The healthcare industry offers unique challenges in data security. As hospitals and clinics move patient information to the cloud, cyber security vulnerabilities and intrusions pose very real risks for both security and reputation. The benefits of care delivery and organizational efficiency on digital records management systems are clear and industry changing, but the expanded use of cloud technology, IoT medical devices, and electronic databases for clinical, financial and administrative operations, that increase in connectivity also increases exposure to cyber security threats.
Record management is another issue when it comes to data security in the medical industry. The privacy and safety of patients is the top concern of health care providers, and this can result in difficulty disposing of old records properly. Here’s how to dispose of old x-rays and film while maintaining the patient and provider data security and being environmentally responsible.
Film Toxins
Medical film disposal is a federally regulated act as most x-rays and film contain silver. Silver is toxic to microorganisms which are the foundation of the natural food chain. It is very important to prevent silver film coatings from seeping into groundwater, streams or rivers to prevent toxins from contaminating fish and water supplies. For these reasons, film must be properly handled and disposed of to avoid any negative environmental impacts of its use and disposal.
Film Recycling
Film recycling is an option for disposing of medical film in a way that both protects the information contained within and the environment at the same time. Happy Faces has been providing film recycling services for the medical industry for more than 20 years. Our process meets both EPA and HIPAA standards for disposal and management of these sensitive documents. Here’s how we do it:
Step 1. Separate paper from film and shred all PII from x-ray jackets.
Step 2. Grinders reduce film into particle flakes only a half-inch in size making the film unusable and the information contained within incomprehensible.
Step 3. The film particles are tested to measure silver content.
Step 4. Silver coatings are separated from film through a four stage process of chemical burns.
Step 5. The emulsified silver and other coatings are sent to settling tanks. Plastics are then cleaned and sent to recycling companies for reuse in clothing and packaging.
Step 6. The emulsion mixture is processed to allow the silver to precipitate and the water is then recycled.
Step 7. The remaining silver is roasted to ash and all traces of water and other impurities are removed.
Step 8. The ash is then smelted until the silver liquefies and cast into ingot molds to cool. The final product is then sent to silver refiners for further processing.
This highly detailed process ensures that the film is disposed of in a secure and environmentally friendly manner, while silver is recycled and sent out for reuse.
For more tips on how to effectively manage your medical documents, connect with a Happy Faces Records Management representative today.
CONTACT OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS NOW
