Microsoft Purview: Empowering Modern Data Governance

By: Kedar Waval

In the challenging landscape of today’s healthcare industry, organizations, especially those focused on Medicaid, face the critical task of efficiently managing and governing sensitive data while adhering to strict regulatory standards. This blog presents the case study of a Medicaid-centric healthcare provider who leveraged Microsoft Purview to enhance their data governance.

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Overcoming Data Management Challenges

The healthcare provider was struggling with significant data management challenges as they heavily relied on SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) for data processing and a Microsoft SQL Server-based data warehouse. Additionally, data silos and an overwhelmed data warehouse made it difficult for the healthcare provider to meet the rising demands for data analytics and governance.

Tackling Legacy Data Limitations

The customer's existing data system faced clear limitations:

• Data Silos: Disconnected data across silos hindered a unified data view
• Inadequate Analytics: The existing system lagged behind the evolving analytics requirements, impacting decision-making
• Data Governance Challenges: The critical need for privacy, security, and compliance in healthcare data governance was inadequately addressed by the current structure

Data Governance Modernization with Microsoft Purview

Recognizing the need for robust data governance, the customer partnered with Encora for a transformative overhaul of their data infrastructure. This included a migration to Azure Cloud and adopting a contemporary data stack, enhancing scalability, security, and efficiency. Key elements of the modernized architecture included:

• Azure Cloud Migration: Transitioned to Azure for an agile, secure data management environment
• Azure Data Factory: Streamlined data integration and workflows
• Azure Data Lake Storage: Centralized data repository, eliminating silos
• Snowflake Data Warehouse: Addressed analytics needs with a scalable cloud-based solution
• Databricks & PowerBI: Empowered analytics and visualization capabilities

Microsoft Purviews Role

With an advanced data stack, the customer leveraged Microsoft Purview for comprehensive data governance, including:

• Data Discovery & Cataloging: Organized view of data assets across the organization
• Data Classification & Labeling: Ensured HIPAA compliance by protecting sensitive data
• Data Access & Authorization: Managed permissions with role-based access controls
• Data Lineage & Audit Trails: Enhanced transparency and accountability in data usage
• Data Governance Framework: Established structured data governance roles and responsibilities
• Data Compliance & Reporting: Simplified compliance with centralized metadata management

While Microsoft Purview offers extensive governance capabilities, it may require custom solutions for highly specialized needs. The platform's broad capabilities support the evolving scope of data governance requirements.

Visit the Microsoft Purview home page here for more information about Purview's data governance capabilities.

Proof of Concept

Outcomes of the Proof of Concept (PoC)

The Proof of Concept (PoC) with Microsoft Purview yielded significant results for the Healthcare-Medicaid customer:

• Unified Data View: Achieved a consolidated view of diverse data, streamlining data management
• Data Classification and Compliance: Implemented data classification and sensitivity labeling, enhancing data protection and meeting healthcare regulations
• Enhanced Security and Access Control: Improved data security through robust access control and authorization mechanisms
• Data Lineage for Transparency: Enhanced transparency and traceability with data lineage tracking

Implementing a Data Governance Framework

Post-PoC, Encora facilitated a comprehensive data governance framework, involving:

• Defined Roles and Responsibilities: Established clear data governance roles within the organization
• Data Classification and Sensitivity Labeling: Developed a framework for categorizing data based on sensitivity
• Access Control and Authorization: Implemented access control policies to secure sensitive data
• Data Lineage and Audit Trails: Introduced a system for tracking data movement and usage

Results of Data Governance Implementation

The implementation led to:

• Structured Data Governance: Established an organized data governance framework
• Enhanced Data Protection and Security: Improved handling and security of sensitive data, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations
• Accountability through Data Lineage: Increased transparency and accountability in data usage
• Efficient Compliance Reporting: Streamlined compliance reporting with Microsoft Purview

Overall, Encora helped the customer adopt a structured, secure, and accountable data governance approach, guaranteeing patient data protection and complying with healthcare regulations.

Conclusion

In partnership with Encora, the Healthcare-Medicaid customer modernized their data infrastructure and governance, leveraging Microsoft Purview. This transformation overcame legacy limitations, enhanced governance, and aligned with healthcare compliance, ensuring the responsible management of data in delivering high-quality healthcare services.