Category: Telemedicine

Using HIPAA compliant software is a must in the post-pandemic world

Using HIPAA compliant software is a must in the post-pandemic world

We’ve all witnessed the boom in telehealth over the last year. While some in-person visits are safe now, many clients like the convenience of telehealth and wish to keep video visits as an option. Healthcare industry leaders suggest that a hybrid care model will emerge as the norm.

At the onset of the pandemic, HIPAA compliance requirements for telehealth were relaxed. However, the requirement to use HIPAA compliant software is expected to be back in place soon. Some insurance companies have started to require that telehealth sessions be conducted only on HIPAA compliant platforms, so it’s important that you adopt the right telehealth service now.

How Clocktree safeguards your data

Clocktree is designed specifically for healthcare providers and is HIPAA compliant. It’s also easy for your clients to use. Our platform gives you everything you need to take your practice online.

  • High quality video calls for up to 4 people
  • Use on any computer or mobile device
  • Scheduling and appointment reminders
  • Secure messaging – either asynchronous or in real-time
  • Client notes
  • Document sharing
  • Client billing
  • Practice profile page which can appear in Google searches
  • Customer support by phone or email
  • Flexible pricing based on your usage, with no annual contract

Please call our Customer Care team at 302-990-8935 if you have questions. We offer a one-on-one, live demo and we take the time to help you integrate Clocktree into your workflow.  We would love to show you how easy it is to get started!

Texas Governor wants to permanently expand telemedicine access

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he wants to permanently expand access to telemedicine services that have surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, Abbott lifted certain regulations on the types of health care services that can be offered over the phone or through video calls. He also issued an emergency rule to compensate health care providers for telemedicine visits at the same rate as an in-person visit. 

In this week’s State of the State address, he urged the Texas legislature to pass new laws to require full coverage of telemedicine services for state-regulated plans, like those obtained through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, and Medicaid. “We should seize the opportunity this session to permanently expand telemedicine so that every Texan in every region of the state can benefit,” Abbott said

https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/gov-greg-abbott-wants-to-permanently-expand-telemedicine-access-in-texas/amp/

Tips to improve internet speed

Tips to improve internet speed

Our friends at Porch.com have compiled some very helpful tips for increasing your available internet speed. https://porch.com/advice/simple-wifi-tips-improve-internet-speed-lockdown

Clocktree recommends that providers and clients have a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps for a reliable video and audio connection. You can test your internet speed at www.speedtest.net.

In addition to the tips from Porch.com, here are some top troubleshooting tips for successful Clocktree calls:

  1. Restart your computer or mobile device just prior to the session and don’t open up other browser tabs or apps
  2. Reduce the number of people using the WiFi network, so all available bandwidth goes to the Clocktree call. Others on the same network should avoid streaming videos during the Clocktree call.
  3. If possible, connect the computer via ethernet cable instead of WiFi
  4. If using WiFi, go to a room where WiFi reception is good 
  5. If on a mobile phone, switch between WiFi signal and data signal (4G, LTE) to see which is better. WiFi is usually stronger but not always.

How Clocktree safeguards your data

Clocktree was designed specifically for healthcare providers, with privacy and security of client data being a vital foundation of our platform.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law passed in 1996 which requires secure handling of an individual’s health information (PHI). The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, passed in 2009 and revised in 2013, provides a national standard for health information technology and strengthened the privacy and security protections spelled out in the original HIPAA laws. This act extends HIPAA security obligations to business associates. If you are a healthcare provider who uses Clocktree to manage client data, Clocktree is considered a business associate. Clocktree will extend a Business Associate Agreement (BAA), with your practice as the covered entity.

In accordance with HIPAA and HITECH laws, we have implemented the following physical, technical and administrative safeguards to ensure privacy and security of your clients’ data.

  1. All data is encrypted in transit and at rest
  2. HTTPS and AES 256 bit encryption**
  3. Servers include automatic data backup
  4. Every user has their own username and password with no support for shared logins
  5. Accounts are automatically logged out after 30 minutes of inactivity
  6. Infrastructure is behind a firewall and accessible by limited Clocktree staff
  7. Clocktree staff have undergone HIPAA compliance training and certification
  8. Clocktree has Business Associate Agreements in place with all 3rd party providers
  9. Unless permission is granted, no PHI is included in communications outside the Clocktree platform
  10. Restricted Clocktree staff access to PHI
  11. On site HIPAA Compliance Officer
  12. BAA available to all registered Clocktree practices

We take client privacy and security seriously at Clocktree and do everything we can to ensure HIPAA compliance. Please check with your legal counsel if you have specific questions regarding your practice’s compliance with HIPAA regulations.

**Some technical implementation details may change in the future.