Choosing a Telehealth Video Conferencing Platform
Providers considering adding telehealth services to their practice often wonder if they can use everyday telecommunications software to conduct virtual visits. Although these platforms enable high quality audio and visual communication, they do not offer protection from unauthorized access.
During the global health emergency, the HHS has relaxed HIPAA-compliance penalties for using platforms like Zoom. However, it’s important that providers continue to ensure the safety and security of protected health information (PHI) and electronic protected health information (ePHI). Using a platform that is not HIPAA-compliant could lead to major problems for the practice.
Zoom for Telehealth
In April 2020, Zoom released a new version of its popular video conferencing software for healthcare providers. Zoom for Telehealth makes it possible for providers to offer patients HIPAA-compliant telehealth services using the video conferencing platform.
Zoom for Telehealth offers cloud-based, high quality audio and video capabilities. Providers can use Zoom for Telehealth to conduct virtual visits with patients. The platform features AES-256-bit encryption and offers a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
The standard paid and free versions of Zoom do not include any of the safety features required for HIPAA compliance. Using these versions to conduct virtual visits increases the chance of unauthorized access to PHI.
Integrated Telehealth Solutions
Although several providers have already taken advantage of Zoom’s healthcare platform, many find it does not offer the tools and features needed to run their business efficiently. Fortunately, Zoom allows for integration with telehealth workflow software through the Zoom Technology Partner program.
Working with a Zoom Technology Partner, like Let’s Talk Interactive, healthcare professionals can take advantage of state-of-the-art telehealth workflow software, while utilizing the familiar video conferencing platform. Let’s Talk Interactive builds their telehealth solutions around the provider’s Zoom license.
HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth Solutions
Providers considering investing in telehealth software or solutions should act fast. The number of patients seeking telehealth services has reached an all-time high in recent months. This isn’t expected to change, as patients and providers continue to realize the benefits of virtual care and it won’t be long before most visits occur over the Internet. Providers that do not offer these services will likely fall behind their competition in the coming months.
Let’s Talk Interactive offers HIPAA-compliant telehealth solutions for healthcare professionals looking to increase accessibility to care, improve outcomes, and remain competitive in the healthcare industry. As a Zoom Technology Partner, we are well prepared to help providers custom build a telehealth solution around their existing Zoom license. Our telehealth solutions allow providers to record session notes, share patient files and information securely, accept credit cards online, schedule appointments, send appointment reminders, and more.
Please contact us to learn how Let’s Talk Interactive can get your practice up and running on Zoom.