Healthcare Messaging Apps – An Overview

There are countless messaging apps available to download right now, but very few are secure enough for medical information. The protected health information (PHI) shared in patient communications requires extra security. As messaging applications become more common, it is crucial to understand the importance of secure conversation with patients through healthcare messaging applications.

What to look for in a healthcare messaging app

Secure Login

The first line of defense sheltering patient information from unwanted eyes is a unique user login. To ensure security, all authorized users are required to verify their identity by logging into the healthcare messaging app with a unique username and password. Once doing so, users can begin having conversations.

Data Encryption

Healthcare messaging apps encrypt all messages, images, and documents shared between users. A private communication channel holds encrypted PHI so only authorized users have access to data after verifying their identity at login.

HIPAA Compliance

Any application used to share PHI should be HIPAA compliant. Once authenticated users access the conversation, secure messaging apps for healthcare prevent users from saving PHI to personal hard drives and copying or forwarding private information to external networks.

Simple User Experience

A simple and enjoyable user experience is essential for healthcare messaging apps. A straightforward user interface allows providers to use the application without any confusion. Otherwise, they are less likely to adopt the secure messaging application and often revert to unsecured modes of communication.

What is protected health information?

PHI includes the following pieces of information and should not be shared through unsecured healthcare messaging apps:

• Demographic Information
• Diagnoses
• Insurance Information
• Laboratory Results
• Medical History
• Medications
• Mental Health Conditions
• Treatments
• Any other data a healthcare provider collects to determine the appropriate care for an individual

Why OhMD?

OhMD’s healthcare messaging app meets all industry standards regarding the security of patient information. OhMD securely encrypts all communication, while in transit and at rest, to ensure only authorized participants have access to private conversations. OhMD proudly offers a user interface that is clear and easy to use, resulting in high adoption rates among healthcare providers. Additionally, the OhMD staff completed HIPAA training and always respects your privacy and data.

Read here to learn more about OhMD’s HIPAA compliant measures.