Securing Your Data at the Highest Level

November 9, 2022

For healthcare providers, having data online has made patient care easier as all providers can access and share information seamlessly. Patients also benefit through improved quality of care. However, the sheer volume of data being shared — personal, medical and financial — makes data security crucial.

The healthcare industry is one of the most prominent examples of data security concerns that we see in everyday life. From information being stolen to information being taken advantage of, healthcare data privacy should be a top priority for everyone.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the number of breaches involving online information from healthcare organizations from the beginning of this year to May 31 has almost doubled from 2021. In the first six months of 2022, the number of data breaches that impacted 500 individuals or more stood at 244.

Why Healthcare Data Privacy Should Be A Top Priority

First, healthcare data privacy is an essential part of protecting the privacy of patients. When patients share their health information with their doctors, they trust that this information will be treated confidentially.

Second, healthcare data privacy is an important part of protecting the intellectual property of providers. A provider’s intellectual property can be ruined if its medical information becomes public knowledge. That provider can also face significant harm to reputation and finances.

Finally, healthcare data privacy is an important part of protecting the safety of patients. If patient information became public knowledge, it could lead to dangerous scams targeting vulnerable patients.

Impacts on Patients and Providers

1. Cybersecurity: Protecting patient data is essential for ensuring that your organization remains safe from cyberattacks. If your patients’ personal information is compromised, they could be subject to identity theft or other fraudulent activities.
2. Patient Privacy: Patients have a right to privacy when it comes to their medical records and other confidential information. By protecting this information, you are helping to ensure that patients feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters with you.
3. Revenue Growth: Protecting your patient data can help grow your revenue stream. Online bill pay helps improve the patient experience and your revenue cycle.
4. Loyalty & Advocacy: When patients know their medical information is secure and private, they are more likely to advocate for you when things don’t go as planned or when they need help accessing specialty services.

Prevention of Data Breaches

Healthcare data privacy is one of the most important topics to address since the majority of information is now digitalized. With the increase in cyber-attacks, healthcare providers need to protect the personal information of their patients. One of the best ways to do this is by partnering with a healthcare technology vendor that treats your data security and your patients’ data security as their priority. Zotec Partners not only understands the importance of securing data but can also provide the security your organization needs.

A leader in technology-enabled and data-driven healthcare revenue cycle management solutions to optimize financial experiences, Zotec has announced that a key implemented service has earned Certified status for information security by HITRUST, placing Zotec in an elite group of organizations worldwide that have earned this certification. As T. Scott Law, founder and CEO of Zotec Partners, explains, “We’ve built our business and positive reputation on trust and integrity, and data security is fundamental to the strong partnerships we’ve created with healthcare providers nationwide.”

Prevention of data breaches is vital to maintaining the privacy of healthcare data. By taking steps to prevent data breaches, you can protect your patients and ensure their data is kept safe and private.