What is MIPS?

Before diving into the updates, let’s briefly revisit what MIPS is all about. MIPS is a program introduced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to incentivize eligible clinicians to provide high-quality care through value-based payments. MIPS consolidates three existing quality reporting programs into one cohesive program:

• Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), 
• Value-Based Payment Modifier (VM), and 
• Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program for Eligible Professionals

The 2024 EHR Software MIPS Update: What’s New?

1. Performance Threshold Adjustments

One of the significant changes introduced in the 2024 MIPS update is the adjustment of the performance threshold. The performance threshold is the minimum score required to avoid negative payment adjustments. With the 2024 update, CMS has raised the performance threshold. This means clinicians will need to meet higher standards to avoid penalties and potentially qualify for incentives.

2. Quality Measure Changes for EHR Software

CMS regularly updates the quality measures used in MIPS to ensure they accurately reflect the quality of care provided. In the 2024 update, several new quality measures have been introduced, while others have been modified or removed. EHR software must be updated to accommodate these changes, ensuring clinicians can accurately report on the required quality measures.

3. Promoting Interoperability (PI) Category Updates

The Promoting Interoperability (PI) category of MIPS focuses on encouraging the use of certified EHR technology to support the exchange of health information and improve interoperability. In the 2024 update, there are revisions to the requirements and scoring methodology for the PI category. EHR software vendors must ensure their platforms meet the updated requirements to help users achieve high scores in this category.

4. Cost Category Adjustments

The Cost category of MIPS evaluates clinicians’ resource use by assessing the cost of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries. In the 2024 update, CMS has made adjustments to how the Cost category is calculated. This includes updates to the measures used and the weighting of this category in the overall MIPS score. EHR software should support clinicians in tracking and optimizing resource utilization to improve performance in the Cost category.

What Does This Mean for EHR Software Users?

Let’s explore what the 2024 MIPS updates mean for users of EHR software.

1. Enhanced Reporting Capabilities

With the introduction of new quality measures and changes to existing ones, EHR software users can expect enhancements to reporting capabilities. Software vendors will update their platforms to ensure clinicians can easily capture and report on the required data points to meet MIPS requirements.

2. Improved EHR Software Interoperability Features

Interoperability is a core focus of the MIPS program, and the updates in the Promoting Interoperability category underscore the importance of seamless data exchange. EHR software users can anticipate improvements in interoperability features, making it easier to share patient information securely across different systems and organizations.

3. Streamlined Workflow Integration

As MIPS requirements evolve, EHR software vendors will work to streamline the integration of MIPS-related tasks into clinicians’ workflows. This includes optimizing user interfaces, providing educational resources, and offering support to help users navigate the MIPS reporting process efficiently.

4. Continued Emphasis on Data Accuracy and Security

With the MIPS program placing a significant emphasis on data accuracy and security, EHR software users can expect continued efforts from vendors to ensure their platforms comply with stringent data standards and security protocols. This includes implementing robust data validation measures and adhering to industry best practices for protecting patient information.

Stay Informed and Updated on MIPS Reporting

One of the foundational pillars for successful MIPS reporting is staying informed about program changes and updates. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regularly releases guidelines, measures, and performance thresholds that impact reporting requirements. Healthcare providers should stay abreast of these changes to ensure their reporting strategies align with the latest regulations. Subscribing to newsletters, participating in webinars, and engaging with professional organizations can be effective ways to stay informed about MIPS updates.

Understand MIPS Reporting Categories and Measures

MIPS reporting is divided into four performance categories: Quality, Promoting Interoperability (PI), Improvement Activities (IA), and Cost. Each category carries a specific weight in the final MIPS score, which directly influences reimbursement. Providers must have a thorough understanding of the measures within each category, as well as their individual and collective impact on the overall score. Identifying high-scoring measures relevant to the practice is crucial for optimizing MIPS performance.

