Be Prepared: Essential Steps for Safeguarding Your Medical Records
Imagine yourself in an urgent, high-stress situation – you rush to the emergency room, only to be told after an excruciating five-hour wait that you need to find another hospital.
In another scenario, you arrive at your specialist’s office with a chronic condition, only to discover they have no access to your complete medical history.
Unfortunately, these alarming scenarios are not hypothetical; they have actually happened to patients.
The catalyst for such chaos was a cyberattack on one of the United States’ largest health systems, Ascension.
This incident was not just any ordinary data breach; it was catastrophic in its impact.
Before you dismiss this as “just another data breach,” it is crucial to understand the gravity of such situations.
Having your medical records sold on the dark web is concerning, but this is only the tip of the iceberg.
Code Red: Hack on Ascension
The cyberattack on Ascension’s healthcare system threw its 140 hospitals and 40 senior facilities into complete disarray.
The attack rendered patient record systems and medication prescribing systems inoperable, forcing healthcare professionals to revert to paper charts and handwritten notes to keep medical operations afloat.
One such patient, Zackery Lopez, checked into an Ascension-operated hospital in Southfield, Michigan.
He was suffering from internal bleeding and feared a recurrence of cancer.
Zackery endured a torturous seven-hour wait before receiving any medical attention.
Throughout his ordeal, he witnessed numerous patients checking themselves out, unable to endure the prolonged waiting time.
Keeping Your Health Records Safe
When hospital systems fall victim to cyberattacks, it becomes a matter of life and death.
Such incidents are happening with increasing frequency.
Preserving physical health records might seem antiquated, but they could be lifesaving when digital systems fail.
Here’s how you can safeguard your medical information.
Start with a List
Begin by compiling a comprehensive list of all your medications, including dosages and names.
It is advisable to keep both digital and physical copies of this list.
Store a physical copy in your purse or wallet, especially if you are undergoing treatment or in case of emergencies.
Compile Your Full Medical Records
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having a printed copy of your complete medical records.
For iPhone users, syncing these records to your Health app is a practical option:
Add Your Health Records to the iPhone Health App
- Open the Health App: Launch the Health app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Find Your Profile: On both iPhone and iPad, open the Settings app and tap your profile picture. It’s in the top right corner on iPhone and the top left corner on iPad.
- Navigate to Health Records: Scroll down to Features > Health Records > Get Started.
- Search and Connect: Search for your hospital or network, then tap on it. Although enabling location services can help find hospitals and health networks nearby, it is not a prerequisite.
- Link Your Healthcare Account: In the “Available to Connect” section, tap “Connect Account.” Then, sign in to your healthcare provider’s app or website.
- Wait for Update: Allow a minute for your information to update and appear.
- Repeat for Each Provider: For every supported provider, start by going to Features followed by Add Account.
View Your Health Records on iPhone
- Open the Health App: Launch the Health app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Access Health Records: On your iPhone, tap Browse; on iPad, open the sidebar.
- Select a Category: Under Health Records, tap on a category.
- View More Information: Tap on an item to see detailed information about it.
Alternatives for Android Users
Unfortunately, Google does not offer a built-in Health app equivalent to iPhone’s Health app.
However, there is still hope for Android users.
One highly recommended option is the CommonHealth app by the nonprofit organization The Commons Project Foundation.
This app connects with over 15,000 health providers and emphasizes privacy, assuring users that their data stored on the device will not be sold, shared, or used for marketing purposes.
Additional Steps for Securing Your Health Records
Utilize Multiple Backup Methods
Keeping your health records secure necessitates adopting multiple backup methods.
Apart from digital backups on your devices, consider secure cloud storage services for an additional layer of safety.
Regularly Update Records
Ensure that your health records are regularly updated.
An outdated medical record can be as problematic as not having one when you need it most.
Exercise Caution with Shared Data
Be cautious when sharing medical records with third-party apps or services.
Verify their privacy policies to ensure your data is not being misused or sold.
Conclusion: Proactive Measures Are Key
In the digital age, where cyber threats are becoming increasingly common, safeguarding your medical records is imperative.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your health information remains secure, accessible, and up-to-date.
Whether it’s creating a comprehensive list of medications, syncing your records to a health app, or using secure backup methods, these proactive measures can make a significant difference.
Call to Action: Secure Your Medical Records Today
Don’t wait until a cyberattack compromises your health information.
Take action now to secure your medical records and ensure that they are always accessible when you need them the most.
Share this guide with your loved ones to help them safeguard their health information too.
By being prepared and proactive, you can protect your medical records and ensure peace of mind in any medical emergency.
With these detailed strategies to safeguard your medical records, you can navigate the digital healthcare landscape with more confidence and security.
Taking control of your health information has never been more critical.
Don’t leave your health information vulnerable – start implementing these essential steps today.
