Mobile PHI Capture Platform with Secure Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for capturing and processing protected health information (PHI) lack efficient and secure methods for on-the-go data capture and submission from healthcare providers, leading to inefficiencies and potential data breaches due to inadequate access controls and lack of real-time data access.

Innovation Solution

A mobile technology platform that enables healthcare providers to capture and submit PHI using client devices equipped with cameras and microphones, processing the data into structured formats for secure storage and transmission to charge capture manager devices, ensuring HIPAA compliance through encryption and secure communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional data exchange methods (verbal communication, fax, paper-based communication) are used for PHI transmission, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and real-time data access are significantly degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time data submission and processing speedVSAvoidsystem complexity for mobile capture and secure transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical data exchange methods (paper-based communication, fax, in-person verbal communication) with electronic mobile device capture and digital transmission. The mobile device captures PHI through camera or manual input, converts it to digital format, and transmits it electronically, eliminating the need for physical document handling and significantly improving productivity while managing complexity through software-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a charge capture manager device as an intermediary between the mobile client device and the backend system. This intermediary handles the complex tasks of data validation, security compliance, and coordination between different system components, allowing the mobile capture process to remain simple while enabling sophisticated backend processing and real-time data access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If PHI is accessed by unauthorized persons, then data breaches occur requiring reporting to HHS, but implementing strict access controls may reduce ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity and compliance with HIPAA regulationsVSAvoidaccess control procedures and authentication requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authentication and authorization checks before allowing access to PHI. The system verifies user credentials, device security compliance, and authorization levels before permitting data capture, transmission, or access. This preliminary security validation ensures HIPAA compliance is built into the workflow from the start, maintaining both security and ease of operation for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates audit logs and access tracking that provide feedback on who accessed PHI, when, and what actions were taken. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring of access patterns, automatic detection of suspicious activities, and comprehensive reporting capabilities, ensuring accountability while maintaining streamlined access for legitimate users through clear authentication workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If mobile devices are used for PHI capture, then productivity and on-the-go data collection improve, but security risks and potential data breaches increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveon-the-go data capture and immediate submission capabilityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerabilities and data breach risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multiple layers of security measures before PHI is captured or transmitted on mobile devices. These include device security compliance verification, encrypted storage on the device, secure transmission protocols, and automatic data purging after successful upload. This beforehand cushioning approach prepares the system to handle security requirements in advance, enabling mobile productivity while mitigating risks through pre-configured security controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The charge capture manager device serves as a secure intermediary that mediates all PHI transactions between mobile devices and the backend system. It validates device security compliance, manages encrypted data transmission, verifies user authentication, and coordinates secure data storage. This intermediary layer protects against security vulnerabilities in mobile devices while enabling their productivity benefits, acting as a trusted buffer that enforces security policies without hindering on-the-go data capture capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10482216B2Protected health information image capture, processing and submission from a client device

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 ICONIC DATA

AI summary

A system and method that permits a user to utilize a means of capturing and managing one or more images containing protected health information (PHI) on a mobile device, as disclosed herein. The user of the system and method may be required to undergo authentication and authorization to access the system and use the method.