HIPAA Compliant Mobile App Development: Features, Solutions & Cost

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The growing digitization of the healthcare sector brings significant opportunities but challenges, especially when protecting patient data. HIPAA passed in 1996, sets standards for safeguarding medical information in the United States. HIPAA compliance is a non-negotiable requirement if you’re developing a healthcare mobile app. In this article, we will delve into HIPAA compliant app development features, the solutions for achieving this, and the associated costs.

What Does HIPAA Mean?

Industry compliance should be at the heart of any healthcare startup’s strategy. It has key rules that serve as a mandatory basis for the development of all desktop and mobile solutions. Failure to comply with these rules means that your software and/or apps will be rejected from the market.

In the oversaturated medical technology industry, having medical solutions that comply with new rules and regulations is an important success factor. When it comes to the risk of disclosing sensitive patient information, the stakes are simply too high. Thus, the slightest mistake can cost everyone involved dearly.

The total losses from confidential data leaks can cost companies tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars. The risk is extremely high, especially in the healthcare industry, where third parties can use patient information to obtain improper benefits or commit illegal acts. In such cases, a lawsuit can be brought against the service provider and software developer responsible for the leak.

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This regulation of the U.S. healthcare industry was first developed in 1996. Essentially, it is a federal law mandating the development of national standards to prevent the disclosure of confidential patient health information without the patient’s consent or knowledge.

HIPAA regulates healthcare providers, clearinghouses, business associates, and health plans. This rule is the foundation of the healthcare regulatory industry, and there are many HIPAA benefits for healthcare providers.

It’s worth noting that no medical application can provide customer services without HIPAA certification. This means that neither service providers nor patients can access the data, making it difficult for them to interact. That’s why it’s important to follow all requirements of HIPAA compliant app development that meets strict HIPAA requirements and is highly secure using advanced technologies such as blockchain and encryption.

Why is HIPAA Compliance Important for Medical Apps?

It’s no secret that regulatory compliance is essential in healthcare, especially regarding technological advances. Given the level of privacy of medical data, any breach or noncompliance can lead to costly and embarrassing consequences for patients, healthcare software providers, and medical facilities.

HIPAA compliance is required for all healthcare apps. Hospitals and healthcare providers who fail to comply with HIPAA are subject to significant fines. While an individual data breach may cost more than $50,000, it can result in millions in total damages.

Regarding technology, it’s clear that industrial digitization is a significant cause of compliance problems. Many data-enabled systems violate various industry rules, leading to data privacy issues.

HIPAA has strict rules for handling, transferring, and storing personal data. Any modern IT architecture is built on a modular basis based on microservices. It is the engineering team’s responsibility to ensure that system security standards are met during HIPAA compliant app development.

Look how the Glorium team develops HIPAA compliant mobile apps.

To ensure that these standards are met, it is often not enough to simply structure data streams for better information control. It is important to provide encryption of channels, secure data storage, and a multi-level authorization system.

It is important to know that HIPAA compliant app development often requires more than technical implementation, including:

• Well-written privacy and security policies
• Regular training and/or certification of employees
• Rigorous security assessments of third-party partners and vendors
• On-site incident plans

Anna Vozna

Account Executive, Glorium Technologies

In addition, we need to follow the trends of the cybersecurity industry precisely by incorporating the field’s best practices into digital solutions. This includes blockchain technology, the Zero Trust information security system, multifactor authentication, and device digital signature verification.

Access Control Requirements

Important aspects of the HIPAA compliant app development criteria is that only authorized medical personnel may have access to patient information and records. Internal espionage is, unfortunately, a common occurrence in the healthcare industry.

In this case, the information is at risk because often, during the development of apps, there are loopholes for unauthorized access to sensitive data. This leads to problems for service providers, causing reputational and financial losses for the company.

In fact, according to the Verizon PHI Data Breach Report, many healthcare providers have access to information they shouldn’t. Intentionally or unintentionally, this leads to 56% of security breaches. In addition to proper staff training, artificial intelligence and deep learning can also detect and prevent regulatory violations through strict access controls.

But even this is not always enough to fully protect the data. There are situations where it is not the app that is attacked but the medical system to which it is connected. Thus, the certificate is forged, and the attacker gains access to the data on the server or client devices.

Audit & Integrity

To develop a HIPAA-compliant app, developers must ensure that all processes and transactions follow the specified flow (outlined in HIPAA law). Any deviation from the established procedures will be instantly detected. Payments and audits are successfully handled by an algorithm that ensures that pharmaceutical stock figures add up.

The processing algorithms must be precisely prescribed for all 18 types of data covered by HIPAA. This is complicated by a large number of protocols and certificates used to protect them. And also the tight control of internal and external modules and software elements interconnections.

The number of diverse data sources and formats that need to be processed and evaluated adds to the overall complexity. Traditionally, pharmacovigilance has been performed by multiple groups of physicians who have collected information on medication exposure and patient reactions. Any inconsistency in data processing in these reports poses a risk to regulatory compliance.

It is important to set limits on the types of data entered and received. It is better to artificially limit its use to predetermined limits for better control over the information. Only the data that the user and the service provider need access to in order to provide quality service should be included.

Thanks to AI-based solutions, data collection, analysis, and processing are optimized and automated, greatly reducing the likelihood of human error. As a result, regulators have less opportunity to question the validity of an application.

In addition to AI, it is important to use more traditional security methods to ensure data security. This means that it is necessary to think about and implement a multi-level user authentication system, including both validation of the device and the user’s identity based on established biometric data.

Additionally, end-to-end encryption technology, zero-trust policy, and a number of other solutions can be used to improve data security. You should also consider and implement backup capabilities to restore access or control over the account without compromising the protection of the product and the information in it.

It also simplifies the process of obtaining and processing structured and unstructured data because AI can extract the necessary regulatory data from given sources of information. In addition, the AI can detect patterns and suggest better decision-making methods regarding treatment dosages, prescriptions, patient data, etc.

Transmission Security

As healthcare businesses gradually move to digital platforms, data security is becoming an increasingly important issue. According to Gartner, privacy restrictions pose major risks for most companies, including those in the healthcare industry.

This is a serious issue, with 41 million medical records being compromised in 2019. The accumulation of sensitive patient data, medical records, and smart data from medical wearable devices is becoming a target for devastating and costly cyberattacks and data breaches. There have been countless cases where a single data breach or systematic noncompliance with HIPAA requirements has resulted in significant financial losses.

Significant financial losses are the millions of dollars per year that companies compensate their customers for the damage caused by the loss of important data. Add to that the cost of litigation and the cost of software upgrades, and you get a bill that exceeds the basic investment in developing a HIPAA-compliant digital solution.

Because there are different types of data sources and tiers, conversations about artificial intelligence for healthcare data protection are long and varied. However, regarding compliance, the main U.S. medical regulatory set, HIPAA, regulates some forms of patient data. As a result, organizations and developers must adhere to these standards during HIPAA compliant app development.

HIPAA-compliant Software Development: Step-by-Step

HIPAA compliant app development involves a thorough understanding of the regulatory framework and implementing stringent security measures. Here is a step-by-step guide to developing a HIPAA-compliant healthcare app.

The first step is understanding what HIPAA covers and how it applies to mobile apps. This includes understanding the Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules. For example, you should understand the types of protected health information (PHI), what constitutes a violation, and what penalties might be involved. If you’re unsure, consulting with a HIPAA expert can help.

Your app will need to identify and classify any PHI that it handles. This includes any information that can be used to identify an individual related to their health status, care, or payment for care.

At its core, HIPAA is about security. HIPAA-compliant apps need robust security measures, including encryption, user authentication, automatic log-off, and secure APIs. The app should ensure secure transmission, storage, and disposal of PHI. Additionally, the app should include an emergency access procedure to ensure PHI is accessible during a crisis.

Role-based access ensures that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive data. This means implementing user roles and permissions, and ensuring that each user can only access the information necessary for their job.

Regular audits help to identify potential HIPAA violations and maintain compliance. It would help if you considered logging all access to PHI and regularly reviewing these logs for any discrepancies.

In case of a breach, a strategy should be in place for managing the risk and minimizing the impact. This should include regular data backups, a disaster recovery plan, and a data breach response protocol.

Though not legally required, obtaining a certification from a reputable third-party auditor can help ensure compliance and instill trust in your users. It’s a testament that your application has gone through stringent compliance checks.

Training and awareness are an integral part of HIPAA compliance. Your users, especially healthcare professionals, should understand how to use the app in a way that maintains HIPAA compliance.

Compliance is not a one-time thing but a continuous process. Changes in technology, regulations, or how your app works may require changes in your compliance strategy. Regular audits, updates, and training can ensure ongoing compliance.

HIPAA-compliant software development can be complex and requires a thorough understanding of industry regulations. However, the importance of protecting patient data makes it worth the effort.

As an expert outsourcing company in the healthcare industry, Glorium Technologies offers complete HIPAA-compliant app development solutions that meet regulatory standards, ensuring the privacy and security of sensitive health data while offering a seamless user experience.

The latest case study with HIPAA compliant mobile application is mobile app for physiological monitoring and biofeedback. Our client required the incorporation of specialized sensory technologies such as biofeedback, neurofeedback, heart rate variability, and electromyography, for therapeutic utilization. Additionally, they underscored the importance of generating user-friendly and readily accessible diagnostic reports.

The Glorium team has developed top-notch mobile application for Android and iOS devices that seamlessly integrate with hardware through the BLE protocol. Additionally, our developers have created specialized quick evaluation protocols and robust reports that cover all evaluations. Our team builded a self-regulation screen that incentivizes performers to stay engaged and achieve their personal best during training sessions, such additional features as courses, games, two types of calendar (monthly, weekly), daily diary.

How to Choose a Reliable HIPAA Development Partner?

