Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
These days, almost everything about healthcare happens online—from booking appointments to picking up prescriptions. While technology has made things faster and easier, it’s also raised big concerns about privacy. When your personal health information is shared digitally, it’s important to know who has access to it and how it’s being protected.
So, how can you make sure your private health information stays safe? And what should you look for in healthcare providers who handle your data? Here’s what you need to know.
What Laws Protect Your Privacy?
In the U.S., your health information is protected by a law called HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). HIPAA makes sure doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, and other healthcare providers keep your information private and secure.
Some states have added extra rules to protect personal data. For example, California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives California residents more control over their personal information—but it mostly applies to businesses outside of healthcare. It’s a little confusing, but the takeaway is: HIPAA is the main law protecting your medical records.
As privacy laws continue to change, healthcare providers are expected to stay up to date. But it’s always a good idea to ask them how they’re protecting your information.
Is Telehealth Safe? What You Should Know
Telehealth makes it easy to talk to a doctor without leaving home. But any time you go online, there’s a risk your personal information could be hacked. Here’s how you can help keep telehealth visits secure:
- Make sure the app or website your doctor uses requires a password.
- Ask if your video visits are encrypted—this means no one else can listen in.
- Use a secure Wi-Fi network (avoid public Wi-Fi at coffee shops or airports).
- Be on the lookout for scams—your doctor should never ask for personal info (like your Social Security number) through text or email.
And always ask your healthcare provider how they store and protect telehealth records. They should be using secure, HIPAA-compliant systems.
How Is Your Medical Information Shared?
Doctors, specialists, and pharmacies often need to share your health information to give you the best care. But sending that info by regular email or text can be risky. Here’s what you can do:
- Ask if your doctor’s office uses encrypted messaging systems. These are safer than regular email.
- Find out who has access to your records. Only people involved in your care should see them.
- If you’re sharing info (like test results) with another provider yourself, ask about the safest way to do it.
What Happens to Your Medical Records?
Even if you’re not actively seeing a doctor, your health information is usually stored in electronic systems. Cybercriminals can target these systems, and sometimes even people inside a healthcare organization can misuse your information.
Here’s what you can do to stay informed:
- Ask how long your records are kept. Sometimes old records are deleted if they’re no longer needed.
- Find out what security measures are in place. It’s okay to ask if they run regular security checks or limit who can access your data.
- Pay attention to any notices about data breaches. If your provider experiences a security issue, they’re required by law to notify you.
How Can You Keep Up with Privacy Changes?
Laws around health data privacy are always changing, and healthcare providers are supposed to follow the latest rules. But you can take steps to protect yourself, too.
Here’s how:
- Ask your providers about their privacy policies.
- Stay informed about your rights—you have the right to access your medical records and request changes if something’s wrong.
- If you’re concerned about privacy, let your provider know. They should be willing to talk about how they protect your information.
How Technology Can Help Protect Your Privacy
The good news? Technology can make it easier to protect your health data—when it’s used correctly.
Here are a few things to look for:
- Does your provider use electronic health record (EHR) systems that are HIPAA-compliant?
- Do they offer extra security, like two-step logins (also called multi-factor authentication)?
- Do they work with IT professionals to keep their systems updated?
At RxLess™, Your Privacy Is Our Priority
If you take medications for long-term health conditions, you might use services like the RxLess™ Assurance Plan to help you save money. But savings shouldn’t come at the cost of your privacy.
At RxLess™, privacy is our policy. We go above and beyond to make sure your personal and health information stays private. We don’t just talk about protecting your privacy—we make it our top priority. You can feel confident knowing we care about your health and your security.
The Bottom Line
Protecting your personal health information is more important than ever. As a patient, you have a right to know how your data is handled—and to ask questions when something isn’t clear. Whether you’re seeing a doctor in person, having a virtual visit, or filling a prescription, privacy and trust should always come first.
