Hospitals have partnered with several technology giants, including Microsoft, IBM, Google and Amazon and handed over valuable and identifiable patient information in data deals, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Previous reports have uncovered deals between health systems and tech companies, but the “breadth of access” and scope of data sharing in the agreements are still somewhat unclear and have brought on skepticism over privacy.
Hospitals can share patient information under certain federal laws, particularly if the data is being shared to improve operations. For example, one agreement between IBM and Brigham and Women’s Hospital shared personally identifiable data for specific requests as the two jointly developed AI, The WSJ reported.
These types of deals are likely to become even more commonplace, as the data market continues to boom. At the same time, companies and providers will need to ensure patient data is protected and privacy laws are followed.
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Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."