Your personal health information, often called PHI, is valuable. It includes things like your medical history, diagnoses, medications, insurance details, and even appointment notes. For people with disabilities, complex medical needs, and the families and professionals who support them, this information is shared often. The good news? Protecting your health information does not have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can feel more confident, stay safer, and reduce the risk of scams or misuse.
This topic is the focus of our January webinar, Your Power: Simple Steps to Stay Safe, where we will break things down in plain language and offer practical tools you can use right away. Below are some common questions we hear, and clear, straightforward answers to help you get started.
Q&A #1: What does it really mean to protect my health information?
Protecting your health information means making sure it is only shared with people who truly need it, and in ways that are safe. This includes doctors, care coordinators, therapists, insurance companies, and sometimes family members or caregivers.
Simple steps can make a big difference:
- Keep important documents in a safe place, whether paper or digital.
- Use strong passwords for patient portals and health apps.
- Be careful about sharing information by email, text, or phone unless you know who you are talking to.
You do not need to be a tech expert. Being aware and asking questions is often enough to protect yourself.
Q&A #2: How can I communicate confidently about my health information?
It is okay, and important to ask questions when someone requests your information. You have the right to understand:
- Why the information is needed
- How it will be used
- Who will have access to it
If something feels confusing or uncomfortable, pause and ask for clarification. You can say:
- “Can you explain why you need this?”
- “Is there another way to share this safely?”
- “Can I take time to review this before deciding?”
Clear communication helps prevent mistakes and puts you in control of your own information.
Q&A #3: How do I recognize scams or risky situations?
Scams often try to create fear or urgency. You might get a call, email, or text saying there’s a problem with your insurance, benefits, or medical care, and that you must act immediately.
Be cautious if someone:
- Pressures you to act quickly
- Asks for personal or health information unexpectedly
- Uses scare tactics or sounds too good to be true
If you are unsure, stop and check with a trusted provider, care coordinator, or organization you already know. It’s always okay to say no or hang up.
For more information, check out our Community Enrichment Series by clicking HERE.