Choose Measures Strategically

Strategic measure selection is key to improving MIPS reporting performance. Providers should evaluate available measures within each category and choose those that align with their practice’s goals and patient population. Prioritize measures that reflect the practice’s strengths while addressing potential areas for improvement. Additionally, consider the benchmarks for each measure, aiming to achieve performance levels that surpass the minimum requirements to maximize points.

Implement Technology Solutions

Leveraging technology solutions can significantly enhance MIPS reporting efficiency and accuracy. Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems with MIPS functionalities can automate data collection, measurement calculations, and reporting processes. These systems not only streamline the reporting workflow but also reduce the likelihood of errors associated with manual data entry. Investing in advanced technology ensures that the practice is well-equipped to meet MIPS requirements while focusing on delivering quality patient care.

Engage in Continuous Performance Monitoring for MIPS Reporting

Regularly monitoring performance throughout the reporting period allows providers to promptly identify potential issues and implement corrective measures. Establishing a system for continuous performance monitoring ensures that the practice remains on track to achieve MIPS goals. Providers can use performance dashboards, reports, and analytics tools to track their progress and make informed decisions to optimize performance in real time.

Requirements of MIPS Reporting

Prioritize Interoperability and Health Information Exchange

Interoperability is a critical aspect of MIPS reporting, especially within the Promoting Interoperability category. Ensure your EHR system supports health information exchange (HIE) and meets interoperability standards. Seamless data exchange between healthcare entities enhances reporting accuracy and contributes to a comprehensive view of patient health, ultimately improving the overall quality of care.

Educate and Engage Staff in MIPS Reporting

MIPS reporting success is a team effort, and it’s essential to educate and engage staff at all levels. Ensure that everyone involved in the reporting process understands their roles and responsibilities. Regular training sessions can help staff stay informed about MIPS requirements, measure specifications, and report deadlines. By fostering a culture of engagement and accountability, providers can optimize the entire reporting workflow.

Optimize Cost Efficiency

The Cost category in MIPS evaluates the overall resource utilization and cost of care provided to patients. To improve performance in this category, providers should focus on optimizing cost efficiency without compromising the quality of care. Implementing cost-effective practices, such as reducing unnecessary tests or hospital readmissions, can positively impact the Cost category score.

Participate in Improvement Activities

The Improvement Activities category assesses efforts to enhance clinical practice and patient outcomes. Participating in improvement activities not only contributes to a higher MIPS score but also aligns with the broader goal of delivering better patient care. Identify and engage in activities that address specific areas for improvement within the practice, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing quality enhancement.

Seek Professional Assistance for MIPS Reporting

Navigating the complexities of MIPS reporting can be challenging, especially for smaller practices with limited resources. Seeking professional assistance from consultants, healthcare advisors, or MIPS reporting specialists can provide valuable insights and guidance. These professionals can help tailor reporting strategies to the unique needs of the practice, ensuring optimal performance and maximum reimbursement.

Practice Fusion EHR Software Features

Streamlined Charting

Customizable and adaptable, Practice Fusion EHR charts are made for every practice. Providers can choose from a library of templates, and customize them with unique shortcuts for faster encounters and documentation. Patient history is easily retrievable and easy to glean at a glance.

Seamless e-Prescribing

Healthcare practices can manage medication and prescriptions online through Practice Fusion EHR with any e-prescribing-enabled pharmacy. This includes prescriptions for controlled substances (EPCS). Additionally, seamless e-prescriptions save time for both healthcare providers as well as patients.

Efficient Connectivity

Providers can select from 98,000 pharmacies and 500 lab and imaging centers to order tests and share results with patients. Practice Fusion EHR allows you to optimize health information exchange through its efficient connectivity features and patient portals. The information exchange includes immunization registries and other valuable integrations.

Flexible Billing Options

Billing is made easy with Practice Fusion EHR’s electronic superbill. You can choose from a list of partners that provide web-based medical billing software. Accurate claim submissions are a cinch because Practice Fusion EHR is ICD-10 certified. Insurance eligibility can easily be checked electronically before, during, or after a visit.

