Breaking Down Exceptions to Information Blocking: Real-Life Examples from the Healthcare Industry
The healthcare industry has come a long way in recent years, with advanced technologies and innovations constantly emerging. With the benefits of sharing patient information and data, healthcare providers have gained unprecedented access to critical medical records, but this progress has also given rise to the important issue of information blocking.
Information blocking occurs when a party intentionally interferes with the use or exchange of electronic health information, which can harm patients, clinicians, and the healthcare system as a whole. The 21st Century Cures Act, passed in 2016, sets forth exceptions to information blocking, including the prevention of harm to patients.
Here are some real-life examples from the healthcare industry that illustrate information blocking exceptions:
Example 1: Prioritizing Patient Safety
A common concern among healthcare providers is the protection of patient safety. In a case where sharing patient information poses a potential threat to their wellbeing, this information can be withheld to avoid harm. For instance, if a patient has a pre-existing medical condition that increases the risk of a serious drug reaction, their healthcare provider may choose not to share their information with other healthcare providers who prescribe medication, to prevent the risk of harm.
Example 2: Information Blocking for Financial Gain
In some cases, healthcare providers may be motivated by financial gain, leading them to block information that should be shared for more comprehensive care. The 21st Century Cures Act recognizes this problem and establishes definitions for “reasonable and necessary activities that do not constitute information blocking.” One example of this is the sharing of information for reasonable costs, such as the cost of creating and maintaining health records.
Example 3: Interoperability Challenges
Another barrier to sharing patient information is the challenge of interoperability, or the ability of different systems to communicate and exchange data effectively. Some healthcare providers may engage in information blocking due to the challenges related to this issue, such as those associated with transitioning to electronic health records.
Overall, the topic of information blocking is complex, but it’s essential to understand its impact on the healthcare industry and patients’ lives. To comply with the 21st Century Cures Act, healthcare providers must recognize and abide by the exceptions to information blocking while prioritizing patient safety and privacy.
In summary, the exceptions to information blocking are established to ensure patient safety, prevent financial gain, and overcome interoperability challenges. By following these exceptions and actively promoting the free flow of electronic health information, healthcare providers and organizations can improve patient care, reduce costs, and advance overall quality of life.
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