Simplifying data security in healthcare using AI

By George Jones, National Managing Director, Healthcare Security

October 22, 2024

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, organizations like Amedisys are facing a unique challenge: how to serve more than 415,000 patients with 21,000 clinicians while balancing a seamless user experience with security and compliance. Home care improves accessibility but also complicates security. “Organizational data has become ambient,” says Richard Kaufmann, former chief information security officer at Amedisys. “If data is everywhere, how do you protect it?”

Amedisys is successfully addressing this challenge by integrating modern security tools to manage permissions, update security protocols, and respond to threats quickly. As a result, it has streamlined operations and can focus on what truly matters: —delivering the best possible care to patients. This practical application of AI not only boosts efficiency but also provides peace of mind for both the organization and its patients.

Addressing the complexity of data security in home health

For healthcare organizations, leveraging technology to improve workflows is crucial. Healthcare professionals are acutely aware of the need to keep patient information private, yet every interaction generates data that may be shared with multiple organizations involved in the patient’s care.

This decentralization of healthcare—including the rise in telemedicine and home health services—adds layers of complexity to data security. Accidental disclosures are a significant risk, along with phishing and data theft. According to the 2024 Microsoft Digital Defense Report, 90% of organizations are exposed to at least one attack path.

That’s where flexible and reliable security solutions come into play. Organizations are adopting AI across industries, including healthcare. And AI in security offers a unique opportunity for highly regulated organizations, where compliance is an essential aspect of their operations. Amedisys offers a clear example of what’s possible with a combination of innovative technology and organizational buy-in.

For more information about security trends and the latest strategies, download the 2024 Microsoft Digital Defense Report.

Achieving AI-driven security

Amedisys needed a scalable, secure platform that would work in various environments. The company found its answer in cost-effective healthcare solutions that include data encryption, threat detection, and rapid response capabilities.

As a result, Amedisys doesn’t have to prioritize data and cost optimization over innovation. “There’s a balancing act here between cost and value,” says Kaufmann. “It’s about aligning company objectives with keeping data private in the most effective way possible.” 

Cybersecurity is also a balancing act between innovation and compliance with regulations such as HIPAA. “At Amedisys we use the full Microsoft 365 E5 suite of security tools,” says Kaufmann. “We’ve had access to some amazing expertise from within the walls of Microsoft as we started implementing that platform.” Microsoft 365 E5 promotes safe, compliant AI adoption by helping organizations safeguard sensitive data, identify risks, and assess compliance with regulatory requirements.

Using Microsoft technology, companies can trust that patient data is secure and focus on delivering excellent healthcare. Whether they work entirely in the cloud or employ a hybrid architecture, businesses can use AI-powered solutions to protect data across all environments.

Learn more about the latest capabilities for deploying AI securely.

Optimizing for data transparency and protection using AI

Being transparent with customers is a keystone of data security. “It should be a simple exercise for a patient to understand where their data is going, and more importantly, why,” says Kaufmann. Companies using Microsoft solutions can take advantage of built-in security and AI features without sacrificing transparency. Amedisys is integrating AI seamlessly into existing workflows using Microsoft solutions, so healthcare organizations can enhance their employees’ productivity and drive better patient outcomes while maintaining transparency.

The best way healthcare organizations like Amedisys can overcome complex security challenges and improve patient care is to go with a single provider with a variety of services. “Amedisys has been investing heavily in Microsoft Security solutions for that very reason,” says Kaufmann. “Not only do the individual products meet our requirements, but there is added simplicity in those security products having native functionality to our productivity suite.”

Amedisys is using AI-powered tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, which empowers the company to maintain data protection across all platforms. Microsoft continues to improve its security offerings and launch new AI-powered features that promote innovation and adapt to future industry needs.

Strengthening security with a comprehensive approach

Healthcare companies like Amedisys are using AI to transform their approach to security while maintaining regulatory compliance. As healthcare evolves and data becomes even more complex, companies adopting innovative, secure technologies will be best positioned to thrive, and their patients will benefit from enhanced transparency and better care.

Learn more about Microsoft security solutions and AI with these resources: