Understanding Your Protected Health Information Online
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Nothing is more important when you go online these days than your cybersecurity. We take yours very seriously. So, when we developed GoodCheckup®, security was built into the programming and is one of the main features of our tedelental app. We adhere to the HIPAA security rule that lays out the ePHI standards for all your personal information, from your name and login, to any records you and your dentist may share. But what is ePHI?
The acronym ePHI stands for “Electronic Protected Health Information”. It is part of HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) passed by Congress that sets rules for the rights of consumers related to health insurance. Part of HIPAA provides for the security of sensitive medical information as it is handled by health providers, insurers and affiliated industry partners. These security guidelines make sure that no one can discriminate or exploit consumers based on their medical information. The ePRI standards set by HIPAA are the basis for keeping your electronic information safe and protected online.
What ePHI does HIPAA protect?
The electronic protected health information about you that must be protected includes anything that can identify you, from your name and address to your medical record number and even your photo and IP address, your social security and medical account number, or any other account numbers, even your vehicle license plate number and any biometrics such as finger or voice prints are also protected, among other information. All your personal identification information must be gathered, stored and transmitted according to the HIPAA security rules.
How Does it Work?
HIPAA ePRI rules require that electronically stored information be protected from unauthorized access. It sets security standards for data storage on servers, PC’s, hard drives, smartphones and removable media such as USBs. Each organization must identify risks and put safeguards in place to protect the stored information. Usually there is a security officer designated to be responsible for the proper protection and handling of consumer information. Encryption of data, that is making it electronically unreadable if accessed by outsiders, is one common way that information is kept confidential. Organizations also put policies in place to safeguard the information for every place that it is used internally. Generally, organizations strictly limit access to your information to only those who need it to service your account, and they have a process for destroying any information that is no longer needed.
GoodCheckup® encrypts all information that is received by the app. Storage is only on secure Cloud servers that meet the standards of HIPAA security rules. Your payment information when you pay for your appointment is through Stripe, a top trusted, secure payment portal. The security and confidentiality of your information is our most important job.
Who Can Access My Information?
When you use GoodCheckup®, only you and your dentist have access to your information. With the exception of payment details, your dentist will see things like your name, address and any records you upload and share. The payment information you enter is not available to your dentist as it is handled by the third party, secure processor who separately pays your dentist.
With GoodCheckup®, you can rest assured that your ePRI information is safe and secure. Dental care has never been easier with online dental consultations with GoodCheckup®.
How to use an ePHI PIN with GoodCheckup®
If it is your first time using the app, you’ll probably be prompted to create an ePHI PIN. This is a one-time operation.
After you’ve generated your ePHI PIN
You’ll be prompted for for the ePHI PIN you’ve created in situations where security is most important. If you have biometrics on your phone, you’ll be able to use your fingerprint as well.
