Removing hidden patient data from digital images in PowerPoint.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to discuss the potential issue of exposing patient information from digital images used in PowerPoint presentations.


CONCLUSIONS
Current methods for safeguarding patient information in PowerPoint presentations still contain the potential for risk. In radiology, many digital images used in PowerPoint contain hidden patient identification information. Although cautious use of cropping and masking techniques has been adequate for presentation, the hidden information is still available as part of the digital image and may pose Health Insurance Portability and Account-ability Act (HIPAA) risks. This article will discuss the origin of this issue and describe simple solutions for permanently removing patient information using built-in PowerPoint functions.
Yam
Chun-Shan
CS
Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, WCC, Room 306, Boston, MA 02215, USA. csyam@caregroup.harvard.edu
D006801:Humans; D018907:Privacy; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D012984:Software; D014584:User-Computer Interface