The healthcare industry is moving increasingly towards an online Electronic Health Record (EHR) system for improved patient care, which means that the necessity for cloud computing, and therefore cloud security, grows.
Healthcare providers should consider the role that secure EHR software and cloud providers play in securing medical data and maintaining patient privacy among increasing industry demands.
Healthcare practices of all sizes storing sensitive health information in the cloud need to ensure this medical data is secure.
The best way to do this is through secure cloud-based EHR software. This will offset the costs associated with networking security and limit the amount of data breaches on your cloud data.
What are the Basic Requirements of Cloud Security in Healthcare?
Most basic requirements for security in healthcare are protected under HIPAA’s Security Rule: “Security Standards for the Protection of Electronic Protected Health Information (the Security Rule) establish a national set of security standards for protecting certain health information that is held or transferred in electronic form.”
The average healthcare organization falls under the Security Rules, but as a healthcare provider, the requirement to enforce data security can be supported by healthcare plans and clearinghouse systems. Therefore, if you need to send sensitive electronic health information, doing so using EHR software with strong security will minimize your risk and the resources you need to ensure it is protected.
In general, the security rules covers the following basic requirements:
- Ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all e-PHI created, received, maintained or transmitted
- Identify and safeguard against all obvious anticipated threats to the security or integrity of the information
- Protect against obvious anticipated, impermissible uses or disclosures
- Ensure compliance by all staff.
Choosing a Cloud EHR to Secure Electronic Medical Record Data
Choosing the right EHR software can make or break the security of patient data. Picasso by Doc-Tor EHR is a trusted and secure solution designed to prioritize data protection, compliance, and efficient healthcare management.
With robust security features and a commitment to innovation, Picasso EMR software offers a reliable platform for healthcare providers seeking a secure and user-friendly EHR solution.
Picasso EHR implements best practices in healthcare and cloud EHR security. This includes data encryption, secure data backups, cybersecurity best practices, HIPAA compliance, patch management, incident response plans, and more.
Best Practices and Safeguards for Protecting Sensitive Data in Cloud-based EHR Software
Digital advancements drive healthcare transformations, and adopting cloud-based EHR systems offers unparalleled efficiency in managing patient data and streamlining workflows.
However, the convenience of these platforms comes with a critical responsibility to ensure the security and privacy of sensitive health information.
Safeguarding patient data is crucial for compliance, trust-building, and protecting against cyber threats. Here are the best practices to follow:
- Data encryption and backups
- Cybersecurity best practices
- Ensure HIPAA compliance
- Active patch management
- Prioritize training and awareness
- Physical access control
- Create an incident response plan
Use Data Encryption and Data Backups
Strong data encryption protocols are fundamental to the security of your cloud-based EHR system.
Encrypted cloud computing will ensure that patient information remains protected and unreadable by unauthorized users, which is vital in preventing data breaches.
This ensures that the sensitive data remains protected even if unauthorized access occurs. Regularly backing up data is crucial to prevent data loss during system failures, cyberattacks, or other incidents and ensure a reliable healthcare data recovery process.
Implement Cybersecurity Practices
Any cloud service used for sensitive data storage, like medical information, must adopt the most up-to-date cybersecurity practices.
This includes deploying robust measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems to protect the system against potential threats.
Since the healthcare industry is more susceptible to cyber attacks, you’ll need cloud software that conducts regular security audits and vulnerability assessments which will identify and address potential weaknesses quickly.
Using a secure cloud EHR you’ll find your EMR system and online patient records security is drastically improved.
Ensure HIPAA Compliance
Ensuring HIPAA compliance in your medical practice and cloud EHR system is a basic requirement for any medical business storing sensitive patient data.
These safeguards for patient privacy and patient safety maintain the confidentiality of medical records and build trust as healthcare professionals.
Consider scheduling HIPAA audits alongside your cyber security audits to make sure that your medical data storage systems follow stringent regulatory standards. This is especially important to consider when looking for a cloud service provider.
Active Patch Management
Active patch management is critical to maintaining the security of cloud-based EHR software. Promptly applying software patches and updates addresses vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the system, reducing the risk of exploitation by cybercriminals.
Regular updates ensure that security features are current and protect against known vulnerabilities, enhancing the overall resilience of the EHR system. This proactive approach contributes to a robust security posture, safeguarding patient data and maintaining the integrity of healthcare records.
Physical Access Control
Physical access control is a key component of any network safety, especially when it comes to safeguarding cloud-based EHR systems
To enhance security measures, healthcare practices should implement stringent access controls, user authorization methods, online and on-site data monitoring, and secure entry protocols to restrict unauthorized access to EHR systems.
Adding an extra layer of protection contributes significantly to preventing unauthorized physical access and potential breaches of critical infrastructure. Robust physical access control complements digital security measures, creating a comprehensive defense strategy for cloud-based EHR software.
Create an Incident Response Plan
Creating an incident response plan is a crucial component of a comprehensive security strategy for cloud-based EHR software. Despite the implementation of robust security measures, having a well-defined plan ensures swift and effective action in the event of a security breach.
This plan should outline clear procedures for identifying, containing, eradicating, recovering, and documenting security incidents to minimize potential damage.
By establishing a structured response framework, healthcare practices can mitigate the impact of security incidents and protect patient data more effectively.
Prioritize Training and Awareness
Given that human error is a common factor in security breaches, providing comprehensive training for healthcare staff on security best practices, HIPAA compliance, recognizing phishing attempts, and adhering to secure protocols is critical.
Even basic staff training for cybersecurity will greatly reduce the risk of a security breach.
By empowering staff with the knowledge and skills to navigate potential security challenges, healthcare practices can enhance their resilience against cyber threats.
Choose Picasso EHR
Don’t take your health information technology lightly. Choose Picasso EHR for robust cyber security, data encryption, regular backups, HIPAA compliance and more.
Picasso by Doc-tor offers medical practices with a safe cloud-based system that safeguards patient information and maintains trust.
Choose only the best in EHR cloud security. Using Picasso by Doc-tor, you’ll find greater support with active patch management, digital access control, and a cybersecurity response.
To embark on a secure and innovative journey with cloud-based EHR, contact us for a consultation and take a proactive step toward safeguarding your practice and patient data.