Participate in Quality Initiatives

It’s easier to navigate patient progress with the insightful dashboards available on Practice Fusion EHR platforms. It even allows healthcare providers to submit reporting data directly to CMS through their EHR, saving time and hassle. With a Health It certification of 2015, Practice Fusion EHR allows providers to take part in quality initiatives like MIPS and boasts educational and training materials.

Practice Fusion EHR Software MIPS Dashboard

Strengths of Practice Fusion EHR Software

Competitive Pricing

Starting at $149 per month, Practice Fusion EHR’s Provider License plan includes implementation, training, and timely customer support. It allows one healthcare provider to perform both clinical and non-clinical EHR-related tasks. Up to three users are allowed access to upload, schedule, and chart notes and other documents while unlimited users in the non-signing staff category can carry out non-clinical functions.

Because of its competitive pricing, Practice Fusion EHR is a cut above the competition.

Free 14-Day Trial

If competitive pricing weren’t enough, Practice Fusion EHR also comes with a 14-day free trial. Healthcare providers can try the EHR software out before they decide to buy it. Practice Fusion EHR is so confident about its product they know providers will stick around after the 14-day free trial is done. The signup process is simple and doesn’t require credit card information upfront.

Dedicated Training Specialist

Training and implementation are essential components of EHR. Practice Fusion assigns a dedicated training assistant to walk healthcare providers and their staff through the system, teaching them how to navigate it day-to-day. The Practice Fusion Transition Plan assigns experts to help transfer your patient and other data to your new Practice Fusion system.

Easy to Use

Designed for independent healthcare practices, Practice Fusion EHR is easy to use and navigate. It is a complete software that streamlines both clinical and non-clinical functions, with an easy-to-use interface. Integrated with labs and pharmacies, Practice Fusion EHR is scalable and offers unlimited document storage.

Areas That Need Improvement

Requires an Annual Commitment

Though Practice Fusion EHR is competitively priced and offers a free 14-day trial, once you sign up for the service it requires a minimum 1-year commitment. Monthly plans are not part of Practice Fusion EHR. For some healthcare practices that can be a big commitment, while for others it is a sign of stability in operations.

Lack of Live Support

Though they provide experts for data transfer and training, the Practice Fusion EHR does not have a live support chat option. The only way to get in touch with customer service is to submit a ticket, access their informative blogs, or get in touch by phone.

Extra Fees for Third-Party Integration

There are extra fees within Practice Fusion EHR for third-party integration. This can be a disadvantage for many small practices but it also allows small practices to pick and chose what they need rather than pay a higher fee for EHR software that might have third-party integration they don’t necessarily need.

Technology such as patient portals, digital tools, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, EHRs, and online scheduling facility has made it possible for patients to feel an important part in their health care process and this has led to more patient-centered care. Patient adaptation rates to technology depend upon convenience, ease of use, and set of robust features that will reduce patient wait times. It is crucial that health IT integrates into the patient experience which will allow clinicians to better focus on their jobs.

1,000 patients were surveyed to reveal their opinions and preferences related to three major healthcare technologies; telemedicine, AI, and EHR software systems. Let’s dig deeper into each category to find out the preferences of patients in facilitating better patient experiences.

