One example of a HIPAA-secure platform

Among the HIPAA secured platforms that can be used for photo sharing via secure messages is Doximity.

Each physician Doximity network member has gone through a three-step verification process. And the platform’s messaging is HIPAA-secure in the following ways: Members must be verified U.S. health care professionals and provide a HIPAA-compliant 8-12 character password. Messages are encrypted to military-grade standards and delivered via SSL (secure socket layer) protection. And there’s a biometric-login for messages on mobile, according to a company spokesperson.

READ: Smart use of smartphones

Faranak Kamangar, M.D., a dermatologist resident at University of California, Davis, says smart phones and devices are becoming a large part of daily practice.

“Electronic medical records with smart phone HIPAA protected capabilities facilitate access to patient schedules, patient health information and images on the go,” Dr. Kamangar says.

Mobile devices are important in the big picture, according to Dr. Kamangar.

“In addition, smart phones create an avenue for readily accessible evidence-based medicine resources, resources for patient education and avenues to improve medical care communication. Smart phones can help increase efficiency and save time. This in turn can decrease physician fatigue/burnout and improve patient care,” she says.

Disclosure: Dr. Kamangar is part of the Doximity fellowship program.