HIPAA Compliant Messaging

How do Apps for Secure Text Messaging Work?

Apps for secure text messaging work by allowing access to a software-as-a-service “On Demand” platform to send and receive ePHI in a manner compliant with the HIPAA regulations. The platform has administrative controls to safeguard the integrity of the ePHI, as well as fulfilling the technical and physical safeguards of the HIPAA Security Rule.

When an authorized user wants to communicate sensitive patient information securely, the recipient receives a notification linking to the information, but can only access it after authenticating their identity with a unique username and password. Thereafter the recipient can read the secure message, send replies, and upload attachments such as documents and images.

The HIPAA compliant text messaging platform enables multiple parties to be involved in the same discussion to collaborate on a patient’s healthcare, with the result that workflows are streamlined, productivity is increased and costs are reduced.

In a healthcare environment, apps for secure text messaging in compliance with HIPAA can also help to improve the standard of healthcare received by patients when physician consults, diagnoses, laboratory results, the administration of treatment and patient discharges can all be accelerated by secure messaging.

The Features and Benefits of Apps for Secure Messaging

Many of the features present in apps for secure messaging were originally developed in order to safeguard sensitive patient information and comply with the HIPAA regulations. Many of these features have also been found to offer additional benefits to healthcare organizations:

• Healthcare professionals can communicate from any desktop computer or mobile device on which apps for secure messaging exist, enabling them to send and receive ePHI “on-the-go” with secure texting.
• The need for follow-up emails and phone calls is eliminated due to delivery notifications confirming the delivery of secure messages, and read receipts advising the sender of the message when it has been read.
• Features such as message recall, message lifespan (the ability to assign a pre-determined “life” to a message), and remote wipe help remove the threat of sensitive patient information being compromised if a mobile device is stolen or lost.
• The integration of apps for secure messaging with a corporate directory allows administrators to quickly manage accessibility settings and authorized users can more easily find one another within their network.
• The automatically produced audit logs accelerate administrator’s risk management analysis and ensure that organizational policies relating to HIPAA compliant text messaging are adhered to.

Each of these features helps to safeguard the integrity of ePHI, streamline workflows, increase productivity and improve the standard of patient healthcare in a cost-effective manner.

Considerations when Selecting a HIPAA Compliant Messaging Solution

Although many apps for secure text messaging share similar features, not all HIPAA compliant messaging solutions are the same, and we have compiled a white paper – “Top 10 Considerations when Selecting a Secure Messaging Solution” – to help organizations distinguish between TigerConnect’s HIPAA compliant text messaging solution and other products which are on the market.

Our “Top 10 Considerations” gives a brief introduction into the regulations for HIPAA compliant messaging, continues by discussing how to evaluate the technical and functional requirements of apps for secure text messaging, and concludes by offering a few criteria that will help you evaluate vendors of apps for secure text messaging in compliance with HIPAA.

We suggest considering the resources that a vendor allocates to technology vision – so that their HIPAA compliant text messaging solution can manage modified work practices, improved technology and future legislation – and we recommend that a vendor should be able to demonstrate a positive customer experience. Overall, our “Top 10 Considerations” is an essential guide to ensuring the most appropriate HIPAA compliant messaging solution is chosen for your specific circumstances.

What’s New in TigerConnect’s HIPAA Compliant Text Messaging App?

TigerConnect’s HIPAA compliant messaging solution has already been implemented in more than 5,000 facilities and we already facilitate more than 150 million secure messages each month. Recently we have introduced further features on our apps for secure messaging, allowing for further collaboration and efficiency in the workplace:

• An enhanced message forwarding feature enables colleagues and associates to securely join an existing discussion thread.
• An “is typing” message now appears when users are writing a response, so that message senders are aware that a reply is on its way.
• A new “Do Not Disturb” feature allows users to leave bespoke message similar to an “Out of Office” auto-reply with details of alternate contacts.
• A delivery escalation function sends notifications to alternate SMS and email channels after 2 minutes if an authorized user’s mobile device is out of range of a Wi-Fi or 3G service.
• TigerConnect’s multiple inbox facility allows messages from various sources to be accessed from one convenient menu when an authorized user is attached to more than one organization.

Speak with TigerConnect about Apps for Secure Text Messaging

To find out more about TigerConnect’s app for secure messaging, you are invited to download and read our white paper – “Top 10 Considerations when Selecting a Secure Messaging Solution” – and thereafter contact us with any questions you may have about HIPAA compliant text messaging solutions or TigerConnect’s app for secure text messaging.

Alternatively, you are welcome to read our case studies, which provide further illustrations of how TigerConnect’s apps for secure text messaging can enhance employee workflows, increase productivity and raise the standard of patient healthcare, or request a free demo of TigerConnect’s HIPAA compliant text messaging solution in action.