Abstract: Process and system for locating, copying and sending requested records, such as medical records. The system includes a data processing center which acts as a central clearing house for processing the requests, requesters that generate the requests, and providers in possession of the requested records. The data processing center associates requests and related authorization forms generated by the requestor and transmits them to a provider in possession of the requested record. The provider then locates and copies the requested record and sends a copy of the record to the data processing center. The data processing center encrypts a digital copy of the requested medical record and sends it to the requestor. The communication linkages between the various parties advantageously include the Internet. A call center may be employed to ensure provider compliance with the request.

Abstract: Methods and systems for encrypting and decrypting electronic files and then limiting the ability to copy, alter or send the decrypted information so as to preserve the integrity of the file. The encryption and decryption systems involve an essentially symmetric cipher or key system in which the same key is used to both encrypt the original plaintext and decrypt the resulting ciphertext. The key, or cipher, includes public and private components. The “public key” is typically stored and sent together with the encrypted file in the form of a unique file type that includes the public key appended to the front encrypted file portion. A new public key is typically generated for each electronic file that is encrypted. The “private key” is known only to the encrypting and decrypting parties and may be used to encrypt and decrypt multiple files, or it may be uniquely generated for each encrypted file.