How Secure Text Messaging Solutions Comply with HIPAA
Secure text messaging solutions comply with HIPAA by allowing doctors to access protected ePHI via a secure platform once they have authenticated their identity. The platform has administrative controls to monitor usage of the text messaging solution and to ensure that communications are conducted in compliance with HIPAA.
Doctors receive ePHI in compliance with HIPAA via a secure TigerConnect app which can be downloaded onto their mobile devices or desktop computer, and which will allow them access to messages or any received PHI such as x-ray images, test reports and other patient data sent from the patient´s EMR or directly from the radiologist, laboratory or other authorized source.
The TigerConnect app has an interface that most doctors will be familiar with, as the process for sending and receiving ePHI is very similar to SMS. It incorporates similar features within the TigerConnect app for secure text messaging: allowing multiple parties to join discussion threads, doctors can collaborate with their colleagues on a patient´s healthcare in real time, even though they may be many miles apart.
To ensure doctors receive ePHI in compliance with HIPAA, messages containing ePHI can only be transmitted within a private network which is usually defined by the organization´s corporate directory. Doctors are unable to save ePHI onto their mobile devices, copy and paste ePHI, or forward messages containing sensitive patient data to destinations outside of the network.
Text messages sent via TigerConnect’s secure messaging platform have pre-determined message “lifespans”, so that they delete automatically after a set period of time; but, should a communication go astray – or a doctor´s mobile device is lost, stolen or otherwise disposed of – system administrators have the capability to remotely delete the communication or remotely wipe a doctor’s mobile device from the TigerConnect network to protect the integrity of any sent or received ePHI.