Every day, medical facilities deal with a large number of patients. Many people get routine check-ups after their sessions. Continuous doctor availability is essential to maintaining a positive patient experience for both inpatients and outpatients. Here’s where scheduling comes into play. Do your scheduling applications follow HIPAA guidelines if you work for a company that handles patient data?
This article will outline the best software solutions for keeping your workflows organized and compliant with HIPAA.
Overview of Scheduling Software That Is HIPAA Compliant
Software for scheduling appointments that complies with HIPAA is a virtual scheduling platform. It enables healthcare organizations to handle bookings and appointments without manual input.
Healthcare practitioners can streamline appointment and booking operations with the help of automated solutions provided by appointment scheduling software, leading to a more organized approach.
Healthcare facilities must ensure HIPAA rules are followed when using scheduling software. Online scheduling software must adhere to HIPAA security regulations and safeguard any gathered Protected Health Information (PHI) because even the tiniest processing error could cause a breach.
Top 7 HIPAA-Compliant Scheduling Software Options
To keep workflows organized and HIPAA-compliant, scheduling software that complies with the regulations must be there. The top 7 HIPAA-compliant scheduling software developed by healthcare software development company choices are as follows:
- Acuity Planning
- Awarenow
- CareCloud
- CentralReach
- NexHealth
- NueMD
- Phreesia
1. Acuity Planning
HIPAA compliance is guaranteed by the commonly used online scheduling tool Acuity Scheduling. It is willing to sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and offers a variety of security safeguards to protect PHI. However, a personalized Enterprise or Powerhouse plan must be registered to access HIPAA-compliant features.
2. Awarenow
Awarenow is appropriate for consulting businesses and corporate wellness providers, even if targeted toward coaches. This scheduling program complies with HIPAA and provides a BAA when required.
3. CareCloud
A cloud-based program called CareCloud has tools for scheduling appointments. A BAA is incorporated in its terms and conditions, and it comprises numerous security steps to set up the software following HIPAA standards.
4. CentralReach
Services for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy practitioners are CentralReach’s area of expertise. It has a BAA in its terms of service and complies with HIPAA security requirements and other security measures.
5. NexHealth
The BAA is included when registering for NexHealth, intended for covered companies. It guarantees that businesses take the necessary precautions to protect PHI. NexHealth adheres to HIPAA regulations.
6. NueMD
Numerous elements of NueMD, such as appointment scheduling, are designed to help healthcare practitioners run their businesses more efficiently. NueMD is HIPAA-compliant and offers a BAA to protect PHI from unauthorized access. It is designed for covered companies.
7. Phreesia
Serving healthcare professionals and pledging to sign a BAA is Phreesia. Additionally, it offers 24/7 electronic surveillance and security measures, including encryption. Phreesia is HIPAA compliant and carries the HITRUST CSF certification.
How to Ensure Your Software Is HIPAA-Compliant: More Information
How to Pick the Best Scheduling Software Compliant with HIPAA
Several scheduling software alternatives are on the market, but businesses must ensure they are HIPAA-compliant. There are some factors to consider when choosing appointment scheduling software, including:
- The software provider must approve a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
- Emails and text messages that are not encrypted are not recommended for sending or receiving protected health information (PHI).
- Third-party calendar syncing ought to be blocked or in line with HIPAA requirements.
- The software should only be accessed by authorized users.
- The software should permit adjustment of privacy and security settings and be in line with the needs of your healthcare organization.
HIPAA-Compliant Scheduling Software Benefits
Healthcare industry appointment-related procedures are made simpler by HIPAA-compliant scheduling software. Key advantages consist of:
- Processes become precise and efficient thanks to automation. Many healthcare professionals have noticed increased patient participation, especially in populations with high no-show or irregular attendance rates.
- Manual methods substantially impact patient satisfaction, frequently leading to inaccurate reservations, multiple bookings, and forgotten appointments.
- Wait times have decreased due to automated scheduling software, increasing overall productivity.
Conclusion
Getting the appropriate online appointment scheduling software is essential to maintain HIPAA compliance.
This software will connect with your cloud infrastructure to automate the compliance process. The excellent automation capabilities and user-friendliness are highlighted by G2’s ongoing recognition of it as a Leader in Security Compliance.
FAQs
1. Are there HIPAA-compliant scheduling software choices available?
No, not all choices for scheduling software adhere to HIPAA regulations. Since even insignificant information like names falls under Protected Health Information (PHI), online appointment scheduling software must abide by HIPAA rules and business associate standards.
2. Which scheduling program complies with HIPAA and is free?
Setmore is a free scheduling tool that supports company organization with 24/7 automated online reservations, payments, and reminders.
3. What does a system need to do to be HIPAA compliant?
Health insurance companies must adhere to network and cyber security standards under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).