--- title: "Maintaining HIPAA Compliance" canonical: "https://support.inphonite.com/space/KBPUB/77463563/Maintaining%20HIPAA%20Compliance" format: markdown --- # 1 - Introduction Some may have the perception that using an automated appointment reminder system such as Inphonite can violate health regulations such as HIPAA, in regards patient privacy. This is usually misunderstood. # 2 - More Information Under HIPAA, *healthcare providers may communicate with patients regarding their care*. Providers may communicate with patients via mail or telephone, or in some other manner. Providers may also leave messages for patients on their answering machines. However, as always, and with any patient communication, health care providers should take steps to protect an individual's privacy. These steps include limiting the information disclosed in messages left on answering machines or with other persons who may answer the phone at a patient's home. **EXAMPLE** - Patient Name (Inphonite prefers to only use a patients First Name, or First Name & Last Initial) - Appointment Date - Appointment Time By limiting the information to the above, any prying eyes that see or hear it, will not have enough information to actually know anything considered PHI under HIPAA. HIPAA regulations allow for providers to disclose such limited information to family members, friends, or other persons regarding a patient's care, even when the individual is not present. Providers are advised to use their professional judgment to ensure that these communications are in the best interest of the patient. Most providers therefore, request contact details as part of their intake paperwork. These contact details will often include not only the means to contact a patient, but will outline in which order to be contacted as well as what information will be provided via automated messaging. These Patient Preferences are expected to be followed, unless they themselves break the law. Patient Preferences are not outlined as a part of HIPAA compliance, but rather other regulations that encourage providers to use them. Keep in mind that even if something is HIPAA compliant it may not be considered a ‘secure’ technology. Depending upon your business, practice and message, you will want to keep that in mind when creating or editing any automated messaging. To learn more about HIPAA, please visit *The United States Department of Health & Human Services* web site at [http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa](http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/). # 3 - Applies To Applies to all versions of all products. --- # Support If you are unable to find answers to your questions, our Technical Support Department is here to help. **Contact Us:** - **Email:** [support@inphonite.com](mailto:support@inphonite.com) to open a support ticket. **Support Hours:** - **Eastern Time:** 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM - **Pacific Time:** 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM - **Days:** Monday through Friday All requests will be responded to within one business day. Our Technical Support team addresses requests in the order they are received. Customers with Elite support will be prioritized and attended to by the next available Support Technician. **PLEASE NOTE:** Before contacting our Technical Support Team, please review our article [Before You Contact Support](https://support.inphonite.com/space/KBPUB/56950798/Before+You+Contact+Support). For more tips and useful information check out our other resources**:** ● [Inphonite Blog](https://www.inphonite.com/resources/blog) ● [News](https://www.inphonite.com/resources/news) ● [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/inphonite)