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rachelivy published in Technology

Choosing a HIPAA compliant messaging app and why it matters

The total global mobile health (mHealth) market is predicted to reach nearly 100 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. That would be a fivefold increase from around 21 billion dollars in 2016.

Therefore, it is clear that healthcare messaging needs to be HIPAA compliant to ensure that sensitive data like Protected Health Information (PHI) is protected while in transit. In this article, we will explore the best HIPAA-compliant text messaging apps, what some of their key features are, their pricing available, as well as look at how to go about choosing a HIPAA-compliant secure texting app for healthcare.

 

The 5 best HIPAA compliant messaging apps – A feature-wise comparison

Healthcare apps with messaging features are many, but, here is a list of the best HIPAA-compliant texting apps available today that provide the best support for both patients and doctors alike.

 

1)      OhMD: Transparent and Affordable Pricing

 

OhMD claims to be the simplest way for healthcare providers and patients to communicate and they are justified in making this claim. With a user base of over 30000 healthcare professionals, they have the numbers to back them up.

OhMD is a HIPAA-compliant platform that provides patient communication, video consults, appointment reminders, and a host of other features. All of this without even needing the patient to download an app!

Their unique two-way communication system allows the patient to access a link right from their text messages that open up a video conference on their browser. Considering all information is secure in a HIPAA-compliant messaging system, this makes it a very good option for both healthcare providers and patients alike.

                                                  

Some of their features are:

·       Over 50 EHR integrations

·       Easy User Management

·       Appointment Scheduling

·       No App needed for patients

OhMD’s plans come at very affordable rates as well. The Basic plan is free to use, and they have two more: Plus (at $7 per user, per month) and Reach (which needs users to reach out to their sales team).

2)      TigerConnect: A Comprehensive Solution

Named a Category Leader in 2021 in telemedicine apps, TigerConnect is a comprehensive HIPAA-compliant chat software that can be used across the desktop and as a phone app.

 

It uses 256-bit AES encryption to send messages. No one may copy, paste, or forward these communications for extra protection. Physical precautions such as biometric measures, backup generators, and cooling systems are included in their data center security features. They’re also SAS 70 Type II certified, and they’re encrypted at rest using AES 256-bit encryption.

According to their website, some of their unique features are:

·       They are HITRUST certified

·       It allows for one-to-one or group messaging features like chat rooms that are HIPAA compliant.

·       Priority messaging feature that puts high-priority messages at the top of the recipients’ inboxes.

·       Message recall function

·       Secure attachments

TigerConnect’s pricing is available on request.

                              

3)      Providertech: Innovative and Making News

Providerteach has been making waves in the secure medical messaging app space. In 2019, they were featured by HOP (Health Outreach Partners) as an innovative outreach practice leveraging technology to create trusting relationships, ensure access to health care, and improve self-management of care for vulnerable populations.

Providertech is also HITRUST certified and their secure, healthcare communication app is not only a HIPAA-compliant messenger but also adheres to the HITRUST CSF Assurance Program requirements for security.

In addition, some features they offer, among others, are:

·       Speedy delivery of test results to patients electronically

·       Vaccine Management

·       Population outreach

·       Real-time but HIPAA secure messaging

Providertech’s pricing is available on request.

 

4)      Halo Health: Early player but still relevant

Founded in 2014, Halo Health was one of the first cloud-based HIPAA-compliant chat systems that were implemented. They are hosted by Amazon web services and have continued to bring about improvements by providing avenues to improve clinical collaboration, and communication between patients and healthcare providers and thereby improving patient outcomes.

Their customers range from independent clinics to large healthcare providers looking to automate and streamline their processes without compromising on patient communication and outcomes. Their chat solutions are also HIPAA compliant and they have more than 20000 users on their platform.

                                

Some of their features are:

·       It allows for audio and video conferencing

·       Has discussion forums available

·       Tracks No-Shows for easier scheduling

·       Sends out automated appointment reminders

·       Their entire platform is HIPAA compliant

·       Has the ability to send messages tailored to the recipients for example to doctors vs nurses

Pricing for Halo Health can be obtained by contacting them directly.

