Why Default Google Ads Settings Don't Meet HIPAA Requirements for Telehealth Providers

Telehealth providers face unique challenges when it comes to digital advertising and HIPAA compliance. While Google Ads offers powerful tools to reach potential patients, the default settings were designed for general advertisers—not healthcare entities bound by strict privacy regulations. Without proper configuration, telehealth providers risk exposing Protected Health Information (PHI) through ad interactions, creating a compliance minefield that could lead to significant penalties and reputational damage.

The Hidden Compliance Risks in Default Google Ads Settings

Telehealth marketing presents specific challenges when using Google Ads with their out-of-the-box settings. Here are three critical risks telehealth providers face:

1. Client-Side Tracking Leaks PHI by Default

Google's standard tracking pixels operate on the client side, meaning they collect data directly from users' browsers. For telehealth providers, this creates a serious compliance issue. These pixels can capture sensitive information like:

• IP addresses (considered PHI when linked to health services)

• Medical condition keywords from URLs or page content

• Visitor behavior on symptom checkers or condition-specific pages

According to HHS Office for Civil Rights guidance, when tracking technologies collect PHI, covered entities must ensure these third parties are bound by Business Associate Agreements (BAAs)—which Google typically doesn't offer for its advertising services.

2. Remarketing Features That Violate Patient Privacy

Google's remarketing tools allow advertisers to target users based on their previous interactions. For telehealth providers, this means potential patients who viewed sensitive content (e.g., mental health services, STI treatment options) could be tagged and tracked across the web. This creates a direct HIPAA compliance issue, as it effectively discloses that an individual sought specific medical information.

3. Conversion Tracking Without PHI Protection

Default conversion tracking typically passes raw user data through client-side scripts. For telehealth providers, this means appointment bookings, consultation requests, or other conversions may transmit PHI directly to Google's servers without appropriate safeguards. The OCR has previously fined healthcare organizations for similar failures to protect patient data during digital interactions.

The critical difference lies in how data flows: client-side tracking (Google's default) sends user data directly from the browser to Google, while server-side tracking routes data through your servers first, allowing for PHI removal before sharing with ad platforms.

HIPAA-Compliant Solutions for Telehealth Advertising

Implementing proper HIPAA-compliant tracking requires technical expertise and careful planning. Here's how Curve's solution addresses these challenges:

Comprehensive PHI Stripping Process

Curve implements a dual-layer PHI protection system designed specifically for telehealth providers:

• Client-Side Protection: Curve's tracking code intercepts data before it leaves the user's browser, automatically identifying and removing 18+ HIPAA identifiers including names, IP addresses, and geographic indicators.

• Server-Side Sanitization: All collected data passes through Curve's secure servers where advanced algorithms provide a second layer of PHI detection and removal, ensuring clean data reaches Google Ads.

This approach ensures that valuable conversion data reaches your ad platforms without any protected health information, maintaining both marketing effectiveness and HIPAA compliance.

Implementation for Telehealth Providers

Setting up HIPAA-compliant tracking with Curve is straightforward for telehealth platforms:

1. Replace Google's standard tracking with Curve's no-code snippet

2. Connect your telehealth booking system through Curve's secure API

3. Configure custom event tracking for telehealth-specific conversions (consultations, appointment types, etc.)

4. Establish proper data flows with signed BAAs for complete compliance coverage

Unlike manual implementations that can take weeks and require specialized developers, Curve's solution can be implemented in hours, saving telehealth providers valuable time and resources.

Optimization Strategies for HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth Advertising

Even with proper compliance infrastructure, telehealth providers can maximize their advertising ROI with these HIPAA-friendly optimization strategies:

1. Leverage Enhanced Conversions Without PHI

Google's Enhanced Conversions feature can dramatically improve tracking accuracy, but it requires careful implementation for telehealth providers. Curve enables you to utilize this powerful feature by:

• Transmitting only non-PHI data elements for conversion matching

• Implementing proper hashing of any identifiers before transmission

• Creating custom conversion schemas specific to telehealth services

This approach maintains HIPAA compliance while still benefiting from Google's advanced measurement capabilities.

2. Implement Compliant Audience Segmentation

Rather than using condition-specific remarketing (which could reveal PHI), create HIPAA-compliant audience segments based on:

• General service categories (e.g., "virtual care" rather than specific conditions)

• Content engagement levels (e.g., "high-intent visitors" versus "mental health visitors")

• Geographic regions without individual precision

Curve's platform automatically ensures these segments remain compliant while still providing effective targeting options.

3. Utilize Server-Side Conversion APIs

Google Ads API and Meta's Conversion API (CAPI) offer more secure alternatives to client-side tracking. Curve simplifies integration with these technologies by:

• Automating the server-side connection process

• Ensuring all transmitted data is properly sanitized of PHI

• Maintaining persistent tracking through privacy changes and ad blockers

This server-side approach provides more reliable tracking while maintaining the highest compliance standards for telehealth providers.

Ready to Run Compliant Google/Meta Ads?

Don't compromise between marketing performance and HIPAA compliance. Telehealth providers can achieve both with the right technical infrastructure.

Book a HIPAA Strategy Session with Curve

During this consultation, we'll analyze your current telehealth marketing setup, identify compliance vulnerabilities, and show you how to implement PHI-free tracking while maintaining or improving your advertising performance.