Final answer:
To avoid storing personal health information online, patients may purchase a physical storage device like a USB flash drive. They should be aware of their privacy rights under the HIPAA and the need for robust safety measures to prevent data breaches. Balancing the benefits of digital records with patients' privacy concerns is crucial.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients concerned about the privacy of their health information and who prefer not to store their private data online may opt to purchase a portable physical storage device, such as a USB flash drive, where they can maintain their electronic health records (EHRs).
Having control over their EHRs in a physical form allows patients to manage their information personally and present it to healthcare providers as needed, thus retaining a higher degree of online privacy and security. It is essential for patients to understand their rights under regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates the confidentiality and secure handling of personal health information by healthcare entities.
As digital technology advances, so do the risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Large-scale data breaches have raised concerns about the safety measures necessary to protect personal information.
Moreover, the sharing of digital records among health providers is proposed as a means to improve healthcare quality and efficiency, it also necessitates the development of policies that adequality balance cost, patient quality of life, and privacy risks.