5)      Spok: Seamless Interoperability

Spok’s main USP is its interoperability. With its ability to integrate with most EHR and clinical systems, it offers seamless integration. In addition, with its HIPAA-compliant chat options, there is a very good reason it makes it to the list of the best apps for HIPAA-compliant text messaging apps.

Some of the features that Spok provides are:

·       A full audit trail of messages

·       Sent and read receipts of messages

·       On-Call Scheduling

·       Sharing clinical diagnostic results quickly and efficiently

 

One of the most unique features that Spok offers is its DPE (Device Preference Engine). This feature enables Spok to match the priority of messages to the preferred device of the user, thereby ensuring that users have access to the highest priority messages earliest. For example, if someone has selected their smartphone as the device they have the most immediate access to, the highest priority messages are sent to their smartphone whereas something that is not so urgent will be sent to their other device to be accessed later. This way, it prevents information overload as well as overcrowding of the preferred device.

Spok’s pricing is also available on getting in touch with them.

How to select a HIPAA-compliant messaging app

While these options are the best available, you might decide to go with another option or need some pointers to select the one that you might want to use for your business. We have put together a few pointers to consider.

–          Consider HIPAA compliance messaging app and other security certifications

–          Ensure implementation of adequate quality controls

–          Assess the list of all features that suit your business

Takeaways:

Covid-19 has made access to healthcare using virtual means even more critical than it was before. In addition, with strained resources, it has become essential to use resources optimally so that healthcare providers can focus on what they do best: taking care of people’s health. Virtual texting apps go a long way in helping this objective. However, considering PHI and other compliance factors around healthcare, it is imperative that not just any solution be used. Instead, using a HIPAA-compliant messaging system will make such interactions not only easier but also secure, adhering to protocols.

 

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logan21 published in automobile

Riding Lawn Mower for Hills

Hilly areas stood very important in terms of tourism. Many countries in the world are naturally blessed to have hills and mountains within. Tourists from all over the world tend to arrange tours to such places. Most of the areas remain covered in the winter with the snow but when it comes to summer, summers are awesome there in such areas. When the snow melts in summer, the grass starts growing. These commercial grassy lawns need to be managed by the concerned authorities. There remains a dire need to cut the unwanted grass and weeds to attract the maximum visitors.

In the hilly areas, it is hard enough to deal with the unwanted grass and herbs very easily in the hilly areas as compared to those of smooth areas. When it comes to dealing with the grass, impeccably strong machinery is needed to manage the grassy lawns. Looking into this commercial concern, technology is raised with multiple effective solutions in the form of riding lawnmowers.

Here we will introduce you to the best riding lawn mowers for hills that will help you maneuver the grassy lawns in hilly areas. The niche for these mowers is commercial landowners and government authorities in the hilly areas.

Ariens 42″ Riding Lawnmower (Best Riding Lawnmower For Hills)

Ariens IKON 915222 is a well-reputed company in the field of daily life solutions. It is a zero turn mower, impeccably manufactured and assembled by Ariens. It uses a very reliable material in its composition which declares it a lion of hills.

Key Features

  • Fuel capacity 2.8 gallon
  • 11-gauge fabricated steel
  • Powerful 22 hp Kohler engine
  • Ground speed forward/reverse (7mph/3mph)
  • Dial-operated cutting height selection with 13 positions
  • Not available for sale in California
  • High-back padded seat and armrests
  • 16-inch short-radius power steering

Ariens IKON 915222 is a riding a lawnmower strengthened with a powerful 22-HP Kohler Engine. Kohler is considered one of the most reliable producers of gasoline engines. Installation of a powerful engine allows you to maneuver the lawn in both forward and reverse directions at its maximum. For the sake of better performance in the hilly areas, it was destined to come up with durable material. So that, it can withstand all the physical environments efficiently.

