HIPAA Compliant Apps: How To Make An App HIPAA Compliant?

Posted in HIPAA

The healthcare industry is growing rapidly, with new apps coming out daily to manage and share Protected Health Information (PHI). But with great innovation comes great responsibility. Safeguarding patient data from unauthorized access is critical; that is where HIPAA compliance comes in. For any vendor developing custom health software for the U.S. market, adhering to HIPAA standards is a must to ensure the privacy and security of sensitive data. HIPAA compliant apps provide peace of mind by protecting health data, guaranteeing it’s stored securely and only shared with patient consent.

Popular healthcare data integration companies and other organizations, including Cerner, an electronic health records software company, and Scopic, a medical imaging software company, have understood HIPAA compliance application development and ensure that all of their software follows the protocol. 

Let’s go into more detail about HIPAA compliance for apps, what medical software development services do to achieve it, and how they build a HIPAA compliant app.

What Are HIPAA Compliant Apps?

HIPAA compliant apps are developed while adhering to HIPAA standards and regulations. This involves implementing the necessary measures for software systems to ensure the security and privacy of electronically protected health information (ePHI). With the rise of security threats and significant data breaches, developing HIPAA compliant apps is becoming more important and should include a set of unique security features listed below:

User Identification

HIPAA compliant apps have a user identification feature to maintain security. These applications prompt require credentials for every new session. App developers ensure that user identity features are added to applications to control the integrity of their network and prevent the interchange of patient confidential data.

Data Encryption

Since health data is critical, employing a multilayered security approach is necessary to prevent unauthorized access. A HIPAA compliant phone app or web app can have a set feature to ensure that PHI is encrypted. Though encryption is a significant part of preventing data breaches, it is just a single layer. 

Emergency Access

HIPAA compliant apps often include a feature that allows patients to easily contact their care team, including emergency contacts, ensuring on-time medical assistance in critical situations.

A Definitive Checklist for Developing HIPAA Compliant Apps

Since complying with HIPAA is more than just a regulation, this checklist can make it easier for developers to understand the scope and requirements for HIPAA compliant apps development. 

1) Understand your responsibility

• Start with clearly defined security requirements for the healthcare application. The best practice is to get the app’s security architecture reviewed by a qualified specialist.
• Product owners should understand the app’s use in detail. A few points to ponder include the information that will be maintained and handled by the app, especially when dealing with protected health information (PHI).
• Apart from HIPAA, other healthcare regulations like HITECH may apply to the application.

2) Minimize the risk and exposure 

• Make sure not to store irrelevant data while developing a healthcare app, and ensure all the information gathered by the app has a definite purpose.
• Write a detailed and clear privacy policy and maintain transparency, as it is a mandatory obligation for healthcare apps.
• Get into a business associate agreement (BAA) with any third-party entity you may use for cloud storage.
• Be very mindful of the geolocation data of patients, which may turn highly innocuous data into PHI.

3) Secure storage and transmission of data 

• Do not miss out on implementing security encryption, which means using HTTPS instead of HTTP to connect with the backend servers.
• Encryption also ensures data verification, which is another important HIPAA compliance requirement.
• For local data encryption, make sure to use standard tested protocols instead of writing new encryption algorithms.

4) Secure your app

• The app should include session timeout after inactivity and force user re-authentication. The period for the use case may be considered as per the requirement.
• PHI should not be sent through push notifications as it can be a serious violation.
• Avoid PHI storage into log files or backups, which are loosely protected.

Focusing on user experience (UX) is crucial for enhancing the security of healthcare applications. Poor design leads to security vulnerabilities, as users may inadvertently bypass essential security measures if they find them cumbersome or confusing.

Therefore, it’s important to integrate security features in an intuitive and user-friendly way. HIPAA compliant apps should have an interactive medical app UI design for users’ easy navigation and strong security features. 

5) Validate your security

• Make sure to perform dynamic and static application security testing, which is the most effective and surefire way to evaluate mobile app security features.
• While the technology is available to test the app yourself, hiring a security testing specialist is recommended to perform penetration testing of the app.
• When the desired security levels are met, make sure to label your app HIPAA Compliant.

5 Steps for HIPAA Compliant App Development 

Here is how to make an app HIPAA compliant: 

Step 1: Find An Expert Consultant

If you are new to healthcare software development, hiring an expert for consultation and audit with some experience of HIPPA compliant apps is always better. If that is not an option, you can always outsource the task. Connect with an experienced third-party team to make an app HIPAA compliant. Make sure to clearly state your agenda to meet your end goals. 

