Mobile technology has been a major boom in productivity for many employees across different industries, including healthcare. Multiple studies have shown the advantages of having mobile access to patient information; however the challenge is protecting that patient data. HIPAA requires multiple types of patient data be secured, including:

• The patient’s name

• All telephone numbers and fax numbers

• All electronic mail addresses

• The patient’s Social Security number

• Any medical record number

• Any medical plan beneficiary number

• The patient’s birth date / date of death

• Admission date / discharge date

• Along with any date of appointments

Think about how many staff members might need to view, share, and use that data throughout the course of a work day. Here is just quick example:

80% of healthcare workers report using their smartphones for work purposes. Taking a look at the types of information that needs to protected and the number of staff members who need to share that data, the opportunity for HIPAA violations on the mobile device is an increasing concern.

How do you protect your clinic and organization?