Telehealth is a secure and safe way of connecting with a healthcare provider online. Embrace Health uses secure portals and encryption to message, call and video chat with patients. Your privacy and security are top priorities. Still, anytime we go online there are potential risks. The good news is that doing just a few simple things you can minimize these risks and help protect your health data. Here are nine steps you should consider when using telehealth.
9 Tips for Telehealth Privacy
- Choose a Private Location: Pick a private setting where you can control who has access to your telehealth conversation. Find a secluded room with a door, or even use your parked car to ensure your discussion remains confidential. If privacy is limited, consider wearing headphones, positioning your screen discreetly, and avoiding speakerphone use.
- Disable Nearby Electronic Devices: To prevent inadvertent eavesdropping or recording, turn off any electronic gadgets in your vicinity, such as home security cameras, smart speakers, or voice-activated apps on your mobile device.
- Use Personal Devices: Avoid using work devices or public networks, as these environments may expose your activities to unauthorized personnel. When possible, use your personal computer or mobile device for telehealth sessions.
- Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly install security updates on your computer or mobile device. Enable automatic updates or manually update your software as soon as new versions become available.
- Employ Strong, Unique Passwords: Use different, robust passwords for each application, website, and device used for your telehealth appointments. Changing passwords periodically adds an extra layer of security.
- Utilize Encryption: Activate encryption on your mobile device and any apps used to communicate with healthcare providers or health plans. Encryption renders your information unreadable to unauthorized individuals without the correct key or password.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi and USB Ports: Refrain from using public Wi-Fi networks, which may lack proper security measures, especially in coffee shops or airports. Cybercriminals can exploit these networks to steal sensitive data. Additionally, exercise caution with public USB charging stations, as they may pose a risk of malware installation.
- Communicate with Your Provider: If you have any questions or require assistance with telehealth technology, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on technology usage and accommodate your needs, such as screen readers or closed captioning.
- Verify Links: If you ever receive a link that raises suspicion or doubt, promptly contact your healthcare provider for verification. Ensuring the authenticity of links sent for telehealth appointments is a wise security practice
You can always reach out to the Embrace Health team using the “contact us” form, emailing embrace@embracehealth-staging.azurewebsites.net, or calling 515-612-9583. Learn more about guarding your health information by watching this short video from the Health Resources & Services Administration.
