Apple's CEO Tim Cook cites users storing personal health information
on their iPhones as one of the many reasons for not complying with the
FBI's request to unlock iPhones in recent news. Regardless if you agree
or disagree with Apple, it has caused many patients to question how
secure is their health information stored on personal and mobile devices used by medical personnel.
Most hospitals are now using mobile devices such as iPads and tablets to collect data while conducting patient health assessments. Instead of lugging around cumbersome paper charts or laptops while making rounds, physicians are now using a variety of mobile devices to access a patient's latest lab work and test results. They can also quickly chart their assessment at bedside while it's fresh instead of waiting later in the day. It's quick, easy and simple. But how secure is it? Here's some pointers to keep in mind when storing your health information.
Most hospitals are now using mobile devices such as iPads and tablets to collect data while conducting patient health assessments. Instead of lugging around cumbersome paper charts or laptops while making rounds, physicians are now using a variety of mobile devices to access a patient's latest lab work and test results. They can also quickly chart their assessment at bedside while it's fresh instead of waiting later in the day. It's quick, easy and simple. But how secure is it? Here's some pointers to keep in mind when storing your health information.
- If an app is to be used by average people (as opposed to medical personnel or staff), then it likely does not need to be HIPAA-compliant. For example, if you download an app from iTunes to help you track your medication, this information is usually NOT secure. Never store your personal health information in an app unless it says it's HIPAA-compliant in the app's description. Many apps use third parties to store data and/or they sell information collected. So again, any app that you download for personal use in order to keep track of your private health information is usually NOT safe unless it specifically says it's HIPAA-compliant.
- Not all apps used by medical personnel need to be compliant. For example, applications that let doctors or other professionals look up disease information do not need to be HIPAA-compliant. However, if the app allows the doctor to record disease information about a specific patient, it must be compliant. Therefore, the iPads and tablets in hospitals are safe.
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