Did you know that your health information is as personal and sensitive as your medical records? Did you also know that anyone could access this information online, even if it’s not public yet? If you or a loved one has been in the hospital recently, or has had any tests done, there’s a good chance you have private patient information available to view on the Internet. This information may be accessible because healthcare institutions often do not protect patient data with security measures. Many hospitals, clinics and medical offices are not safeguarding patients’ electronic health records (EHRs) with password protections and other security features. As a result, hackers can easily access this information without permission. In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about being cautious of your health care data.
What is Electronic Health Information?
Electronic health information (EHI) is the data that is created and maintained in digital format by physicians, hospitals and others who provide health care. This includes all health-related instructions, observations, diagnoses, allergies, procedures and any other information providers write into patients’ medical records like diet plan for diabetic patient etc. EHI can include demographic information, medical histories, test results, medications, allergies and even lab-drawn blood-type.
Why Is Electronic Health Information so Important?
Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital records that keep track of your medical history. They contain information from your doctor visits, hospital stays, tests and more. The EHR system was created to help physicians provide better care and better understand your medical history. The system also allows for easier record-keeping for all parties involved in your care. EHRs can help you get the best care from your doctor because doctors can access your entire health history. They can also help you get better care if you go to a different doctor by providing your entire medical history to them. EHRs can also help you take better care of yourself because you can view your entire medical history online at any time. You can also print out information to bring to your doctor’s appointments.
Why is your Electronic Health Information Important?
Your health information is an extremely sensitive and important part of your life. It includes all of the details related to your health, treatments and conditions. Your health information is subject to specific privacy laws that are designed to protect your information. If anyone (including a doctor or an insurance company) were to view or misuse your information, it could be extremely harmful. Your health information is important to you personally and financially. For example, it can help you get the care you need like IVF treatment etc, keep you covered by health insurance, and manage your overall health. In addition, if you share your information with others, it could help them provide better care for you. It could also help them better understand you and your medical history.
How You Can Find & View Your Own Electronic Health Record
You can find your own EHR on websites such as HealthHound, or web portals such as Google Health. You can also ask your health care provider or insurance company if they have a portal where you can view your own EHR. If you want to see your medical records in person, you may be able to do so at a medical office or clinic. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to request to view your EHR through government websites, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) website.
3 Ways that People Might Be Seeing Your Private Healthcare Data Online
If you or a loved one has been in the hospital recently, or has had any tests done, there’s a good chance you have private patient information available to view on the Internet. This information may be accessible because healthcare institutions often do not protect patient data with security measures. Hackers can easily access this information without permission. They can also sell this data to unscrupulous individuals or companies. In this case, people might be able to access your private information through nefarious websites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. People or organizations can also breach healthcare data through hacking. Many hospitals, clinics and medical offices are not safeguarding patients’ EHRs with password protections and other security features. As a result, hackers can breach the data remotely and access private information.
What Should You Do if You See a Breached Record of Yourself?
If you see your own EHR on a website you should report it immediately. You can also contact your doctor’s office and ask them to report it. You should also contact the website administrator or the hosting company and ask them to remove your medical information.
Conclusion
Depending on where you live and where you receive medical care, your medical records may be online. If you ever have a serious medical condition, it’s likely that a doctor will write your information into an electronic health record (EHR). This means that your information is also on the internet, even if you don’t see it. You may be able to access and view your own EHR through commercial websites or portals. If you ever see your own EHR online, you should report it immediately. You can also contact your doctor’s office and ask them to report it. You should also contact the website administrator or the hosting company and ask them to remove your medical information