You won’t be able to comply with all the necessary HIPAA regulations without the help of a professional developer unless you have the proper experience. As a result, working with an experienced software vendor who can help you with essential consultations and system audits is preferable.

It is better to hire an experienced team to handle the entire HIPAA compliant mobile app development process. We recommend working with an expert company that has proven experience with similar solutions, whether you are a startup or a large medical enterprise.

Finding a reliable partner for HIPAA-compliant software development is vital to ensuring the success and legality of your healthcare app. Here are the steps you should follow to select the right partner:

1. Domain expertise: Look for a company with extensive experience in the healthcare industry. They should understand the intricacies of healthcare workflows, medical terminology, and patient management systems.
2. Understanding of HIPAA regulations: Your development partner should have an in-depth understanding of HIPAA regulations and be able to guide you through the compliance process. They should be familiar with the type of PHI data your app will handle and the safeguards necessary to protect it.
3. Strong cybersecurity practices: Cybersecurity is at the heart of HIPAA compliance. Choose a partner with a robust track record in implementing secure systems, such as end-to-end encryption, secure APIs, secure cloud data storage, and robust user authentication protocols.
4. Experience in secure software development: The development partner should follow a secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) that integrates security considerations at every stage of development, from planning and design to implementation, testing, and maintenance.
5. HIPAA Audit & Certification: Check if they have previously developed HIPAA-compliant software and their solutions have passed HIPAA audits. Some development companies may have certifications from third-party auditors that validate their ability to create HIPAA-compliant solutions.
6. Transparency: Your partner should be open and clear about their processes, progress, and potential issues. They should keep you informed about how they’re securing PHI, managing risks, and maintaining HIPAA compliance.
7. Customer reviews and references: Check the reviews from their past clients, particularly those in the healthcare sector. If possible, ask these clients about their experience, the company’s ability to meet deadlines, and how they handled any potential issues.

Eliminating risk for your company and customers is a priority that cannot be compromised. Learn more about our healthcare software development solutions today.

Remember, a HIPAA-compliant app requires an ongoing data privacy and security commitment. The right development partner can make the process smoother and more manageable, allowing you to focus on improving patient outcomes while they handle the technicalities of compliance.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a HIPPA-compliant App?

Many elements, including product complexity, development duration, technology set, team size, development speed, and more determine the total cost.

A fully functional, HIPAA-compliant software development costs, on average, about $50,000. This cost includes building the entire system, which must meet physical and technical security requirements. Besides, developers will also need to vet the system and obtain the necessary certifications.

Instead of developing a HIPAA-compliant mobile app from scratch, developers can use HIPAA-compliant infrastructure and solutions. However, when working with third-party vendors, it’s up to you to ensure they’re reliable when storing and processing PHI.

In addition, the expertise of the project participants will improve the quality of the digital product for medicine and provide your consumers with a top-notch UX, which will positively impact the entire enterprise’s performance and profitability.

How Glorium Can Help You?

As an expert outsourcing company in the healthcare industry, we offer complete HIPAA-compliant app development solutions that meet regulatory standards, ensuring the privacy and security of sensitive health data while offering a seamless user experience.

Glorium Technologies, with our extensive experience and specialized skills in healthcare development, can be your trusted partner in HIPAA-compliant mobile app development. Here’s how we can assist you:

1. Healthcare Industry Expertise: We possess a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and its specific needs. This knowledge enables us to design and develop applications that are not only compliant but also meaningful and usable for healthcare providers and patients alike.
2. HIPAA Knowledge: Our team is well-versed in HIPAA rules and regulations, ensuring that your app is built to protect PHI meticulously.
3. Robust Security Measures: Our cybersecurity practices align with the best industry standards. We ensure end-to-end encryption, secure data storage and transmission, and robust user authentication protocols, meeting and exceeding HIPAA requirements.

Choosing Glorium as your development partner means choosing a team that understands the nuances of healthcare, the importance of HIPAA compliance, and the value of a well-designed app. Contact our managers and let’s transform healthcare together with an app that’s secure, compliant, and uniquely tailored to your needs.

Summary

As our exploration of HIPAA-compliant mobile app development concludes, it becomes increasingly evident that ensuring patient data privacy and security is an ethical responsibility and a legal one. Adherence to HIPAA rules, while complex, is essential for avoiding hefty penalties and potential reputational harm.

The key features like secure user authentication, data encryption, automatic logoff, audit controls, and integrity controls we discussed are crucial components of any healthcare application. Using the privacy-by-design approach, incorporating these elements from the early stages of development, allows for a streamlined development process.

Leveraging the right technologies and frameworks, conducting rigorous security testing, and conducting periodic audits are part and parcel of this process. While these steps can contribute to the higher cost of HIPAA-compliant software development, remember that these are investments in protecting sensitive patient data and your organization’s credibility.

Ultimately, non-compliance vastly outweighs the cost of investing in a robust, secure, and compliant mobile healthcare application. It is, therefore, a commitment that every healthcare organization should be willing to make in today’s digital age, where data privacy and security are of utmost importance.

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