HIPAA compliant texting can help support patients with Long COVID while protecting their privacy.
The impact of Long COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the emergence of Long COVID, “a chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and is present for at least 3 months,” explains the CDC.
“While rates of new cases of Long COVID have decreased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains a serious public health concern as millions of U.S. adults and children have been affected by Long COVID.”
Symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These symptoms can affect a patient's quality of life, requiring ongoing medical attention and support.
How HIPAA compliant texts can help patients manage Long COVID
Appointment reminders
Patients with Long COVID often need follow-up appointments to monitor their condition and adjust treatment plans. Providers can use HIPAA compliant texts to send personalized appointment reminders and reduce no-shows.
Symptom monitoring
Providers can use HIPAA compliant texts to check in with patients, asking them to report changes in their symptoms. For example, a provider can send a text asking a patient to rate their pain level on a scale of 1-10. The provider can then use this information to determine if the Long COVID is improving or worsening and adjust the patient’s treatment plan as needed.
Medication management
HIPAA compliant medication reminders can improve patients’ medication adherence. HIPAA compliant platforms, like Paubox, can send personalized reminders, ensuring patients with Long COVID receive the right information at the right time.
Additionally, follow-up appointment reminders can help patient recovery during post-discharge care.
Patient education
Providers can use HIPAA compliant texts to send educational resources, tips for symptom management, and updates on new Long COVID treatments. These texts can also include multimedia messages, like infographics, engaging patients with visual content.
Patients can also refer to these texts at their convenience to stay informed about their treatment options.
Mental health support
HIPAA compliant texts allow providers to check in on patients' mental well-being and offer resources for managing stress, anxiety, or depression. Patients with Long COVID can text mental health updates and receive support without scheduling an in-person appointment.
Read also: Improving mental healthcare through HIPAA compliant email marketing
How providers can ensure HIPAA compliance
Obtain patient consent: Providers must obtain explicit patient consent before texting patients’ protected health information (PHI).
Use a HIPAA compliant solution: HIPAA compliant platforms, like Paubox, encrypt messages in transit and at rest, preventing unauthorized access. Additionally, the platform must sign a business associate agreement (BAA) to be HIPAA compliant.
Implement access controls: Providers should implement role-based access controls so only authorized staff can send and receive patient information. HIPAA compliant texts also keep a log, so providers can see who sent these texts and when.
Train staff: Provider organizations should regularly train staff on HIPAA regulations and the organization's privacy policies. Practical training sessions can also help demonstrate the HIPAA compliant platform’s features and security protocols.
FAQs
Who does HIPAA apply to?
HIPAA applies to healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses that handle protected health information (PHI).
What makes a text HIPAA compliant?
An email is HIPAA compliant if it includes encryption, secure access controls, and audit trails. So, providers must use a HIPAA compliant texting platform, like Paubox, to protect patients’ PHI.
Can HIPAA compliant texts be personalized?
Yes, HIPAA compliant texts can be personalized with specific patient information, like their name, appointment details, or medical instructions.
