It is without a doubt that Telemedicine EMR Software solutions have empowered healthcare providers to extend care in the best possible way. However, clinicians cannot ignore the fact that once the telehealth platform is used the patients and their health data are exposed to cybersecurity threats and issues. Healthcare providers and software professionals should take all privacy measures and ensure that the data is secured and encrypted.

As the telemedicine solution is being embraced by hospital facilities and clinicians because of its many benefits, it must be ensured that the platform is being designed in a way that meets all HIPAA requirements to secure patient data round the clock.

7 ways to ensure that your Telemedicine Platform is Safe

Here are a few ways which can ensure that patient data is safe and makes virtual healthcare sessions more powerful.

  • The healthcare providers should only look out for telehealth EHR software solutions that are HIPAA Compliant and ensure safe video conferencing facilities for both patients and doctors.
  • Through measures like training, documentation, and webinars healthcare providers can be kept updated regarding the best cybersecurity practices. For example, physicians can be educated about secure screen-sharing methods. It is preferable when healthcare professionals share their screen during a virtual session they should share by the application instead of their entire desktop. This makes certain that they don’t accidentally expose patient data to a third party or a wrong person.
  • Providers can help to keep patient data safer by minimizing the steps required by the patients to join the telehealth appointment. Schedulers and doctors can ask patients to make video calls from their desktop’s browser which avoids them to download the app. Patients can also be given the option to join the meeting with an audio-only choice which enables patients to connect the virtual session over the phone’s audio without relying on data.
  • Ensure that you keep up with the regulatory changes as they happen at a fast pace.
  • While providers are establishing a telemedicine EMR software platform it is crucial to use virtual private networks (VPNs) to protect communications while linking remotely with enterprise networks. VPNs ensure that sensitive data is encrypted goes through appropriate corporate channels. It has been recorded that the use of VPNs has increased by 124% in the past several weeks.
  • Healthcare providers should invest in cybersecurity insurance. The purchase of effective cybersecurity policies can help prevent the risk of data breaches as they offer protective software and IT security support.
  • Medical setups and clinicians should make sure that all mobile devices, communication systems, and software is encrypted to reduce the risk of technology breaches through unsecured devices.

Conclusion

With the COVID-19 pandemic telemedicine software solutions are escalating to ensure patients can be diagnosed and treated from their homes. It is the duty of healthcare professionals and software vendors to give utmost priority to patient cybersecurity. The increase in cybersecurity threats such as phishing attacks is having an impact on online practices. Fortunately, the use of the above-mentioned tricks will ensure healthcare professionals that sensitive patient data will remain safe as these are the best practices for telehealth IT security.