Healthcare has been evolving for years and it’s clear that the tools to make patient care better are now being used by both multi-specialty hospitals as well as single practices. You might have seen doctors typing away on their computers, tablets or smartphones during your visit – not just making new documents but utilizing electronic health records (EHR) software too.
Some people use the terms “electronic medical record” and “electronic health record” (or EMR vs EHR) interchangeably. The phrase “electronic” implies that these records are capable of storing more detailed data than just symptoms/complaints; they also allow providers to better track patients over time by monitoring their vital signs like temperature reading accurately with each update entry into EHR systems—something not possible via paper charts alone! In addition, doctors can input specific test results directly without having go back into the original document.
The use of electronic health records (EHR) is beneficial for both patients and physicians. Physicians have more time to focus on patient care, while EHRs improve accuracy in the medical record keeping process by eliminating paper based charts which are error prone due lack access times or other factors that make accurate documentation difficult at best. However, there’s been an increase recently about security concerns regarding these systems because hackers can easily penetrate them if they’re not protected properly with encryption algorithms ensuring privacy across entry points into your system including smartphones, tablets etc.
Data loss and weak cybersecurity have devastating consequences. The inability to ensure patient data is protected from theft plagues the minds of healthcare professionals, who are faced with questions like “Who can access my information?” or “How does this affect me?” These worries likely exist in every profession but become particularly pressing when one considers that medical records contain intimate details about someone’s life – things they may wish stay hidden away forever if it meant protecting themselves from potential abuse.”
HIPPAA and EHR
As you may know, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has been law for quite some time now. This act governs how individuals’ health data is used in an electronic form that can be stored or transmitted electronically between patients themselves as well other parties involved like doctors’ offices who need access to this information so they don’t have any gaps during treatment plans when it comes down towards emergencies where there isn’t enough time left before something happens again. However, what many people do not realize ahead of these rules being put into place was just exactly why we needed them-the reason behind all those worries about privacy quickly becomes clear once one understands.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a law that gives patients’ rights to their health information, regardless if it’s paper-based or electronic. Patients have the right under HIPAA:
- See a copy of their medical data
- Get any mistake corrected
- Be informed about how their health data is shared and used
- Update their contact details
- File a complaint if any of their rights have been violated
The EHR system is a complicated and time-consuming process. Switching between different software can be laborious, redefining requirements for an individual’s needs in order to keep up with new updates or fixing any privacy violations that may occur due from old fashioned paper charts being used as well creates more work than just simply installing the newest version available on offer at one company when considering all aspects involved outside of solely medical records management (which every physician knows). This decision will not only result into less revenue generated but also higher turnover rates within clinical settings overall which could lead down slippery slopes if left unchecked–a fate many practices seem willing avoid by continuing their current course via outdated technologies instead.
When it comes to your electronic health records, you need a product that can protect against hacking and data breaches. Practices who resist adopting an EHR platform end up putting patient privacy at risk which will inevitably violate HIPAA guidelines.
EHRs have been shown time and again as a powerful tool to protect your patients’ health data. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top features that make them so effective.
Patient Privacy
Privacy is a huge issue for patients and their families. After the Anthem Inc. leak in 2015, many were concerned about how much information was leaked from one company’s database, which contained nearly 80 million records on users’ health care habits like medical history or prescription drugs taken regularly; thus, they refrain from sharing everything out of fear that it could be misused by someone else who has access to this sensitive data point.
The report by Gartner on top technology trends highlights how digital ethics and privacy is a growing concern for individuals as well organizations. Small-mid-sized medical practices see complying with government rules, regulations or laws which are imposed in their industry sectors (such healthcare) to achieve business goals; however, they face many obstacles along this path due largely from lack of resources – financial constraints being one example among others that can prevent them from succeeding at higher levels than what’s currently available within local markets where these entities operate.
The decision to adopt an EHR solution is one that requires careful consideration. It should be weighed against the benefits and risks of not doing so, including whether or not you will retain access to your patient records in case there are future lawsuits seeking damages on behalf of those who have been impacted by data breaches at other hospitals/ clinics within this industry’s network- which could happen with increasing frequency given recent events.
Top Security Measures
One of the top reasons that EHRs are so beneficial is because they have robust security measures built right in. There’s no need to worry about hackers compromising your data anymore, as these systems will keep it safe. Some examples include:
- HIPAA and HITECH Compliance
- Audit Trails
- Data Encryption
- Password Protection
- ONC-ATCB Certification
HIPAA and HITECH Compliance
HIPAA and HITECH provide a good starting point for the security of protected information. However, you will need to create additional electronic health record protocols that are customized based on your practice’s specific needs in order ensure compliance with these laws as well.
Audit Trails
Audit trails keep a detailed record of who, when and where any user accessed the system. It also documents what they do while logged in so that it can be tracked later on down the line if something goes wrong or needs investigating for possible explanations as well.
Data Encryption
Encryption is a proven way to protect your data. Not only does it allow only authorized users access, but also against breaches whether its in transit or at rest. Encryption makes it more difficult for hackers to steal your information. You can protect yourself by using a password or key that only you know, which means even if they get access during transmission there will be nothing decrypting the data because only someone with this material possesses its secret sauce.
With encryption, you can rest assured that your data is safe. It also enables role based access control – only employees with authorizations will be able to view the decrypted information which reduces potential damages in case it gets stolen.
Password Protection
Asking patients to create strong passwords is just one of many steps that can help protect their sensitive health information. To be considered an EHR with high security standards, it should also offer the following:
· Your EHR should have lockout capabilities to prevent users from entering the wrong password more than five times.
· Passwords are difficult to guess because they contain alpha-numeric and special characters.
· Mandatory password resets at regular intervals.
· Two-factor authentication can be a great way to provide an additional layer of security.
ONC-ATCB Certified
You should ask yourself one question before committing to an EHR system: is this software ONC-ATCB certified? The answer will determine what features are available and whether they meet your needs as a health care professional.
The National Coordinator, an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a certifying authority for EHR vendors. They help all U.S medical agencies to adopt these technologies so that doctors can provide better care through their use in clinics or hospitals around America today.
It’s a straightforward question, the answer to which is either a yes or a no.
- If the answer is yes, then look at its other features.
- If the answer is no, then reject this vendor and look at others.
Governmental reimbursement programs are just one way that you can save money when adopting an EHR system. If your chosen software isn’t certified, then it will prevent access to many financial benefits offered by the government which could lead not only in paying more but also losing out on some important patient protection standards as well.
