Between 2009 and 2024, healthcare data breaches exposed the protected health information of over 846 million individuals. However, with the advent of AI technology and more sophisticated hardware, the number and quality of attacks are bound to increase.
This means that basic cybersecurity is no longer enough. Furthermore, healthcare data is no longer contained to just hospitals, clinics, and insurers. Healthcare startups, wearable companies, data clouds, and AI services like AWS HealthScribe also have access to this type of information.
With so many players in the game, it’s clear we need a new layer of protection, which is where Patient Privacy Monitoring (PPM) comes in. In this article, we’ll tell you more about PPM and why startups are the ones most in need of such protections.
What is Patient Privacy Monitoring?
Do not confuse PPM with Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM). RPM is a clinical term for using devices (like wearables) to track a patient's vitals. PPM is a compliance/security term.
Patient Privacy Monitoring is the proactive surveillance of authorized access to patient data to ensure that employees and systems are only viewing the medical records they need to do their jobs.
It’s important to know that there’s a difference between PPM and cybersecurity:
- Cybersecurity keeps the bad guys (hackers) out;
- Privacy Monitoring ensures the good guys (doctors, devs, support staff) aren’t doing bad things (snooping).
Given the increasing number of healthcare data breaches in recent years, anyone working with patient data (even if it’s been de-identified) must uphold a stronger standard of security and compliance.
What Exactly is Being Monitored?
As we mentioned, PPM primarily focuses on insider threats and snooping. The system continuously tracks user activity across electronic health records (EHRs) and other data sources to identify potential policy violations, such as snooping or data theft. When it detects suspicious behavior, it alerts relevant staff for investigation and resolution.
In large healthcare organizations, where everyone (doctors, nurses, technicians, developers, etc.) needs to access the system, it’s incredibly easy for ill-intended staff to slip through the cracks.
This is why an automated PPM is a must-have. Besides being your watchful guardian on the inside, it also helps organize access to data, ensuring the organization stays HIPAA-compliant. PPM reduces the time spent manually combing through data and frees human resources to cover more demanding tasks.
Do Startups Need Automated PPM?
Successful startups know they need high-end cybersecurity tools to protect their clients’ data. However, if your startup handles Protected Health Information (PHI) or Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) on behalf of a healthcare provider or payer, you need an automated PPM.
The requirement for a PPM system is a direct consequence of needing to comply with the HIPAA Security Rule (in the US) and similar data protection laws like GDPR (in the EU). The Security Rule explicitly mandates Audit Controls and a system for reviewing activity. PPM is the tool that automates this mandated auditing.
Most startups that need automated PPM fall under the category of Business Associates (BAs) under HIPAA, meaning they perform a function or provide a service to a Covered Entity (a hospital, doctor, or health plan) that involves accessing PHI.
Here’s a short list of types of startups that are included in the BAs category:
- Digital health and SaaS platforms: EHR/EMR integrations, patient portals and communications, telehealth and virtual care platforms, clinical dashboards & analytics;
- Service and operational startups: All vendors that handle the non-clinical, administrative side of healthcare;
- Billing and claims processing platforms: Startups that manage RCM (Revenue Cycle Management) and submit claims to payers, medical coding and transcription tools, companies that use AI or human coders to process clinical documentation, Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) or Interoperability Tools, and IT and cloud hosting platforms;
- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) tools: continuous monitoring platforms and Software as a Medical Device (SaMD);
- AI/Machine Learning startups: AI diagnostics, data aggregation, and others.
How to Implement PPM in Your Startup
The best implementation approach is to find a PPM software platform that fits your needs or offers solid customization options. As a startup, you likely can’t afford the enterprise tools used by massive hospital systems. In reality, you may not need all that firepower, even if your team is medium-sized.
Most healthcare startups can cover all their basis with a solution like PrivacyPro from Bluesight. Their PPM system prevents patient data breaches by automating detection, customizing workflows to fit the company’s risk tolerance, and streamlining the investigative process.
