When it comes to healthcare, patient privacy is paramount. Most healthcare companies are required to keep Protected Health Information (PHI) safe and secure in a way that aligns with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Additional rules, such as the HITECH act and ISO 27001 offer further guidance for protecting and storing data, as well as reporting breaches.
Adherence to these rules is vital – and the cost of non-compliance is high. But all too often, medical practices find themselves on the wrong side of a breach. Here’s what you need to know:
Why Date Security Should Be A Priority
Keeping patient data safe and confidential has always been of critical importance. However, the uptake of electronic records and communications has created a world where providers need to commit to more than just a lock on a file cabinet.
Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, with more than 1,800 logged in 2022 – up from 447 in 2012. The HIPPA Journal notes that in the healthcare space, 38 data breaches were logged at healthcare providers in 2024, affecting more than 8 million patient records. Over a million more records were further compromised through breaches at other healthcare organizations such as health plans or healthcare clearinghouses.
Of course, not all data breaches happen through coordinated attacks. Breaches can also happen due to poor workflow management or when PHI is unwittingly sent through non-secure channels. In fact, many cybersecurity experts say that humans are the weakest link of any data security program!
How to Keep Patient Data Secure
Data security is ongoing and multifaceted. Here are some ways to ensure that your patient data remains protected:
- Upgrade legacy systems. Older digital systems that connect to the internet are vulnerable to attack, especially if they’re no longer being updated. If you’re using older systems, talk to a security expert about data safety or consider an upgrade to a new, more secure system. Similarly, even if you’re using newer systems, commit to updating them regularly.
- Lock down Wi-Fi connections and medical devices. Unsecured Wi-Fi connections are extremely vulnerable. Where possible, use wired connections or Wi-Fi connections that are limited to staff. If traveling, avoid logging into patient portals or other online records via Wi-Fi. Similarly, ensure that any devices that connect to the internet are also locked down and always use secure file-sharing services.
- Train staff on the importance of keeping data safe. Ensure that your staff knows when, how, and to whom PHI can be shared and that they know the potential impact of a HIPAA breach both on patient privacy and on your clinic’s bottom line. Data hygiene practices are vital, so make sure your staff knows to use strong passwords, know to change passwords regularly, and knows not to access patient data on personal devices. Commit to ongoing training, especially if there has been staff turnover or new guidelines have been released.
Not sure whether there are gaps in your security processes? Engage a data security consultant with a medical background to make sure that you’re doing all the right things.
Keep Your Practice’s Future Secure: Talk to GZ
If you’re looking to sign or renew a lease and data security is a concern, talk to the team at Gittleson Zuppas Medical Realty. We’ll help you identify a space with the tech-forward infrastructure you need to commit to patient data protection. For medical real estate representation that comes with peace of mind, get in touch today!