How to Become HIPAA-Compliant with a Cloud-Based EHR

Cloud-Based Chiropractic Software Can Simplify Data Security in Your Practice—Here’s What You Need to Know

As a chiropractor, HIPAA compliance is a critical part of running your business, but it can be tricky to maintain. Every day, you face the high-stakes challenge of managing sensitive patient data with absolute precision. But one wrong turn, and you could face hefty Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) fines.

That's why you need a stable and secure Electronic Health Records (EHR) system.

Beyond yourself, your chiropractic EHR plays a pivotal role in your practice, so not just any will do. It needs to streamline your operations, improve communication, and—importantly—protect patient data. The EHR you use can mean the difference between an efficient, secure practice and constant compliance headaches.

However, with a cloud-based EHR like ChiroSpring, you can obtain everything you need to run your practice efficiently and securely.

If you want to enhance your practice's data security and operations, here's how a cloud-based EHR has you covered on both fronts.

The Basics of HIPAA Compliance  

For all care providers, HIPAA requires basic protocols to maintain compliance:

• Keeping patient data secure: All patient information needs to be secure from unauthorized access while in storage and in transit. To protect data, you need encryption and secure access controls.
• Limiting access: Only authorized individuals should have access to Protected Health Information (PHI). This means employing user restrictions and tracking who accesses the data.
• Preparing for contingencies: You need a plan for data breaches, including notifying, recovering, and preventing future breaches.
• Regular risk assessments: You need to conduct regular audits and assessments to identify and rectify any potential risks.

With key HIPAA regulations in mind, let’s consider how they apply in the choice of an EHR system.

The Big Debate: Server-Based vs. Cloud-Based

In your search for the perfect EHR, you'll notice a key distinction: server-based and cloud-based systems. Server-based EHRs, while offering a sense of control and familiarity with data stored onsite, come with challenges. They often involve large upfront costs for hardware, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Plus, they can consume substantial time and resources to keep updated and secure—which could be better spent on patient care.

On the other hand, web-based EHRs, like ChiroSpring, shift data storage away from local servers to secure remote servers. They’re much more cost-effective and don’t require expensive hardware, installation, or in-house IT staff for upkeep. Instead, the service provider assumes the responsibility for updates, backups, and security measures, freeing up resources for your practice.

Moreover, this efficiency also extends to HIPAA compliance. Since the service provider assists with maintaining security measures, you have fewer HIPAA-related responsibilities to worry about. That way, you can avoid potential non-compliance penalties.

Altogether, it really boils down to how much time and money you’re willing to spend on maintenance. (And in a busy chiropractic practice, you probably want to use those resources sparingly).

Grow Your Practice Securely and Easily

Further adding to their value, cloud-based EHR systems easily adapt to and grow with your practice. However, with a server-based system, this means investing in more servers and additional upkeep – which can add up quickly.

With cloud-based EHRs, storage is flexible, and you can increase or decrease as needed without any additional hardware purchases. Plus, since the cloud stores your patient data, it's accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

And it's important to note that this accessibility does not compromise HIPAA compliance; in fact, it supports it. Secure login protocols ensure only authorized personnel can access sensitive information, no matter their location.

The Role of Encryption and Data Protection

When it comes to data security, the differences between the two systems are especially significant. HIPAA's security rules mandate specific physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to ensure the safety and accessibility of PHI. Each type of EHR system interacts with these safeguards differently.

In server-based EHR systems, you’re responsible for safeguarding patient data. That means it’s on you to secure physical servers, control and monitor access, and regularly backup data. Given these responsibilities, even a minor oversight or unforeseen incident could result in data breaches or downtime.

With cloud-based EHRs like ChiroSpring, the cloud provider shoulders the burden of data security – not you. ChiroSpring uses high-level encryption for data at rest and in transit, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of PHI. Additionally, it stores data redundantly across multiple servers. This protects against data loss and guarantees availability, even in the event of a system failure or disaster.

Ultimately, the EHR you choose is up to you – but it significantly influences HIPAA compliance and how you protect patient data. And given its stringent approach to security, a cloud-based solution is a compelling choice to make.

ChiroSpring: Unlock the Power of a Cloud-Based EHR for Seamless Data Security

Your EHR has a substantial impact on all aspects of your practice, but none more so than data security. Non-compliance jeopardizes your patients' sensitive information, resulting in substantial fines and penalties (especially if a HIPAA audit uncovers violations). For your practice to be HIPAA compliant, you need a strategic balance of secure data protection and efficient practice management.

In other words, you need a versatile EHR system that can balance both sides.

With ChiroSpring—an all-in-one, cloud-based chiropractic software—your practice has a straightforward path to HIPAA compliance. With flexible storage, high-level encryption, and affordability, ChiroSpring helps streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance data security. If you’re ready to simplify your journey to HIPAA compliance, contact ChiroSpring today to schedule your free demo.

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References

Giannulli, T. (2016, May 25). The Cloud: More Affordable Than You Think. Healthcare Innovation. https://www.hcinnovationgroup.com/interoperability-hie/cloud-computing-storage/article/13007784/the-cloud-more-affordable-than-you-think

Steve Alder. (2023). HIPAA Compliance Checklist. The HIPAA Journal. https://www.hipaajournal.com/hipaa-compliance-checklist/

Using a Cloud-Based EHR to Run Your Chiropractic Practice. (2023, March 14). ChiroSpring. https://www.chirospring.com/articles/using-a-cloud-based-ehr-to-run-your-chiropractic-practice