The biggest concern for healthcare businesses is communication. Communicating effectively and safely with staff, other practitioners, and patients is essential. But, like most things in healthcare, there are rules to follow.
In today’s digital world, businesses want to use remote and electronic communications and must be HIPPA compliant. That requires safety precautions to be in place. How can healthcare businesses practice confidential and safety-compliant communication?
Use Proper Technology
Technology plays a critical role in business communication for healthcare. Products such as Verkada help to protect patient privacy and keep data secure. This system serves as a shield to help maintain compliance in healthcare communications.
Verkada’s integrated security platform offers:
- Privacy screens
- Crowd notifications
- Face blurring
- After-hour alerts
- Occupancy trends
- Person of interest reports
Devices used for communication seamlessly integrate into the platform, enhancing security.
Automate Routine Communications
Often, communication violations sneak into things like appointment reminders and patient emails. Automating these tasks can help prevent issues. The automation ensures that every piece of communication follows a HIPAA-compliant template. That way, private information is not inadvertently sent.
This automation should also include routine communications between practitioners and other businesses, such as insurance providers.
Secure Email Communication
Not all communication is routine, though. For example, some patients prefer emails, making staying compliant more difficult because the information may not fit into a template. There are also cybersecurity concerns with email communications.
The answer isn’t as complicated as it seems, though. Simple email encryption will make data unreadable to anyone but the addressee and the sender. Encryption is an effective and appropriate safeguard for email communication for patients or other healthcare facilities.
Staff Training
A healthcare business’ onboard training should include communication and HIPPA compliance. Staff should not have to wonder how to communicate safely, especially remotely. Instead, they should learn upfront what devices and communication methods are safe and how to implement precautions.
For example, texting sensitive data is not secure. It is, however, a simple and tempting way to reach someone. Therefore, it is something that should always be approached with caution.
Staff training should include any new technology, as well. New systems require time to integrate into the business thoroughly. Plan ahead and make sure staff is well-trained before implementing.
Patient Portals For Patient Communications
Patient portals are not only convenient, but they are also a requirement to meet Meaningful Use guidelines. They have a secure system for patient communication, which practices should use when dealing with patients.
Have Communication Protocols in Place
Most importantly, medical offices and practices must have established communication protocols covering everything from emails to social media. They should promote not only safe but efficient communication standards.
Business communications in healthcare are more complex than in other sectors. Therefore, having the right tools to secure and keep HIPAA compliant is critical.
