Privacy and Security Risks for the Electronic Health Record

In most cases privacy and security risks apply to both paper and electronic records. With the growing demand for the electronic health record (EHR) system, the transfer from paper to electronic can be risky. For this project we were asked to compare and contrast the security issues between maintenance of paper medical records and the EHR system, also we were asked to discuss what requirements and issues need to be considered when doing a conversion to an EHR. Inappropriate access is one of the most common ways a patient’s record is at risk. In paper records the risk could happen by a non-authorized person achieving access to record storage areas or finding records left wide open on a counter. Other ways of inappropriate access is files†¦show more content†¦One reason why facilities still use paper records is because a â€Å"paper record can be collected and locked away safely were the EHR system is always vulnerable to hackers† (Feigenbaum, 2011). And for the most part it is true, in 2006 the eHealth Vulnerability Reporting Program â€Å"found that basic hacking skills would be sufficient to enter a system, retrieve data and make changes, such as altering medication dosages or deleting records† (Ferris, 2007). Today most of the EHR systems are still at risk of hackers but security to the EHR has gotten a lot better over time. It might seem that the paper file is the way to go, but with some people their opinion is different. The EHR system supply’s caregivers with all of their patient information they need, in a way they can apply it (Thakkar Dacis, 2006). Some of the benefits to the EHR system are â€Å"fewer chart pulls, Improved efficiency of handling telephone messages and medication refills, Improved billing, Reduced transcription costs, Increased formulary compliance and clearer prescriptions leading to fewer pharmacy call backs, and improved coding of visits† (Potential Benefits of an EHR, 2011). The EHR also has benefits for the quality of care with a patient, which includes â€Å"easier preventive care, point-of-care decision support, remote access to patient information, easier chronic disease management and integration of evidence-based clinical guidelines† (Potential Benefits of an EHR, 2011). Another way that the EHRShow MoreRelatedElectronic Medical Records1152 Words   |  5 PagesElectronic Health Records: Are They Worth the Risk? October 18, 2009 Health care is a hot topic in today’s society- everything from reforming the industry so that people are not denied health coverage to finding ways that patients’ medical records can be accessed electronically for more convenience. Moreover, epidemics such as HIV/AIDS spotlights the issues surrounding public health agencies use of maintenance and storage of electronic health records (EHR). 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