SOAP-note PHI removal strips IDs from the four parts of a note: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. It meets HIPAA Safe Harbor (45 CFR §164.514(b)). anonym.plus runs locally, with extra care for the Subjective part where patient quotes hide IDs.
When this applies
SOAP notes are the spine of clinic care and a favorite for teaching. The Subjective part often quotes the patient by name or names family and work, so careful PHI removal counts.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Open the note in anonym.plus on your device.
- Each part is scanned; patient quotes get extra care.
- Names, dates, places, and contacts get flagged in all four parts.
- Swap them so the four parts still read clearly.
- Save the clean note on your device.
What you need to provide
- The note (TXT, DOCX, PDF, or pasted text).
- An operator (Replace keeps the part layout clear).
- Optional allow-list for standard exam terms.
PHI entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | S: 'I am Omar' → [PATIENT] |
| Relatives | PERSON | wife Dina → [RELATIVE] |
| Dates | DATE_TIME | 06/04 → [DATE] |
| Location | LOCATION | works at Bosch → [EMPLOYER] |
| Record IDs | MEDICAL_RECORD_NUMBER | chart 7741 → [MRN] |
| Contact | EMAIL_ADDRESS | o.k@example.com → [EMAIL] |
Compliance achieved
- Supports HIPAA Safe Harbor (45 CFR §164.514(b)) in all four parts.
- Catches employer and relative clues as indirect IDs.
- Local-only work — nothing uploaded.
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Limitations & cautions
The Subjective part holds the most risk. Patients name jobs, hobbies, and family in ways that can re-identify with no name at all. Review that part closely. Named-item checks cannot always judge when a life clue is unique.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Subjective part need extra care?
It records the patient's own words. These often include names, employers, and unique personal clues that act as indirect IDs beyond the obvious ones.
Does PHI removal keep the SOAP layout?
Yes. The four parts stay clear and readable. Only the IDs inside them change.
Can I clean SOAP notes pasted from an EHR?
Yes. Paste text straight in or load a file. Both run locally.