1. Telemedicine Software – Patients consider telemedicine software solutions as an effective platform to receive care remotely. It is both convenient and a user-friendly option to get prompt care especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the pandemic telemedicine adaptation rates have increased as both healthcare providers and patients see it as a valuable tool to extend care without having to worry about catching the virus. Patients are also most likely to choose a clinician that offers virtual sessions over those who don’t. Telemedicine is a top choice and preference of patients which will continue to enhance the patient experience in the long run.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Patients have a higher trust rate in healthcare when AI cooperates in it. Patients prefer artificial intelligence being used in different healthcare applications. It was revealed that out of the 1000 patients that were surveyed 64% believe that AI in healthcare ultimately improves patient experience through the use of medical chatbots and machine learning technology. If you’re a small healthcare provider adapting AI in healthcare might seem like an expensive and daunting task. But the good news is there are many EHR software systems that provide AI-powered functionality which does quite well. By running your notes through an intelligent system in your EHR software will support more accuracy in decision making and eliminate the possibility of any errors.
3. EHR Software – Patients don’t see how you integrate the use of EHR software system but they, of course, want that their providers use an electronic system which makes daily tasks more efficient. For example, a patient wouldn’t mind the facility to pay online, and the use of patient portals is extremely vital for patients as they can connect with their provider 24/7 and easily review their health information. The use of technology and digital tool to improve the diagnosis and treatment process will enhance the overall patient experience.

Bottom Line

Embracing technology in your practice is a good idea and patients will feel more content and satisfied throughout their treatment process. If you don’t have an EHR software its time you adapt it and look for options that integrate AI-specific features to further enhance patient care keeping in mind patient’s preferences. Many EHR software vendors come with an in-built telemedicine software platform which gives you a greater edge when it comes to remote patient care.

A study conducted by D.W Bates suggests that EHR software tools like alerts and reminders help to enhance patient safety when utilized effectively in hospital and ambulatory facilities. In a situation when a patient is unable to communicate with their doctor due to unconsciousness an EHR software system can provide timely alerts to the clinician about threatening allergies and other critical information. For example, CureMD EHR Software alert feature provides access to life-threatening information regarding the patient to ensure maximum patient safety and provide better treatment opportunities.

Qualified and certified electronic health records software solution provides more information to clinicians. This could have been never imagined in the past. Such information includes:

• Lab Results
• Patient’s Complete Medical History
• Insurance Coverage
• Suggested Treatment Plans and Options

Access to accurate and precise information and resources helps the healthcare provider to be in a better position to treat their patients. Physicians can better keep track of their patient’s important BP values and cholesterol levels by printing and viewing these values.

Interoperability and data sharing capabilities in the EHR software system can help physicians to choose the right medication for a patient with a record of allergies. Through the use of an EHR software patients with critical health conditions can receive proper and prompt care through the complete health history provided by the software system. The healthcare provider is likely to make fewer medical errors when complete and accurate data is available right at their fingertips. This also helps to enhance patient diagnosis.

The simplified workflows encouraged by the electronic health records software system support the health conditions of a patient to be tested properly and the data can be used as a reference point to make sure that the treatment process is going as planned.

The reports and analytics tools offered by many popular and top EHR software vendors such as Cerner PowerWorks Practice Management Software, Epic EMR Software, CareCloud EHR Software, Allscripts Professional EHR Software, athenahealth EMR Software, and eClinicalWorks EMR Software empower the clinician to make the best clinical decisions during patient sessions. The reports feature also provides valuable information required to enhance the care quality of patients’.

Patient healthcare trends can be easily calculated through the data that is captured by the EHR software technology, this helps to improve patient care outcomes greatly. If a patient is coming for a second opinion to a different hospital facility then the robust electronic medical records software system of the hospital can allow the clinician to collect and analyze the patient data in advance, which allows the patient to be treated quickly without having him/her to retell the whole treatment story.

Conclusion

EHR software systems improve every aspect of healthcare. The software technology not only automates workflows but also plays a major role in improving patient care and patient safety. EHR software puts valuable data at the providers’ fingertips which helps in clinical decision making. Clinical errors and inaccuracies are reduced which keeps patients satisfied throughout their treatment journey. Possible gaps in care can also be identified to further fortify patient safety. EHR software systems need to be adopted and embraced by hospitals and healthcare providers to augment patient care and safety.

If you think that telemedicine software solutions will cost you an arm and leg then you’re wrong because some good free telemedicine software options in the market will offer the same functionality without a compromise. These platforms offer two-way messaging and voice and video consultation sessions between the physician and the patient.

