Anyone who interacts with the medical industry, from doctors and nurses to patients, have heard about HIPAA. This act, enacted in 1996, is one of the most prevalent industry standards there is. Any entity that collects and stores health data is included in the HIPAA regulations. So, how does eFileCabinet help you stay HIPAA compliant?
Keep Data Backed Up
One of the biggest requirements of HIPAA is that health information and data is regularly backed up. This helps prevent information from being lost. eFileCabinet Online allows this information backup, and offers the security required by the Act. Instead of having to keep many different copies of the same files, you can scan your files into eFileCabinet Online, and have a patient’s entire medical history in one convenient spot.
On top of simply having digital copies of files, using a document management system allows you to keep an off-site backup. This ensures that no matter what happens to your computer or system, the files are still available.
Keep Files Safe From Harm
When you keep physical files on your patients, they are subject to a lot of environmental disturbances. If there is a fire in the building, the files are likely to go up in flames. When you have your files in a document management system, you’re able to ensure that this doesn’t happen. On top of that, you no longer have to worry about strict environmental controls and controlling access to areas of your office, when you use a DMS.
Limit Access to Files
Another important piece of HIPAA is that information on patients needs to be secure. You cannot allow this sensitive information to get out. However, when you’re dealing with paper files and documentation, it becomes difficult to keep the files safe. If you think about standard doctor’s offices, you can imagine the rows of files behind the reception desk. Unfortunately, this means that the files are easily accessible.
With DMS, you can easily keep these files from prying eyes. Only the people who are allowed access to certain files can get to them. This increases security, since files are less easily stolen and viewed.
Keeping your medical or medical related business compliant with HIPAA regulations, you’ve got a lot to think about. Using DMS allows you to take some of the stress out of ensuring you stay compliant. How does your company use DMS to stay compliant?
Find out more about HIPAA compliance.