While these two options are less secure than in-person authentication, these options may be preferred for convenience purposes. By simplifying the process for gaining access to the patient portal, a provider can boost portal use to gain benefits such as improved patient engagement, more efficient appointment scheduling and cancellations, and enhanced treatment plan adherence. The main takeaway is to set up procedures that verify that the person requesting access to ePHI is who he or she claims to be.

At Bridge Patient Portal, one of the most common complaints made by healthcare organizations using other patient portals, typically bundled with their EHR vendor, is the cumbersome process patients must go through to register.

Major risk with portable devices include lost or stolen device, downloading viruses, unsecured internet/malware and allowing others to use your device. The State Attorney General and HIPPA are monitoring and prosecuting for HIPPA violations. These breaches can cost a healthcare entity into the millions depending on the severity of the breach. Now that hospitals are adopting the Bring your Own Device (BYOB) policy it is imperative for them to protect every patient’s EHR.