Keeping data secure: Protected health information and medical equipment

摘要

What is the patient's name? What is the patient's age? Is this the right patient record to send vital signs data to? Will the ultrasound images be pulled up for the correct patient when the physician views them? Maintaining the security of protected health information (PHI) in medical equipment is necessary to maintain a patient's basic right to privacy, and to provide safe, effective care. But this very information needed for care of the patient can also lead to adverse consequences if it falls into the hands of those with malicious intent. Names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and other private information can be used in identity theft, costing the victim dearly in time and money.