As Information technology makes strides in healthcare, our first step is the Electronic Health Information
What is it and what’s in there? Reminds me of a Seinfeld episode where Elaine was blackballed from doctor to doctor because of what was in her chart. Well, it all seems like common knowledge but let’s start the conversation. As Technology moves the needle in most industries, it has already made a mark in advancing our healthcare system. Let’s start with what’s most applicable to all, the electronic health information.
A person goes to the doctors, hospital or insurance company and the first thing to do: sign consent forms, in most cases now, digitally. Patients will hear HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and privacy.
With so many security breaches in other domains of people’s lives, patients and clients are dubious to allow all different providers consents.
But here’s the deal, most providers understand continuity of care is key to health and wellness. With the average consent process, healthcare service providers or health insurance companies are able to obtain access to all or most of their clients electronic health information. This portable information, created before and after the date consents are signed are invaluable to provision of care, but mostly to ones health. If health records may include family history of illnesses or injuries one has had (like diabetes or a broken bone) and test results (like X-rays or blood tests) and may also include sensitive health conditions, including but not limited to: alcohol or drug use problems, birth control, abortion, family planning, genetic/inherited diseases or tests, HIV/AIDS, mental health conditions, sexually transmitted diseases, medication & dosages, allergies, employment information, living situation, social supports, & lab tests - time sensitive matters can be treated, corrected with instantaneous data compilation that Information technology affords us.
Increasing the education of “how clients information may be used”, is one idea to explore in this text. If one’s electronic health information may ONLY be used for health care services: treatment Services, insurance eligibility verification, obtaining appropriate medical care, improving the quality of services provided, coordinating the provision of multiple health care services provided, or supporting one in following a plan of medical care – providers must do their due diligence in preserving this by vetting reputable Information technology firms for software and electronic storage of clients’ health information.
