Tips to Keep Your Health Information Private
If you are experiencing feelings that you believe are heartburn, you may turn to Google for an answer. At this point, it’s common to research something like “heartburn symptoms” or to turn to your social media network to get advice from friends and family.
However, after lunch, your symptoms get worse, so you log onto your doctor’s patient portal to schedule an appointment (in person or virtually). After the appointment, your doctor is probably going to send your prescription to your pharmacy electronically. They may also provide you an information sheet with tips to reduce your symptoms.
While this may solve your immediate issue related to heartburn, you may not realize other issues may occur. Any one of the interactions above may have violated your right to privacy regarding personal health information.
While most people know that their health information is private, they may not realize that it may not be as private as they think. Even tracking a caller ID name can send data to phone companies about who is calling you, further compromising your privacy. Now it is up to you to take additional steps to secure your privacy. Keep reading for some tips to help you with this.
Take Control of What Different Websites Know
According to one report, after people search online for medical-related information, about 45% received customized advertising related to that search. You may wonder how websites can target you with this specific information.
It’s actually quite simple. This is done with cookies. These are tiny data files that are hidden in images that work to analyze your interests and track what you do on different websites.
You can control what is tracked by choosing to browse with the “private” mode turned on. You can do this on Safari and Firefox, and in Chrome, use “Incognito” mode. This means that all cookies will be deleted after you have closed the browser windows and that any searches you conduct are not kept as part of your browser history.
It can also be helpful to use ad-blocking software. This is designed to help prevent ads from showing up on the web pages that you visit.
Ensure Your Devices Are Secure
Be sure to check the settings on your tablet and smartphone to determine what type of permissions every mobile app that you have downloaded requests. If you are not sure why an app requires specific information, turn the permission off.
You should also use strong passwords and make sure you don’t share them. It is best to avoid using the same password for more than one account.
Remember that what is on your work computer probably won’t be private either. Most employers will monitor what you are doing while you work and while you are using work devices.
Keep Your Paperwork Protected
Approximately 47% of people who responded to a recent survey have received a printed copy of their medical record from their doctor, the hospital, testing lab, or insurance company. In some situations, sensitive medical information was accidentally released to family members or other people, letting them read it because it was not properly secured.
After using the paperwork for the intended purpose, it is a good idea to lock it up in a safe location or to have it shredded.
Avoid Oversharing
Be sure to think twice before you share any medical-related information on social media. Doing this or using health apps and fitness devices provides advertisers with your information. In some cases, this is provided without first removing your identifying information, such as your name.
As you can see, there are several steps you can take to protect your health information and records. Keep this in mind to stay protected and avoid having this sensitive information fall into the wrong hands. With these tips, you will protect yourself and avoid having information that is personal shared. Being informed is the best way to keep your information safe and protected.
