A Risk Assessment of Flawed Identity Processes

Patient and provider identity and authentication has become more complex and challenging with the expanding exchange of electronic health records. Adding to this significant challenge is the availability of personal information as a result of massive data breaches, regardless of where they occur.

In today's digital environment, healthcare organizations cannot rely on past processes that no longer work and leave healthcare organizations at risk. The information used for patient matching is readily available online and brokered through criminal exchanges following a breach. Weak issuance processes, internal fraud, the proliferation of document mills and the ability to spoof verification systems make it possible for individuals to fraudulently hold valid credentials in the U.S.

This industry briefing explains why broken identity processes will undermine the interoperability of electronic health records, contaminate the nationwide system of record exchange and threaten patient safety.