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| EHR (electronic health records) (Photo credit: Yann Ropars) |
Meaningful Use I has seen a lot of progress toward moving medical professionals to go electronic. In fact, we learned just this week that $4 Billion has been paid out to help mitigate the cost of implementation. However, Meaningful Use II has been pushed off until 2014 primarily because it was agreed that the technology is not there yet. It is interesting that the newest guidelines for MU II address privacy and security. I guess it's better late than never,huh?
But, as you read the above cited article, you'll see where 'patients' are still regarded as third parties, even when it's their own, personal health information! We're still being placed in a passive, submissive role as patients, as opposed to engaged, active health consumers.
There should also be concern about the accessibility of one's current and correct information in the event of an emergency situation.
What are your thoughts on how you want your personal health history managed? What do you think is a solution? Who should be in control? What do you think about everyone having his/her own unique universal identifier, e.g. Social Security number to enable speedier "service" and cut down on errors?