In this article, we have selected the top 2 free telemedicine solutions which are HIPAA Compliant and have good product ratings and positive user reviews. The tools and features in the telemedicine software platform aid clinicians to treat patients remotely.

Top 2 Free Telemedicine Software Options for You

Doxy.me EMR Software – Doxy.me is a cloud-based telemedicine software solution that has robust features of screen sharing, group calls, two-way text messaging, patient check-in notifications, and patient queue management. The dynamic solution also has the capabilities of image capturing and sharing which helps healthcare providers to enhance the treatment process. The audio and HD video conferencing features of Doxy.me helps clinicians to treat patients remotely and promptly. Doxy.me can be used by therapists, GPs, skin specialists, gynecologists, pediatricians, and many more. The telemedicine platform is suitable for practices of all sizes and is HIPAA Compliant which ensures privacy and protection of sensitive patient data shared. Users like this platform because it is easy to navigate and has an intuitive interface. Clinicians especially like the fact that the software doesn’t store patient health information (PHI). The software platform also offers an analytics module which helps to spot and correct gaps in the patient care process.

VSee EMR Software – Vsee is a cloud-based telemedicine software platform that supports video conferencing capabilities to help physicians treat their patients effectively. The software solution allows doctors to share images and documents with patients in a few seconds. It has robust tools of patient self-scheduling, virtual waiting rooms. Vsee also sends automatic appointment reminders to patients in the form of messages and emails. The software platform is suitable for medical practices of all sizes and is HIPAA Compliant to ensure safety and protection against any technology breaches. The virtual waiting rooms can be easily customized by using images and logos. Group video chats are available as well as one on one HD sessions. The telemedicine software platform is easy to set-up without any hindrance. The vendor of the software also provides a free demonstration to the user before getting on board this helps the healthcare provider to see the software in running.

Conclusions

Before you opt for a telemedicine EMR software solution make sure the platform offers HIPAA Compliance and has responsive customer support. In order to be sure you can browse over software reviews and see what the users particularly like and dislike about the product. User reviews give a real window into the experience of an actual user. A bad review will be a red flag for you and you can steer clear. Good luck!

The EHR Software facilitates by providing Practice Management, Patient Engagement, and billing solutions to its users. Through the EHR software patient data is easily accessible and thorough analytics data can be tracked and evaluated.

6 Hospital Inpatient EHR Software

To save your time on research we have developed a list of 6 outstanding and most popular hospital inpatient EHR software systems in the US that dominate the healthcare industry.

1. Epic EMR Software – Epic EHR Software is one of the top Electronic Health Records vendors in the United States. Epic Systems provide dedicated modules for a variety of specialties like cardiology, nephrology, ENT, radiology, and many more. The Epic Systems EHR provides complete functionalities through its robust features comprising of telehealth, population management, and revenue cycle management.
2. eClinicalWorks EMR Software – The cloud-based eClinicalWorks EHR Software is designed to streamline workflows for health care providers and medical facilities. It is one of the industry leaders in the American healthcare technology industry. The eClinical offers a Grid Cloud that keeps all patient data secure and available round the clock. The HIPAA Compliant EHR Software has features like e-Prescribing, patient portal, scheduling management, and charting.
3. AdvancedMD EMR Software – AdvancedMD EHR Software also offers cloud-based solutions to small and mid-sized medical practices. AdvancedMD provides a complete integrated suite of benefits through features like appointment scheduling, patient portal, e-prescribing, lab connectivity, and Practice Management solutions. The patient records and data are easily accessible even while traveling. This mobility keeps the health care provider updated and better informed. With AdvancedMD templates can be easily customized to optimize workflows.
4. Practice Fusion EMR Software – Practice Fusion EHR Software is a web-based system proving analytics, charting, billing, lab connections, and e-prescribing features. The U.S based company connects 600 labs, imaging centers, and pharmacies. EHR Software enables simplified charting through customizable templates. Scheduling features manage appointments and hence reduce the issue of no shows.
5. Cerner Specialty Practice Management Software – Cerner EHR Software offers a set of solutions facilitating healthcare providers to enhance patient care. Cerner EHR is most suitable for larger hospitals ad clinic with multiple specialties. The integrated Electronic Health Records software solution provides interoperability, IT management, revenue management, and population health and analytics tools.
6. athenahealth EMR Software – athenahealth EHR Software provides cloud-based and on-premise solutions to healthcare organizations of every size and specialty. The robust set of features and functionalities includes medical billing, patient engagement, population health, care coordination, and mobile capabilities which lets the practitioner practice on the go. The HIPAA Compliant platform connects with 160,000 plus providers and enables seamless sharing of patient data across the different continuum.

