Does your Medical practice use social media? It’s a reliable way to reach, educate, communicate, and draw in new clientele. However, if your business falls into the health and medical care category, you must follow HIPAA social media rules for all online actions. These rules outline what you can and cannot share, say, or post on both business and personal pages of the establishment and all staff.

Unfortunately, many private facilities shy away from any form of social media engagement due to fear of violating HIPAA rules. This leaves these businesses missing out on valuable audiences that are not only listening, but looking for them online.

Consider the following: 

• – 80% of internet users search for health information, and almost 50% would like information about a specific doctor.
• – 60% of consumers say they trust doctors’ social media posts.
• – More than 75% of Americans use social media to research their health symptoms.

Do you run or work for a business in the health care sector and are ready to take your visibility online? Follow along to discover how to be HIPAA compliant on social media and what this looks like for your pages.

HIPAA and Social Media

When it comes to health care, social networks play an important role in everything from information gathering, to connecting with people going through similar experiences. 

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) established in 1996 works to protect the privacy and health information of patients to ensure complete confidentiality. This act came into play long before the introduction of social media but clearly impacts what health institutions can and cannot share online.

When in breach of the HIPAA social media guidelines, violators face lofty penalties which could include a fine or even loss of license. For this reason, the importance of HIPAA compliance on social media is crucial for both the institution and patients alike.

HIPAA outlines that any and all PHI must be kept off of social media platforms unless express permission has been granted by the patient.

What Is PHI?

In order to follow the HIPAA social media rules and maintain compliance, individuals must first understand what’s classified as PHI.

PHI stands for personal health information. This includes all information about a patient, their care, and any details that could expose their identity.

This includes but is not limited to:

— Names, including nicknames social media handles

— Address or location hints

— Dates such as birthdate, appointment dates, treatment duration dates

— Phone or fax number

— Email address

— Web URLs or social media links

— Social security number and any other account numbers

— Medical record or health plan number

— Photographs and scans

— Vehicle description or number plates

— Fingerprints, retinal scans, or voice recordings

— Anything that could give hints regarding the patient’s identity

The only time in which any of this information can be shared on social media pages is when a patient has given express written permission. However, the patient must have a clear understanding of exactly how the information will be used and the purpose of sharing their details.

A signed agreement including clear indications of how the information will be used must then remain on file. This is essential to confirm the patient’s willingness to participate. Verbal agreements are not sufficient permission. Lack of physical proof of permission may result in HIPAA violations.

What’s Not Allowed

So what does this look like for your online sharing? The PHI information outlined above must not be divulged in any way, shape, or form on a digital platform for all health and medical field professions. This includes all posts, comments, replies, or online messaging.

Posts:

A medical business account and any associated personal accounts may not share any photographs of the patients, details of their treatment, or any other PHI indicators (without a signed agreement that is kept on file).

Even if you do not mention the patient’s name or demographics, giving a detailed description of their condition, the treatment, and even the results could expose the identity of the individual and breach their privacy rights. Even if the patient has shared their story on their own page, you must gain express permission before sharing any details.

You also cannot repost anything they have posted on their account, as this would give direct reference to the individual.

▪️This applies to any posts on social media, as well as blogs, forums, and any other online platforms.

Comments

A simple mistake that could breach HIPAA compliance on social media is the acknowledgment or disclosure of information in comments. These comments could be either on your own post or another user’s social media account.

Even if the information is available elsewhere, the business is not permitted to disclose details. This includes stating that they treated that particular case, when it happened, and mentioning who was involved.

▪️This applies to news posts, patient posts, other medical professionals, and any other online resources.

Replies

Businesses are encouraged to respond to comments on both social media platforms and sites such as Google My Business. Responding to comments and reviews is a great way to build relationships and boost engagement for your establishment.

Unfortunately, a HIPAA violation can occur when replies reveal too much information. This can include calling the reviewer by name, making reference to their treatment, or even defending the actions of the clinic by explaining the details of a situation.

Seeing as it is human nature to defend or acknowledge details, responding to feedback can be a difficult area in the healthcare profession. If you are ever unsure about what you can and cannot communicate in a reply, it’s always best to offer less.

If a comment has asked questions or stated information that you cannot safely reply to, you can always leave a comment stating that privacy laws do not permit you to disclose certain information, and where they can contact you if they have any concerns.

