The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed by Congress in 1996 to ensure that people can transfer and continue their health insurance coverage when they change jobs. It also created industry-wide standards for healthcare information on electronic billing and other processes.

One of the most important things that the Act did was to require the protection and secure handling of certain information, known as Protected Health Information. For example, your healthcare provider must have systems in place to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to your health information. This is true whether the information is on paper or in a computer system. HIPAA regulations also apply to any information transmitted over the internet, including video visits.

In order to comply with HIPAA and avoid stiff penalties and fines, your healthcare provider must use a telemedicine solution that meets HIPAA’s strict standards. Many telehealth solutions for video visits on the market today can meet the test.