The Importance of Privacy: Safeguarding Your Personal Health Data
Healthcare organizations must prioritize patient healthcare data security now more than ever. With new regulations, increased ransomware risk, and inadequate protection measures, 2023 presents significant challenges for the industry. Telehealth solutions and cloud-based patient platforms only exacerbate the issue, creating a perfect storm for patient data privacy. This alarming trend is not just speculation, in Q3 2021, 68 healthcare providers were locked out of their networks due to ransomware attacks. Data breaches are also happening across the country, with a New Jersey medical practice management organization being impacted by a breach that affected over 56,000 individuals. Protecting patient data has never been more vital. We have prepared a list of best healthcare practices that will help protect data from intruders.
#1 Use a strong password
Protect your account with strong passwords that are not easy to guess, such as family names or birthdays. Make sure to use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters whenever possible. To enhance security, change your password regularly and avoid sharing it with anyone, even if the request appears official. Remember, most health coverage and care providers will not email you for your password. If you receive such a message, contact your insurer’s member services or customer service number to report it.
#2 Be careful with social networks
Be cautious about what you share online, as any information you post can potentially be public. Online forums aren’t always secure, so don’t assume your posts are private. If you’re sharing sensitive health information, make use of privacy settings to limit accessibility. Keep in mind that content posted on the internet may be available for an extended period.
#3 Encrypt data
To keep patients’ electronic health data safe, healthcare organizations must comply with HIPAA regulations and encrypt the data when it may be exposed to risk during transmission or while being stored. This includes any type of transfer, such as emails or SMS messages, and any stored data in databases, USB drives, or the cloud.
Although HIPAA doesn’t specify encryption standards, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) suggests using the advanced encryption standard (AES) with 128, 192, or 256-bit encryption to ensure the highest level of security.
However, the route of data transmission from the user to the organization in the healthcare sector is still vulnerable. To eliminate the risk of data interception, you need to use Mac VPN software. You should use VeePN for Mac to encrypt your private data channel. Provided that the organization will comply with confidentiality in healthcare, then your data will be encrypted at all stages of interaction with them. VeePN also has many other benefits that you can experience once you start using the service.
#4 Double-check your information
If you receive unexpected medical bills or notice that you’ve hit your insurance limits without visiting a doctor, it’s crucial to review your medical records. These could be potential signs of medical identity theft.
Under federal law, you have the right to review and correct inaccuracies in your medical records. Contact all healthcare providers you’ve visited and request a copy of your records. Verify each record’s accuracy, checking for any conditions or visits that you didn’t experience.
Suppose you detect any errors or discrepancies. In that case, alert your healthcare provider in writing and retain a copy of your letter and postage receipt. Your healthcare provider is required to respond within 30 days. Take control of your medical information and secure your financial well-being.
#5 Use an ad blocker
Did you know that websites use cookies to track your search history and use that information to target you with ads? This means that your personal health information can be revealed to companies in search of sales. To protect your privacy, install an ad blocker extension on your browser to block targeted ads and tracking cookies. Stay in control of your online privacy.
#6 Don’t share your Medicare ID number
Protect yourself from medical theft by being cautious of who you give your Medicare ID number. While you may need to provide it to your doctor or hospital, never give it out to anyone else without proper verification. Scammers may try to steal your medical information to get free prescriptions or surgeries. Be wary of unexpected phone calls or health fairs asking for your Medicare ID. Don’t fall for sales pitches claiming certain tests can be billed to Medicare. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and not give out your information to strangers.
#7 Secure devices
Make sure to research a mobile app before downloading and installing it on your device. Stick to trusted sites and sources for your download. Always read the app’s privacy notice and terms of service to understand how they handle your personal information. Consider using encryption software to ensure your device’s security. For example, you can use an online free VPN from a trusted developer. Additionally, install and activate remote disabling and remote wiping features to be able to lock or delete your data remotely in case your device goes missing or is stolen.
Conclusion
It’s essential to understand the need for patient data privacy and take the necessary steps to secure your identity. By following the best practices listed above, you can ensure that your healthcare information remains confidential and secure. Remember, it’s not a one-time effort; you must keep up with changes in technology and updates to security protocols to stay safe.
