Storing patients’ credit card information: Keep it safe

摘要

Credit cards have made it easier for psychiatrists who work in outpatient settings to collect payment for their services. Accepting credit cards saves time in sessions for clinical matters, leads to higher rates of collecting payments for patients who do not show up for appointments, and avoids having to manage bounced checks and collection agencies.1 No federal or state laws prohibit businesses from storing consumers’ credit card information. However, psychiatric practices are legally obligated to have safeguards in place to protect sensitive information and limit liability exposures.2 There are several steps to take when storing your patients’ credit card information.