Nowadays, maintaining regulatory compliance in general is a must-do protocol. PCI compliance in healthcare refers to adherence to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) for securely processing, storing, and transmitting patient payment card information.
VELLIS NEWS
19 May 2025
By Vellis Team
Vellis Team
Automate your expense tracking with our advanced tools. Categorize your expenditures
Related Articles
Vellis News
23 June 2025
Managing the rising cost of prescription drugs can be overwhelming, especially for older adults living on a fixed income. That’s where the new Medicare Prescription Payment Plan steps in – designed to ease the financial burden of high-cost medications by offering beneficiaries the option to pay for their prescriptions over time.
Vellis News
5 May 2025
An ecommerce merchant is a business that sells goods or services online. Unlike traditional retailers, ecommerce merchants use digital platforms to reach customers worldwide, bypassing the high overhead costs of physical stores. With ecommerce merchant processing, these businesses can accept payments securely and efficiently.
Vellis News
5 May 2025
International eCommerce transactions involve selling goods or services online across national borders, enabling businesses to reach customers worldwide. While global expansion offers access to new markets and increased revenue, it also presents logistical challenges like currency conversion, payment compliance, and fraud prevention.
It ensures that healthcare organizations implement safeguards to protect cardholder data, reduce the risk of data breaches, and prevent payment fraud. By following PCI DSS requirements, providers not only protect their patients’ financial information but also align with broader regulatory expectations for data security. This article outlines how PCI compliance functions within the healthcare setting, identifies who is responsible for compliance, and presents key best practices to help providers maintain a secure and trustworthy payment environment.
PCI compliance in healthcare means following the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a set of security rules that protect credit and debit card information. This is especially important when healthcare providers accept card payments from patients, whether it’s in person, online, or through a billing system tied to bundled payment healthcare models. In a bundled payment healthcare setup, for instance, providers often handle multiple services under a single payment, which can involve more complex billing and financial transactions. That makes securing payment data even more critical. PCI DSS helps ensure that all patient card information is encrypted, access is limited, and systems are regularly monitored. Staying compliant not only prevents data breaches but also builds financial trust with patients, an essential part of delivering secure, high-quality care.
PCI compliance is crucial for healthcare providers to avoid costly fines, protect their reputation, and maintain patient trust. With high transaction volumes and sensitive medical and financial data flowing through various channels, like front desks, online portals, and phones, the risk of breaches is significant. This is especially true in models like capitation payments in healthcare with recurring transactions. Ensuring PCI compliance safeguards patient data across all touchpoints, reducing risk and supporting a secure, patient-focused experience.
Broken down into chunks, core PCI compliance requirements are observed in this manner:
Install firewalls to separate patient payment systems from clinical networks.
Eliminate default passwords on all devices used in the office.
Use encrypted card readers at reception or billing desks to secure transactions.
Encrypt any stored cardholder information and limit data retention.
Keep antivirus and anti-malware tools up to date on all payment-related devices.
Apply software updates and security patches promptly.
Restrict access to payment systems based on staff roles.
Require individual logins and regularly review access permissions.
Use logging tools to track access to cardholder data.
Conduct routine security scans and network tests to identify vulnerabilities.
Develop clear guidelines for protecting patient payment data.
Train all staff on data security protocols and PCI requirements.
Following these practices ensures secure healthcare payment processing, reduces the risk of data breaches, and supports compliance with industry standards.
Types of healthcare organizations that must comply are the following:
Hospitals – Large facilities handling high volumes of patient payments across departments.
Private Clinics and Practices – From solo providers to group practices accepting card payments.
Billing Departments – Internal or third-party teams that process, store, or transmit payment data.
Telehealth Service Providers – Platforms offering virtual care with integrated payment options.
Any healthcare organization that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data, no matter the size or payment volume, must be PCI compliant. Compliance is based on how payment data is handled, not on the size of the business.
PCI compliance is divided into four levels, determined by the number of credit or debit card transactions an organization processes annually. Each level comes with different validation and reporting requirements.
Level 1
Who qualifies: Over 6 million transactions per year
Requirements: Annual Report on Compliance (ROC) by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA), quarterly scans by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV), and regular penetration testing
Level 2
Who qualifies: 1 to 6 million transactions per year
Requirements: Annual self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ), quarterly ASV scans, and possible additional testing depending on risk level
Level 3
Who qualifies: 20,000 to 1 million e-commerce transactions annually
Requirements: Annual SAQ, quarterly ASV scans, and validation as needed
Level 4
Who qualifies: Fewer than 20,000 e-commerce or up to 1 million total transactions
Requirements: Annual SAQ and quarterly ASV scans (if applicable), typically fewer reporting demands
Most small-to-mid-sized healthcare practices fall under Level 3 or 4, meaning they can often validate compliance through self-assessment and scheduled vulnerability scans rather than formal audits.
Streamlining technology, training staff, and leveraging outside support can help healthcare providers close these compliance gaps efficiently.
Focus of Protection:
Regulatory Frameworks:
Technical Safeguards:
Compliance Requirements:
Understanding the distinction and overlap between these two standards is essential for maintaining full data security and regulatory compliance in healthcare environments.
Some of the most notable actionable tips entail:
Users ought to follow a step-by-step guide to get started with PCI compliance:
PCI compliance in healthcare means following PCI DSS standards to securely handle patient card payments.
Any healthcare entity handling payment card data must follow PCI compliance, no matter its size.
No, HIPAA and PCI are separate, thus, compliance with one doesn’t satisfy the other.
Non-compliance can lead to fines, penalties, and damage to the provider’s reputation after a breach or failed audit.
PCI compliance should be reviewed annually, with continuous monitoring for security risks.
Digital Guardian: What is PCI Compliance?
https://www.digitalguardian.com/blog/what-pci-compliance
ERMprotect: How Healthcare Providers Can Protect Credit Cards By Getting PCI DSS Certification
https://ermprotect.com/blog/pci-dss-compliance-for-healthcare
The HIPAA Journal: What is PCI Compliance in Healthcare?
https://www.hipaajournal.com/pci-compliance-in-healthcare
Investopedia: PCI Compliance: Definition, 12 Requirements, Pros & Cons
Ready to transform your financial management?
Sign up with Vellis today and unlock the full potential of your finances.
Related Articles
Vellis News
5 May 2025
Local payment methods are region-specific or culturally preferred for goods and services. These can range from traditional bank transfers and mobile wallets to cash-based vouchers and locally popular credit or debit cards. They reflect the payment habits and infrastructure of a particular country or region.
Vellis News
15 May 2025
Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) can be neatly elaborated as the strategic process businesses use to track and manage the flow of revenue from initial customer engagement through to final payment. It plays a crucial role in maintaining financial stability by ensuring that services provided are accurately billed and appropriately reimbursed.
Vellis News
31 March 2025
In today’s digital landscape, seamless and secure transactions are critical for any online business. e-Commerce payment solutions provide the tools necessary to accept various payment methods, ensuring a smooth checkout experience for customers. From credit cards and digital wallets to bank transfers and even cryptocurrency, these solutions cater to diverse consumer preferences while enhancing security and efficiency.
We use cookies to improve your experience and ensure our website functions properly. You can manage your preferences below. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
PCI DSS-certified and listed on Visa’s Global Registry – verified security you can trust.
© 2025 Vellis Inc.
Vellis Inc. is authorized as a Money Services Business by FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) number M24204235. Vellis Inc. is a company registered in Canada, number 1000610768, headquartered at 30 Eglinton Avenue West, Mississauga, Ontario L5R3E7, Canada.