Crealanta Magazine

Top 5 HIPAA web hosting services that are compliant for WordPress

Mar 24, 2023

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Your HIPAA policy officer has to complete a checklist that is for as long as they can to make sure your company is following all regulations.

And failure to comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards can lead to serious penalty.

This could result in imprisonment and fines up to $50,000 for each offense (up up to $1.5 million a year). This is a serious risk for top-tier criminals!

For smaller businesses, HIPAA compliance can be especially tough - tough to grasp andafford. But you're also the ones that can't afford to pay expensive penalties.

Don't worry, though. We're here for you.

The following list contains servicesthat'll keep your data safe as well as secure, while following all the HIPAA guidelines (at least when it comes to ground zero).

In addition, we'll break down the features that are essential and the accreditations that are needed. That way you can check our workings and sleep easy knowing your data is secure.

Let's go!

Do I require HIPAA-compliant web Hosting?

Even if you're from outside the U.S.

HIPAA is designed to safeguard the protected medical information (PHI) from Americans, wherever they happen to be wherever they are in the world. Therefore, if you're operating a online business, HIPAA compliance is your safest bet - regardless of your location.

Even if you're not in healthcare, you'll need be in compliance with HIPPA when you deal with PHI in your business.

As telemedicine is growing in popularity and remote patient monitoring the need for HIPAA-compliant hosting has become more necessary than ever. Actually, non-compliant website hosts prohibit using their services to sites that are subject to HIPAA guidelines.

The bottom line is if you host any type of medical records on your website including patient records, prescriptions, and so on - you must use HIPAA-compliant website hosting.

This is why it's well worth the effort...

What are the reasons to start an Online Healthcare Business?

You've surely heard of sites like Zocdoc as well as Betterhelp which offer healthcare professionals the opportunity to connect with clients via an online platform.

They're huge and powerful, and could make you want to avoid the trouble creating your own site. However, you should not!

Below are some advantages to having your own web site is the ideal choice...

1. Greater Control over ownership and profits

Third-party platforms could make a significant portion of your earnings. On top of that there are times when you must pay membership fees. The organization is also free to modify fees or terms and conditions at the moment of need.

Seth Meyers Lol GIF by Late Night with Seth Meyers - Find & Share on GIPHY

For instance, Zocdoc recently changed its pricing structure to a fixed monthly rate of $3000 per provider. Now, Zocdoc healthcare professionals must pay a flat fee for each new patient booking in addition to an annual licensing fee.

The more you do business through third-party platforms, the more you're at their mercy. And that just doesn't make any sense in terms of business.

2. Build an Intimate Community of patients

By using WordPress as well , you get more control over the pricing. However, you'll also have the ability to build communities around your services.

Patients appreciate the personal touch provided by the healthcare professional they are able to reach out to whenever they have a need.

In addition, you can include additional resources including resources and information for your patients to easily access and refer to.

For example, customer New Hope Counseling & Wellness Center offers therapies and counseling services on their site.

They regularly share content that can help support the survivors in their group of eating disorders and trauma.

3. Maximize Recurring Revenue

Recurring revenue refers to a stream of revenue that is repeated regularly. Subscription-based services are an instance of recurring revenues. This revenue model is stable and reliable than one-time payments.

Here are some ideas for recurring income ideas for healthcare which you could offer through your WordPress site. They include :

Make subscriptions for ongoing appointments.

Give your patients the option of a monthly installment to spread the costs of appointment or treatment.

A subscription that is regular in duration could be a way to encourage patients to commit to regular appointments as well as treatments. They'll feel a sense of obligation to use the service they are paying for.

Additionally, offering an option to pay monthly could help to make healthcare more accessible to patients who struggle to pay large sums in advance.

This will increase the satisfaction of patients and their loyalty, and ultimately lead to healthier outcomes for patients.

Develop treatment programs

Design treatment programs to aid your patients in completing their home care.

If you're a physiotherapist as an example, you can develop a program that incorporates higher-level exercises in order to help the recovery of your patients.

As a primary care practitioner can you put together an educational program on how to deal with Type 2 Diabetes.

