How a Managed Service Provider Can Help Your Practice Tackle Healthcare Compliance 

Today’s healthcare organizations face mounting pressure when it comes to staying on top of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and other healthcare compliance regulations. In addition to the various compliance measures that need to be taken, IT security is also a major area of concern.

To ensure your practice stays up-to-date with all applicable laws, hiring a managed service provider (MSP) can be a great way to simplify the process. To learn more about the benefits of having an MSP on board, we’ll look at some of the ways they can help you and your practice stay compliant.

What Regulations Do Healthcare Providers Need to Follow?

The regulations that healthcare organizations need to comply with depend on the type of organization they are. Generally, though, HIPAA is the most common regulation when it comes to medical practices.

HIPAA

HIPAA consists of several rules that apply to how protected health information (PHI) is stored and transmitted. It also stipulates who can have access to patient data, and what types of safeguards must be in place to ensure the security and privacy of this data.

HITECH

In addition to HIPAA, organizations may be subject to other healthcare regulations such as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH). This regulation focuses on increasing the use of technology in healthcare and includes requirements for maintaining security and privacy standards when it comes to electronic health records (EHRs).

Federal and State Laws

Healthcare organizations may also be subject to federal and state laws. While all healthcare organizations must follow federal laws, state laws can vary widely from state to state. It’s important for organizations to familiarize themselves with the laws in their area.

How an MSP Can Help Your Practice Meet Healthcare Compliance

A reliable MSP will know the ins and outs of HIPAA and other applicable regulations, as well as what is required for healthcare compliance. An MSP will handle the following so that you can focus on taking care of your patients:

1. IT Security

An MSP can help you implement and maintain the necessary IT security measures to ensure patient data is protected. This includes firewalls, antivirus software, regular backups, and other security protocols. And, MSPs can also help prevent and monitor compliance infractions.

2. Holistic Approach to HIPAA Compliance

MSPs can provide a comprehensive approach to HIPAA compliance across systems, which includes ensuring that patient data is stored securely, that access to this data is limited to those who need it, and that all necessary safeguards are in place.

3. Secure Communication

Email security is paramount to ensure patient records remain confidential. An MSP can help you set up secure communication protocols, such as encrypted emails and other secure messaging platforms, to protect patient information when it is sent or received for better healthcare compliance.

4. Official Certification

An MSP can also help you obtain official certification from the government and other regulatory bodies to prove that your practice meets all required standards. This is important for maintaining credibility and trust with patients and authorities alike.

5. Vulnerability Scanning & Active Monitoring

Finally, an MSP will regularly scan your systems for any potential vulnerabilities and monitor them in real-time. This helps identify any areas of concern that need to be addressed before they become a problem.

Make Compliance Easy with Envision Consulting

At Envision Consulting, we understand that keeping up with healthcare compliance can be difficult and time-consuming. That’s why we offer managed IT services that cover healthcare compliance to make the process easier and more efficient.

With our services, we’ll ensure that you stay compliant with all applicable regulations. Our team of experienced professionals will get to know your practice and create a customized plan to help you stay compliant.

Set up a meeting with us today to learn more about how we can help with healthcare compliance. We look forward to helping you protect your patients and keep your practice running smoothly.