Embedded in the simplified definition of HIPAA Security are many gems of important online security principles that any business, whether healthcare or not should carefully observe and adopt.

Below, we have listed the top 5 tips for practicing good online security:

1. Close computer programs containing patient information when not in use. Implement automatic time out settings of your computers are not active within a certain period of time.

2. Limit e-mail transmissions of sensitive to only those circumstances when the information cannot be sent another way. Note, using SNVBill.com secure online system is an excellent way to avoid using email for sensitive transmissions.

3. Make sure computers have updated anti-virus / anti-malware scanning software installed. This insures your practice is reasonably guarded against malicious software.

4. Use strong user names and passwords. Most people — both inside and outside of healthcare — use simple passwords that can be easily guessed by the simplest “brute force” password cracking software.

5. Password protect and physically secure your handheld and portable computers from access when it is not in your direct possession.

As an organization committed to electronic billing and management, we have a unique perspective and have established expertise in the technology herein. At SNVBill we are here to help you in any way we can. If you have any question please feel free to contact us today.