How can I protect myself from abuse of my health data?
August 21, 2022 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Jenny König
Dear Medical Law Attorney,
I am reaching out to you because I have major concerns about the protection of my health data. Recently, there have been increasing cases of data misuse in the healthcare industry, and I am wondering how I can protect myself from this.
The current situation is as follows: I have had various doctor visits where sensitive health data was collected. These data are stored in electronic patient records and can potentially be accessed or misused by unauthorized individuals. I also have concerns that my data could be shared or sold without my consent.
My worry is that my health data could fall into the wrong hands and thereby violate my privacy. I would like to know what measures I can take to best protect my health data and prevent misuse.
Therefore, I ask you: What legal options do I have to protect myself from the misuse of my health data? Are there specific precautions I can take to securely store my data? What steps can I take if I suspect that my health data is being unlawfully used?
I thank you in advance for your support and look forward to your helpful responses.
Sincerely,
Georg Halbscheffel
Dear Mr. Halbscheffel,
Thank you for your trust and your inquiry regarding the protection of your health data. It is understandable that you are concerned about the security of your sensitive information, especially in light of the increasing cases of data misuse in the healthcare industry.
First and foremost, it is important to know that your health data is legally protected. According to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG), as a patient, you have the right to informational self-determination. This means that your health data can only be processed and used under certain conditions, and only with your consent or based on other legal regulations.
To best protect your health data, you should first be mindful of who you disclose what information about your health to. Avoid sharing sensitive data lightly, especially on the internet or on social networks. Make sure to only give your consent for the processing of your health data to trustworthy entities, such as your treating doctor or hospital.
Furthermore, ensure that your electronic patient records and health-related data are securely stored and protected from unauthorized access. Use secure passwords and regularly update your security settings. Also, check which third parties have access to your data and whether their security standards meet your requirements.
If you suspect that your health data is being unlawfully used, it is advisable to take legal action immediately. You can consult a lawyer specializing in medical law to assert your rights and potentially claim damages. The data protection authority can also assist you in resolving data protection violations.
In conclusion, I want to emphasize that the protection of your health data is a very important concern and that as a patient, you have the right to be informed about the use and protection of your data. Do not hesitate to contact me again if you have any further questions or uncertainties.
Best regards,
Jenny König
Medical Law Attorney
