Why Your Practice Should Choose VoIP as We Move Forward

Voice over Internet Protocol - VoIP - has been making its way into businesses since the mid- 1990s when the first commercial application was released.

A lot has changed over the years.

In addition to selecting the right phone system for all of your needs, it’s also important to ensure it’s HIPAA compliant as well. The core requirement is to ensure that all PHI remains safe as it travels across phone lines. HIPAA standards require:

  • Audit controls
  • Person and office authentication
  • Transmission security
  • Workstation security
  • Device controls
  • Security management

That means you can’t pick up your smartphone and make a phone call - it’s not HIPAA compliant.

Nor can you use a popular service like FaceTime or Skype. Nope, not HIPAA compliant, either.

But what about VoIP? A lot of VoIP systems are growing in popularity and touting their security measures. Don’t be fooled. There is a difference between security for some industries, and security measures for medical practices. To be HIPAA compliant, it has to

  • Take patient calls
  • Transfer date to electronic health records
  • Share information with a variety of other resources, including other medical practices, insurers, and public agencies
  • Route communication to patients and other medical practitioners

And offer the appropriate level of protection every step of the way.

This isn’t something a quick Google search will solve. You have to do your research and ensure it meets both HIPAA requirements, and your state’s regulations.

Yet when you do choose the right VoIP system for your needs, it can have an impact on the way your business operates, and the way it’s perceived . First impressions are everything. Here are just a few of the things VoIP can offer you.

Stay connected - you can easily use your phone system no matter where you are, at the office, working remotely, or on the road.

Stay ahead of trends - communication technology is changing - ISDN and PSTN commuication is being switched off by 2025. Tahat gives VoIP a distinct advantage.

Growth in 5G - it’s expected that by 2025, 5G will carry half of all mobile data traffic. It makes good business sense to ensure your phone communication system uses internet connections.

Utilize artificial intelligence - AI is going to play a significant role in future communications. Auto-attendants, re-routing calls for maximum efficiency, data analyzation and more are all possible with today’s VoIP systems.

Do you know what to look for when selecting VoIP for your business communications?