Patent attributes
A medical record is partitioned into personal and medical data portions, and an identification code is concatenated into each portion. The personal data portion is encrypted so a patient's identity cannot be linked to the patient's medical data except by authorized viewers. Each portion of the secure medical record can be transferred over a network as separate files, and stored in a data storage system separately. Access to the entire medical record is thereby provided only to those who know the key for the personal data portion of the medical record. The system and method can be used to help ensure patient confidentiality while allowing patient medical records to be accessed over a network such as the Internet, providing physicians and patients quick access to their medical records. The system and method can be used to create a database of anonymous medical records useful for medical research.