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Is Your Practice Actually HIPAA Compliant? The Answer Might Surprise You

  • Writer: Alexander Perrin
    Alexander Perrin
  • Mar 25
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 7

Healthcare practices today face a challenging reality: what you don't know about HIPAA compliance could cost you millions.

Did you know that healthcare data breaches now cost an average of $9.8 million per incident? That's nearly double the cost faced by any other industry, according to IBM's 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report. Meanwhile, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has ramped up enforcement, with ransomware-related actions increasing 264% since 2018.

The Compliance Blind Spot Most Practices Don't See

Here's what we've discovered after helping hundreds of healthcare providers strengthen their HIPAA compliance: most practices believe they're fully compliant when they're actually exposed to significant risk. The most common vulnerabilities we uncover include:

  • Inadequate encryption of patient data (both stored and transmitted)

  • Missing access controls that fail to implement proper role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication

  • Outdated risk assessments that don't address current threats

  • Staff training gaps that leave your team unprepared

  • Incomplete incident response plans for potential breaches

  • Unsafe patient communications that put PHI at risk

Take Our Free 5-Minute HIPAA Assessment

Wondering where your practice stands? We've created a quick, free HIPAA Compliance Assessment that provides immediate insights into your compliance posture.

In just a few minutes, you'll discover:

  • Your personalized compliance score

  • Where you're strongest (and should keep it up!)

  • Which areas need immediate attention

  • Simple steps to strengthen your compliance

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

The average healthcare data breach now affects over 275 million Americans annually. More concerning? The OCR closed 22 HIPAA investigations in 2024 with financial penalties totaling over $12.8 million.

The good news? Compliance doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

Remember, HIPAA compliance isn't just about avoiding penalties—it's about protecting your patients, your practice, and your reputation. Let Patient Protect be your partner in this journey!


Free Risk Assessment | Patient Protect
Free Risk Assessment | Patient Protect

Want to learn more about HIPAA compliance? Read our blog here.

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