Timicoin Health Information Security Case Study

Introduction

Sharing healthcare data from one institution to another has been a complex task due to privacy concerns and fear that sharing information will give others a competitive advantage. Today’s electronic medical records (EMRs) have varying data standards that inhibit interoperability since records are not compatible between systems. Inconsistent rules and permissions prohibit health organizations from accessing real-time patient data.

A blockchain powered health information exchange (HIE) would establish the interoperability that is lacking in today’s healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, this would allow for coordinated patient care and eliminate unnecessary services and duplicate tests. Improved data integrity, reduced transaction
This will effectively deliver patient records in a consistent and real-time manner, only to be accessed via a smart contract after patient authorization. Timicoin’s Health Information Exchange will provide an optimized environment where health data is structured and secured, leading to better data utility and improved patient care outcome.

De-identification

Lack of security for patient records can lead to legal and financial consequences that jeopardize patient care, proprietary practices, and competitive advantages.

Data anonymity is used to secure patient records, by removing certain identifiable information and only providing partial data. This process de-identifies the patient, maintaining a HIPAA complaint environment and providing valuable resources to institutions for better patient therapies, medication research, and overall patient outcome.

Timicoin's blockchain network does not reveal the patient's identity if they do not wish to. It uses a unique identifier instead to distinguish between patients. When anyone requests data from the network, the patient is notified via the TimiHR Patient App. The patient grants the permission to use their data, revealing the identity. Without confirmation, the data on the network is encrypted and cannot be accessed.

Consistent
The lack of communication among the EMRs create data discrepancies producing data errors that can lead to consequences such as medical miscommunication and result in reduced patient health outcomes. In the present environment, the patient has limited interaction in the exchange of information. The patient needs to be integrated into the healthcare ecosystem because the patient is the principal component of a health information exchange. (Figure 1.1)

A Healthcare Blockchain

A blockchain is a distributed transaction ledger which is composed of blocks that represent transactions. Each peer to peer transaction is linked creating a shared, immutable record. The blockchain is established using cryptographic techniques for full transparency and decentralization. This transparent distribution of peer to peer linked transactions forgoes the requirement of a central authority creating a trust-less consensus. All transactions on the blockchain are transparent to all participants, and require verification via cryptographic algorithms through a process called mining.

Timicoin Ecosystem
Figure 1.1
Mining & Proof Of