Step 2: Evaluate Patient Data

Evaluate the patient data to qualify it as Protected Health Information (PHI). Avoid storing or sharing unnecessary information through your HIPPA compliant mobile apps. 

Step 3: Find Third-Party HIPAA Compliant Solutions

Making a HIPAA-compliant app from scratch is an investment, and setting aside a budget to build cloud-based HIPAA compliant applications is a must. You can also use a third-party service to store and handle data by making a business associate agreement with them. Make sure you follow proper vendor verification protocols before formally signing the contract.

Step 4: Encrypt All Stored and Transferred Data

If an app stores and shares PHI, it must encrypt the information using the best security practices with multiple encryption levels to prevent breaches. Once you have encrypted data, take great care to keep it secure from being stolen by other devices.

Step 5: Test and Maintain App Security  

Testing software is of utmost significance, and you need to test your HIPAA app after every update. Make sure to consult an expert to help you test your app statically and dynamically to ensure it’s up-to-date. The security tools, libraries, and frameworks used to build apps are constantly revamped. So, the work does not end after developing a HIPAA compliant app; periodic checks of the tools and frameworks are necessary to prevent security breaches. Maintenance is a continuous process and a requirement to keep your app secure and updated.

Does HIPAA Apply To Mobile Apps?

Health applications that require users to enter their information do not necessarily have to be HIPAA-compliant. For example, a fitness tracking application gathers patient information like blood pressure, weight, and medical history. It does not need to comply with HIPAA as long as the information only remains accessible to that particular user.

Covered entities such as (healthcare providers, health plan providers, or healthcare clearinghouses) require HIPAA compliant mobile app development to collect and keep track of patient health data. Since it involves the role of covered entities and the sharing of PHI, the HIPAA law applies to it.

For example, a medical insurance provider has developed an app for consumers to track the status of their claims and coverage details. The information collected will be directly under the provider’s control, which means it falls under the HIPAA umbrella. 

Simply put, HIPAA security and privacy laws apply to all health apps that store a user’s health data and are accessible to individuals other than the data owner. 

The Benefits of Using HIPAA Compliance Software

Adhering to HIPAA is required by law for US healthcare organizations, especially when they want to integrate healthcare software into regular operations. Complying with the HIPAA compliance software checklist has an array of benefits.

1. Trusting Relationship

With the increasing health risks and cyberattacks, it has become challenging for patients to trust their healthcare providers. However, complying with HIPAA standards increases the patient’s trust in the healthcare organization. It’s important that healthcare organizations demonstrate that they are following HIPAA compliance to make sure the patients have the peace of mind that their private information isn’t leaked.

2. Higher Loyalty

The usage of HIPAA-compliant software will increase loyalty since they will have peace of mind about their data protection. 

3. No Penalties

Another benefit of implementing HIPAA-compliant software is that healthcare organizations won’t have to struggle with penalties for not complying with the regulations. Not complying with the standards can result in lawsuits, audits, and fines – all these consequences can be financially draining. However, when the IoT healthcare solutions are HIPAA-compliant, all the regulations are met, and the organizations won’t have to worry about financial punishment.

4. Easier Tracking

The healthcare ERP systems should be able to audit security standards, conduct risk assessments, and provide an overview of physical security. However, these processes are extremely time-consuming, especially when healthcare organizations are understaffed.

On the other hand, with HIPAA-compliant software, organizations will be able to keep track of the healthcare processes and demonstrate that every audit has been completed. In addition, the best electronic health records software company can also integrate the self-auditing feature.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A HIPAA Compliant App?

The overall cost to build HIPAA compliant apps varies depending on the following factors:

• Duration of the development
• Development rate
• Complexity of the product
• Technology stack
• Team size

The more features there are, the more complex it will be to build a HIPAA compliant app. 

The average cost for a fully featured HIPAA-compliant app may be around $50,000. This cost includes the complete application system development that fulfills technical and physical security requirements. 

For small covered entities (hospitals, doctors, clinics, insurance companies, etc.), the cost of developing a HIPAA-compliant app is around $4,000 to $12,000. This cost covers risk management, management plans, remediation, training, and policy development expenses. 