Online Messaging

Online messaging platforms have made group messaging and communication easier than ever. However, if you choose to use these online messaging platforms for work applications, there are guidelines you will need to follow.Just follow the same guidelines we mentioned above in ‘replies’. 

When online messaging, you are not permitted to share any PHI in direct messages or private chats. As per HIPAA, this applies to any online and offline conversations with individuals who are not privileged to the information.

Furthermore, any online conversations with other staff members or practitioners may not disclose PHI or reveal details. Because these conversations are now part of the digital cloud of social media, the conversations run the risk of being exposed.

Also, when discussing specifics of a patient, treatment, or in-office situation, all conversations should be private and offline.

What Is Allowed

While these social media rules may feel limiting, there are still several post formats and engagements you can partake in. 

Just like any other business, health care accounts are still encouraged to engage with individuals online. Your practice can do this by offering helpful information and insights with their posts, comments, and replies.

Content ideas that you can post about on social media 

• -Share mental health tips that may help your specific client-base

• -Link to new research related to your specialty

• -Share inspirational or motivational quotes

• -Let clients know about upcoming events your practice will be hosting or participating in, that will be open to the public.

• -Brag about any awards your practice has received.

• -Let clients get to know you better with staff bios and photos

• -Offer discounts or special offers.

• -Promote posts from your website’s blog

• -Announce new business partnerships

• -Post your reviews anonymously 

You Can Post With Compliance

Without disclosing information, there are several posts that you are permitted to share online. Any patient-generic information or advice that could benefit your patients may be posted on both social media and blogs.

This could include tips and advice about health conditions or even research articles about a relevant concern. The key to these information pieces is not referencing actual cases. As long as you do not mention your own experiences with treating clients or the cases you have observed, you will not be in breach of any social media rules.

You may also share information about events you will be taking part in. This could include upcoming specials, promotions, or celebrations. You can even brag about accomplishments such as receiving a business award or specialist certificates.

Many practices find it beneficial to introduce their staff and practitioners online with a brief bio and photograph. This encourages familiarity for clients who wish to seek treatment from your facility and serves as a business promotion for lead generation.

You Can Respond to Reviews

Reviews have become as valuable as a personal recommendation for potential clients. How you respond to your reviews could make or break your growth. Of course, as discussed above, even information revealed in reviews does not permit you to share PHI.

When responding to both positive and negative reviews, the safest options for HIPAA compliance include:

Thanking the reviewer for their feedback:

-Ask the reviewer to contact your office for questions, clarification, or to resolve problems. 

-You can also offer a solution to problems via an in-person consultation or a free appointment.

Responding ensures your audience that you care about the client’s concerns. They will see that you value feedback and that your office takes measures to provide the best possible service and experience.

You Can Engage in Conversation

When you are online with a business account, you are representing the views of your establishment with every interaction. This means the posts you like, comments you leave, and shares you save are all reflecting on your business.

It is important to consider all online actions and understand what messages they will send to consumers. This is applicable for any industry but especially true in the health sector.

You can reply directly to comments on your posts, but make sure to do so without mentioning names or disclosing information. 

You can also comment on posts by other professionals and even share their posts on your own page with appropriate credit.

If your posts follow HIPAA social media guidelines, your practice has the opportunity to grow considerably. Just remember, if you wish to share photos of events and celebrations, make sure that all individuals who appear in the content sign a release form.

Benefits of social media for your practice

As we all know, the majority of individuals partake in social media, which means that people are likely to look up your organization on these platforms. 

It can also increase your patient volumes, help you control the accuracy of health-related information available online, strengthen your relationships with current patients, and broaden your exposure to potential patients. 

Another perk is that patients are able to easily find your office online, view any information that you post, read online reviews left by other patients and be kept up-to-date on any changes to office hours, personnel, or protocols. 

In a nutshell, using social media platforms will enable you to promote your business easier and faster than just word of mouth and traditional advertising. 

HIPAA Compliance on Social Media Conclusion

Think of social media as your digital bedside manner – and gain a competitive edge for your medical practice. When used correctly, social media can take a medical practice to the next level by utilizing the existing platforms to reach current and potential patients already accessing social media daily. So don’t shy away from posting! 

