Demand for telehealth continues to skyrocket, with more and more patients seeking opportunities for remote care. In fact, telehealth usage today is 38 times higher than it was before the pandemic. Today, more than three-quarters of U.S. hospitals use video and other technologies to connect with patients and consulting practitioners. Are you using the best-in-class HIPAA-compliant video conferencing software?
When it comes to searching for a HIPAA-compliant video conferencing solution, there are a few things to look out for. After all, not all platforms offer the same level of quality, security, and support. That’s why it’s critical to know what features the ideal HIPAA-compliant video conferencing solution should have and what to seek in a vendor.
Make Sure It’s HIPAA-compliant Video Conferencing Software
HIPAA covers all facets of healthcare, including technology. As a healthcare provider, you need to make sure that the systems and solutions you are using to process customer data are HIPAA-compliant and align with the latest HIPAA standards.
What to Look for in a Video Conferencing Platform
The video conferencing market is highly saturated, with many vendors offering similar solutions. This can make it difficult to filter through the noise and find the right platform for you. As you begin your search for a HIPAA-compliant telehealth solution, here are a few things to consider.
Support for group calls
Chances are your practice is prioritizing patient-centric care and looping in family members and caregivers in patient conversations. If so, it’s vital to make sure the platform you select can support group calls and securely connect at least four individuals during a single video chat session.
Secure information sharing
During a routine telehealth visit, a provider may need to capture information such as notes, video, audio, and screenshots. For this reason, the platform should allow a provider to securely capture and exchange information during telehealth visits without having to leave the portal or use a third-party service.
Easy accessibility
The platform should also be easy for providers and patients to use, with intuitive design, support for multiple languages, and the ability to send simple invitations via text or email.
How to Choose the Right HIPAA-Compliant Video Conferencing Partner
In addition to features, you also need to pay attention to the vendor behind the HIPAA-compliant video platform. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you narrow down your options.
Look for BAAs
When selecting a video partner, it’s important to make sure the vendor offers a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). This document legally binds the video-conferencing provider to the same HIPAA requirements as the user. To avoid HIPAA complications, steer clear of vendors that refuse to sign a BAA.
Focus on security
When searching for a video partner, security and privacy need to be top of mind. The vendor should provide end-to-end encryption to protect data along with built-in security safeguards that only administrators can access. Additional features include secure sign-on, identity verification, and vendor access auditing to limit who can see sensitive information.
Prioritize customer support
Eventually, your video conferencing solution will require some troubleshooting. For example, a doctor may have trouble accessing their account. Because of this, it’s vital to select a vendor with a strong commitment to customer service, including after-hours support. The vendor should be immediately accessible and capable of resolving issues promptly.
How to Implement HIPAA-compliant Video Conferencing Software
It’s important to keep it simple when implementing a video conferencing solution. If you want your patients and clinicians to use your platform, it has to be easy to log in and use.
For this reason, avoid platforms that require any downloads or installations. The platform should work anywhere, on any device, with just a few clicks.
Secure and Reliable Video Conferencing Made Easy with Updox
Updox is a leading healthcare communications enabler that offers cutting-edge, HIPAA-compliant patient virtual care solutions. With the help of Updox, your facility can accommodate virtual visits while staying in line with evolving HIPAA standards.
To experience Updox and learn how the platform can benefit your healthcare organization, try a free demo today.
