As SMS services use the public telephone network and equipment unless encrypted, they are not HIPAA secure. Many SMS services on the market tender their encryption safeguards and HIPAA secure environments. However, a thorough investigation and understanding of these services prior to any contracting is a must.

It is the physician's responsibility to monitor and supervise the medical assistant and ensure he or she is working within the scope of practice.

When choosing a vendor, ask all pertinent questions. For instance, history of the vendor, current and past clients, ownership of data, past legal issues, cost, and responsibility for accuracy of data. Always obtain a list of references.

According to local health authorities, staff can safely manage patients with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) through appropriate screening of febrile patients and by observing recommended isolation and infection control procedures.

Even if the business does not participate in social media, most employees use social media in their personal lives. When social media is left unmonitored, medical offices also face the very real risk of violating federal privacy laws by breaching patient confidentiality.