How We Keep Patient Data Safe
A recent international survey revealed that internet users’ trust in the internet has dropped significantly since 2019. Only six in 10 (63%) Internet users on average across 20 countries – including the U.S. – surveyed said they trust the internet. Seventy-nine percent express worry about their online privacy. And only 50% felt online security is adequate.1
Data Privacy Week — from Jan. 22 –28 — is a global effort to create awareness about the importance of digital data privacy. AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy appreciates the value of your personal data and takes great steps to keeping your information private and secure.
Why Protecting Company Data Is Important
All companies are susceptible to data leaks. At AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy, we are constantly working hard to prevent this. If our patients’ confidential records aren’t properly secured, compromised data could have tremendous consequences.
Our patient data and trade secrets or sensitive information help our company stay competitive and help us lead the industry with innovation. It is imperative for us to protect this data at all costs. Data leaks can lead to massive financial loss, reputational harm, consumer trust degradation, and brand erosion directly tied to data security.
We are required to maintain data security and follow stringent regulations imposed by different regulatory bodies. It is also critical for our company to achieve and maintain compliance to stay in business.
Steps We Take to Protect Data
We take a number of measures to protect our patients’ data at AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy. First and foremost, all team members undergo annual HIPAA (Health Information Portability and Accountability Act) and privacy training. Additionally:
• All user computers are encrypted, behind a secure firewall and protected with two-factor authentication to log onto our virtual private network (VPN), including strong password requirements.
• We have 24/7 datacenter monitoring, where data is secured and encrypted in the data center, and when it moves around the network.
• Access to data is controlled via one single set of systems (e.g., OneID, etc.). Each part of the data center and our applications have different access needs at each layer. This helps control spillover if one area is breached.
• Strict segregation of duties means only authorized personnel have access to the required data to perform their duties (i.e., no one person has access to all).
• All mobile phones are secured and managed by centralized systems.
How Patients Can Protect Their Data
While AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy works hard to protect patient data, here are some steps we recommend patients take to protect their own private information.
• Always log out of your account, although we will automatically do so after 20 minutes.
• Create strong passwords and change them every three months.
• When working with your health care or pharmacy provider, always provide the most up-to-date medical information which is necessary to accurately treat you. However, always try and limit the information to only what is relevant for managing your care.
• Avoid using public internet when accessing your online account.
Our Commitment to Our Patients
At AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy, we are fully committed to protecting patient data and health information. We work closely with the Walgreens Privacy Office to help ensure we have the appropriate measures in place – including technology, training, policies/procedures – to protect patient data. It’s just one more way we put the patient first in all that we do.
NOTE: Abdul Mohammed, senior principal enterprise architect, contributed to this article.
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