By: Ann Wolff, COM215
It used to be a lengthy process when requesting your own medical
records. A patient would need to
complete a written form, and possibly pay a processing fee. The record would need to be manually copied
by staff. This entire process could take
up to six weeks at times. Let’s look at
how the internet has affected access to medical records for both the patients
and their health care providers.
Patient advocacy and the development of the internet has expanded our
access to medical records as well as made it faster. Today a patient can log in to their record,
review lab work, schedule appointments, renew prescriptions, print needed
documentation, and interact electronically with their provider. This is becoming commonplace in today’s
world.
But what about some of the newest ways to electronically interact? Many providers are developing video
interactions (Johnson, 2009). For example if my child develops a rash, or
oozing from the eye; rather than take them straight to the doctor’s office I
can video chat with advice staff and they can prescribe medication online as
needed. Another unique feature is being
able to keep my basic medical record data on a flash drive, this is provided by
many insurance/healthcare providers.
That way when I travel far and wide, medical professionals can provide
comprehensive care by accessing my flash drive.
Smart phone apps are being developed to allow a person to make
appointments, renew medications, and view data on the go. As I am hiking up the steps of the Eiffel
tower and become short of breath, I may stop to take a break, during that short
break I could schedule a physical with my doctor to take place when I get back
home.
A parent can have access to their child’s medical records up to a
certain age. An adult daughter/sibling
who is an authorized representative can have access to their elderly parent’s
medical records as well ("Your
medical records", n.d.). The
elderly can now use applications that show them the medications they are
supposed to take, and the time, also with pictures of the pill to help them
keep it straight.
What are some of the limitations to access? You may not always be able to see notes
written by the provider in a chart, particularly a mental health provider ("Your medical records",
n.d.). When it comes to children a
parent usually has full access in California until the age of 12. After that a parent may have limited access
to lab results, prescriptions, and certain medical office visits ("Stay on top of their health;
new online features for parents", n.d.)
Interaction with our healthcare is changing on a rapid basis, as
technology develops, and our human brains have “lightbulb” moments about how to
use the new technology; at this point the sky is the limit. Next month’s blog article on electronic
health records will discuss steps the industry is taking to maintain a
patient’s privacy.
References
2 comments:
Online medical records are fantastic. I have had to get them both the old way and the new way, and online is so much easier. One thing is that sometimes, if you need medical records for official reasons, you might still need to order additional copies.
I look forward to my doctors office providing access to these types of technology. While they currently use an all online system, for me to access records, I have to go in and pay to have them printed.
Lindsay
Post a Comment