HIPAA Compliant Wireless Communication in Healthcare

Healthcare has always been evolving. New treatments, procedures, and technology are constantly being updated. At the same time, internal pressures to manage costs and increase productivity have forced administrators to find new ways to handle the volume. Wireless communication in healthcare has rapidly advanced and changed the working environment. It is reshaping the way patients are handled and information is being recorded, stored and shared.

While wireless medical devices have been around for some time, they were primarily used to help providers with assessments and to monitor critical patient data. Now, facilities and organizations are becoming connected allowing for greater access and management. This cross-device communication allows for quicker analysis and sharing of data with providers. It also carries its own set of rules and regulations.

Wireless Solutions for Healthcare

Healthcare organizations are adapting to wireless communication systems to retrieve, store, share and send data. Healthcare professionals now enter data on wirelessly-connected laptops or tablets and monitoring patients and patient data via cell phones or wireless video cameras. Tele-medicine happens across a variety of wireless devices handling communication between patients and healthcare providers. Radios, smartphones, telephones, computers, and IoT (Internet of Things) are connecting patients and providers in new ways. These developments show the integration of IoT healthcare software, which is transforming the landscape of healthcare by improving connection, data administration, and the delivery of patient care.

Wireless Communications Technology in Healthcare

Healthcare information is being stored and shared using a variety of wireless communication technology:

  • Wi-Fi
  • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
  • Bluetooth
  • Z-Wave
  • RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
  • WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Networks)
  • Mobile Internet
  • And More

These are just a few of the ways healthcare records and data are being transmitted and received. Treatment devices can be connected to the wireless network to create a truly connected environment and provide a central repository for data.

Secure Wireless Solution for Hospitals for Better Patient Care

Real-time communication with connected access to data and records creates opportunities for better patient care and more efficient service. No more digging through walls of files or file cabinet for patient histories when time is the essence. Wireless communication solution provides better data security. Records are no longer left out in the open or stuck in slots in office doors waiting for someone to come by and grab them. Security levels can be assigned limiting access to those with the proper authorization.

No more waiting for lab results to make their way through the facility routing system, with the help of wireless communication. Information is updated and available in real-time. Needed data is instantly available to everyone that requires it to better treat patients. Cloud solutions allow for multiple locations to store and retrieve data in a secure environment. This makes for easier sharing between healthcare professionals without having to use messengers or secured faxes.

Wireless Communication and HIPAA Compliance

Whether it’s data stored in a single device, a wired network, or a wireless network, HIPAA rules apply. Wireless communication in healthcare means maintaining the safety, security and privacy of patient records. Patient information in electronic form, known as ePHI (Electronic Protected Health Information), requires privacy and security at high levels.

  • Data encryption
  • Strong authentication
  • User logs
  • Comprehensive reporting
  • Forensic capabilities
  • Restricted access points

When it comes to choosing a healthcare wireless communications provider, it becomes a critical choice. You need to work with someone that understands the HIPAA rules and regulations and can provide compliant technology and certification. From business phone services to unified communication to cloud contact centers, it's imperative to find the right company to handle your communication needs. 8x8 takes care of all.

Why Choose 8x8 for Healthcare Wireless Communication

Business Phone Services

Business phone services let your staff stay connected on the go.

  • Empowers medical staff with existing mobile devices
  • Enables secure chat and phone calls
  • Provides availability indicators

Unified Communications

Unified communication allows healthcare professionals to collaborate via chat, web conference, document sharing, text, video and voice with access to medical information.

  • Allows healthcare providers to work remotely or across multiple locations
  • Connects staff from anywhere at anytime
  • Enables healthcare professionals to connect with patients remotely

Cloud Contact Center

Cloud contact centers manage interactions and connect to the right person at the right time.

  • Connects patients to the right information
  • Provides healthcare professionals with up-to-the-minute patient information
  • Manages voice, email, web, chat, and other interactions

When it comes to HIPAA compliance and data security, 8x8 provides reliable and compliant cloud solutions at a demanding level rarely seen by other cloud providers. Don't take your chances with a subpar cloud-based telecom system. Call 1-866-716-1821 or fill out our online form to request a no-obligation quote from an 8x8 Product Specialist.