Credit card payments bundled with personal health information require strict security measures to ensure compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Meeting these security requirements is only possible by choosing a credit card processing solution with robust security and advanced authentication protocols.
Let’s review the top contenders that can live up to these stringent standards.
5 Top HIPAA-Compliant Credit Card Processing Services:
1. Jane
Jane is a complete practice management platform with PCI and HIPAA-compliant payment features. It utilizes Stripe for online payment methods using various credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets like Apply Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and more.
Jane can:
- Securely capture credit card information in your online booking payment policy or intake form
- Notify clients of no-show or late cancellation fees via email
- Generate invoices and sync billing information to reports
2. Kareo
Kareo offers HIPAA compliance for credit card processing. It accepts all payment card types and provides a swipe device to connect to your computer. You can also receive payment via phone or mail when you enter the card information on its system.
Kareo features:
- Automated patient billing (delivered via text, email, and mailed statements)
- QR code generation for faster payments
- Onsite customer support team
- Billing dashboard with claims tracking, customizable calendar, and reporting
3. Square
Square is a Point of Sale (POS) software and credit card processing solution that offers a business associate agreement (BAA). It can create, receive, store, and send protected health information (PHI) on your behalf, making online orders and inventory more secure and easier to handle.
Square features:
- Integrates with other healthcare apps like Jotform, IntakeQ, and Acuity Scheduling
- Free customer relationship management software (CRM) included
- Square digital gift cards, which you can send via email or sell on your order site
- Data analytics and organized sales reports
- Inventory management with low-stock alerts and printable spreadsheets
4. SimplePractice
SimplePractice integrates credit card processing into its practice management platform. With it, you can simplify your payment processes and provide clients with a secure way to pay their bills online. Aside from credit card processing, this all-in-one practice management solution offers online booking and telehealth services.
SimplePractice can:
- Enroll your patients in Autopay, which automates recurring credit card payments
- Allow clients to access their billing information on a Client Portal
- Create, submit, and track insurance claims
- Send secure payment reminders via SMS
5. Vagaro
Vagaro’s Privacy Policy states that those who use its services with PHI should request a BAA. This means that the platform is HIPAA compliant. Its website also states that the wellness & fitness software complies with the Privacy Rules set forth by HIPAA.
Vagaro features:
- Securely captures credit card information for online purchases
- Customers can store credit card information for recurring payments
- Set deposit amounts for services
- Charge no-show and cancellation fees for booking services
- Send a checkout screen with an “add tip” option to customers
Understanding HIPAA Compliance in Credit Card Processing
Are credit card processing solutions considered business associates that need to follow HIPAA standards? Strict HIPAA laws do not encompass all credit card processing tools. Some credit card processing services are excluded from HIPAA requirements, while others must follow HIPAA and sign a BAA with healthcare providers.
Credit card processing tools that do not need HIPAA compliance
Not all credit card processing solutions fall under HIPAA’s definition of business associate and must be HIPAA-compliant. If a financial institution (like a bank) processes consumer-conducted financial transactions through credit, debit, or other payment cards, it isn’t considered a business associate.
This implies that credit card processing platforms do not need a BAA when providing regular transaction services and not directly working on behalf of a healthcare entity. A BAA is not required if the platform’s only function is to process payments for your clients. However, this shouldn’t stop you from choosing a platform with security features that protect clients from cyber thieves.
Credit card processing tools that need HIPAA compliance
However, some credit card processing solutions also perform other functions that fall under HIPAA compliance and require a BAA. Business associate functions include:
- claims processing
- data analysis
- utilization review
- billing
Suppose a healthcare provider uses a practice management platform or website with credit card processing services and the other functions listed above. In that case, the credit card processing platform should be HIPAA compliant and sign a BAA.
Ensure Secure Payments With HIPAA-Compliant Credit Card Processing Services
Compliance with federal laws like HIPAA isn’t just about avoiding penalties and fines. It puts the patient’s privacy and security at the forefront so that their sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands. Of course, this entails safeguarding data from intake to billing, payments, and beyond. That’s where HIPAA-compliant credit card processing services come into play.
A payment provider like Stripe, Zelle, or PayPal would suffice if you only need a credit card processing solution without other functions like invoicing and insurance claims processing. Just make sure that the solution you select also values data security, even if they aren’t required to comply with HIPAA regulations.