On the other hand, for a middle-sized or large covered entity, the cost may be about $50,000 and above. Another possible cost for building a healthcare app is around $23,333; however, it is likely to go as low as $5,000 and as high as $40,000.

In a nutshell, the cost of developing an all-in-one HIPAA compliant app is high, whereas a HIPAA compliant app with fewer features is more affordable.

How Do You Know If An App Is HIPAA-Compliant?

To verify an application’s HIPAA compliance, examine its security mechanisms and privacy terms. Learning about how an application works and what security measures it takes helps understand whether it has achieved compliance with HIPAA. 

Another step to determining an application’s compliance with HIPAA is testing, through which you can assess whether the app has any vulnerabilities that can result in a data breach. However, if your application is custom-built, checking its compliance with HIPAA regulations is difficult. Since customized apps are only used by particular organizations, they may not be tested or well-documented. 

Therefore, they need special security tests and audits by a professional to help you understand if the app follows HIPAA rules. Pre-built applications often have established compliance records, making verifying their adherence to HIPAA regulations easier. Many organizations use them, so they are frequently tested and come with compliance documentation.

Healthcare Data Breaches of 500+ Records (2009-2024)

How To Choose the Right HIPAA Compliance Software for Your Business?

Now that you understand the HIPAA compliance checklist, finding the right HIPAA compliance software is important. For this reason, you must consider the software solutions with the following features;

1. Self-Audits

The software must allow its users to audit medical and healthcare practices according to HIPAA regulations. These audits provide the baseline assessment of privacy and security measures you have already implemented and compare them to the HIPAA standards. So, make sure that the software offers security risk assessment and considers the HIPAA prerequisites to prevent law-breaching fines and penalties.

2. Remediation

The HIPAA compliance software should have the feature to allow the development of remediation plans to cover the gaps identified through security risk assessments and self-audits. The remediation plans are important to ensure HIPAA compliance because they work as proof that the organization has completed due diligence.

3. Policies & Procedures

The procedures and policies are the primary infrastructures around which the HIPAA compliance program is developed. The HIPAA regulations outline certain standards for security and privacy that healthcare organizations should implement. 

4. Documentation

Documentation is one of the most essential parts of every HIPAA compliance software. That’s because, without proper documentation of the compliance process, the healthcare organization won’t be able to defend itself. So, ensure that the HIPAA compliant software is created while documented on every step and process of the compliance programs. Also, the software must retain the documentation for a minimum of six years to adhere to HIPAA mandates.

Developing a HIPAA Compliant App is Now Easy With Folio3 Digital Health 

Folio3 Digital Health is known for developing innovative digital healthcare solutions that prioritize patient privacy and data security. We provide HIPAA-compliant software that can improve healthcare organizations’ administrative abilities and positively impact overall patient care. Our team of experienced healthcare IT experts develops applications tailored to meet your requirements. 

Closing Note 

We hope that the five steps mentioned earlier in the blog served its purpose of explaining how to build a HIPAA compliant app with ease. Applications that store and share an individual’s health data must comply with HIPAA to prevent data breaches. Achieving compliance with HIPAA can include costs similar to telemedicine software costs and telemedicine startup costs, but it is a worthwhile investment.

Learn more about the best practices to ensure HIPAA compliance with your Telemedicine platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HIPAA Compliance For Apps?

HIPAA compliance for apps refers to the specific regulations and guidelines that healthcare applications must adhere to when handling Protected Health Information (PHI).

Is IOS HIPAA Compliant?

Currently, Apple IOS does not address security or privacy requirements for HIPAA compliance. Therefore, it may be insecure and non-compliant.

Is Texting Patient Information a HIPAA Violation?

Typically, texting patient information is not a HIPAA violation. However, if the text message contains patient information that the patient gave no consent to sharing, it becomes a HIPAA violation to share it.

What Are Some Common HIPAA Compliant Payment Apps?

• Stripe
• Adyen
• Square
• PaySimple
• Concur
• Authorize.Net
• PayPal
• Braintree
• Dwolla
• TSYS

What Makes a Phone Line HIPAA Compliant?

When organizations build their communication systems to share patient information by considering physical and network security measures, their phone lines become HIPAA-compliant.

Is Bluetooth HIPAA compliant?

Bluetooth is a wireless network, and it is not encrypted. Despite having security controls, Bluetooth may not be robust enough to safeguard HIPAA-covered data.

