PHI Redaction Techniques for Google Ads Conversion Events for Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational therapy practices face unique compliance challenges when running Google Ads, especially when tracking patient conversions that may contain protected health information (PHI) like therapy goals, functional assessments, or treatment plans. A single mishandled conversion event containing PHI can trigger OCR investigations and hefty penalties for OT clinics.

The Hidden Risks of Unprotected OT Conversion Tracking

Google's Enhanced Conversions Expose Therapy Details

When occupational therapy practices use standard Google Ads conversion tracking, patient intake forms and appointment booking data often leak sensitive information. Details about mobility limitations, cognitive assessments, or pediatric developmental milestones can be transmitted directly to Google's servers without proper PHI redaction techniques.

Client-Side Tracking Creates Compliance Vulnerabilities

Traditional client-side tracking methods capture raw form data before any filtering occurs. For OT practices, this means functional capacity evaluations, adaptive equipment recommendations, and therapy progress notes may be inadvertently shared with advertising platforms. The HHS Office for Civil Rights specifically warns against unfiltered patient data transmission to third-party tracking technologies.

Server-Side vs Client-Side: The Critical Difference

Client-side tracking processes data in the patient's browser, creating exposure risks before any compliance checks. Server-side tracking allows OT practices to filter and redact PHI before any data reaches advertising platforms, ensuring only compliant conversion signals are transmitted.

Curve's PHI Stripping Process for Occupational Therapy Conversions

Client-Side PHI Detection and Blocking

Curve's client-side protection automatically identifies and blocks common OT-related PHI fields including therapy diagnoses, functional assessment scores, and treatment recommendations. The system recognizes occupational therapy-specific terminology and prevents transmission before data leaves your practice's website.

Server-Level PHI Redaction

At the server level, Curve applies advanced PHI redaction techniques specifically calibrated for occupational therapy data. The system strips patient identifiers, therapy-specific medical codes, and functional limitation details while preserving valuable conversion signals for Google Ads optimization.

OT-Specific Implementation Steps

• Connect your practice management system or EHR through Curve's secure API integration

• Configure PHI redaction rules for common OT data fields (diagnosis codes, functional assessments, treatment plans)

• Set up server-side conversion tracking through Google Ads API with pre-filtered data

• Implement real-time monitoring for any PHI leakage across all conversion touchpoints

Advanced Optimization Strategies for HIPAA Compliant OT Marketing

Leverage Enhanced Conversions with PHI-Free Data

Use Google's Enhanced Conversions feature by sending hashed patient contact information while ensuring all therapy-related details are properly redacted. This allows for improved conversion attribution without exposing functional assessments or treatment specifics.

Implement Conversion API Integration for Meta Campaigns

For occupational therapy practices running Facebook and Instagram ads, integrate Meta's Conversion API (CAPI) with server-side PHI filtering. This ensures pediatric therapy promotions and adult rehabilitation campaigns track conversions without leaking sensitive patient functional data.

Create Conversion Value Optimization Without PHI

Set up conversion value tracking based on appointment types and service tiers rather than specific patient conditions. Track "initial evaluation," "follow-up session," or "equipment consultation" conversions while avoiding PHI-laden details about individual patient limitations or therapy goals.

Ready to run compliant Google/Meta ads for your occupational therapy practice?
Book a HIPAA Strategy Session with Curve