As a mental health practitioner can you create an educational program to assist people regulate their emotions, or develop a mindfulness practice.

The courses are able to be tied. For example, a basic subscription provides access to a 4-week online course. A pro subscription gives access to personal one-on-one telehealth sessions.

Set up a paywalled resource hub

Develop a library of resources for your patients to use with their subscription. This could include information sheets, meal plans, relevant video and articles The possibilities are limitless!

Patients will be able to access all the data they require to complement their treatments on one page, which makes it much easier for them to remain engaged and motivated throughout their appointments.

makes recurring revenue a doddle

Whatever you have in mind to your site, this is the best WordPress membership plugin to bring your idea to fruition.

Develop tiered subscriptions and paywall-based content, and control your telehealth appointment all right through your website.

It is compatible with more than 5000 platforms and add-ons including the following plugins that can assist you in ensuring HIPAA conformity:

4. It's A Lot Easier than You Believe

Do not let the jargon of online security put you off. With the right service provider and some sound guidance from an expert, it's simple to navigate HIPAA procedures and design an amazing web site.

However, before you do, read on to find the best web hosting provider for you.

Essential Features to be HIPAA-compliant Web Hosting

For HIPAA conformity, there are a few essential features and certificates your web hosting solution must have. These are:

  • Advanced firewalls
  • Security monitoring and scanning for malware
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Encrypted virtual private networks (VPNs) for secure cloud access as well as electronic secured health data (ePHI) while in transit
  • Secure SSL/TLS encryption with extra security for gespeichert data
  • Physically secure server locations in HIPAA-approved data centers
  • Audit logging to track HIPAA-governed processes and access to information
  • Backup of data and off-site storage
  • Resilience to data recovery in the event in the event of loss or natural disaster
  • 100% availability of servers and uptime
  • Great support
  • Ability to sign a Business association agreement (BAA) ensuring HIPAA compliance

There is a comprehensive (and very handy) HIPAA compliance checklist on this page.

These are other related words and badges to look out for:

 HiTECH

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) act is an updated version of HIPAA which was made law in 2009. If anything is HITECH compatible, it's also HIPAA compliant... as well as there are some.

 HIGHTRUST

Contrary to HIPAA or HITECH, it is not a law. Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) isn't part of a legal framework. It's an organization that is widely known that certifies organizations for their HIPAA as well as HITECH compliance.

 CSF HITRUST

The Common Security Framework of HITRUST (CSF) includes international security and privacy laws such as ISO, PCI, and GDPR for global compliance.

 SOC2 and SOC3

Service Organization Control 2 (SOC2) and SOC3 frameworks help ensure the security of their data center as well as cloud security security.

However, something can be SOC2/3 compliant , but it isn'tHIPAA compliant, so watch out!

Three Facts to Know about HIPAA Web Hosting

Before we hop to the list, we're best off taking a moment to control expectations.

1. HIPAA web hosting that is compliant can Cost a Lot

HIPAA web hosting comes with costlier prices over other hosting options. That's because HIPAA compliance requires a lot more of web hosting providers in comparison to the typical VPS or shared hosting.

This added security comes at a cost.

2. There are fewer options on the Ground

3. Do Your Own Diligence

Simply because the product is compliant with the standards to ensure HIPAA compliance doesn't guarantee the service will be used correctly. Did you see anyone wearing a helmet without doing up the straps? This is a bit like.

Helmet Safety GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

If you mess up the settings or internal protocols to handle and transmit PHI don't keep up with HIPAA regulations, you could still be in violation.

Be sure to conduct your own due diligence and consult with an expert whenever necessary. The responsibility to ensure HIPAA compliance comes down to you.

5 HIPAA Compliant web hosting services

Once the disclaimers are out of the way, here are our top 5 HIPAA-compliant webhosting services.

#1 - Liquid Web

Reviewers love its reliability and high uptime. They also appreciate its quick customer support, as well as its super rapid speeds.

Their tagline is "The Most Helpful Humans in Hosting" Based on reviews from their clients, they live up to their motto.

With their help, the process is simple, and they can help you ensure your website fully meets all HIPAA guidelines.