Fuel capacity of Ariens IKON 915222 is measured to be 2.8 gallons which is the optimum storage for the mowers. As it gives cutting to the lawn in both forward and reverse running. It comes with a speed of 7 mph in the forward direction and 3 mph in the backward direction. Due to its gasoline-oriented operations, it is banned in some states of the USA like California and many others.

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victor published in Food

Top 20 Best Side Dishes for pizza

Top 20 Best Side Dishes for pizza

Transform your pizza night into an unforgettable meal with our top 20 side dishes. From cheesy bread to pasta salad, these sides are sure to delight.

Pizza is always welcome at my home. There’s so much goodness in a single slice, it’s impossible to eat just one! It’s meaty, saucy, savory, cheesy, and just absolutely delightful.

And while I can easily fill up on pizza alone, it’s fun to pair it up with a few complementing sides. But what do you eat with pizza besides salad and breadsticks?

Not to worry! Here are 20 appetizers, sides, and desserts that pair perfectly with pizza.

1. Soup

No matter what your main course is, soup always makes an excellent appetizer. And what I love about soup is there are so many different options to suit your preference.

For instance, if you want something light to start your meal, opt for a refreshing tomato soup. It offers a beautiful contrast to your hearty pizza.

If you don’t mind having something thick and creamy, how about a cream of mushroom soup? Mushroom soup has a wonderful earthy and umami flavor. It’s just as irresistible as pizza!

If you want contrasting temperatures, opt for a cold soup. A chilled gazpacho with raw vegetables is another refreshing soup perfect to start your meal.

2. Ratatouille

Oh, here’s another refreshing soup for you! Ratatouille is a super tasty and hearty vegetable stew made with eggplant, bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and mascarpone cheese.

Just imagine all those flavors rolled into one fantastic dish! So good.

It’s a rich and savory dish that pairs perfectly with a few slices of pizza. Just make sure you’ve got a hungry crowd!

3. Italian Bruschetta Bar

Add another Italian element to your meal by serving antipasto for starters. Just pick whatever cold cuts, cheeses, crackers, and dried fruit you have on hand. Arrange them nicely in a platter and boom: a fancy Italian Bruschetta bar.

4. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is my go-to side for pizza. It’s healthy, so it makes me feel less guilty about devouring one slice of pizza after another.

And, I love the crunchy contrast it adds to the pizza too. They may have similar flavors (creamy, salty, and cheesy), but at least it counterbalances the texture of your pizza.

 

5. Spinach Artichoke Dip

If you don’t mind having another rich and cheesy element for dinner, how about a spinach artichoke dip? You can use it to dip breadsticks, but I myself love spreading the dip on top of my pizza for that added umami flavor!

To make, just combine cream cheese, mayo, basil, garlic, spinach, parmesan, mozzarella, and artichoke hearts. It’s a simple, fool-proof recipe that makes the creamiest, cheesiest dip all the time.

6. Potato Salad

If you’re feeding a huge crowd, you’ll need something incredibly filling. A classic potato salad hits the spot!

It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh so hearty. No one can say no to this. Here’s how to make it:

Boil small red potatoes until fork tender. For the dressing, combine sour cream, mayo, chopped red onion, fresh dill, and garlic salt. Coat the potatoes with the dressing and watch as your delectable side disappears!

7. Garlic Cheese Bread

This is another side to serve or eat when you’re extremely famished. Bread on bread? It shouldn’t make sense, but it does!

And while sure, you can order garlic cheese bread with your pizza, where’s the fun in that?

Make your own by sauteing garlic cloves in olive oil. Mash the garlic until you form a spreadable paste.

Spread the paste onto your favorite bread and top it with shredded cheese. Bake the bread until the cheese melts, and you’re good to go.

8. Coleslaw

Let’s take a break from all the carbs, shall we? For another crisp and refreshing side, how about some creamy coleslaw?

The crunch in the cabbage and carrots does add a nice textural contrast to your pizza. Plus, it’s crisp and refreshing. The perfect contrast to your hot and savory pizza.

