A HIPAA compliant email protects and secures the protected health information you collect, store, and transmit at your clinic. Whether you are a dentist, healthcare clearinghouse, or therapist, the law mandates protecting client information with end-to-end encryptions and other strong security measures. Here are five reasons HIPPA secure emails help your clinic:
1. Secure Email Communications
Serving medical clients involves sharing sensitive details, like social security numbers, payment methods, prescriptions, and other health information. A HIPAA compliant email service uses sophisticated encryption to secure stored and in-transit data. End-to-end encryption keeps your communications private and only readable by the intended recipient. If a hacker intercepts the message, they cannot decipher it and obtain sensitive client details. Preventing unauthorized breaches and access allows you to maintain the integrity of client data and foster trust and credibility. Use protected email services for communications involving prescriptions, appointments, and test results.
2. Enhance Operational Efficiency
HIPAA secure emails offer the inherent advantages of emails over phone calls. You can receive multiple emails simultaneously and send personalized replies automatically. Response times for emails are usually shorter than for calls, which can take several minutes. Provider-client emails can also be integrated with your practice’s management software and incorporated into the clinic’s workflow.
HIPAA emails may also reduce miscommunication errors, as they allow your clinic to provide clear, typed instructions. Voice and phone communications are usually more vulnerable to misinterpretations. Secure emails help you schedule timely appointments and treatment follow-ups. They also allow faster, protected communication between patients and staff, improving workflow.
3. Mitigate Risk of Non-Compliance
Adopting HIPAA compliant communications allows you to follow regulatory guidelines and avoid legal issues and costly fines for privacy violations. Your clinic can send and explain lab test results to clients via phone recordings or emails. These communications feature sensitive details, such as medical diagnoses and prescriptions, that hackers could use to commit fraud for health insurance benefits. HIPAA secure emails restrict access to authorized personnel, keeping protected health information private. Insurance providers can also check whether your practice uses HIPAA compliant communications when responding to a client’s claim.
4. Create Logs and Audit Trails
HIPAA compliant systems feature sophisticated algorithms and AI mechanics that help gather, sort, and analyze email activity logs. Logging communications allows you to track messages and notifications for easy accountability. It also provides trails for auditing that can be analyzed for insight into client communications. Your clinic can run AI analytics to identify opportunities for improving customer service and reducing communication inefficiencies.
5. Obtain Timely Security Updates
HIPAA secure emails for healthcare practices are usually provided by leading security companies focusing on the industry. These companies provide the latest encryption certificates and measures to combat emerging threats. They also offer automatic security updates to keep your systems and communications safe. Your clinic can continue sending secure emails as cybersecurity threats change.
Get a HIPAA Compliant Email Today
Secure communications protect your clients’ privacy and your business from avoidable data breaches and lawsuits. Personalized services optimized for medical communications, including document storage and telehealth, are also available. Speak to a HIPAA compliant email service provider today to learn more about securing your clinic’s communications.