Telehealth has revolutionized how Americans access medical care: virtual visits, remote monitoring, video therapy sessions, and more. But with greater convenience comes new risks. Safety during telehealth demands attention—both to your privacy and to the quality of care. In this article, we’ll explore how to safeguard your health and information when using telehealth services. You’ll get real-life case studies, expert guidance, and a free downloadable checklist to help you stay safe.
What Is Telehealth Safety?
“Telehealth safety” refers to all the practices, technologies, policies, and behaviors that protect patients and providers from harm when care is delivered remotely. This includes:
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Ensuring the privacy and security of patient health information (PHI),
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Maintaining the quality and standard of care (so diagnoses and treatments aren’t compromised),
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Preventing technical failures, miscommunication, or misuse of data,
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Ensuring equitable access (so vulnerable populations aren’t left out or harmed).
Why Safety During Telehealth Matters
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Privacy and legal risks: HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requires covered providers to use platforms that secure communication and data storage.
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Patient safety concerns: Misdiagnosis, delayed care, or poor remote monitoring can lead to serious health consequences.
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Trust and adoption: If patients fear their data will be exposed or care will be subpar, they may avoid or delay care. Surveys show many patients are concerned about session security.
People Also Ask
Here are frequently asked questions about safety during telehealth, along with answers based on current guidelines and case studies.
1: How can I ensure my privacy and security when using telehealth?
Answer:
Patients can take several steps:
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Choose a private location, e.g., a closed room. If that’s not possible, use headphones and ensure no one else can overhear or see your screen.
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Use your own device (phone, tablet, computer), not shared or public ones. Ensure it has up-to-date security patches.
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Use strong, unique passwords, and enable lock/screensaver so inactive devices do not expose information.
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Before your telehealth session, ask the provider about the platform’s compliance with HIPAA or relevant privacy/security norms. Is data encrypted in transit and at rest? Are there policies for recording sessions?
2: What responsibilities do telehealth providers have under U.S. law?
Answer:
Providers must:
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Comply with HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules: Secure storage/transmission of PHI, limit disclosures, implement access controls.
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Conduct risk analyses to identify vulnerabilities in their telehealth systems and mitigate them.
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Obtain informed consent: Patients should be told the benefits and limitations of telehealth, including risks related to remote diagnosis, technology glitches, or when in-person care might be necessary. Forty-five states require this.
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Ensure technology is secure: Encryption, secure vendor agreements, audit logs, and limiting data retention to what’s necessary.
3: What kinds of errors or harms have happened in telehealth, and what can we learn?
Answer:
Case Study A: Confidant Health Data Exposure
In 2024, a security researcher discovered that Confidant Health (a mental health provider) had an unsecured database containing therapy session audio/video, medical histories, and logs for 120,000+ files. The data was exposed due to misconfigured servers and a lack of password protection.
Lesson: Even highly sensitive data can be vulnerable; rigorous audits, encryption, and configuration checks are essential.
Case Study B: Mental Health Patients’ Survey on Session Safety
A survey of over 1,000 mental health patients found 35% believed their telehealth session was not secure. Many were worried about someone else listening, hacking, or their information being shared improperly.
Lesson: Perceptions of risk matter; rather than just legal compliance, providers should proactively reassure patients.
Case Study C: CAST Telehealth for Seniors
During the COVID-19 pandemic, LeadingAge’s CAST program introduced telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) in senior living/skilled nursing settings in Chicago. The initiative reduced hospitalization rates and improved quality of life when safety protocols (secure platforms, staff training, clear process) were followed.
Read Also: The Future of Workplace Safety in the US: AI, Wearables, and Tech Trends Employers Can’t Ignore
Lesson: For vulnerable populations (older adults), safety protocols must include technological support, training, and processes adapted to their specific needs.
Best Practices: What You Should Do (Patients and Providers)
Below are concrete steps that patients and providers should follow to maximize telehealth safety.
| Role | Action Steps |
|---|---|
| Patients | • Use devices with security software and the latest updates. • Access telehealth via secure WiFi (not public WiFi), or use a VPN. • Check the identity of your provider before sharing sensitive info. • Ask about how recordings, data storage, or remote monitoring will be used/stored. • Know when telehealth is NOT appropriate (e.g., severe symptoms, emergencies) and how to access in-person care if needed. |
| Providers | • Run risk assessments periodically; engage cybersecurity experts. • Ensure platforms are HIPAA-compliant; vendor contracts clearly define responsibilities. • Train staff on telehealth etiquette, privacy, consent, and security. • Use strong authentication (multifactor), encryption, and secure networks. • Have clear protocols for emergencies, for switching to in-person care if remote is insufficient. |
“People Also Ask” (More FAQs)
Q: Is telehealth HIPAA-compliant by default?
Answer:
Not always. HIPAA applies to “covered entities” and “business associates,” but some telehealth platforms or vendor software may not fully satisfy HIPAA security requirements. Patients should ask providers whether the technology they use is HIPAA-compliant, whether data is encrypted, etc.
Q: What are the risks of using public WiFi for telehealth?
Answer:
Public networks are frequently insecure; data transmitted (video, audio, records) can be intercepted. Attackers may impersonate providers or manipulate data. Using private, secure internet (home network or using VPN) reduces these risks significantly.
