Secure Healthcare Messaging Solution
By Katie Wike, contributing writer
TigerText secure messaging platform is now used to allow doctors to send HIPAA compliant and secure messages
A recent survey by TigerText found more than half of healthcare providers admitted that they discuss confidential information on a mobile device, and 61 percent hope that secure texting will improve security.
An announcement that “Sprint will offer TigerText’s secure-messaging platform as well as a basic TeleMessage offering to allow doctors and clinicians to send HIPAA-compliant texts” is a step toward satisfying that desire.
The two companies have created a platform that provides privacy for patient related information and also delivery confirmation so that providers can be sure their messages have been received. “Sprint has a history and extensive experience within the healthcare industry,” said Julee Thompson-chief healthcare executive, Sprint. “We are excited about collaborating with TigerText and AirWatch to help healthcare professionals keep patient records more secure.
“Hospital IT managers are working hard to identify and implement solutions. Our goal is to provide the wireless communication infrastructure, to assure mission-critical and standard-based elements are in place, so that healthcare providers can focus on service delivery.”
Healthcare professionals have to adapt constantly to keep up with new technology and find the best way to communicate with their patients. As Health IT Outcomes reported, text messages are a great way to keep contact with patients after they leave the office, but there are many concerns about their security. For instance, texts can be sent to the wrong person even if it’s to the right number and there is no way to know who is reading the information.
“You are transacting personal health information in a secure environment end to end. The key is ensuring HIPAA compliance. HIPAA is about protecting health record information, so that’s why it’s not appropriate for people to use unsecure means to text about a patient. Nurses are bringing it forward in their day-to-day practice,” Thompson said, adding that the HIPAA-compliant messaging platforms will provide them with additional “confidence” that the texts are being sent in a secure environment.
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