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EHR Security 101: Safeguarding patient data in the digital age

May 29, 2024

EHR Security 101: Safeguarding patient data in the digital age

Due to the digitization of healthcare with electronic health records (EHRs), medical practices cannot compromise on the security of patient information. With increasing incidents of data breaches and cyberattacks, healthcare units should be more cautious about protecting the data they collect from patients.

Patient data is sensitive as it includes medical history, details of diagnosis, and treatments. Several patient data breaches have occurred despite most healthcare institutions implementing data protection measures in their Electronic Health Record Software systems. Such incidents can have grave ramifications, with patients losing trust and affecting the reputation of the healthcare unit.

Cyber assaults on healthcare organizations can also result in financial losses. Attempts to fraudulently claim insurance, fund theft, and other operational troubles aren’t uncommon in such cases.

The healthcare organization must implement security measures to prevent unauthorized access to patient data. Some of those measures are data encryption, installing access controls, and monitoring mechanisms.

Moreover, healthcare organizations are liable to comply with industry standards and regulations. These could include HIPAA, GDPR, etc., which require medical practices to implement security controls to safeguard patient data within EHR Software Systems.

How Electronic Health Record systems have changed the healthcare industry?

An Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a digital resource that contains all patient information and medical history. It has greatly transformed healthcare delivery, offering a centralized data resource without using paper records.

EHRs have emerged as crucial components in contemporary healthcare, enhancing patient care and streamlining operations. However, maintaining them isn’t free of challenges. Let’s discuss them in detail to find viable solutions.

Data safety and security aspects while maintaining EHR

Medical practices face security issues with electronic healthcare records. Here are the measures that can be taken to prevent them.

Robust cybersecurity measures

EHR software systems should be maintained with the necessary firewalls, encryption, and relevant access controls, otherwise, you might compromise on sensitive data. Such data loss prevention tools are an imminent feature of Electronic Health Record Systems.

The organization’s staff must also be educated in data privacy and security practices. A respected healthcare unit always complies with HIPAA regulations- the federal regulatory standards that state the use and disclosure of health information in the US.

Regular security audits and cyber checks can help identify potential vulnerabilities and address such issues in time. Moreover, a vigorous cybersecurity setup with staff trained in data privacy practices can ensure better security of patient data.

Non-adherence to regulatory compliance

Non-adherence to regulatory compliance - EHR Software

One of the challenges healthcare units faces with EHR is the lack of clarity on compliance procedures. Electronic health record software must be configured to meet healthcare regulations and reporting needs.

An established compliance team must supervise the electronic health record-related standards that can enable standardized data collection and reporting practices.

The absence of an analytical dashboard

The absence of an analytical dashboard - EHR Software

EHR implementation is not a one-time event. It is a continuous process that needs to be evaluated and refined periodically. Healthcare organizations should have EHR software that not only collects data and staff feedback but also analyzes and identifies areas for improvement.

Digital healthcare innovators like OmniMD can provide a well-established EHR software system with an analytical dashboard that helps you monitor KPIs in real time. Powered by customizable dashboards, the software can help optimize workflows.

EHR software systems by OmniMD can provide a comprehensive solution by assuring complete security via HIPAA-compliant cloud hosting. These systems have been designed to record, store, process, and analyze patient data under high-security and compliance standards. Here’s how.

  • OmniMD’s cloud computing facilitates secure data access and backup.
  • With OmniMD EHR integration, you can trust sharing patient data as necessary within your healthcare provider network.
  • With security encryption, OmniMD protects all sensitive information about patients’ health.
  • The OmniMD EHR software allows customized security.
  • The analytics dashboard can render powerful insights into patient treatment outcomes.
  • OmniMD’s electronic software system ensures compliance with HIPAA through relentless monitoring.

Conclusion

Dependable software technology is in high demand in various fields, including medical settings to ensure safe administrative workflows and reduce pressure on staff.

Electronic health record software elevates organizational efficiency and patient experience. With an efficient, well-integrated, and secure EHR system, your healthcare center can deliver patient care through remote monitoring, instant prescriptions, e-billing and boosting your healthcare unit’s overall revenue.

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