Is Speakerphone a HIPAA Violation?

A speakerphone is not a HIPAA-compliant feature, so it is better to avoid using it when referring to any private data. Otherwise, it can lead to a HIPAA violation.

What is HIPAA in Healthcare Operations?

HIPAA is US legislation that establishes standards for ensuring health data’s safe and secure storage. It is enforced by the US Department of Health and Human Services, particularly its Office for Civil Rights. HIPAA aims to protect the exchange of sensitive data across the healthcare industry and requires every healthcare provider to comply with its healthcare operations to transmit sensitive information safely. HIPAA security can be achieved with the help of healthcare compliance consulting firms to establish safety guards for data protection. 

What is Epic Software?

Epic is a leading cloud-based EHR software used in healthcare organizations to manage their day-to-day tasks, including patient health records. 

What is the Epic System for Healthcare?

Epic System is a privately held healthcare corporation that provides software solutions. It is one of the largest healthcare solution providers, mainly developing EHR systems with capabilities such as storing, receiving, and sharing medical data for large healthcare practices and hospitals. Moreover, like HL7 Integration, Epic also provides Epic Integration Services, which various practices use to connect different systems and create a seamless data-sharing network.

What is a Clinical Decision Support System – Benefits, Examples, And Tools?

A clinical decision support system is an interactive platform that helps clinicians collect information from various sources and make data-driven decisions to support their care delivery. 

Since the decisions are fact-based, it offers the following benefits: 

• Reduced errors
• Low risk of misdiagnosis 
• Improves the efficiency of clinicians
• Delivers reliable and consistent information

Examples of a clinical decision support system

• Laboratory Information Systems
• Pharmacy Information Systems

How Much Does HIPAA Compliance Cost?

The price varies among compliance professionals; an average estimate is between $80,000 and $120,000.

Are Health Apps Subject To HIPAA?

The answer to whether health apps are subject to HIPAA depends on the source of data and the purpose of its collection for the apps. 

HIPAA requires healthcare entities to protect PHI, which is any information that covered entities create or receive related to an individual’s health history and identity. So, any health app that uses such information is required to comply with HIPAA rules.

Mobile health (mHealth) apps that commercial vendors provide for individuals are not covered by HIPAA since a vendor is not one of the covered entities or business associates. Either way, HIPAA law requires healthcare applications to keep a patient’s data secure and not reveal it without their consent.

How To Install and Use HIPAA Compliance Software?

Many healthcare organizations tend to hire medical app developers to develop HIPAA compliance software. However, you can also contact an agency offering custom healthcare app development services to ensure the healthcare software is integrated with access controls, end-to-end encryption, self-auditing, recovery plan, and documentation features. The development companies can also help install the HIPAA compliance software and provide staff training to ensure the correct utilization of the software.

Does HIPAA require software updates?

Yes, according to the HIPAA security rule, the covered entities should undergo security updates. In particular, to ensure HIPAA compliance at all times, it’s important to apply the software updates and patches as soon as they are released.

Can You Release Medical Information Over The Phone In The USA, UK, Canada & Australia?

The U.S.

In the U.S., patients can access and share their medical information on a smartphone without any cost. Insurers can also share patients’ health claim data with them through Medicare and Medicaid on the phone. For this, HIPAA law includes mechanisms to ensure that the sharing of PHI does not increase serious threats to an individual’s safety and health. 

UK

In the UK, legal authorities are allowed to collect and release medical information over the phone. However, the data can only be shared once the patients give their consent. This means the release of their health data is still in their hands. If they express disapproval, their medical information is immediately stopped from being shared.

Canada

Canada also has multiple privacy laws regarding the sharing of sensitive medical data. It obliges healthcare sectors to consider patient privacy and guidelines to ensure compliance with laws. For example, when a patient’s health data is shared on the phone, it must also include the patient’s consent to exchange it on a lawful basis. Moreover, Canada’s privacy laws clarify that data sharing must be limited and proportionate to the amount required.

Australia

The Australian government has laws that protect people’s personal information. In Australia, medical information is only allowed to be released when the person permits it and can be revealed on the phone when the law authorizes it. As long as a person’s medical data meets the standards of Australian Privacy Principles, it is the property of the relevant person and the government. If this data needs to be shared, the first step is to get the consent of the person (to whom the data belongs).

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