HIPAA-Compliant Mapping Modernization with Azure Maps

Overview

Our healthcare client was using location-based services across their public web site to power PSC (Patient Service Center) directions, appointment workflows, and more. However, Google Maps presented HIPAA compliance challenges. The healthcare client partnered with i-ology to migrate to Azure Maps and implement a secure, centralized key-management system that protects PHI (Protected Health Information) and improves operational governance.

Confused Person

The Challenge 

  • Google Maps’ usage policies posed HIPAA compliance concerns, creating risk for PHI-adjacent workflows.

  • Client needed a secure, compliant, and centrally managed mapping solution that integrated seamlessly with Umbraco.

The Approach

i-ology guided the healthcare client through a complete mapping migration and security modernization initiative.

Discovery and Strategy

  • Evaluated all web site components using Google Maps to determine migration scope.

  • Collaborated with infrastructure, security, and compliance teams to define requirements for HIPAA-safe mapping workflows.

  • Established a strategy centered on centralized secret storage, automated key rotation, and seamless UI parity.

Azure Maps Integration

  • Replaced all Google Maps JavaScript and API calls with Azure Maps equivalents.

  • Ensured PHI-safe usage patterns, including encrypted requests and restricted data exposure.

  • Validated performance and accuracy across geolocation, PSC (Patient Service Center) search, and direction features.

Centralized Secret and Key Governance

  • Implemented Azure Key Vault as the single source of truth for all API keys and sensitive configuration.

  • Automated key rotation to improve operational security.

  • Ensured development, staging, and production environments were consistently managed and audited.

Deployment, Testing, and Validation

  • Conducted extensive QA to ensure mapping accuracy, UX equivalence, and cross-device compatibility.

  • Collaborated with client infrastructure leadership on final security validation.

  • Released the new mapping system without disrupting user experience.

Revenue Increase

The Outcome

  • Achieved a fully HIPAA-compliant mapping foundation.

  • Strengthened security posture with centralized key storage and automated rotation.

  • Simplified long-term operations and reduced risk of credential leaks.

  • Delivered a seamless user experience across all mapping touchpoints.

Technologies Used

Azure Maps • Azure Key Vault • .NET • Umbraco Cloud • Secure Mapping APIs

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