Zocdoc is an online healthcare marketplace that allows patients to search for healthcare providers, book appointments, manage insurance information, and access virtual care services.
With Zocdoc, users can discover in-network providers, schedule appointments, complete intake forms, and communicate with healthcare practices, while providers can manage scheduling, billing, and patient engagement.
Is Zocdoc HIPAA compliant? Yes, based on our research, Zocdoc can be HIPAA compliant.
Will Zocdoc sign a business associate agreement (BAA)?
Yes, Zocdoc will sign a business associate agreement, which can be reviewed here.
What does the Zocdoc BAA cover?
Zocdoc’s BAA governs the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) only when Zocdoc is acting as a business associate for a covered entity.
The Zocdoc BAA explains, “Certain demographic, health and/or health-related information that Zocdoc collects about Users on behalf of our Healthcare Providers as part of providing the Services may be ‘protected health information’ (‘PHI’) governed by HIPAA… where Zocdoc is acting as a ‘Business Associate’ (as defined by HIPAA).”
Their BAA covers:
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Protection and safeguarding of PHI.
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Use and disclosure of PHI only as permitted under HIPAA and the BAA.
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Compliance with HIPAA privacy and security requirements.
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Retention of PHI consistent with Business Associate Agreements and HIPAA.
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Supporting healthcare providers in appointment booking, insurance verification, billing, and virtual care workflows.
What does the Zocdoc BAA exclude?
Zocdoc’s BAA does not apply to all data collected on the platform, such as:
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Account creation data.
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Searches for healthcare providers or appointments.
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Reviews and public postings.
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Device, IP address, web analytics, cookies, and tracking data.
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Marketing, advertising, and interest-based advertising data.
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Data collected via cookies, mobile identifiers, cross-device tracking, and ad networks.
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Personal data users voluntarily submit outside of a provider-directed healthcare interaction.
Conclusion
Zocdoc signs a business associate agreement and can be HIPAA compliant, but only when acting as a business associate for a covered healthcare provider.
FAQs
What is a business associate agreement?
A business associate agreement (BAA) is a legally binding contract establishing a relationship between a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its business associates. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure the proper protection of personal health information (PHI) as required by HIPAA regulations.
What is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets national standards for protecting the privacy and security of certain health information, known as protected health information (PHI).
HIPAA is designed to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information and to ensure that healthcare providers and insurers can securely exchange electronic health information. Violations of HIPAA can result in significant fines and penalties for covered entities.
Who does HIPAA apply to?
HIPAA applies to covered entities, which include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. It also applies to business associates of these covered entities. These are entities that perform certain functions or activities on behalf of the covered entity.
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