If you want to make your coleslaw a little less guilt-inducing, just use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for the dressing. A vinaigrette works well too!

When making your own coleslaw, be sure to chill it in the fridge for several hours before you serve it. That way, the veggies will absorb the flavors of the dressing, making it even tastier.

9. Mozzarella Sticks

If you’re like me who loves cheese, Mozzarella cheese is the way to go. It’s crunchy, cheesy, and ooey-gooey delicious.

In short, it checks all the boxes! Dip it in marinara sauce and it’s just like pizza in stick form!

10. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies are perfect for counterbalancing all the carbs you’re about to gobble up. Not only are they healthy, but are crisp and yummy too! So, just because you’re serving veggies, doesn’t mean you won’t have a delicious meal.

Whether it’s roasted carrots, potatoes, onions, cauliflower, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, you really can’t go wrong.

It’s easy to prep too! Coat the veggies in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Pop them in the oven and there you have it, a simple, nutritious, and tasty side.

11. Zucchini Fries

Want some fries to go with your pizza, but minus all the calories? I’ve got the answer: zucchini fries.

Sure, they may not taste exactly like French fries, but hey, they’re still just as yummy! And since they’re baked, you don’t have to fry them. Meaning, you don’t have to stand in front of a deep-fryer for minutes to get things done.

All that goodness minus the grease and effort!

12. Jalapeno Poppers

Add a nice kick to your meal by serving a side of jalapeno poppers. They’re not just spicy, but cheesy and crunchy as well. It’s fantastic with pizza!

Don’t worry, jalapenos aren’t as spicy as you picture them to be. Jalapenos lose some of their heat when they’re cooked, so it gives you just the right amount of spice.

13. Onion Rings

Onion rings are so good, even people who don’t like onions can’t say no to them!

Onion rings have that glorious combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making them oh so addictive. They’re the perfect finger food for your pizza!

14. Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is not only hearty and delicious, but looks so pretty as well. The combination of vibrant veggies and colorful pasta makes it such an appetizing addition to your plate.

15. Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip

You’ll be eating pizza with your hands anyway, so might as well serve it with wings! Sure, Buffalo wings are messy to eat, but they’re definitely worth it.

Whether they’re baked or fried, you’ll still get incredibly flavorful, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside wings. Dip those bad boys in a creamy blue cheese dip and you’ll get a party in your mouth.

16. Meatballs

Not that you need more protein in your meal, but meatballs just make such a tasty pairing to pizza. They’re meaty, spicy, and oh so flavorful!

Whether you eat them on the side or top them over your pizza, meatballs will never disappoint. They can also be taken as breakfast

17. Tiramisu

And now, for dessert, how about a slice of creamy tiramisu?

Did you know that the word tiramisu is Italian for

pick me up? So this dessert is definitely a mood booster!

And it looks so elegant too. Those layers of espresso-dipped lady fingers, mascarpone cheese and cream, and that generous dusting of cocoa powder are a classic beauty.

18. Sorbet

Whether you eat it for dessert or a palate cleanser, you can never go wrong with a classic sorbet. It’s light, refreshing, sweet, and a wonderful way to end your hefty meal.

And it doesn’t even matter what flavor you get – chocolate, vanilla, hazelnut, mango, lemon – still works, regardless!

19. Cannoli

End your meal with this tasty Italian treat. It may not have the same shape, but if you think about it, a cannoli seems like the sweet version of pizza. So why not?

A cannoli is a cylindrical shaped fried dough with cheese, nuts, and chocolate filling. It’s crisp, sweet, and creamy, and makes a wonderful pairing with pizza.

20. Fruit

And finally, we’ve got a very simple sweet treat that’s perfect to round out your meal. You’re already serving something incredibly hearty, so you can’t go wrong with a nice and humble bowl of fruit for dessert.

So, how do bananas, berries, and pineapple slices sound? Not only are they refreshing, but they’re also packed with enzymes that aid in digestion!

If fruits are too basic for you, why not use them as an ice cream topping for a more satisfying dessert?

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