Is Uber Health HIPAA Compliant?
Uber Health is HIPAA compliant and can be used by healthcare providers to organize transport for patients or to arrange deliveries of groceries, over-the-counter items, and filled prescriptions – subject to healthcare providers that qualify as covered entities (or that work for a covered entity) agreeing to the terms of Uber Health’s Business Associate Addendum. .
What is Uber Health?
Uber Health consists of an online dashboard that healthcare providers can use to schedule transport for patients or organize deliveries. Provided the patient has a mobile phone, he/she will receive a notification about the collection and drop off location via text message. In contrast to the standard Uber service, Uber Health does not require the use of a smartphone app.
By using Uber Health, healthcare providers can potentially reduce the number of no shows and ensure more patients turn up on time for their appointments. Rides can be scheduled when the patient is in a facility, ensuring they have transport arranged for follow up appointments. The service could also be used for caregivers and staff.
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Is Uber Health HIPAA Compliant?
A HIPAA-covered entity that signs up to use the Uber Health service may be required to enter Protected Health Information into the dashboard if, for example, a patient has mobility issues and requires assistance getting into or out of Uber transport. For this reason, Uber Health would qualify as a business associate and be required to comply with HIPAA.
Uber maintains on its website that Uber Health is HIPAA compliant and any data entered via the dashboard is protected by privacy and security controls in line with HIPAA standards. All data remains secured in the system, and the only information passed to its drivers is the name of the patient, the pickup and drop off time, and the collection point and drop off location.
Uber also stipulates in its General Terms and Conditions that organizations that qualify as covered entities and business associates under HIPAA are required to agree to the terms of the Uber Health Business Associate Addendum. Healthcare providers are advised to review the terms of both agreements before contracting an Uber Health service.
Provided a business associate agreement is obtained from Uber, Uber Health is a HIPAA compliant transportation and delivery service and can be used without violating HIPAA Rules.
