Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How does HIPAA.app work?
HIPAA.app uses specialized search techniques (Google dorks) to scan the public internet for potentially exposed Protected Health Information (PHI). It creates targeted search patterns to identify where patient data might be accidentally exposed online.
Is my search data stored?
No. We operate with a "zero storage" approach. Your search queries and results are processed in real-time and are never stored on our servers. Once you close your browser or navigate away, the data is gone.
How accurate are the results?
Our system analyzes search results and assigns confidence scores based on multiple factors. However, there may be both false positives (showing results that aren't actually PHI exposure) and false negatives (missing some real exposures). We recommend verifying any potential matches.
What should I do if I find exposed PHI?
If you confirm PHI exposure, you should document the finding, contact the website owner to request removal, and consider your obligations under the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule. For detailed guidance, review our "Next Steps" recommendations on the results page.
Are there search limits?
Yes, to prevent abuse and ensure service availability for all users, we limit searches to 10 per hour and 50 per day per IP address.
Search Tips
- Use specific identifiers - Include full names with date of birth, medical record numbers, or other unique identifiers for more accurate results.
- Check multiple variations - Try different formats of the same information (e.g., "John Smith DOB 01/01/1980" and "Smith, John 1/1/1980").
- Be cautious with common names - Very common names may produce false positives. Add more identifying information to narrow results.
- Review all risk levels - Even "Medium" or "Low" risk results may contain sensitive information.
- Report false positives - Use the "Report False Positive" link to help us improve our detection algorithms.
Need Additional Help?
If you have questions not answered here, please contact our support team:
Email: support@hipaa.app
Response Time: 1-2 business days