Features to Look for in a Secure, Automated Patient Message System

How to Choose the Right Solution

In modern healthcare, efficiency and privacy are nonnegotiable — including with how you protect patient messages during intake. If you decide to automate your intake process, the solution you choose must meet key requirements under HIPAA. Here are the top features to look for in a secure, automated patient message system so that you improve communication and accuracy between patients and providers.

1. HIPAA-Compliant Security Measures

Because intake often happens over the phone, a patient messaging system should adhere to HIPAA telehealth guidelines. Look for a platform that encrypts all data in transit and at rest, provides secure authentication for users, and maintains complete audit logs for compliance tracking.

2. Clinically Designed Intake Questions

To be effective, automated intake should use guided prompts that capture all necessary patient symptoms. This reduces the need for unnecessary follow-up calls to clarify those symptoms, and provides a holistic view of each patient’s current health needs.

3. EHR Integration

The right system should integrate directly with your existing EHR or practice management software. This reduces manual data entry, minimizes errors, and ensures that critical information is instantly available to providers.

4. Built for Mobile, Focused on Patients

Patients should be able to submit their information directly to your team from multiple devices without having to download a special app. A user-friendly, text-based process can improve accessibility and encourage more patients to engage with it.

5. Real-Time Notifications for Staff

Automated alerts for incoming patient messages keep your clinical and administrative teams accountable. No urgent concerns are overlooked, and follow-ups are handled promptly.

6. Analytics and Reporting Capabilities

Comprehensive reporting will allow you to measure how well patients are engaging with your intake solution, identify trends in their behavior, and optimize your workflows to meet them. If you’re a value-based care organization, it can also help you improve (and document) extensive care coordination.

To read more about best practices for digital health security, explore HIPAA‘s available resources.

Invest in the Right Communication Solution

A secure, automated patient message system can be a powerful and convenient tool for improving your front desk operations and patient safety. When it includes the features outlined above, you’ll be better equipped to manage high patient call volumes, reduce messaging intake errors, and maintain industry compliance.

MedMessage Automate Meets These Standards — And More

TriageLogic’s MedMessage Automate is a HIPAA-compliant, clinically developed intake system that allows patients to self-report their symptoms using a secure chatbot. Its automated intake can integrate with all industry-recognized EHRs, and can share structured, actionable patient data to your entire care team.

If you’d like to see an example of how this could be adapted for your practice, contact us today to schedule a free demo!