Communication is the foundation on which any good relationship stands, and this is especially true for the provider-patient relationship. Communicating with patients is generally easy when they’re at a hospital or clinic, but what happens when they are unable to physically see a doctor or have questions they need answered quickly?
The answer can be found in secure messaging apps that give providers a HIPAA-compliant solution to message their patients and colleagues from anywhere, at any time. Here are four apps to try:
1. TigerText
- Price: Free.
- Available on iOS and Android.
TigerText allows users to send messages securely and privately. It offers a self-destruct option for sent messages and the ability to recall messages if they are sent to the wrong recipient. Messages sent through TigerText are fully encrypted, and with support for Dropbox, Google Drive, and other file systems, users can safely and securely attach files, photos, or videos to any message.
TigerText-sent communications are backed by a $1 million security guarantee against fines for privacy or HIPAA violations, and messages and conversations are automatically erased from devices and TigerText’s servers after a set period of time.
An Apple Watch app is also available for providers who use that technology.
2. qliqConnect
- Price: Variable pricing options.
- Available on iOS and Android.
QliqConnect is a secure, patient-centered messaging app that allows for real-time communication. The app doesn’t store patient health information (PHI) or messages in the cloud, which greatly mitigates the risk of a costly data breach. Only a message’s intended recipient can decrypt it, and qliqConnect is EMR-compatible and available for both desktop and mobile devices. QliqConnect also allows for remote device lock and remote data wipe, ensuring that PHI can be secured even if a device is lost.
Delivery confirmations, custom notifications, customizable quick messages, and support for a variety of attachments make qliqConnect a solid option for providers seeking a secure communication solution.
3. Cortext by Imprivata
- Price: Free.
- Available on iOS and Android.
Cortext offers secure text, photo, and group messaging with 256-bit encryption. It can replace pagers by allowing users to to deliver lab results, EKGs, wound photos, and other information safely and securely.
This app also allows for canned responses, delivery and read receipts, and multidevice sync that enables real-time messaging between users. User-set availability status, callback requests, and out-of-network messaging to affiliated providers improve care coordination and patient satisfaction.
Do you use these or other HIPAA-compliant apps to communicate with patients? Tell us in the comments, or tweet us @bartonlocums.
