Imaging referral de-identification is the removal of PHI from the request under the HIPAA Privacy Rule (45 CFR Part 164). anonym.plus runs it on your device. The clinical question stays, but no person is named.
When this applies
You share a sample requisition to teach intake staff. The reason for the study can stay, yet the name, the date, and the contact line must go first.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Open the file (PDF, DOCX, or scan) on your machine.
- Local OCR reads scanned forms, so printed text is caught.
- The tool flags names, dates, IDs, and phone numbers.
- Review each flag and keep the clinical question.
- Swap each ID for a token, or remove it.
- Save the clean form. The source stays with you.
What you need to provide
- The file (PDF, DOCX, TXT, or image scan).
- An operator: Replace (swap), Redact (remove), or Mask (partial).
- Optional: a name map for linked visits.
PHI entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | Carla Ruiz → [PATIENT_1] |
| Dates | DATE_TIME | Referred 05/10/2026 → [DATE] |
| Record IDs | MEDICAL_RECORD_NUMBER | MRN 504219 → [MRN] |
| Contact | PHONE_NUMBER | (773) 555 0166 → [PHONE] |
| Referrer | ORGANIZATION | Glenwood Family Clinic → [CLINIC] |
| Location | LOCATION | 210 Elm Street → [ADDRESS] |
Compliance achieved
- Removes PHI under the HIPAA Privacy Rule (45 CFR Part 164).
- Runs offline, so the tool itself needs no BAA.
- Working files are kept safe with AES-256-GCM.
- Covers GDPR Art. 9 health data for EU patients too.
Anonymize imaging referrals offline — see plans & start free →
Limitations & cautions
A request often holds two parties: the patient and the referrer. Decide which to hide. The tool flags both, but you choose what stays.
Frequently asked questions
Does the clinical reason get removed?
No. The reason for the study is left in place. Only patient details and contact lines change, so the request still reads clearly.
Are referring-doctor details flagged too?
Yes. The referrer's name, phone, and address are flagged like any field. You decide whether to keep or hide that line.
Can I clean a stack of intake forms at once?
Yes. Point the app at a folder of forms. It applies your rules to each one, which suits a training set for new staff.