Interoperability

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules, and the Patient Safety Act and Rule. You can find more information about patient rights under HIPAA and who is obligated to follow HIPAA here: Individuals’ Right under HIPAA to Access their Health Information | HHS.gov

HIPAA FAQs for Individuals: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/faq/index.html

Most Third-Party Apps will not be covered by HIPAA. Third-Party Apps will fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the protections provided by the FTC Act. One area of The FTC Act is protections against dishonest acts (e.g., if an App sharing your personal information without permission, even when the app has a privacy policy that says it will not share your information). The FTC provides information about mobile App privacy and security for consumers here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0018-understanding-mobile-apps

Accessing your health information through a health app can help you take control of your healthcare and share the information with your doctor or caregiver. 

The 2016, 21st Century Cures Act allows you to access your health information using your preferred approved Third-Party Health App. Be sure to check the approved Health App list​ above for the most current list of Third-Party Health Apps. 

Through your phone's Health App, you can:

• Securely see your Medical Assistance health information and history. *
• Manage and make better decisions about your health care from a single location.
• Share your health information with doctors, caregivers, or others by showing them health details on your phone. Depending on the Health App you choose, additional information, sharing features and the ability to view health information on other devices may be available. *

*Different Third-Party health applications may have different information, displays and available features. Each health app decides what information and services to provide. Some providers may also have websites.  Check the list for all currently approved Third-Party health apps.​

As a Medical Assistance Fee for Service Beneficiary, you will have access to your health information dating back to Jan. 1, 2016. Depending on the Health Application you download to your phone, different features and information may be available. Each approved Third-Party Health Application works hard to create the best user experience for you. Health Application features may vary depending on the Application you choose. Each Health Application determines what information is provided and services offered. 

If you have PA Medical Assistance and are enrolled with PA Managed Care Organization for your insurance, you will need to contact your Managed Care Organization Insurance Provider’s approved Third-Party Applications to determine what information they will display.