Now that you understand the purpose of HIPAA social media rules and guidelines, you can ensure your social media activity is never in breach. From understanding what you may and may not share, you can rest assured that your business will never face fines or license suspensions due to your online presence.

Are you ready to take the next step and expand your medical organization’s social media footprint? Our award-winning digital marketing team at ModFXMedia is standing by to show you how you can do just that. Contact us today to schedule your discovery session.

 🔸CHECK THIS OUT! Why you’re here, read how your Medical practice can Make 30K in just 30 Days! We share with you our 10 important Key Factors that we have personally used to help other practices accomplish this!

Where would the world be without TikTok? Founded in 2016, TikTok’s popularity has overtaken social media, providing tons of content, entertainment, and information for over 800 million monthly users in over 150 global markets. That’s a lot of potential customers for a business. Not to mention all the other added benefits also that come with using the app like:

• -It will increase brand awareness
• -You’ll build engaged communities
• -You’ll have the opportunity to sell more products and services
• -You’ll get twice as much feedback from customers and audiences
• -You’ll provide great customer service by engaging with your consumers directly
• -You can advertise your products and services to your target audiences on a larger scale.

But how can one leverage this opportunity when every business under the moon is trying to do the same?

First, Incorporate TikTok Into Your Marketing Strategy

By incorporating TikTok into your marketing strategy you can triple your customer reach and sales in just a couple months if done correctly. 

Additionally, engagement is exceptionally high on the platform. TikTok beats all other platforms when it comes to engagement. And it’s also really good at keeping people on the app – those who have used it know how addicting it can be! 

And as one of the five most downloaded apps in the world, TikTok provides small businesses with the opportunity to expand their reach, connect with their audience and boost their sales significantly. But, you have to know how to create the right kind of content. You need to build your brand, keep your audience engaged and convince them to buy your products and services without coming off like that’s all you care about. 

That’s the key to successfully marketing your business on the app. You need to create content that doesn’t feel like an ad or like you’re trying to get anything from your viewers. 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught myself watching content on my For You Page and didn’t realize that it was made by a business or promoting a product until it was over. 

So how can your business do the same?

Create Authentic and Interesting Content 

“Be authentic” may sound cliché, but TikTok is the perfect platform to show your business’s personality. But, to create great content that doesn’t feel like an ad, you need to be authentic, creative and interesting.

Unlike Instagram, where a cohesive aesthetic has become the norm, that isn’t necessary for this platform. On TikTok, consumers are increasingly seeking engaging, fun, and authentic content that is relatable and provides value. That means you have to build a platform that is transparent and responsive to evolving trends and consumer interests. You can do this by making videos that support your business’s branding but always make sure to keep it in a creative and modern light. 

How to produce creative content

1. Be Real!

This isn’t exclusive to just the TikTok platform but across all Social Media – authenticity is key! Brands that show off their personality, whether it’s through a ‘meet the team’ video or showing off behind the scenes- these videos will always pique the consumers interest.

2. Get Creative!

Of course, TikTok is one of the more creative-focused Social Media sites. Whether you’re following a trend or trying something new, your audience will engage best when you’re letting your creativity shine through! Stay on top of trends and put a creative twist that showcases your products or services. 

3. Be Entertaining!

This is a combination of the top two points. TikTok’s content ranges from informative to hilarious but they all have one thing in common: they’re entertaining! If you’ve spent any time in the app you’ll know how easy it is to lose a few hours! Watch what the top businesses are doing to attract views and take notes!

4. Try Something New!

If you get stuck on how to be creative and entertaining for your next video- try using new transitions, effects or sounds – the TikTok community really appreciates originality!

Connect With Your Target Audience

TikTok provides small business owners with an opportunity to tap into what content their target audience really wants to see without spending a lot of money in advertising.

 If you can create exciting content consistently, the TikTok algorithm will display your content to more and more people, just like on Instagram. 

Think of the most pressing topics that your audience shows an interest in on other channels dedicated to your niche and then brainstorm content ideas based around those conversations.

Side tip:

Make sure to take the time to engage with your audience and always comment back. This shows that you care about your consumers and this will help create brand loyalty. 

Don’t Forget To Partner with TikTok influencers

TikTok influencers aren’t mainstream celebrities but they are some of the most followed and trusted creators on the internet! And the best thing is, TikTok has influencers for almost every topic imaginable! 

