Why is Cybersecurity so Important to the Healthcare Industry?
Cybersecurity incorporates a number of technologies to safeguard digital data. Threats come from unauthorized access and internal missteps lead to increased risks that hackers take advantage of. Healthcare is increasingly the target of cybercriminals as bad actors learn how to successfully target unguarded or insufficiently guarded data. This includes data sharing, digital health records and medical devices that send data to hospital systems without protecting the data in transit.
Health informatics makes the process more efficient. The threat of cyber attacks makes technology less reliable than it would otherwise be. At the same time, healthcare professionals rely on technology to retrieve, send and share healthcare data. Due to various cyber threats, every organization needs to invest in solutions that keep data secure without compromising access to technology for those fighting to save lives.
How Has the Digital Revolution Changed Healthcare?
Not too long ago, doctors had to limit their time with patients due to a mountain of complicated paperwork. The digital revolution has helped solve that problem. With fewer handwritten notes and more direct entry into electronic patient files, paperwork and the amount of time devoted to it have decreased dramatically.
This is a crucial advancement as the global population soars and the number of healthcare data becomes more difficult to secure. Cybersecurity in healthcare needs to secure the network and database without slowing down the process of providing efficient care.
Does Cybersecurity in Healthcare Save Money?
Cybersecurity saves millions of dollars in the healthcare industry. The industry has grown rapidly in the last two decades. Now, healthcare providers deal with many more patients in an 8-hour shift than they used to in a 12-hour one. This is largely due to the reduced paper trail made possible by digital technology.
With cloud-based computing, providers can share information with patients, colleagues and other departments in seconds. At the same time, safely storing and accessing patient data is also much easier.
How Important Is Cybersecurity to Patients?
Patients have the biggest stake in cybersecurity. After all, it’s their data and privacy that are at risk — and possibly their health. Hackers leak private information on the dark web, where it may be picked up to commit identity theft, Medicare fraud, and other crimes. Advanced cybersecurity allows medical professionals to ensure privacy and peace of mind for their patients. This also prevents legal issues related to hacked patient data.
Healthcare practices are at a disadvantage due to the many endpoints in the system, including the Internet of Things (IoT) devices that feed data into the network from various endpoints. Specifically, tablets introduce vulnerability because they hold patient health records or are used to access them. No matter how much administrators shore up the network, it only takes one outdated device to open the healthcare provider up to an attack.
What’s the Cost of Leaked Patient Data?
Healthcare providers need to protect their practice as well as those they serve. This requires robust cybersecurity that prevents the leaking of patient data. When information is leaked, legal costs can skyrocket and even bankrupt a practice or provider.
What Improvements Need to Be Made?
Healthcare organizations can take the following steps to secure their data:
- Patch systems based on the recommendations of system and application vendors
- Open only required ports
- Scan systems to identify vulnerabilities
- Prioritize system vulnerabilities based on risk severity
- Enable SSL certificates and test to ensure they’re working as expected
AMA Clarifies Stance on Physician Use of AI in New Policy
The American Medical Association recently shared its new AMA AI policy recommendations with the public. The AMA sees great potential to improve patient outcomes through this technology, but they also want to ensure that oversight and accountability for this augmented intelligence are in place so that the technology is used justly and effectively.
The Role of AI in Healthcare
The goal of artificial intelligence is to mimic human cognitive processes. Why would we want this in healthcare? It’s because healthcare, like many industries today, has endless amounts of data, more than any human could ever research, consider, or draw conclusions from. In theory, AI doesn’t possess these limits. The right AI technology could take all of the relevant information provided to it, identify the patterns, and develop best practices and true data-driven recommendations from it.
Today, in the medical community, we have studies that say if A, then B will probably occur. But often we can’t distinguish between correlation and causation. It’s hard to account for all of the related factors C through Z. But as AI technology develops, it will be able to do this, leading to:
- Earlier detection
- Better understanding of risk factors
- More personalized treatment recommendation
- Reduced waste on treatments that don’t work or unnecessary diagnostic testing
- Reduced cost associated with complications
- More quality-based care for patients versus fee-for-service and greater profitability for healthcare organizations. The two are not opposed but perfectly align when AI is involved.
Why Is a Policy Needed
The AMA supports insurance coverage for AI-enabled technologies that comply with state and federal regulations. Any AI developed must hold in highest regard the safety and privacy of patients.
The AMA does not support mandating that physicians or institutions use AI. They believe the technology’s benefits speak for themselves. And healthcare organizations and physicians will see that.
The AMA believes that their new policy clarifications help medical facilities:
- Prepare for a transition to more AI-supported healthcare decisions, which will include new ways of thinking and new care delivery models
- Facilitate more effective communication among patients, doctors and the associated care teams regarding how AI is being used in decision-making processes
- Rethink facility workflow, not just using AI but integrating it into their IT systems, ensuring consistency in patient care
- Advance more affordable access to AI technology so that all patients, regardless of income, benefit from these advancements
- Effectively incorporate end-user feedback to continually improve the technology.
Does AI Put Physicians at Odds with Technology?
Physicians and staff should never be made to feel that AI is over-ruling their professional judgment. For one, AI today has no empathy. It cannot, therefore, consider matters of empathy in the decision-making process. That’s a uniquely human trait.
AI does not replace human physicians. Just like the MRI improved our ability to diagnose and assess certain conditions, AI augments a medical service provider’s ability to deliver quality care.
Gerald E. Harmon, MD, former chair of the AMA Board of Trustees says, “Medical experts are working to determine the clinical applications of AI—work that will guide health care in the future. These experts, along with physicians, state and federal officials must find the path that ends with better outcomes for patients… We have to make sure the technology does not get ahead of our humanity and creativity as physicians.”
Why AI is Coming at the Perfect Time
As the US healthcare system shifts from a fee-for-service to a more outcome-based system, organizations will need to have cost-effective systems in place to reach those outcomes. As reimbursement rates shrink, institutions turn to innovations that can streamline patient care, cut costs and enhance quality.
How AI Is Being Used Today to Improve Patient Outcomes
AI isn’t a future technology. It has real-world applications today.
Multiple studies support AI’s ability to perform in its role as an augmentation to human physician judgment.
A cardiovascular group employed current AI technology to detect abnormalities across common diagnostic tests, leading to fewer errors in diagnosis, and improved patient outcomes.
An orthopedic group used AI to identify hard-to-spot fractures and soft tissue injuries that can lead to a lifetime of chronic pain for patients. The technology allowed them to detect injuries with greater accuracy and to spot them earlier when minimal intervention could eliminate the potential for a lifetime of reduced mobility and declining health.
A neurology clinic utilized current artificial technology to identify new biomarkers that allowed for earlier detection of neurological diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Manual tests for this disease are costly and time-consuming. AI was able to pinpoint which patients would benefit from the testing and when other possible causes of symptoms needed to be explored first, significantly cutting costs and hours worked per patient while improving patient outcomes.
Integrating AI Technology
Artificial intelligence is getting more affordable and accessible. Early adopters will be able to establish themselves as the innovators in the industry through this technology. Given this technology’s potential, As more organizations invest, we’ll continue to see better patient outcomes and a healthier overall system where results-based pay systems truly work in the favor of both healthcare organizations and patients.
Happy Father’s Day!
June 16th is Father’s Day, a great reason to spend a little quality time with the family doing a few of Dad’s favorite things.
Whatever your plans are, take some time this Sunday to let Dad know how much you appreciate everything he’s done for you over the years, and how glad you are to have him in your life.
And if this is your day? The {company} team hopes that it’s a great one!
6 Ways To Help You Become HIPAA Compliant
Tips for HIPAA Compliance (Questions/Answers)
Need a little insight into strengthening up your HIPAA compliance efforts? Check out these 6 simple steps you can take to become more compliant and secure.
No one said HIPAA compliance was easy. It’s a higher level of security and data governance that healthcare organizations have to follow – if you’re looking for help with your compliance, check out the 6 tips below.
Working in the healthcare industry means more than treating patients. In addition to patient care, your practice’s staff also has to maintain compliance with complicated, regularly updated HIPAA regulations.
However, that’s easier said than done…
What’s the state of HIPAA Compliance and healthcare security?
To be honest – it doesn’t look good.
- 17,000 patient records are breached every day on average (HHS.gov)
- The healthcare sector accounts for 31% of all reported data breaches (EMC/RSA whitepaper, 2013)
- While 91% of healthcare organizations use the cloud, 47% of those are not confident in their ability to keep that data secure (Ponemon survey, 2012).
So what can you do?
If you’re even a little unsure about your HIPAA compliance, or the level of security you offer your patients and their data, what steps can you take to do better?
Try these tips…
6 tips to help with HIPAA Compliance
- Check for vulnerabilities in your IT network. You may need to replace aging technology and update your hardware and software. If you don’t, you may be weakening the effectivity your IT security and endangering your ePHI. We can conduct regular vulnerability assessments to detect weaknesses in your defense.
- Make use of the right IT security solutions. In addition to implementing a Remote Management and Monitoring and Data Intrusion Solution to detect unauthorized attempts and block them. Our healthcare IT professionals can deploy a range of vital security solutions, including:
- Data encryption so your ePHI and EHRs are secure both in transit and storage.
- Multi-factor authentication where your users must use two or more forms of electronic identification to access data.
- Routine patches and updates for your software programs to mitigate any security gaps.
- Maintain necessary visibility into storage of ePHI and EHRs. Monitor all access and record all login attempts to respond immediately to unauthorized attempts. Our healthcare IT team set this up for you and enhance your visibility over and control of sensitive medical information.
- Keep records on access to your ePHI and EHRs. It’s important to keep track of any data access in order to make sure it is in line with users’ duties and responsibilities. You should only allow access to those who need the information and no one else. Your HR department will have a role to play in this respect to advise and notify you when new employees are brought onboard, changes are made in personnel descriptions, and when employees leave your organization.
- Develop and implement a HIPAA policy organization-wide. This should include all aspects of the “HIPAA Security Rule” and your policies and procedures around it. For the record, the Security Rule sets standards for the handling of ePHI, which is the specific type of data the HIPAA Privacy Rule covers. This rule establishes national standards for properly securing patient data that is stored or transmitted electronically. Also, include an Incident Response Plan that designates a person or team to respond, their roles, and the steps they should take if a data breach occurs – i.e. who should be notified, including individuals and government agencies as required.
- Undergo a HIPAA Assessment. {company} will assess your business’ practices to determine that the following crucial guidelines are being followed:
- if your business is compliant with HIPAA Omnibus laws
- if your business will meet the upcoming HITECH Stage 3 proposals
- if your business is prepared for an audit by the Office of Civil Rights
- how your business deals with ePHI to maintain a compliance posture
- if your business is secure against cyber risks such as hackers, viruses and other digital attacks
- if your business meets Meaningful Use guidelines laid out by HITECH stages 1-3, as to any technical, administrative and physical risks and vulnerabilities concerning ePHI that is maintained by certified HER
- if your staff is properly trained to communicate, proceed and act in accordance with compliance guidelines
The healthcare industry deals with the issue of privacy by continually working to guarantee all information is kept within the intended barriers.
As new technology comes into play and makes practicing medicine easier, it has the side effect of making protecting patient information that much harder. Hence the seemingly endless rules and standards meant to reassure patients that they are protected by their provider and that their personal information is kept confidential.
Neglect and carelessness lead to these standards being created, which makes implementing the best practices like these listed above a critical part of achieving and maintaining compliance.
Honoring Those Who Gave Their Lives
On Memorial Day we remember the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. These brave men and women have dedicated their lives to honor the living and make our lives better.
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The History Of Memorial Day
Memorial day is the most solemn American holiday. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. After the Civil War in 1865, America needed a secular, patriotic ceremony to honor its military dead.
In May 1868, the commander-in-chief of the Union veterans’ group The Grand Army of the Republic, General John A. Logan issued a decree that May 30 should be a nationwide day of commemoration for the more than the 620,000 who were killed in the Civil War.
Decoration Day was a day where he said American should lay flowers and decorate the graves of the war dead “whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.” The federal government began creating national military cemeteries for the Union war dead. Monuments to fallen soldiers were erected and dedicated. Ceremonies were held to decorate soldiers’ graves.
For more than 50 years, the day was only to honor those killed in the Civil War. Finally, after World War I, Memorial Day included honoring those who died in all American wars. And Memorial Day wasn’t officially recognized nationwide until the 1970s, while America was deeply embroiled in the Vietnam War. In 1971, Memorial Day became a national holiday by an act of Congress.
Today
Today we celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday in May. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Although many of us will be enjoying a long weekend, the opening of the local pool, barbeques and some fun at the beach, it’s a day for honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.
Today as we enjoy paid leave and ice cream, perhaps a little reflection is in order.
How Best To Remember The Meaning of Memorial Day?
Never forget our fallen soldiers. They have shown us a path to patriotism. We should honor them by our actions. Listen closely to their plea: “Honor us by sacrificing today for a better tomorrow.”
Our office will be closed on Monday for Memorial Day.
We hope that on this day you will make an effort to set aside a quiet moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Windows 7 Support Is Ending
Did you know? Microsoft is ending support for Windows 7 in January 2020. Beginning this April, Microsoft will start displaying pop-ups on all Windows 7 computers alerting the users that their support for Windows 7 will be ending.
Don’t be alarmed. Microsoft also did the same thing with Windows XP before shutting down their support for the Windows XP Operating System.
{company} is in the process of discussing upgrade options with every one of our clients and local companies. We’d like to schedule time with you to discuss your options. Feel free to connect with us by calling {phone} or sending an email to {email}.