Telehealth EMR Software is the use of digital technologies to provide a virtual platform that links up doctors and patients effectively. Conditions can be assessed, treated and diagnosed over virtual meetings, two-way communications through desktop and smartphone devices.

Telehealth is a perfect platform for patients to receive care remotely. Dermatologists can easily examine skin conditions remotely and also physiologists can give sessions to patients via virtual meetings.

Since the last decade telemedicine, EMR Software technology has been adopted by many health care providers to improve patient access and reduce the cost of care.

Increasing Patient Access and Reach through Telehealth EMR Software Model

Telehealth is used as a robust tool to help provide access to patients outside of clinical and hospital settings. Quality and timely care is crucial for certain patients especially those dealing with mental health issues and chronic conditions like skin allergies, rashes and pediatric consults for sudden fever, flu and cold symptoms in infants. The telehealth Electronic Medical Records software solution offers HD video calls, a secure two-way chat module and voice messaging to enhance the patient outcome and reach.

Real-time video telehealth enables patients to schedule appointments from the convenience of their home and workplace to receive on-time care using smartphone devices, tablets or computer desktops. Patients are sent an appointment confirmation to meet with their health care provider on a live video session. On-demand care is provided through telemedicine platform as patients have larger access to health care providers who are able to provide care via video chat and two-way messaging facility.

Telehealth EMR Software solutions can be used for care transitions and post-acute care. For example, tablet devices are used to link patients and their families to the inpatient care team through telehealth calls. This has increased patient satisfaction levels and patient engagement

Conclusion

We know that there is a physician and care provider shortage and the telehealth technology can help to expand care to patients. The tool can be effectively used to reach a patient in rural areas who don’t have access to medical facilities and reaching more patients to improve patient satisfaction scores.  The diagram below shows the telemedicine adoption rates which clearly reflect that health care providers and hospital systems are inclined to use telehealth as an effective digital healthcare business model.

Resources

How Telemedicine Is Changing Healthcare – business.com. (2020). Retrieved 6 April 2020, from https://www.business.com/articles/telemedicine-software-and-medical-practices/

Michael Greiwe, M. (2020). Top 10 Benefits of Telehealth for Patients and Doctors. Retrieved 6 April 2020, from https://www.ortholive.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-telehealth-for-patients-and-doctors

Telehealth Models for Increasing Access to and Engagement with Care Outside of Healthcare Settings – RHIhub Toolkit. (2020). Retrieved 6 April 2020, from https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/telehealth/2/care-delivery/nontraditional-settings

Benefits of specialty-specific EHR software in 2020

There are many vendors out there that offer specialty-specific Electronic Health Records software solutions that allow health caregivers to concentrate on their practice and enhance patient care considerably. Let’s look at the 5 benefits of specialty-specific EHR software in 2020.

Streamlines Daily Workflows – Every medical specialty is unique and requires a set of tools that will help streamline day to day processes. A separate and customized template that is present in the specialty-specific EHR software aid faster and simplified documentation streamlining end to end clinical procedures. With uniform systems performance levels also improve.

