Choosing the Right Telemedicine Software
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), many of us have moved our practices online to protect our health and the health of our clients. I have always offered online sessions to clients who travel or simply prefer not to drive in LA traffic. When I started doing video sessions I inquired with CAMFT about HIPAA privacy rules and video conferencing software for telemedicine. The first step in choosing the right software is determining whether you are a HIPAA-covered entity.

Here are three questions you need to ask yourself; you must answer yes to all three to qualify.

1. Are you a healthcare provider? The answer is yes for psychotherapists.

2. Do you transmit health information electronically?

3. Do you conduct covered transactions? According to CAMFT- “A covered transaction for HIPAA's purposes involves transmitting information between covered entities to carry out certain financial or administrative activities related to health care.” From David Jensen JD’s 2010 Article- “Are You A Covered Entity”CAMFT’s website and verified by phone

Since I am not on any insurance panels and do not transmit health information electronically, I answered no to questions 2 and 3.  I chose to use ZOOM, which is not HIPAA compliant.

When researching software choices, be sure to ask about the software’s privacy protocols.  Ask if the sessions are recorded and who has access to that server. If you are a HIPAA covered entity, check out VSee, one of the more popular HIPAA compliant platforms.

California law says we must maintain confidentiality and reasonable security when we conduct telemedicine sessions.  If you need more information about telemedicine, you can find it on CAMFT’s website www.camft.org.