Once installed and integrated with your native systems, this solution runs in the background and only pops up when something shady’s going on with your databases.
If you’re not ready to jump into full automation, you can also try the manual approach, using native application logging and ensuring your database/backend logs every GET request to a patient record. The log must contain: User_ID, Patient_ID, Timestamp, and Reason_for_Access.
Send these logs to a secure, immutable S3 bucket or a separate database table. At regular intervals (weekly or monthly), your CTO reviews these logs and documents the review for HIPAA auditors.
In Summary
Yes, if your startup is a Business Associate under HIPAA, you will need a PPM. While you may save a few bucks by choosing the manual version, the automated system makes a lot more sense in the long term. So make sure to ponder your decision carefully.
FAQ Automated Patient Privacy Monitoring for Startups
What is Patient Privacy Monitoring (PPM)?
Patient Privacy Monitoring (PPM) is a security and compliance tool that supervises authorized employee access to patient data. It ensures that internal users such as medical staff or developers access medical records strictly for work-related purposes. By safeguarding information from potential misuse or unauthorized snooping, PPM provides an advanced layer of ethical data management for startups handling healthcare data.
How does PPM differ from regular cybersecurity tools?
While cybersecurity focuses on keeping hackers out, PPM specifically tackles insider misuse by monitoring authorized personnel. This distinction is vital for startups working with sensitive healthcare data, as breaches can occur within the organization. PPM minimizes risks from insider threats, making it an essential complement to standard cybersecurity measures.
Why should startups consider automated PPM over manual monitoring?
Automated PPM significantly reduces the time spent on manual data reviews, minimizes human error, and ensures real-time detection of suspicious activity. For startups without expansive resources, automation streamlines HIPAA mandates and offers scalability as the company grows. Implementing automated solutions bolsters efficiency and compliance, allowing startups to focus on innovation.
Which types of startups need PPM the most?
Startups such as SaaS healthcare platforms, billing processors, AI-powered health diagnostics, or wearable tech innovators require PPM. Those designated as Business Associates under HIPAA or those operating under GDPR regulations must prioritize PPM to manage sensitive patient data responsibly and meet compliance standards.
How does PPM help startups with HIPAA compliance?
HIPAA mandates audit controls and strict data protection practices for organizations handling Protected Health Information (PHI). Automated PPM systems fulfill these requirements by providing consistent activity monitoring and generating detailed reports for auditing. This ensures startups meet legal obligations while maintaining operational transparency.
What challenges does PPM solve for healthcare startups?
Healthcare startups often face insider data breaches and complex compliance requirements. PPM addresses these challenges with automated monitoring, real-time alerts, and organized data access. By preventing breaches and enforcing data handling policies, startups foster trust and mitigate financial or reputational risks.
What features should startups look for in PPM tools?
Key features include real-time activity monitoring, customizable workflows, scalability, alert integration, and HIPAA or GDPR compliance support. A user-friendly, automated solution tailored to startup budgets and operational needs ensures optimal protection and easy adoption.
Is PPM suitable for startups with limited resources?
Yes, startups with limited capital can benefit from PPM tools tailored for smaller organizations. Affordable solutions like PrivacyPro offer essential features without the high cost associated with enterprise tools. Even manual logging options paired with regular reviews are viable for those looking to start small.
How can startups implement PPM effectively?
Startups can choose an automated PPM platform, integrate it with their existing systems, and customize workflows to match their risks and compliance needs. For budget-conscious founders, securing logs through database monitoring allows manual HIPAA compliance practices while scaling towards automation later.
What are the long-term benefits of PPM for startups?
Implementing PPM ensures regulatory compliance, boosts client trust, and protects against financial penalties associated with data breaches. As startups scale their operations, automated privacy monitoring provides a robust foundation for sustainable growth and improved data management practices.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
