Communicating via text message is a breeze since it allows all parties to send, read, and reply to messages at their leisure. Text messages eliminate the need to sit by the phone waiting for an important call, play phone tag with medical offices, or leave detailed voice messages. 

Text messaging is efficient, can be automated, and is the preferred communication style for patients of many generations. 

But caregivers should consider text messaging platforms that meet health information protection guidelines and have safeguards in place. Many platforms are available, so it’s essential to research the best HIPAA-compliant text messaging apps. 

Why Secure Messaging is Important

In addition to complying with the regulations outlined by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act 1996, secure messaging provides patients greater privacy, providers with an expedited workflow, and everyone with a reduction in medical charting errors. 

To ensure your health information remains private — only accessible to you and your providers — the following conditions must be met for text messages to be HIPAA compliant. 

Organizations responsible for private health information must: 

• Have processes and procedures that restrict access to and control of private health information
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify threats to sensitive patient data 
• Implement encryption and physical data protection plans for employees who use their personal cell phones to share private health information or to access patient information
• Establish policies that address how to delete health information from devices remotely, should they be lost, stolen, or repurposed.
• Prevent the local storing of private data on mobile devices used by employees and sub-contractors

Standard text messages sent through your mobile carrier are not private or protected. They take a long path through public airwaves that can be intercepted. Your data can be compromised when you use public Wi-Fi or open cell networks, so it’s best to use a secure messaging app that includes encryption. You also want to use a messaging platform that offers a way to erase data remotely, should you lose or misplace your device. 

When all providers and medical teams work on the same platform, efficiencies create better patient outcomes. A good HIPAA messaging platform allows users to prioritize messages by the level of importance and re-route messages to be addressed by others in their absence. 

With one centralized source of accurate contact data for all users and patient profiles, you can reduce errors and wasted time. 

Best HIPAA-Compliant Text Messaging Apps

Secure texting fulfills all HIPAA requirements. It’s when an encrypted message transmits from a secure server that prevents a copy from being stored on cell phone networks. You need internet access to read messages but can use your cell phone or tablet. The sensitive medical information sends via a secure virtual private network.

Some apps to consider include: 

Fokes 

Fokes fosters real-time, transparent, and compliant messaging. It is a communication platform that facilitates conversations between patients and caregivers. All messaging is HIPAA-compliant. It also integrates patient medical records, to-do lists, and other features that benefit patient care and satisfaction. 

TigerConnect

There’s no need to download software or spend a lot of time learning how to use TigerConnect’s secure messaging platform – it’s intuitive. The secure, cloud-based application can be used on personal mobile devices, making it accessible anywhere and allowing you to submit data in real-time. With read receipts on every message, you’ll never guess whether the recipient accessed your message. 

OhMD

Patients can create appointments, ask medical questions, complete intake documents and forms, request prescription refills, pay their bill, and receive their personal medical information, including images and files, through the OhMD platform. Messages appear directly in a patient’s text inbox. OhMD also offers video visits. 

HaloHealth

Developed by providers, HaloHealth streamlines message flow for busy clinicians. Users can mark themselves as unavailable at specific times, which routes messages to other users who can screen messages and re-route patient care to an available party. Messages can be marked as “urgent” and sorted to the top of the inbox. They are all time- and date-stamped and marked as “Sent,” “Delivered,” or “Read.” It also provides options to batch delete, send to distribution lists, and receive analytics. 

Spok

Spok users can dictate where messages route based on urgency. You tag messages as either low, medium, or high. If needed, each message type could route to a different device or through a unique channel. For example, high importance may route to provider cell phones, whereas low importance stays within the platform to be addressed during regular office hours. Other features include message archiving, send and read receipts, encryption, device lockdown, automatic message removal, and remote wiping. 

Send Safe, Smart Messages with Fokes

Fokes can help you implement HIPAA-compliant messaging for patients, families, and caregivers. Medical information will remain safe and private, and Fokes’ easy-to-use messaging platform will improve communication. Contact Fokes today if you’re looking to implement a HIPAA-compliant messaging app for home health care.