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The DatAchieve Team

A black and silver stethoscope is placed on a light blue background, with the tubing curled in a loose coil.

Ah-choo! You just faced a lawsuit!

As flu and COVID cases rise, healthcare organizations often see a surge in online appointment requests, symptom questions, and digital communication from patients. With this increased activity, it’s critical to make sure your website and digital tools remain fully HIPAA-compliant.

Many practices don’t realize that HIPAA extends far beyond medical records—it also applies to websites, online forms, chat tools, analytics, and even newsletter platforms.

Common Noncompliance Issues

Google Analytics + Meta Pixel

Tools like Google Analytics and Meta Pixel track IP addresses, page views, and user behavior. On healthcare page ( especially appointment request or symptom-related page) this data becomes PHI.
Risk: Google and Meta do not sign BAAs, so sending PHI to them violates HIPAA.
Bottom line: Do not use these trackers on any page where a patient may share or imply health information.

Using Regular Live Chat for Symptom Questions

Standard chat tools (Tidio, LiveChat, Messenger plugins, etc.) aren’t HIPAA-compliant. If patients share symptoms or medical details, the chat becomes PHI.
Risk: Messages are stored and transmitted through unsecured, non-HIPAA platforms.
Bottom line: Only use HIPAA-compliant chat or redirect medical questions to a secure patient portal.

Website Forms Not Being HIPAA-Compliant

Any form that collects patient information (appointment requests, symptoms, insurance details, or even basic contact info tied to medical intent) is considered PHI.
Risk: Standard website forms (Wix forms, basic form builders) often lack encryption, secure storage, and a BAA, making them noncompliant.
Bottom line: Use HIPAA-secure forms that encrypt data, store it safely, and never send PHI through regular email.

Have a HIPAA Question?

If you have question on HIPAA regulations or want to make sure you are compliant, we’re here.

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A cash register with a tablet screen sits on a wooden counter, surrounded by stacked plates and utensils. In the warmly lit restaurant, holiday decorations add a festive touch as a person works in the background.

Online Ordering

Restaurants that don’t offer online ordering risk falling behind in an increasingly digital marketplace. Today’s customers expect the convenience of browsing menus, placing orders, and making payments online.

Technology is becoming a must-have in restaurants, with 78% of owners saying online ordering drives most of their sales.

Mika Takahashi – Prostay

The Disadvantages of Not Offering Online Ordering

  • Lost sales: Customers choose restaurants that make ordering quick and easy.
  • Less visibility: Without online options, fewer people find your restaurant.
  • More mistakes: Phone orders can lead to mix-ups and unhappy customers.
  • No data: Online systems provide insights to improve menus and marketing.
  • Lower efficiency: Staff spend more time on phone orders instead of service.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using OLO

  • Cluttered or hard-to-read menus that make browsing frustrating.
  • Outdated info like prices, hours, or unavailable items.
  • Complicated checkout that causes customers to abandon orders.
  • Non–mobile-friendly design, limiting access for phone users.
  • Low-quality or missing photos that fail to showcase food.
  • Generic branding that doesn’t reflect the restaurant’s identity.

Want to Integrate OLO?

If you’d like to talk through where to begin, we’re here.

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A laptop keyboard beside small, colorful holiday Christmas ornaments—including gift boxes, drums, a red ball, and a pink disco ball—on a white background.

The “-ber” Months

It’s officially that time of year again, the “-ber” months. You know– OctoBER, NovemBER, DecemBER. These months consist of a lot of spending, planning, and celebrating. From the 15th bag of candy you picked up at the store in anticipation of the herds of trick-or-treaters, to already preparing for the Black Friday deals that bombard your inbox on November 1st– this might have you wondering “is my business ready for the holiday rush?”

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s understandable if your website takes a backseat. Here are a few ways to make sure your website is ready for the holiday season:

1. How’s Your Website Look on Mobile?

  • Most holiday shopping happens on mobile — your site must be responsive.
  • Non-optimized sites lead to high cart abandonment and lost sales.
  • Test your site’s mobile view: right-click → Inspect → switch device view.
  • Ensure your design adapts seamlessly to any screen size.

2. Are Your Images Helping or Hurting?

  • Large, unoptimized images slow load times and frustrate shoppers.
  • Compress and resize photos for the web to improve speed and reduce bandwidth costs.
  • Use tinypng.com to shrink file size without losing quality.
  • Faster pages = happier customers and higher conversions.

3. Create a Holiday Traffic Forecast

  • Review past analytics to identify peak periods.
  • Add ~20% buffer for unexpected traffic surges.
  • Factor in new campaigns or promotions.
  • Scale hosting, servers, and bandwidth accordingly.
  • Revisit data post-holiday to refine future forecasts.

4. Test & Secure Payment Systems

  • Run load tests on checkout and payment gateways.
  • Ensure TLS certificates, encryption, and PCI compliance are current.
  • Monitor for fraud or anomalies; have a backup payment option ready.
  • Keep checkout code clean and efficient to prevent downtime.
  • Secure systems build customer trust and prevent lost sales.

Takeaways

  • Prep your site early to avoid issues during the holiday rush.
  • Optimize design, images, and infrastructure now.
  • Consider partnering with a web management agency for expert support.
  • A fast, secure, and responsive site = stress-free, profitable holidays.

A few strategic updates today can make all the difference—helping your site perform smoothly and confidently through the holiday season.

If you’d like to talk through where to begin, we’re here.

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A doctor in a white coat holding a tablet walks outdoors among red warning signs labeled “COMMENTS,” “REVIEWS,” and more—illustrating hidden HIPAA landmines medical practices need to know about.

What Medical Practices Need to Know

Most medical practices know HIPAA rules around patient records. But many overlook how easily violations can happen online—on websites, social media, or even reviews.

The Risks

  • Online reviews/comments
    Thanking someone for a positive review confirms they’re a patient—a HIPAA violation. One dental practice was fined $10,000 for this: hhs.gov >
  • Social media replies
    Even a simple “we appreciate patients like you” exposes protected health information (PHI).
  • Employee posts
    Staff posting photos or patient stories—even without names—can be violations. One nursing assistant lost her job and was jailed 30 days for posting a patient video. hipaajournal.com >
  • Website analytics
    Tools like Google Analytics can capture PHI through URLs or searches. Without a Business Associate Agreement (BAA)—which Google won’t provide—this is a compliance risk.
  • Tracking pixels (Meta, LinkedIn, and others)
    Many healthcare websites unknowingly include third-party pixels installed for ad retargeting or social media insights. These tools can transmit visitor IPs, referrer URLs, or form data back to platforms like Meta or LinkedIn—creating a risk of unintentional PHI exposure if those visits relate to specific medical services. Even if the intent isn’t to track patients, algorithms can infer sensitive information from behavioral data.
  • Non-secure email addresses or inquiry forms
    Even with a disclaimer asking visitors not to share personal information, the act of entering a name or email address on a medical website can itself disclose interest in medical services and is considered PHI.
  • Training gaps
    Staff often don’t realize how easy it is to cross the line—particularly when managing social media and or online reviews. Poor training = higher risk.

For a deeper dive, see our post: Is Google Analytics HIPAA Compliant?

The Consequences

  • Fines: From thousands to millions.
  • Reputation loss: Patients lose trust.
  • Legal exposure: Disciplinary action or worse.

The Fix

  • Audit tools: Review analytics, chatbots, plugins—anything that collects data.
  • Train staff: Make HIPAA-in-digital-context part of onboarding and ongoing training.
  • Create policies: Spell out do’s/don’ts for social media and reviews.
  • Explore alternatives: Use HIPAA-compliant analytics platforms (e.g., Matomo, Azure) if needed. If you’re evaluating safer options, explore our guide on HIPAA-Compliant Analytics Alternatives

👉 Bottom line: HIPAA violations don’t just happen in records rooms. They happen every day online—often with good intentions. Awareness, training, and smart choices about tools are your best protection.

Note: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we reference third-party tools and HIPAA requirements, every organization’s compliance obligations may vary. You should consult with qualified legal or compliance professionals to determine how HIPAA applies to your specific situation. References to Google Analytics and other platforms are for informational/editorial purposes only and do not imply endorsement.

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DatAchieve Digital is seeking a Full Stack Web Developer with 2–4 years of experience in open-source web development. We’re looking for someone who enjoys writing clean, well-structured code and thrives in a collaborative environment where quality and precision matter.

What you’ll do:

  • Build and maintain custom websites and applications using open-source technologies
  • Work in a Git-based development environment with version control best practices
  • Use the command line to manage Linux servers, deploy code, and handle server-side tasks
  • Develop with an object-oriented approach and follow coding standards
  • Create responsive, accessible front-end experiences with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • Collaborate with designers and project managers to bring concepts to life
  • Troubleshoot and optimize for performance, security, and scalability

What we’re looking for:

  • 2–4 years of professional coding experience (open-source focus)
  • Proficiency with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP (other languages/frameworks a plus)
  • Familiarity with Git, CLI tools, and Linux server management
  • Understanding of responsive design and cross-browser compatibility
  • UX/UI awareness (a plus, but not required)
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

What we offer:

  • Competitive hourly pay
  • Medical benefits
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and personal leave
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Free downtown parking

DatAchieve has been helping organizations with digital design, development, and management since 2001. If you’d like to grow with a team that values both technical skill and clear communication, give us a call at 301-791-2622 or submit your application here.

A red line transitions from a chaotic tangle on the left to a neat spiral on the right, symbolizing moving from confusion to order, on a plain white background.

Digital platforms were supposed to make things easier.

Instead, most organizations are drowning in disconnected tools—CRMs, email, ecommerce, POS, donor software, scheduling, analytics. Each with its own vendor. Its own learning curve. And no one pulling it all together. Too often, they’re left in the hands of short-term hires who say they “know,” but don’t.

That’s where an Agency of Record comes in.

What is an Agency of Record?

An Agency of Record (AOR) is your partner for making sure all your digital systems and vendors actually work together—not just your website, but every connected platform and tool.

  • Vets and manages third-party tools
  • Coordinates across platforms and vendors
  • Advises based on real-world experience
  • Implements systems that actually work together
  • Supports you with a single point of contact who knows your organization and team
  • Provides a clear audit trail record of who did what, when
  • Buttons up everything—every day—so you’re covered if disaster or bad actors strike
  • Shows up as a real, accountable person at your meetings—with an expert team behind them

Why this matters right now

  • Tech costs are rising—and so are mistakes
  • Internal teams are stretched thin
  • Vendors don’t talk to each other
  • Compliance, security, and accessibility gaps are widening
  • You need clarity and accountability—not another dashboard

Is an Agency of Record model right for you?

A quick self-check to help you identify whether it’s time to consolidate your digital vendors under one experienced partner.

  • You have multiple third-party tools (CRMs, email, ecommerce, etc.) that don’t work well together.
  • You’re paying for platforms you don’t fully use or understand.
  • Your internal staff spends too much time managing tech or troubleshooting.
  • You don’t have one person or vendor who understands all of your systems.
  • When something breaks, your’re not sure who to call—or it takes too long to fix.
  • You’re worried about data privacy, compliance, or accessibility (but don’t have time to deal with it).
  • You’ve had to re-explain your needs over and over to different vendors.
  • You don’t don’t know if any of what your’re paying for really makes a difference and don’t have a clear picture of how your digital tools support your actual goals.
  • You feel like you’re reacting instead of planning.
  • You’d rather work with a team who understands the whole picture—and your business.
  • You want one point of accountability.

If you checked two or more boxes, it might be time to talk. We’re not just a vendor—we’re your digital partner.

We’re “Human to Human”

More than B2B or B2C—we’re a “Human to Human agency. You won’t be talking to a chatbot or a call center. We’ll show up at your meetings. You’ll be working with real people—designers, developers, marketers, and strategists—who do this every day, can share what they’ve learned working with organizations just like yours, and whop understand what it takes to keep systems running, budgets in check, and teams moving forward. Not sure? Just ask our clients.

We’re not here to sell you more platforms. We’re here to make the ones you already have work better.

Want to see if this model makes sense for your team? Let’s talk.

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The DatAchieve Team

Federal grant guidance is shifting. Here’s what that may mean for planning, funding, and strategy.

President Donald J. Trump signs executive orders.
President Trump Signs Executive Order- Public Domain

An Executive Order issued in August 2025 introduces changes to how federal grants are reviewed and approved. Among the key provisions: agencies are now asked to ensure that grantmaking efforts align more directly with stated federal policy priorities. Political appointees are expected to play a larger role in the oversight process.

Why it matters:

For nonprofits, arts organizations, and community groups, this shift could influence how grants are evaluated, especially in mission areas that have become politically visible in recent years. These may include programs focused on diversity, community health, equity initiatives, and environmental education.

Fundraising implications:

Federal funds often serve as an anchor for larger efforts—providing match funding, validation, and access to complementary support. In light of these changes, organizations may experience:

  • Longer approval timelines or modified review processes
  • Requests for additional documentation or clarification
  • Uncertainty around funding renewals
  • Caution among private funders waiting to see how things evolve

What you can do right now (without a full website rebuild):
As a digital partner to many nonprofits and community-focused organizations, we recommend a practical, proactive review:

  • Revisit your Calls to Action – Are they clear, compelling, and accessible across devices? Are they doing the job for you—and for your donors?
  • Test your donor funnel – What’s the experience like from first click to completed gift? Are there friction points or confusion?
  • Review your messaging – Does your appeal still resonate in the current political and cultural moment? Is it clear what’s at stake and why your work matters?
  • Track user journeys – It may be time to implement light visitor tracking to understand how people are interacting with your site and where they’re dropping off.
  • Evaluate your donor platform or CRM – Is it helping you build relationships—or just managing transactions?
  • Audit your email campaigns – Are you reaching people consistently with timely, thoughtful content that supports your mission?
  • Refresh your success stories – Share outcomes, not just needs. Help donors see the tangible difference they’re making.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire digital presence—but taking a fresh, strategic look now can help you stay confident, responsive, and donor-ready.

If you’d like to talk through where to begin, we’re here.

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A dashboard displaying various charts and graphs, including line graphs, bar graphs, and pie charts, illustrating data trends and analytics with blue, orange, and teal color accents.

A Hidden Risk for Medical Practices

Google Analytics is a go-to tool for tracking website visitors. But for medical practices, it comes with a compliance catch.

Google Analytics is just one of many hidden HIPAA risks—see our article on Hidden HIPAA Landmines on Digital Platforms

The Issue

  • HIPAA requires a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) if a vendor might access Protected Health Information (PHI).
  • Google does not provide a BAA for Google Analytics.
  • PHI can slip in through URL parameters, on-site searches, or user-submitted data—even unintentionally.

Why it Matters

  • Using Google Analytics without a BAA = HIPAA violation risk.
  • Violations can mean:
    • Fines
    • Legal action
    • Reputational damage

What to Do

  • Review analytics tools in use.
  • Limit data: anonymize IPs, disable data sharing, and block PHI from being captured.
  • Consider alternatives: Matomo, Microsoft Azure, or other HIPAA-compliant platforms that offer BAAs.
  • Audit regularly to confirm compliance.

👉 Bottom line: Google Analytics may deliver valuable insights, but without a BAA, it leaves your practice exposed. Looking for solutions? Here are the HIPAA-Compliant Analytics Options we recommend for medical practices.

Note: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we reference third-party tools and HIPAA requirements, every organization’s compliance obligations may vary. You should consult with qualified legal or compliance professionals to determine how HIPAA applies to your specific situation. References to Google Analytics and other platforms are for informational/editorial purposes only and do not imply endorsement.

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A close-up of a hand-drawn website wireframe sketch on paper, showing boxes, lines, and placeholder text representing layout elements like images, headings, and buttons.

If you’re wondering why so many organizations are starting a website rebuild or redesign, you’re not imagining things. Sites built just a few years ago are already falling behind.

We’re seeing it across the board: organizations are rebuilding—not just redesigning—because the environment around them has changed. Not cosmetically. Functionally.

Here’s what’s driving it:

Why a Website Rebuild Is Becoming the Smarter Choice

  • New privacy rules in website redesign projects
  • API and platform transitions
  • Performance and accessibility expectations
  • AI isn’t optional anymore

New privacy rules

Regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and now more state-level laws are requiring clearer consent, better data practices, and, in some cases, platform-wide restructuring. What used to be a checkbox is now a system-wide consideration.

API and platform shifts

Third-party tools have moved fast. Platforms that used to “just work” with your site now require custom integrations, additional fees, or have changed their business model entirely. Some are shutting down APIs or limiting access to data, prompting a need for website redesign efforts.

Performance and accessibility expectations

Google’s Core Web Vitals, ADA compliance risks, and increasing mobile-first behavior have raised the bar. What passed last year might fail today. And if your site doesn’t load fast and work for everyone, it costs you—both in search rankings and actual user trust.

AI isn’t optional anymore

AI tools—from chat to content to personalization—are creating new expectations. Visitors assume faster answers, smarter recommendations, and more relevant experiences. It’s no longer a nice-to-have, and a website redesign can help you leverage AI effectively.

So, why does this matter?

Because many organizations are still patching things rather than stepping back to look at the full picture. They’re duct-taping outdated frameworks, hoping they can squeeze another year out of a site that wasn’t built for how people interact with the web today.

But eventually, the patches become more expensive than doing things right. So yes—another website redesign. But not because someone pitched you a new design. Because your foundation no longer fits the world your organization operates in.

What we’re seeing in website redesign.

We’re helping clients:

  • Audit what’s changed under the hood
  • Reduce unnecessary systems
  • A website rebuild with lighter, faster, and more flexible tools
  • Build in integrations that actually work together
  • Plan for the next 3–5 years, not just the next campaign
  • We’re helping organizations audit and rebuild
  • Not a redesign. A rethinking.

If your site feels like it’s lagging—or if you’ve already started leaning on staff, plugins, or workarounds just to keep things running—it may be time to step back and consider a new strategy for website redesign.

We’re happy to talk through what that looks like.

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A doctor in a white coat reviews a clipboard in front of two monitors displaying Google Analytics graphs, one with a warning symbol and the other with a health shield icon.

Google Analytics is a powerful tool—but it isn’t HIPAA compliant. Because Google won’t sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for Analytics, medical organizations face compliance risks even if disclaimers are in place. The good news? There are alternatives.

Why This Matters

Even something as simple as a patient typing their name into a website inquiry form or search bar could be considered Protected Health Information (PHI). If that data flows into Google Analytics, your practice may be in violation of HIPAA—even unintentionally. If you’re still using GA, see why it’s a risk in Is Google Analytics HIPAA Compliant?

Comparison Table: Analytics Alternatives for Healthcare Organizations

Several analytics platforms offer HIPAA-friendly setups:

PlatformBAA?StrengthsLimitationsBest For
Piwik PRO✅ YesAll-in-one analytics suite with consent management, hosting options, and built-in compliance tools.More expensive than GA; requires learning curve.Practices wanting a turnkey HIPAA-compliant replacement for GA.
Freshpaint✅ YesActs as a privacy layer, filtering PHI before passing data downstream. Lets you keep existing analytics tools.Added complexity; requires strict setup and monitoring.Practices that want to keep GA-like tools but need a HIPAA buffer.
Matomo (self-hosted)⚠️ Possible (if you fully control hosting)Open-source, customizable, full control of data.No BAA by default; your IT team is responsible for hosting securely.Larger practices or hospital systems with IT staff who want control.
Mixpanel (enterprise)✅ YesDeep event-based tracking (user journeys, funnels, retention).Requires careful event design to avoid PHI; not “plug-and-play.”Practices or networks tracking patient engagement across digital touchpoints.
PostHog (self-hosted/enterprise)✅ YesOpen-source; customizable; strong developer flexibility.Requires hosting and engineering effort.Practices with dev team and desire for customization.
BigQuery (Google Cloud)✅ YesEnterprise-scale storage/analysis; integrates with Looker for dashboards.Not a direct GA replacement; requires custom data pipeline.Practices needing scalable analytics with full HIPAA compliance.

👉 Next Step: Audit your current analytics setup. If you’re using Google Analytics, consider a transition plan to a HIPAA-compliant solution.

These alternatives help avoid the common mistakes outlined in Hidden HIPAA Landmines on Digital Platforms

Note: The information in this comparison is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, compliance, or financial advice. HIPAA compliance depends on how each platform is implemented, configured, and maintained within your organization. Mention of third-party tools is for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement. Always consult with qualified legal, compliance, or IT professionals before making decisions regarding HIPAA compliance or technology adoption.

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