Overview
Patients may choose to have their data no longer in the system, but you will always be able to retain that data to ensure you have their financial records and health records.
Patients and staff may hit the "delete" button on patient portal or chart respectively and the important financial data is "anonymized" to retain the financial data in the system.
Staff members will receive an email allowing them to download this data, and everything will be there. Their invoices, a statement, patient records, everything. While the patient is allowed to have the data removed, you are still able to retain it for your own purposes.
Steps to Manage Deleted/Anonymized Patients
Receive the Notification Email:
When a chart is anonymized, staff members will receive an email containing relevant details about the patient.
Using the "View patient" link you will get to the anonymized chart
Review the Provided Data:
The email will include view patient link that will get you to their chart where you can download their data.
Use this information to address any remaining balances or practice-related records.
Download the File Promptly:
The patient’s data file will be available for 7 days only.
After 7 days, all patient data will be permanently removed from the practice.
You can easily see all anonymized patients by using the "Deleted" filter on the patients list.
GDPR Compliance
The process complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a European Union regulation designed to protect personal data and privacy. GDPR ensures:
Right to Erasure: Patients can request their data be deleted or anonymized.
Data Protection: PHI is securely handled and permanently removed after the retention period.
By adhering to GDPR standards, your practice ensures data security and respects patient privacy rights.