Security News > 2021 > December > How healthcare providers handle safeguards to protect payment and PII

The survey reinforces the need for healthcare organizations to integrate digital technology and solutions into all areas of the business ecosystem, including secure payment technology to provide peace of mind and ensure patients enjoy secure and seamless payment experiences.

Between large hospital networks, private practices, specialists, and urgent care, the survey found that 44% of respondents felt that private practices handled payment and personally identifiable information most securely, and large hospital networks were rated by even fewer at 33%. With a 25% increase in healthcare data breaches year over year and reports of hospitals accounting for 30% of all large data breaches, patients have a heightened sense of awareness and interest in the processes their providers take to protect their information.

"The sheer number of breaches in and out of healthcare is problematic. Fortunately, there are solutions that provide security and help meet compliance standards, but many of today's companies still rely on outdated processes for operations. It is no longer acceptable to claim they aren't aware that highly efficient, effective, and automated solutions exist to save time, money, and risk. Healthcare organizations must seek the right technologies and processes to protect the patient experience."

Further, nearly 90% of consumers believe healthcare providers should face financial penalties for not having proper safeguards in place to protect their personal or sensitive information in case of a data breach.

Although consumers feel confident that healthcare providers do a good job disclosing how they keep payment information secure, the survey found that 56% do not know where the data is stored.

As a patient, understanding where and how personal and payment information is stored is important to protect against potential fraud and breaches, in addition to building trust that providers comply with HIPAA and other compliance regulations.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2021/12/15/healthcare-providers-payment/