The numbers are staggering. Make sure your practice is ready for a breach of your protected health information.
60% of groups have seen more than one large breach this year, according to a Ponemon Institute report. The report examined breach readiness across 14 sectors, including healthcare.
Since 2009, almost 39 million individuals have had their protected health information (PHI) compromised in privacy and security breaches.
While there is reason to fear, there is also good news.
More companies have responded to the increase in breaches by creating data breach response teams and plans to deal with breaches.
However, simply having plans in place does not mean the plans are effective or the practice is prepared. Many plans are not reviewed and updated regularly.
To be fully prepared, you should make sure your practice has certain measures in place, including:
- An incident response team;
- Regular trainings;
- Frequent reviews of security technology; and
- Adequate cyber insurance coverage.
We make sure our clients have complete policies and procedures in place to deal with potential breaches, and the subsequent ramifications after breaches occur. We also assist with review, updates and training regarding their policies, procedures and general breach readiness.
It’s time to get covered.
Companies that have purchased cyber insurance has more than doubled in the past year. This reflects the increase in the severity and number of breaches.
But be warned…
Make sure to review the contents of the policy before purchasing. Many policies have pre-selected approaches to deal with breaches and breach notification.
All practices are at risk of breach. Patients want to know that their PHI is secure. Take the necessary steps to protect your practice and your patients.
In our next blog post, we will keep you informed of related issues. To get this important information delivered directly to your mail box, Click here to Subscribe
Do you need help preparing for a possible protected health information breach? We can help. To contact us about your breach preparedness, your HIPAA policies and procedures, or your other legal needs: CLICK HERE.
P.S. If you or your patients are interested in consumer healthcare issues, check out myhealthspin.com.
