It’s very likely that some of your most sensitive information is vulnerable, out there just for the taking. “How is that possible?” You may ask. “I have 2-factor authentication configured on all of my social and business accounts!”. Indeed, the information you manage may be secure, but what about sensitive information pertaining to you, but which is managed by others? I’m talking about medical records like medical images. Despite the focused shift to transfer all these records to the digital realm, billions of these files remain unsecured. They’re typically located in hospital file rooms or piled high in doctors’ offices. Consequently, you should worry.
Why Should I Worry About My Medical Images?
Well, these medical images aren’t exactly secure. The most recent (as of this writing) security breach of medical images happened at a Texas hospital, where “A box containing radiology discs was reported missing from a secured storage room”. After that, it was discovered that names, dates of births of patients, etc.. were among the data attached to these records. In other words, if your record was compromised, there’s enough information on there for a malefactor to exploit. In addition to this breach, here are a few others:
- Henry County medical records stolen in car theft
- Paper records stolen for CaroMont employee car
- Medical Records for 238 Children’s Mercy Hospital patient’s stolen from employee’s car
- Thousands of medical records stolen in car break
Do you recognize a similarity here? Each of these compromises happened when records were being transported inefficiently. I’m sure you don’t transport any of your digital files with your car. Isn’t there a better way?
Avoid Breaches with Share XR and Store XR
Indeed, there is a better way. At DICOM Director we offer software solutions such as Share XR and Store XR. Share XR is a unique set of technologies that allows seamless communication between physicians, patients, and other providers. Large data files, like CT/MRI scans, mammograms, breast tomograms, and even pathology slide images are easily and quickly transferred electronically. It is no longer necessary to burn disks or transport files in a car. Furthermore, with Store XR these medical images remain secure in the cloud where you can upload, store and download digital images. Store XR and Share XR are HIPAA compliant and reinforced with strong encryption.
