viruses from landing in the receiver’s inbox. Utilizing such a feature enables healthcare providers to block unwanted senders manually. It also deletes suspicious emails, protecting organizations from spam and malware-infected emails.
Improve Patient Engagement
This study reveals that 70% of patients are willing to use email to communicate with healthcare professionals. Email communications allow medium-sized practices to deliver efficient and reliable communications. By adopting HIPAA conformable email, patients are assured that their sensitive data is secure. Healthcare providers and patients will transact information without worrying about data breaches or interference.
This assurance allows both parties to communicate freely, improving patient engagement. Healthcare providers can send timely information to patients regarding test results, preventive care, and more. Improved engangement can lead to more patient satisfaction. They’re also more likely to follow treatment plans and adopt healthier behaviors to improve their health.
Utilizing HIPAA Compliant Email
Medium-sized practices can secure patients’ PHI and communications by leveraging HIPAA compliant email services. With robust security measures, it’s easier for healthcare providers to prevent cybercriminals from accessing their email. The email service implements access control, a backup plan, and end-to-end encryption to maintain data integrity. Make your medium-sized practice’s email HIPAA compliant today to secure patients’ health information.
