From the Guidelines
The U.S. government does not officially approve or certify specific telehealth platforms, but instead, healthcare providers must use platforms that comply with HIPAA requirements for protecting patient information. According to the most recent evidence available, as of 2021, common HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms include Zoom for Healthcare, Doxy.me, Teladoc, Amwell, and Microsoft Teams for Healthcare 1. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Department of Health and Human Services temporarily relaxed enforcement of HIPAA requirements, allowing providers to use platforms like FaceTime, Skype, and Google Meet, though this flexibility may have changed since the end of the public health emergency.
Some key features to consider when selecting a telehealth platform include:
- Encryption to protect patient data
- Secure data storage to maintain confidentiality
- Access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can access patient information
- Business associate agreements to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations Healthcare organizations should consult with their compliance officers or legal counsel to ensure their telehealth solution meets current regulatory requirements, as these may vary by state and can change over time 1. The use of telehealth platforms has been shown to improve patient outcomes, increase access to care, and reduce healthcare costs, making it an essential tool in modern healthcare delivery 1.
In terms of specific platforms, some studies have highlighted the effectiveness of platforms such as EPIC medical record system and NHS Attend Anywhere in integrating secure data management and access into electronic records, as well as allowing video visits in an integrated way 1. However, the most important consideration is ensuring that the chosen platform meets the necessary regulatory requirements and prioritizes patient privacy and data security. Ultimately, the choice of telehealth platform should be guided by the principles of protecting patient information and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
From the Research
Government-Approved Telehealth Platforms
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies do not discuss government-approved telehealth platforms.
- The studies focus on various aspects of chronic conditions, such as trends in multiple chronic conditions among US adults 2, 3, defining and measuring chronic conditions 4, and patients' experiences with Long Covid 5.
- None of the studies mention telehealth platforms or government approval for such platforms.
- The study on understanding the context of health for persons with multiple chronic conditions 6 discusses the importance of considering contextual factors in research efforts, but does not address telehealth platforms.