First, Do No Harm: Physicians Must Protect Patient Privacy When Networking Online

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is designed to protect patients from unwanted intrusion into the intimate details of their medical conditions. But that same protection may be hindering caregivers from using modern technology to gain the information they need to give the best care possible. While professionals in other fields may easily consult with each other over Internet social networks like Facebook, HIPAA regulations prevent doctors from using such unsecured platforms. Ironically, in the Internet age the medical profession is still heavily reliant on FAX machines.

That may change soon. Doximity is a new, LinkedIn-type, doctors-only network that has been designed to meet all HIPAA requirements for protecting patient privacy. Although there is no such thing as a HIPAA certification, developers consulted with experts to make sure that the network is HIPAA-compliant. Prior to joining Doximity, doctors must submit to a credit check and present credentials that are checked against an American Medical Association database. After they become members, they must go through a three-step login process before they can meet with their peers online to discuss a case. Some 7% of U.S. doctors,— about 40,000 — are currently members.

Privacy experts are hailing Doximity as a safe place for doctors to collaborate. They emphasize, however, that even with the benefit of this new network, the best way for doctors, and all healthcare personnel, to protect patient privacy — and to protect themselves from reprimand or lawsuits — is to be thoroughly knowledgeable about HIPAA requirements. They suggest that doctors and their staff receive HIPAA compliance training such as that offered by WeComply. 

Categories: Data Privacy & Security, Healthcare
Tags: HIPAA, Social Media