Data Security and Compliance in US Healthcare - EMR-EHR-PHR

Healthcare industry generates lot of data! It is Patient data, administrative data, health survey data, claims, billing records, policies / contracts, etc. Hospitals, Medical Practitioners and Healthcare Insurance companies generate most of this data.

Patient related data is most important and critical data for all healthcare providers. This data has three major type of records:

EMR -Electronic Medical Record – The patient record created by a Medical Practitioner.

EHR - Electronic Health Record – Collection of patient’s health data from various clinicians.

PHR - Personal Health Record – Comprehensive medical data maintained by an individual

Electronic Medical Record and Electronic Health Record both have information about the patient. Medical practitioners, hospitals, clinics (Healthcare providers) collect and store this data. It is termed as Electronic data, as it is stored on Computers and other electronic devices. The data consists of diagnosis, tests, medicines, treatment, immunization, etc. This data is accessible to the healthcare providers providing healthcare services to the patient. Health Insurance companies also have access to some part of this data as per their need. HIPAA applies to this data.

Personal Health Record is a data maintained by an individual. Patient can decide how to maintain their personal health information what is important for them. If patient maintains the same in electronic form, it is easy for them to maintain the same and share as required. It is very useful in any emergency also. It will have contact information of your healthcare providers and Doctors as well as your current medication. HIPAA does not apply to this data.

All Data Privacy and Security acts will cover some part of this data but not all. In case of PHR, you decide which data to share with anyone. Securing this data is very important for you as well as the healthcare providers. We understand the importance of data in US Healthcare sector and comply with the requirements when we collaborate with our Healthcare clients.

We at Stellar Global Solutions make our employees aware of the HIPAA compliance and make sure that our clients get assurance for safety of their data when we provide them the IT services.