by Mark Garver, Feb. 2, 2023
With GoodRX making the news, not in a good way, but for trading healthcare data to Big Tech in exchange for your healthcare information, they would receive the benefit of targeting people with various health conditions, etc. Oh and it isn’t the first time they have been caught doing this. It should also be noted as we have discussed previously that your healthcare information is sold in increasing frequency. So what is the big deal…
Patient health records are some of the most sensitive and personal information a person can have. They contain details about a person’s medical history, treatment history, and current health status. The exposure of this information can have devastating consequences, both for the individual and for society as a whole.
One of the primary dangers of patient health records being exposed is the potential for identity theft. The information contained in these records can be used by criminals to commit fraud and other crimes. For example, a criminal could use a person’s name, date of birth, and health insurance information to obtain medical services or prescription drugs in their name.
Another risk of exposure is the potential for discrimination. Employers, insurance companies, and others may use the information contained in patient health records to make decisions that are not in the best interest of the individual. For example, an employer may decide not to hire someone based on information contained in their health records, or an insurance company may deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
In addition, exposure of patient health records can also lead to embarrassment and emotional distress for individuals. The information contained in these records is often private and personal, and the exposure of this information can cause individuals to feel ashamed or embarrassed.
Finally, exposure of patient health records can have a negative impact on public health. When the medical records of a large number of individuals are exposed, it can compromise the privacy of individuals and potentially lead to the spread of infectious diseases.
To mitigate these risks, it is important that healthcare organizations take steps to protect patient health records. This includes implementing strong security measures, such as encryption and access controls, to prevent unauthorized access to these records. In addition, healthcare organizations should also have policies in place to ensure that patient health records are only accessed by authorized personnel for legitimate purposes.
In conclusion, the exposure of patient health records is a serious issue that must be taken seriously by healthcare organizations and individuals alike. By taking steps to protect these records and ensuring that they are only accessed by authorized personnel, we can help to reduce the risks associated with exposure and ensure that the information contained in these records is used for the benefit of patients and society as a whole.
