Welcome to the Hey Docs! Podcast with your host, Jill Allen.  

Today, I have a special guest, Greg Drysdale from WaterPointe Consulting, joining me on the show. Greg is an expert in data privacy and security, and today, he'll be sharing insights on the importance of these practices in dental and orthodontic offices. We'll explore common pitfalls, how to improve data privacy, and the role of WaterPointe Consulting in helping practices stay compliant. There’s a lot to learn.  

Let’s get into it! 

Summary
 
Greg Drysdale, founder of Waterpointe Consulting, discusses the importance of data privacy in the healthcare industry. He explains that data privacy is about giving individuals control over their own data and ensuring that businesses handle that data responsibly. Greg emphasizes the need for practices to build trust with patients by implementing strong data privacy practices. He also highlights the different data privacy laws that apply, such as HIPAA and state healthcare laws and the consequences of non-compliance. Greg outlines the services provided by Waterpointe Consulting, including audits, building privacy programs, and staff training. He also addresses the differences between startups and existing practices in terms of data privacy considerations. In this conversation, Greg Drysdale discusses the importance of data privacy and security in the healthcare industry. He highlights the risks associated with data breaches and the various ways in which sensitive information can be compromised. Greg provides three key suggestions for healthcare professionals to improve data privacy: conducting a HIPAA risk assessment, establishing contracts with third-party vendors, and training staff on phishing and secure data handling practices. He emphasizes the need for doctors to prioritize data privacy and create a culture of awareness and compliance within their teams.
 
https://www.waterpointeconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/waterpointe-consulting/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Waterpointe-Consulting/61551437391124/
 
Takeaways

• Data privacy is about giving individuals control over their own data and ensuring responsible handling by businesses.
• Strong data privacy practices can build trust with patients and differentiate a practice.
• Different data privacy laws, such as HIPAA and state healthcare laws, apply depending on the location and type of data collected.
• Non-compliance with data privacy laws can result in fines, changes in practices, and potential lawsuits.
• Waterpointe Consulting offers services such as audits, building privacy programs, and staff training to help practices maintain compliance.
• Startups and existing practices have different considerations when it comes to data privacy, but the end goal is the same: a solid data privacy program. Conduct a HIPAA risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and shortcomings in data privacy and security.
• Establish contracts with third-party vendors to ensure proper handling and protection of patient data.
• Train staff on phishing and secure data handling practices to prevent data breaches and mistakes.
• Make data privacy a priority and create a culture of awareness and compliance within the healthcare practice.

Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:06 Understanding Data Privacy and its Importance
06:12 Navigating Data Privacy Laws 10:13 Consequences of Non-Compliance
13:01 Services Provided by Waterpointe Consulting
16:08 Considerations for Startups and Existing Practices
25:03 Data Privacy and Security Risks
28:01 Conducting a HIPAA Risk Assessment
32:14 Training Staff on Phishing and Secure Data Handling
37:48 Creating a Culture of Data Privacy and Compliance 

Connect With Our Advertisers
 
Kaleidoscope - Orthodontic Digital Marketing
SmileSuite - Customizable Presentation Software and Post-Consultation Follow-Up
Retainers for Life - Outsourced Retainer Program

Are you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice? Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    
 
If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.   
 
New episodes drop every Thursday!   
 
Episode Credits:
Hosted by Jill Allen
Produced by Jordann Killion
Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero