HIPAA-Compliant Medical Image Sharing for Radiology and Hospitals
PACSNet is a HIPAA-compliant medical image sharing platform that allows healthcare providers to deliver DICOM studies to patients and referrers securely — with end-to-end encryption, role-based access controls, and full audit logging.
HIPAA Requirements for Medical Image Sharing
The HIPAA Security Rule requires covered entities to implement specific technical safeguards when handling electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI), which includes DICOM medical imaging files. These safeguards include:
- Encryption of ePHI in transit and at rest
- Access controls limiting PHI access to authorised personnel
- Audit controls recording access to systems containing ePHI
- Integrity controls ensuring ePHI is not altered or destroyed
- Transmission security protecting ePHI during electronic transmission
- Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with technology vendors
PACSNet is built to satisfy all of these requirements. Providers can share DICOM studies securely with confidence that the platform meets HIPAA technical safeguard standards.
PACSNet HIPAA Compliance Features
TLS 1.2+ Encryption in Transit
All DICOM study transfers use modern TLS encryption. Patient data is never transmitted over unencrypted channels.
AES-256 Encryption at Rest
Stored DICOM files and associated patient data are encrypted at rest using AES-256, one of the strongest available encryption standards.
Role-Based Access Controls
Administrators can define who can upload, share, and revoke access to patient imaging studies, ensuring least-privilege access to PHI.
Comprehensive Audit Logging
Every access event, upload, and link generation is logged with timestamp and device information to support HIPAA audit requirements.
Business Associate Agreement
PACSNet provides a BAA for covered entities, satisfying the HIPAA Privacy Rule requirement for vendor agreements involving PHI.
Automatic Link Expiry
Patient access links expire automatically, reducing the risk of indefinite access to sensitive imaging data.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does HIPAA-compliant image sharing mean?
- HIPAA-compliant image sharing means that the platform used to transmit and store medical images meets the technical, administrative, and physical safeguards required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This includes encryption of Protected Health Information (PHI), access controls, audit logging, and Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with covered entities.
- Does PACSNet sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA)?
- Yes. PACSNet enters into Business Associate Agreements with covered entities and their business associates as required by the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. Contact us to request a BAA as part of your onboarding.
- What encryption does PACSNet use to protect patient imaging data?
- PACSNet encrypts all data in transit using TLS 1.2 or higher, and all data at rest using AES-256 encryption. This applies to DICOM study files, patient access codes, and any associated metadata.
- Does PACSNet maintain audit logs for HIPAA compliance?
- Yes. PACSNet maintains comprehensive audit logs that record every access event — including which study was accessed, by whom, when, and from which device. These logs support HIPAA audit control requirements and are available to administrators.
- Can PACSNet be used by hospitals covered by HIPAA?
- Yes. PACSNet is designed for use by HIPAA-covered entities including hospitals, radiology practices, diagnostic imaging centres, and other healthcare providers that handle Protected Health Information (PHI). The platform implements the technical safeguards required by the HIPAA Security Rule.
- How does HIPAA-compliant image sharing compare to emailing DICOM files?
- Standard email is not HIPAA-compliant for transmitting medical images because it lacks encryption, access controls, and audit logging. PACSNet provides all of these safeguards, making it a compliant alternative to email and consumer file-sharing services for DICOM delivery.
HIPAA-Compliant Image Sharing, Ready to Deploy
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