Patients are worried about privacy breaches in your care. How can you assure them their information is safe?

2 Secure Records

To keep your medical records safe, healthcare providers use electronic health records (EHR) systems that are equipped with robust security features. These systems are designed to prevent unauthorized access by using strong user authentication protocols. Passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), and sometimes even biometric verification are required to access patient data, ensuring that only those with explicit permission can view your sensitive information.

4 Data Encryption

When your health information is transmitted over the internet, it is protected by data encryption. Encryption transforms the data into a code that can only be deciphered with the correct key, essentially locking your information so that even if it were intercepted, it would remain unreadable to unauthorized parties. This layer of security is critical in safeguarding your information during digital communications.

5 Incident Response

Despite best efforts, no system is completely immune to breaches. That's why your healthcare provider has an incident response plan in place. This plan includes procedures for responding to a data breach, should one occur, with steps to minimize damage, notify affected patients, and prevent future incidents. Prompt and effective response is crucial in maintaining trust and ensuring that any breach is handled with the utmost seriousness.

6 Patient Control

Lastly, you have a role in protecting your health information too. You have rights under privacy laws, such as the ability to access your records and request corrections. You're also entitled to a list of instances where your health information was shared. By staying informed and vigilant, you can work with your healthcare provider to ensure your data remains secure.