The easier something is to use, the more likely people are to use it. That's the philosophy the developed has embraced. It has designed its secure text-messaging platform to function just like a traditional SMS text-messaging platform, but with a few differences that make it HIPAA compliant.

Plus, not all staff members use the same type of device so the application is available on any smartphone, tablet or web-enabled Mac or PC. This staff members will have access to the same secure text-messaging platform no matter whether they are in the office or on the move. 

TigerText is actually a software as a service application so there is no hardware to buy or software to install. The information is kept secure because TigerText provides each healthcare organization with its own private and encrypted network. This HIPAA-compliant network is only accessible to authorized employees of those specific organizations. As long as an employee is authorized, they can use any device to access their text messages.

To use the service, an authorized user would log onto the platform and compose their message. That message, which contains ePHI (electronic personal health information), is sent to the secure server. At the server, it is encrypted and stored for the designated lifespan.

At the same time, a text message containing a link to the encrypted message is delivered to the intended recipient, who must also be an authorized user. When the recipient receives the text message, they must authenticate their identity. After that, they may click on the link included in the text message. This link grants them access the encrypted ePHI.

The system automatically notifies the sender that the receipt read the text. Organizations can also set it up so the system will add the patient-specific information in the message to the patient's electronic medical record.

TigerText includes administrative controls to monitor access to ePHI, remote wipe messages and pre-set the lifespan of a message. Some additional things you can do with a TigerText communication include recalling the message or setting up a message list.

Tigertext´s secure text messaging platform produces audit logs so that system administrators can comply with the HIPAA Audit Protocol and identify any potential breach of ePHI. It also works for medical professionals that work at several different medical facilities. Those users can set up multiple inboxes from within the app to accommodate texts from the different healthcare organizations.