By working with an influencer, you can share your business message with an engaged audience primed for inspiration. 

Side tip:

To find the right influencer for your business, look for creators who are already using your product or services who fit the persona of your customers. Make sure your influencers have the same values and messages that align with what your business stands for. 

Use Hashtags in Your Content

 No matter the type of content you create, be sure to use hashtags. Hashtags on TikTok work just like they do on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Adding a certain hashtag to a video will make the content discoverable when someone searches for the hashtag. This allows users to join in on trending or relevant conversations using the right hashtags. Just make sure to use hashtags that are relevant to your content and your company. 

Boost Your Business With TikTok Ads 

From improved brand recall and engagement to view rates, TikTok ads featuring creators saw an 83% higher engagement rate versus non-creator ads (12%).

TikTok for Business is a centralized platform for advertisers on TikTok. The platform is great to use because it guides marketers through the whole process of creating ads, setting budgets, reaching the right audience, and analyzing campaign data.

The other great thing about TikTok advertising is that it can be filtered by age, gender, and location to give a businesses a direct pathway to communicate with their target audience(s). 

After setting up an ad campaign, reaching your target audience should be fairly quick and easy. TikTok provides a step-by-step guide for creating ads in TikTok Ads Manager. 

TikTok offers different types of ads: 

– In-feed ads: 

These types of TikTok ads appear as people scroll through their “For You Page” (FYP) and can be up to 60 seconds long. Brands that create this type of TikTok ad can include a call-to-action button that links to a landing page

-Branded hashtags 

This involves doing a hashtag challenge. You ask users to videotape themselves and post it with a defined hashtag. The ads show up at the top of the discovery page. When users click on the hashtags, it leads them to landing pages on TikTok and a collection of other TikToks videos from the same hashtag challenge. 

-Takeover ads

This format replaces the user post someone would normally see when they open the app with either a three-second image or a three to five-second video from a business. The thing is- only one specific advertiser can take over a category each day. The cost for this type of ad is a minimum of $53,000 per day.

-Topview ads

Similar to Takeover ads, Topview ads appear when the app is opened. These ads are videos that last up to 60-seconds and have the sound on. Advertisers can turn a Takeover ad into a TopView by paying the difference. The cost is hefty- advertisers must fork out $65,000 per day but think of all the viewers that will see and click on it.

– Branded effects 

The format will let a business add 2D animated lenses to their views that can be triggered by face and hand movements. The effects are created by TikTok’s in-house creative team. Cost is $45,000 for 30 days.

Is your small business ready to start running TikTok ads? Schedule an appointment with ModFXMedia and let us do the legwork for you! 

TikTok Stats Your Business Should Know

• -TikTok users feel closer to brands they see on the platform
• -49% of users said TikTok helped them make purchase decisions
• -72% of TikTok users find ads on the platform inspiring
• -Collaborating with TikTok creators can increase ad recall by 27%
• -Consumers spent around $2.3 billion on TikTok in 2021

Ready to create an effective TikTok strategy for your brand? Keep these TikTok statistics in mind as you begin creating your content so you know exactly who to target and how to go about it. 

How to create a TikTok business account:

So, now that you’ve learned more about TikTok and how it can benefit your small business now it’s time to start creating! Here’s how to create a business account on the platform. 

• -Go to your profile page.
• -Open the Settings and Privacy tab in the top right corner.
• -Tap Manage account.
• -Under Account control, choose Switch to Business Account.
• -Choose the category that best describes your account
• -From there, you can add your business website and email to your profile 

and then you’re ready to roll! 

This is your year!

This is your year! 2022 is a chance for people and businesses to bounce back more than ever and TikTok gives your business the opportunity to be unique, collaborate with influencers, create meaningful efforts, and connect with your audience on a large scale. So what are you waiting for?

Hire a professional!

Are you ready to add TikTok into your SMM strategy for your business but still aren’t quite sure how to go about it? Then you’ll want a team of mega marketing gurus that can help catapult you on the platform! You need ModFXMedia!

At ModFXMedia, we are committed to helping you accomplish your marketing goals! We specialize in Ads and can also help your business implement a guiding strategy that will create cohesiveness across all aspects of your marketing! 
If you’re ready to boost your business just click here to schedule a FREE strategy call with us today!