In 2023, the healthcare sector saw an unprecedented surge in data breaches, with over 133 million patient records compromised - more than double the 51.9 million affected in 2022. This alarming trend underscores the critical need for effective electronic health record (EHR) systems that prioritize patient privacy and data security.
Epic EMR is committed to safeguarding patient privacy within its electronic health record (EHR) system. While the primary focus of Epic's privacy policy is on the collection and use of information from visitors to their websites and users of their applications, it also reflects the company's overarching dedication to data protection.
Ensuring patient privacy in EHR systems like Epic is crucial for several reasons:
Maintaining Patient TrustWhen patients are confident that their personal health information (PHI) is protected, they are more likely to seek medical care and share sensitive information. | Ensuring Data SecurityEHR systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can compromise vast amounts of sensitive patient data if not adequately protected. | Legal And Regulatory ComplianceLaws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandate the protection of patient information. Non-compliance can result in legal penalties and loss of accreditation for healthcare providers. |
Epic EHR collects patient data to ensure accurate records, seamless care coordination, and effective treatment. It gathers information through the following ways:
Data Collection And Use
The software collects personal information provided by patients and providers, such as names, email addresses, demographics, history, and phone numbers, primarily for communication purposes only.
Automatic Data Collection
Epic utilizes technologies like cookies to collect information about users' browser type, IP address, and device information. It strictly employes necessary cookies and does not use optional analytics cookies without user consent.
Third-Party Services
The platform’s website contain links to third-party sites or embedded media. While Epic strives to ensure these external sites uphold similar privacy standards, users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites they visit.
To protect personal information, Epic EHR employs a combination of process, technology, and physical security controls:
End-To-End Encryption
Information submitted through Epic's websites is encrypted during transmission, ensuring that data remains secure as it travels over the internet. Users can verify a website's security by checking for a lock icon in your browser’s address bar or ensuring the URL starts with “https,” indicating a secure connection.
Access Controls
The platform maintains internal policies that limit access to personal information. Only authorized staff and contractors who require the information to perform their duties are granted access, minimizing the risk of unauthorized data exposure.
Data Protection In Epic’s Mobile App
Under its patient privacy policy, patient information entered through Epic EHR’s mobile application cannot be sold or licensed. Additionally, the software does not receive patient-entered data directly which ensures that no information is stored on their cloud-based servers or mobile devices. The only exceptions to this rule are the patient’s profile picture and securely transmitted data stored in your medical record by your healthcare organization, if connected to HealthKit, Apple Health, or Google Fit.
Reporting Security Concerns
Epic EHR encourages individuals to report any potential security vulnerabilities or concerns. They provide clear channels for such reports, including a dedicated email address and phone number, underscoring their commitment to maintaining robust security standards.
By implementing stringent data collection practices, effective security measures, and clear reporting protocols, Epic EHR ensures that patient information remains secure. In doing so, it exemplifies how EHR security measures protect patient information, maintaining privacy and compliance for all individuals interacting with its systems. Want to learn more about other EHRs with foolproof privacy features? Learn more here.