By Art Gross, President and CEO, HIPAA Secure Now!
Twitter: @HIPAASecureNow
Read other articles by this author
Isn’t it wonderful how technology has made medical care more accessible? Not only can medical professionals be mobile and go TO their patients, but patients can now take ownership via apps and devices that allow them to monitor their own well-being. Apps and devices are now available that give us so much information and access; we are at the forefront of incredible possibilities.
Yes, to all of that. But with the good comes the bad.
Let’s take a look at the gaps in the market right now that need to be addressed before cyber-healthcare can be fully embraced.
Tech-Ed
These medical applications and devices are often needed by an older generation, so there may be a gap in technological know-how. This can be easily overcome, but it does present a new set of challenges to those in the healthcare support field. Additional staff and time are the first things that come to mind.
Data Security
If the patient is the keeper of the information, they need to be cyber-savvy when it comes to knowing how to protect their information. If the caretaker is mobile, they are often carrying around a lot of private health information on the device being used, and they too need to be aware of the implications of not taking cybersecurity seriously.
Developers also need to put security at the forefront of product development. They cannot focus on the technology without making it a priority to protect patient data and compliance to HIPAA regulations.
Collectively these advancements will make our healthcare system better and more patient-focused. But as we venture into new territory, we should ensure that we are leading with the proper cybersecurity staff and tech precautions in place.
This article was originally published on HIPAA Secure Now! and is republished here with permission. HIPAA Secure Now offers annual online subscriptions to help covered entities and business associates keep up with compliance. Learn more here.
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