The Virginian-Pilot
©
Virginia will receive $24 million in federal money during the next four years to improve the exchange of electronic health information.
Gov. Bob McDonnell made the announcement Monday. The state was awarded $11.6 million during the next four years to improve the exchange of health information throughout the state and across state lines. Planning for the initiative should be finished in the fall with implementation starting after that. The Governor's Health Information Technology Advisory Commission will lead that initiative under the leadership of the U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services.
Another $12.4 million in federal funds will be used during the next two years to help doctors across Virginia acquire and adopt electronic health records in their practices.
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
Yahoo
I have been involved "In The Industry" for more than 30
years. I understand HIPPA inside and out because I have written the computer programs that ENFORCE HIPPA compliance. The government wants tons of information and they give it to the insurance companies. This is nothing more than a smoke screen to give more of your private health information to people you don't know or interact with, so they can continue to interfere with decisions between you and your doctor through regulation from Washington or changes in your health plan.
My main point is that each time you go to the hospital and in many cases your doctor's office, information about the visit is sent to the insurance company, the state, and the federal government. Most of the information is identifiable by name and SSN. Some of the information is identifiable only with initials and part of the SSN and the age in months and days. Which means they can identify you. HIPPA withstanding your medical information is NOT private and most Doctor's and hospitals make the patient sign a waiver allowing the information to be sent.
HIPAA Compliance
Before some go jumping to the wrong conclusions, research the subject online...there is a lot of official info available. And many classes, some are even free of charge.
I received my HIPAA compliance certification just today as a medical document professional - you will see there are extremely needed aspects involved that will tighten up the system, offering you more protection regarding your medical records, identity theft, etc. Not to mention cutting down on fraud. Your records will be handled with more care and protection than ever before. Some people will complain about anything, but those of us in the 'industry' personally see this as a very positive step in medicine.
This is nuts because there really are no safeguards
to the privacy of patient data, HIPPA withstanding. When you go to the hospital ALL of the information about your visit is submitted to the state and federal government under guise of trying to determine the "outcomes" of various treatments for various "diagnosis" and the relative costs. The problem is the information is submitted in such a way that even without the names it is very easy to determine who the patient was. Guess what, this information is then given to the insurance companies and they "mine" this information to search for preexisting conditions down the road. I am self-pay because I'm uninsurable because of a prior condition (a discovered birth defect). I categorically reject any doctor's or health care institution's request to share my health information with anyone including the government. Patients need to take control of their own health records. My health is my personal business. Just wait until your records get mixed up with another person and watch how many are injured by what most are calling an advance in medicine. This is a disaster to come.
exploited
I have no doubt our health records will be exploited and used against us.
Already are
They already are. They're disclosed when one applies for life/health insurance, then disclosed from one insurance company to another, and then used for whatever purpose they desire. And there's virtually no regulation, since we sign waivers on disclosure so that they may be used to "pay the bills."
Only way around this is to totally give the individual control over his/her own records. period! no ifs ands or buts
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
First, they must be very secure.
Second, if completed correctly, they are wonderful. It drives down many medicine errors, duplicate lab and other tests etc.. Medical and Nursing Informatics are great new fields to consider.
The Veterans Administration has used VISTA for years. No matter where you go in the system, your medical caregivers with proper clearance can review your records so your care is coordinated and purposeful.
Locally, Sentara is on the forefront with eCare. For Bon Secours, Connect Care is just around the corner.
The system is tough for healthcare workers at first, especially those that are not too computer savvy. But, with time, most find the EHR (EMR -in hospital is called Electronic Medical Record)...very useful in care.
Thanks Gov...for promoting this....
Electronic Records=Jobs
Electronic records are a plus to the healthcare community, but also opens up the door for other attacks on our protected health info. On the another note, it will brings jobs to many.. eventhough may be temporary, but will provide employment to those who are willing to transfer these medical records to an electronic database. I will be the first in line!