Cost and Time Savings – A generic Electronic Health Records software system have a number of templates that may not necessarily fit your practice needs. More questions and field entries need to be filled out making it a tedious process. By using specialty-specific EHR software cost and time benefits are realized with specialty-specific tools and solutions.

Better Patient Care – Healthcare providers are able to provide enhanced care with access to specialized data. A generic EHR Software system makes it difficult to access patient data and information. With a specialty-specific Electronic Health Records, software solution information will be available at the fingertips of the practitioner at the right time.

Training Prospects – There are on-going training opportunities when adopting a specialty-specific EHR Software. The vendors recognize the importance of constant updates to improve the workings of their software. Conferences organized by filed-specific organizations are attended by these vendors and this gives a chance for medical practices to receive on-going training to polish skills.

Technology is Scalable – A specialty-specific EHR Software system is more versatile meaning that the software can manage a variety of challenges and functions. The storage and processing capabilities are unlimited which makes the technology scalable.

Most viewed Speciality Specific EMR & PM Software

Here are our most visited Speciality-Specific Software.

Top 10 Telemedicine EMR & PM Software 2020

Top 10 Cardiology EMR & PM Software 2020

Top 10 Optometry EMR & PM Software 2020

Top 10 Nephrology EMR & PM Software 2020

Top 10 Primary Care EMR & PM Software 2020

Didn’t find your speciality? please do check our list.

Resources:

EHRIntelligence. 2020. How Specialty-Specific EHR Functionality Improves Patient Care. [online] Available at: <https://ehrintelligence.com/news/how-specialty-specific-ehr-templates-improve-patient-care> [Accessed 2 April 2020]

Healthcare organizations need to up their game when it comes to security and protection of ‎sensitive patient data and takes necessary cybersecurity measures for practicing telemedicine. ‎

How to Prevent Cyber Attacks?‎

It is very important that telemedicine providers implement the most effective cybersecurity ‎policies to prevent hackers from stealing patient information. A secure and protective ‎infrastructure needs to be created by the IT teams to allow effective and protective ‎communication between providers and patients. The security measures apply to both the ‎hardware and software of telemedicine including websites, patient portals, and cloud storage. ‎Once the policies have been implemented it is crucial that the doctors and staff receive training ‎on a consistent basis to stay updated on the policies. The providers also need strong back-up ‎procedures and robust passwords that protect against hacking threats.‎

HIPAA Compliance in Telemedicine for security ‎

HIPAA was designed to protect patient data round the clock. It is important to consider that ‎even if the provider’s network is secure the patient uses non-secure devices like mobile phones to ‎connect with their telehealth physician. Data security is extremely vital in telemedicine as patients ‎connect with their healthcare provider through communication channels that are not encrypted ‎to privacy. The challenge for telemedicine providers is to identify patients who adapt to HIPAA. ‎Furthermore, IT professionals can further intact security by keeping patient data anonymous ‎which will inhibit hackers to prey the confidential material. ‎

Resources:

Telemedicine and Cybersecurity: Keeping Health Data Safe. (2020). Retrieved 31 March 2020, from https://prognocis.com/telemedicine-and-cybersecurity-keeping-health-data-safe/‎

Mackiewicz, A. (2020). Essential Cyber Security Tips for Telemedicine Practitioners – ASG Information Technologies. Retrieved 31 March 2020, from https://www.asgct.com/essential-cyber-security-tips-for-telemedicine-practitioners/

‎Robinson, J. (2020). Why You Must Consider Cyber-Security for Telehealth | Healthcare Tech. Retrieved 31 March 2020, from https://cliniciantoday.com/why-you-must-consider-cyber-security-for-telehealth/‎

Making Cybersecurity a Priority in Telemedicine Initiatives – Healthcare Business Today. (2020). Retrieved 31 March 2020, from https://www.healthcarebusinesstoday.com/cybersecurity-telemedicine-initiatives/‎