Secure communication matters when sharing sensitive information, especially in the healthcare industry. Protecting patient privacy and enhancing patient care quality are crucial in the healthcare industry. Secure information and protected communication help both patients and healthcare providers mitigate risks of cybersecurity and HIPAA violations. In addition, they build trust between patients and healthcare providers. 

Read this guide to learn more about HIPAA privacy rules, the importance of patient health information, and the best platform for HIPAA-compliant calling services. So, let’s delve into it.

What is the HIPAA Privacy Rule?

Sharing information nowadays is way easier than before. But when it comes to sharing patient health information, it becomes a critical concern for entities, individuals or firms protecting the integrity and secrecy of patient data. Also, it makes patients uncertain about the protection of medical records.
 
The HIPAA privacy rule protects patient health information (PHI) or patient identifiable information. It applies to all organizations that handle patient health information, and violating HIPAA rules and regulations has consequences.

Patient Rights Under HIPAA Privacy Rules

According to the privacy rule, patients have the right to access, amend, and request restrictions. Moreover, it empowers patients to submit complaints to HSS (Department of Health and Human Services) if covered entities or business associates violate patient HIPAA rights.

Robotalker - Secure Patient Communication

For HIPAA-covered entities, protecting patient health information privacy might be difficult over text messages, voice calls or video calls. It is recommended that a secure platform specifically designed for patient communication be leveraged. There can be many ways to protect PHI, such as 
  • Verifying caller/patient
  • Using encrypted software
  • Documenting calls
  • Informing patients about the risks of sharing PHI over an insecure medium.
  • Taking patient written consent for disclosing health information.

However, using secure HIPAA Compliant phone calling software that offers all security features can make your work easier and save you a lot of time. Robotalker is a reliable platform for secure patient communication. It offers unmatched security, enhanced efficiency, scalability, and flexibility. Additionally, Robotalker prioritizes patient privacy by strictly adhering to HIPAA privacy and security regulations. 

Conclusion

Secure patient communication and patients' rights to protect health information is no longer an option; it’s necessary. For healthcare providers, health plans, health clearinghouses, or business associates handling Patient Health Information (PHI), safeguarding patient privacy is compulsory and crucial to establishing patient trust and satisfaction. With Robotalker's secure phone calling and automated appointment reminding services, you can win patient confidence and streamline your workflow. Leverage Robotaler’s best phone calling and automated text messaging services for secure patient communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of the HIPAA privacy rule?
The main concern of the HIPAA privacy rule is safeguarding patient-sensitive health information shared by HIPAA-covered entities or business associates handling PHI. The HIPAA privacy rule aims to grant patients access to control their health information and the right to protect the confidentiality of their health data shared by Healthcare providers or covered entities.

What is the distinction between HIPAA privacy and security rules?
The HIPAA privacy rule protects patient health information shared via any medium; on the other hand, the HIPAA security rule protects the integrity and confidentiality of electronic protected health information (ePHI). The HIPAA privacy and security rules enhance patient care and sensitive information protection in the healthcare industry.

Does HIPAA only apply to the US?
The answer is very simple: HIPAA regulations do not cover extraterritorial jurisdiction. HIPAA is only for protecting individuals' health information in the United States. All the HIPAA-covered entities protect the PHI rights of US citizens or non-citizens.