Full transcript
0:05As a medical assistant, one of your most
0:07important responsibilities is protecting
0:09protected [music] health information or
0:11PHI. What is PHI? It's basically any
0:15health detail that can be linked back to
0:17a specific person. This includes things
0:19like their medical record number, date
0:21of birth, new diagnosis, or medical
0:23history. PHI can exist in many forms,
0:26digital or physical. For example, an
0:28intake form, a paper patient chart with
0:31handwritten notes, printed lab results,
0:33or referral forms.
0:35Even something as simple as a sticky
0:37note with a patient's contact
0:39information counts. The HIPPOP privacy
0:42rule dictates exactly how we use and
0:44share this information. It's simple.
0:47Only people who need the information for
0:49legitimate healthcare purposes should
0:51access it.
0:53There can be a significant consequence
0:55both for the provider and the patient if
0:58PHI is shared inappropriately.
1:01As a provider, you can face fines and
1:03even criminal charges. Depending on the
1:05information, a patients safety or
1:07reputation can be threatened which can
1:10have a long-lasting impact on their
1:12life. With this information, here's an
1:15important warning. Be careful what you
1:17share online. Even if you don't mention
1:19a patient's name, the details you share
1:22might be specific enough for someone to
1:24figure out who you're talking about.
1:26Talking to friends about a tough day at
1:28work or posting a day in the life at
1:30work video on social media may feel
1:32innocent, but it can still break patient
1:35privacy rules. If you want to post about
1:37your job, never share anything about
1:40patients and always check your
1:42workplace's specific policies.
1:45When PHI is stored digitally like in an
1:48electronic health record system or sent
1:50over email, it becomes electronic
1:53protected health information or EPI.
1:57Protecting EPI requires special
1:59attention. That's why the HIPPA security
2:02rule outlines mandatory safeguards.
2:05Administrative safeguards like policies
2:08and training. Physical safeguards like
2:11locking screens and securing devices.
2:14technical safeguards like encryption,
2:16passwords, and access controls. We'll
2:19talk more about just how to protect EPI
2:21later in this lesson.
2:24Whether you're handling a paper chart or
2:26navigating a computer system, always
2:28remember PHI and EPI are confidential,
2:31valuable assets. Protecting them is not
2:34just a rule. It's a core part of your
2:36role as a medical assistant.