Tag Archives: patient

Why unique patient identifiers are a key missing piece in healthcare

Efficient patient identification is an area plaguing U.S. healthcare. In fact, the Joint Commission has named improving the accuracy of patient identification as the most important national patient safety goal since 2014. However, privacy concerns have been a barrier to their widespread implementation. Unique patient identifiers are central to eliminating medical errors and costs resulting… Read More: Why unique patient identifiers are a key missing piece in… »

3 keys to protecting patient data from common threats

In the spring of 2018, cybercriminals attacked a multi-specialty practice, a lab-testing company and an electronic health records developer in just a few weeks. In the most alarming example, they infected a Missouri clinic with multiple types of malware. Then, as the hackers made their exit, they also infected the clinic with ransomware to cover… Read More: 3 keys to protecting patient data from common threats »

Hacker seeking Palmetto Health payroll info puts patient data at risk

An email phishing incident at Palmetto Health resulted in unauthorized access to certain employee email accounts, potentially affecting protected health information. The Pensacola, Fla.-based system is notifying 23,811 patients that an apparent attempt by a hacker to gain access to payroll information may have also impacted their health information. Patients of Palmetto Health, which recently… Read More: Hacker seeking Palmetto Health payroll info puts patient data at… »

Massachusetts Stroke Patient Receives ‘Outrageous’ $474,725 Medical Flight Bill

This story is part of a partnership that includes WBUR, NPR and Kaiser Health News. This story can be republished for free (details). Kristina Cunningham was in stable condition on an evening in June, when EMTs lifted her gurney into a medical flight, bound for Boston. The 34-year-old couldn’t use her right arm or speak… Read More: Massachusetts Stroke Patient Receives ‘Outrageous’ $474,725 Medical Flight Bill »