Liquid Web is proudly HIPAA/HITECH certified. They've undergone rigorous third-party audits to ensure the company " not only meet standards set by the government, but even exceed."

They provide the entire range of offsite backups, completely managed and wholly owned core data centers complete with locked servers, extensive security, and much more.

Contrary to the other hosting companies listed on this page You don't have to scour their website to locate their HIPPA-compliant offerings. They're transparent about the features of the service is and the price.

Pricing starts at $299/month for a standalone HIPAA server, and as high as $657/month for a multi-server plan.

#2 - Atlantic.Net, Inc.

Atlantic.net, Inc. is yet another company that is proud to offer HIPAA-compliant hosting, with 100 percent uptime for SLA (SLA) as well as round-the-clock customer support.

Atlantic.Net, Inc. offers completely managed as well as managed hosting services. If you're planning to migrate your current WordPress site onto their secure HIPAA compliant server, they can help you with that too.

As a specialist in compliance hosting, Atlantic.Net, Inc. has refined its setup procedure in order to make what could be an intimidating experience simple.

Atlantic.Net, Inc. has 3 pricing tiers that range between $279.98/month to their quickstart option up all the way to $609.97/month for their HIPAA business edition.

However, where they excel is in offering tailored hosting environments for your specific needs. You'd be better off getting customized quotes from them.

They also offer a 30-day trial for free so that you are able to try it before you make any commitments.

#3 3 HIPAA Vault

HIPAA Vault (formerly VM Racks) is a fully-managed and secure WordPress publishing system.

The name of the program says it all. HIPAA Vault is made specifically for HIPAA Compliance. The company provides customer support 24 hours a day, with 90% of first-call resolution, to make sure everything is running as it should.

They also monitor their infrastructure and update it often to minimize risks and improve security.

If the cost/month of HIPAA-compliant web hosting has you reeling, HIPAA Vault is your best option. Their most sought-after annual agreement is priced at $84 per month.

#4 -- Rackspace

Rackspace doesn't outwardly offer HIPAA compliant services as an option. But, they do declare themselves to be "HIPAA prepared". What exactly do they mean with this?

Well, it means that upon request, they will be able to ensure they meet all necessary standards for HIPAA conformity.

The only thing you have to do is make sure you sign a BAA with them, which comes as standard with their clients in the healthcare sector.

When they claim they're ready to go, they're serious. They are able to serve over 2,500 healthcare organizations, which is a testimony to their experience in HIPAA compliance.

They're HITRUST CSF-certified that means they're in compliance with the standards set by HIPAA for private, public and hybrid cloud systems.

To top that, they're additionally Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certified and utilize Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) as well as Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols.

Are you lost among the jargon? Just know about sending and receiving data, they've got it covered.

#5 5 AWS

Amazon Web Services ( AWS) is a cloud service company (CSP) with web hosting solutions. It is able to securely process, store and transfer PHI. It also allows patients to accept a BAA to ensure compliance with HIPAA protections.

Since it's an CSP (as as opposed to a web hosting provider), AWS isn't eligible for HIPAA certification. But, it meets the standards that apply to it.

Their HIPAA risk management policy is in line closely with Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). It also complies with procedures from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST 800-53).

They both have more standards of security that HIPAA.

The main advantage of using AWS is its pay-as you-go model which means that you only spend the amount you utilize for the duration you use it.

This is in contrast to the fixed-monthly pricing model used by the other web hosting providers on our list. It also means you can stop at any time and not lose a penny.

However, AWS is complex to understand, and unlike the other services that we have mentioned above the AWS service, their support for customers is not as clear..

While some of the companies listed on this list offer guidance on the way to go, don't expect similar support from AWS.

Conclusion

In the case of HIPAA-compliant web hosting services, there's no shortage of choices. The five that we've listed here are among the top available. What you decide to pick will depend on your personal requirements and personal preferences.

After you've chosen the ideal solution for your needs, the enjoyment (and money making!) begins. With plus integrations with HIPAA-compliant plug-ins, you are able to do a lot beyond just providing a telehealth service.

Start building an online community today and provide a premium service to your customers right now.

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Are you having any queries concerning HIPAA compliant web hosting? Please let us know via the comments section below!