Healthcare practices have a lot of records to manage, and keeping them secure is one of their most important responsibilities. Attacks on personal information have become alarmingly common, with PHI (protected health information) being a prime target. The sensitive details contained in these records make them extremely valuable to data thieves and other bad actors. For this reason, medical practices must remain vigilant about protecting their patients’ records.
With technology evolving so quickly, expecting medical practices to manage security and consistently update their recordkeeping systems on their own isn’t realistic. This is why many practices turn to EHR software, which is built and managed by third-party providers who take on the responsibility of maintaining security and staying ahead of emerging threats.
EHRs not only enhance the security of patient records but also allow medical staff to focus on patient care without the added stress of managing data security. By transitioning from paper recordkeeping to an EHR, healthcare providers can better protect sensitive data while ensuring authorized employees can access records more easily when needed.
In this article, we’ll explore what an EHR system is, how it helps safeguard medical records, and why it’s a smart choice for practices looking to improve both security and patient care.
What Is an EHR System?
An electronic health record (EHR) system is a software solution that allows healthcare practices to digitally store, manage, and share patient information.These systems are designed to centralize all aspects of patient care into one secure platform.
EHR systems store a wide range of information, including medical histories, test results, treatment plans, prescriptions, and even billing details. They provide healthcare providers with real-time access to this data, ensuring that everyone involved in a patient’s care has the most accurate and up-to-date information at their fingertips.
But EHR systems do more than just store records. They are built with robust security features to ensure patient information stays protected. These systems use advanced encryption to safeguard data, making it inaccessible to unauthorized users. Many also include tools like access controls and audit trails, allowing practices to monitor who accesses records and what changes are made. By incorporating these security measures, EHR systems reduce the risk of breaches while ensuring sensitive data remains confidential.
How Do EHR Systems Keep Medical Records Confidential and Secure?
Security is a major concern when managing medical records, and for good reason. Patient information is among the most sensitive data healthcare practices handle. EHR systems address these concerns by incorporating features specifically designed to safeguard patient records while also meeting compliance requirements.
Encryption Protects Data at Every Stage
Encryption is one of the most powerful tools used in EHR systems to secure data. It ensures that patient information is unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the proper credentials. This applies to data stored within the system and information being transmitted between systems or devices. By encrypting data both at rest and in transit, EHR systems minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
User Authentication Ensures Only the Right People Have Access
EHR systems control access with user authentication protocols, such as passwords or multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA requires users to verify their identity using multiple methods, like a password and a code sent to their phone. These extra layers of protection help prevent unauthorized access, even if one set of credentials is compromised.
Audit Trails Provide Full Transparency
Every action within an EHR system is logged through audit trails. These records show who accessed a file, what changes were made, and when those changes occurred. Audit trails are invaluable for identifying suspicious activity and ensuring that users are accountable for how they handle sensitive information.
Regular Data Backups Reduce the Risk of Loss
Data loss is a significant concern, whether from system failures, cyberattacks, or natural disasters. EHR systems combat this risk with regular, automated backups. These backups ensure that even in the event of a major issue, patient records can be restored quickly, simplifying disaster recovery planning and preparation. Many systems also include off-site backup storage for an added layer of security.
Built-In Compliance With Regulations
EHR systems are designed to comply with regulations such as HIPAA, which requires strict controls over how patient data is handled. By using a compliant system, healthcare practices can meet these legal requirements while also protecting patient privacy. Many systems also provide tools to help practices maintain ongoing compliance, such as security alerts and built-in safeguards for sharing data.
Partner With SecureScan to Safeguard Patient Records
EHR systems offer a reliable way for healthcare practices to keep medical records secure while improving efficiency and patient care. From encryption and user authentication to audit trails and compliance with regulations, these systems are built to address the challenges of protecting sensitive information in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
If your practice is ready to take the next step toward better security and streamlined record management, SecureScan can help. With over 21 years of experience, we specialize in digitizing medical records, preparing them for integration with a variety of EHR systems. Our team ensures that your documents are handled with care throughout the process, making the transition to digital as smooth and secure as possible.
Contact us today to learn more about our document scanning services or get a free quote from one of our scanning technicians. Let us help you make the switch to a more secure and efficient way to manage patient records.