Q: When is telehealth not safe or insufficient?
Answer:
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Situations needing physical examination (e.g., certain injuries, a thorough physical exam).
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When remote devices don’t provide accurate readings or monitoring.
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For emergent symptoms: chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, stroke signs.
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When connectivity is poor or the platform is unreliable.
Q: What should I do if my telehealth session is recorded?
Answer:
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Ensure you were informed beforehand and gave consent.
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Be aware of how the recording will be stored, who will have access, and how long it will be retained.
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Ask for the recordings or transcripts if appropriate.
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If uncomfortable, request that recordings be disabled or use platforms that do not record without permission.
Regulatory and Legal Landscape
To best understand safety during telehealth, it helps to know what laws and guidelines govern it in the U.S.
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HIPAA: The backbone law for privacy and security of PHI. Requires providers to safeguard information, manage vendor relationships, enforce access controls, and provide breach notification.
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State Laws: Many states have their own telehealth privacy laws, informed consent statutes, and licensing requirements. For example, 45 states plus DC require informed consent for telehealth.
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DEA Rules: For prescribing controlled substances via telehealth, the DEA has rules to ensure both access and safety, including registration requirements.
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Patient Safety and Quality Bodies: Organizations like AHRQ and NCQA issue guidance on patient safety metrics, quality measures for telehealth, and continuous quality improvement.
Case Study: A Telehealth Safety Incident and How It Was Handled
Scenario: A mental health provider operates teletherapy sessions using video calls. They record sessions (with patient consent) to help with supervision and training. One day, a configuration mistake made past recordings accessible via unprotected URLs, exposing the private health data of many patients. Security researcher discovers the issue and reports it. The provider immediately:
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Takes down the exposed links and audits all storage configurations.
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Notifies affected patients, offering credit monitoring if pertinent.
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Contract an external cybersecurity firm to inspect systems.
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Re-trains staff, updates policies for storage, retention, and permissions.
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Publish a transparency statement, explaining what happened and the steps taken.
Outcome: While reputation took a hit, these proactive measures reduced harm and rebuilt patient trust. This mirrors the Confidant Health incident.
Unique Insights
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Many articles focus on provider responsibilities. One often overlooked area is how patient digital literacy impacts safety: older adults or those unfamiliar with tech may unwittingly click unsafe links, fail to update security settings, or fall for phishing. Telehealth safety programs that include user education tailored to different populations dramatically reduce risk.
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Another key point: the end-to-end security chain must be monitored; it’s not enough that the video platform is encrypted. You also need a secure internet, secure devices, safe physical spaces, and secure storage of records after the call.
Read Also: How To Become A Safety Consultant
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Innovations like blockchain, or federated learning (sharing insights without exposing raw data), are emerging in remote patient monitoring systems to enhance security and privacy. These may become more common in mainstream telehealth.
Free Download: Telehealth Safety Checklist
To help you apply what you’ve learned, here’s a free downloadable checklist you can use before your next telehealth appointment or when setting up telehealth services as a provider.
Click to download: Download Telehealth Safety Checklist (PDF)
What’s in the Checklist
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Security of the device and the environment
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Internet and network safety
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Platform credentials & encryption
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Consent and recording policies
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Backup and data retention
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Emergency / in-person option criteria
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Digital literacy and training
(If you want, I can tailor one for mental-health telehealth or for elderly populations, too.)
Action Steps You Should Take Now
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For Patients – Audit your device and space: Make sure your apps are updated, you’re using secure WiFi, and you know who will listen/see during your session.
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Ask providers the tough questions: “Is my data encrypted?”, “Who else has access to this video/recording?”, “What happens if technology fails?”, “When do you recommend I see someone in person?”.
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Providers: Revise protocols, run risk assessments, verify vendor contracts, and ensure all staff are trained in security and privacy.
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Legislators and policymakers: Support stronger oversight, clearer laws on telehealth data privacy and standards, especially given technology advances and increased telehealth use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an unlicensed provider deliver telehealth safely?
A: Legally, no. In most U.S. states, telehealth providers must be licensed in the state where the patient is located. Safety also depends on accountability, the standard of care, which is tied to licensure.
Q: What should I do if my PHI is breached or exposed?
A: Report it to the provider immediately; under HIPAA, covered entities must notify affected individuals and HHS. You can also file a complaint with the HHS Office for Civil Rights. Document what happened, when, and who was involved.
Q: Do telehealth platforms record sessions by default?
A: Not usually. Some platforms allow it, but only with explicit consent from all parties. Always check platform policy and consent forms. You have the right to decline recording.
Q: Does Medicare or insurance require any particular safety standards for telehealth?
A: Medicare rules generally require that telehealth platforms meet HIPAA, state telemedicine laws, and ensure quality of care. Insurers may have additional expectations. Check with your insurance and provider.
Conclusion
Safety during telehealth is multifaceted—it’s not just about encryption or legal compliance, but about building trust, ensuring equitable access, and preventing harm. Both patients and providers have roles to play. By following best practices, asking the right questions, and using tools like the safety checklist, telehealth can remain a powerful, safe option in 2025 and beyond.