HIPAA Compliance and SMS Texting: What You Need to Know

Texting has become a popular communication method, especially among younger generations. Healthcare providers can leverage this trend by using SMS for appointment and medication reminders, as well as sharing surgery protocols. However, they must ensure compliance with HIPAA guidelines when handling protected health information (PHI) through text messages. Covered entities can use SMS to direct patients to secure patient portals or enable two-factor authentication. Healthcare providers should partner with established carriers and service providers that understand telecom options and HIPAA compliance, such as Bandwidth.