The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements govern the handling of protected health information (PHI). Medical professionals handling PHI need to follow particular guidelines to protect people’s private information, creating the need to be HIPAA compliant when communicating via email. Here are the types of medical professionals that require a HIPAA compliant email:
Doctors, Nurses, and Clinicians
Medical professionals handle sensitive information throughout their clinical practice. Doctors receive requests for referrals to specialists or other providers via email. Such emails may include patients’ medical history and the reasons for the referral. Doctors also handle PHI during treatment and follow-up. Their patients may use email as a mode of communication, compelling these professionals to be HIPAA compliant.
Professionals handling medical records need to take the necessary steps to be compliant. Such professionals handle information concerning test results, imaging reports, treatment history, and personal medical records. Certain medical professionals can inquire about such records via email, necessitating protected communications.
Psychologists and Therapists
Specialists and doctors can receive inquiries regarding post-treatment care instructions, follow-up appointments, and rehabilitation plans via email. Failure to be diligent in protecting patient health information can expose such professionals to fines, penalties, or termination. These specialists can also use their email to correspond with other healthcare organizations.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists need a HIPAA compliant email because they receive requests for prescription refills via email. The practice of requesting prescription medication through email is common for these professionals. Emails can include details such as the medication name, pharmacy information, patient details, and dosage. Pharmacists need to protect such information due to HIPAA regulations. They can protect this sensitive information with the help of a protected email service.
Healthcare Assistants
Assistants to healthcare providers receive requests for appointments through email. The information sent via email includes PHI and information regarding dates and times. Personal assistants need a HIPAA compliant email to effectively schedule appointments and communicate with patients.
Billing and Health Insurance Professionals
Individuals seeking clarification regarding insurance coverage, medical bills, or payment modes can do so via email. When such individuals ask for assistance, professionals may handle sensitive insurance information. They must verify that their email communications are secure to avoid insurance fraud or identity theft.
Healthcare Organization Administrators
Administrators in healthcare firms need to adhere to HIPAA regulations in their correspondence via email. These professionals interact with staff, colleagues, and other organizations via email. Patients can also provide feedback and concerns regarding their experience and quality of care. Email can also be used to offer constructive ideas to improve services and follow up with disputes. This requires administrators to comply with HIPAA rules and regulations.
Telemedicine Professionals
Patients may request virtual appointments and consultations with providers via email. The contents of the email may contain the nature of the appointment and preferred platform for their telecommunications. Telemedicine providers need to secure their online platforms and communication methods.
Find a HIPAA Compliant Email Service Today
Professionals who have access to PHI need to be HIPAA compliant to avoid third-party interception of emails by unauthorized users. The HIPAA Privacy Rule allows healthcare professionals to communicate electronically via mediums such as email. The rule requires providers to institute reasonable safeguards when using such mediums. Contact a reputable email service provider to help you implement safeguards for your emails today.