Breaking Down the Barriers: How Information Blocking Hinders Patient Care

Breaking Down the Barriers: How Information Blocking Hinders Patient Care

As we read headlines after headlines about information blocking, we might have assumed that it’s a practice within healthcare that none of us would want to do. However, the alarming news is that it’s a common and enduring problem that is hindering patient care today.

What is information blocking? According to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), it’s ‘when an individual or entity knowingly and unreasonably interferes with the exchange or use of electronic health information.’ In other words, it’s an intentional block on sharing patient data by healthcare providers, hospitals, EHR vendors, or other entities.

Information blocking takes different forms: from the EHR vendors charging hefty fees to enable interoperability and data sharing, to healthcare providers refusing to share patient’s data because of fear of losing control. In most cases, information blocking leads to significant harm on patients, increased healthcare expenses, and inefficiencies in the healthcare system.

Undoubtedly, the idea of sharing patient’s data with other providers or healthcare participants is still a sensitive topic, which often causes mistrust and insecurity among healthcare providers. However, we must understand the consequences of information blocking, especially when it comes to patient care.

Impacts of Information Blocking on Patient Care

Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment

One of the most significant impacts of information blocking is delayed diagnosis and treatment. When healthcare providers can’t access patient’s records in real-time, they may end up making judgments based on limited or outdated information, which can lead to wrong diagnoses or delayed treatments. For instance, in emergency situations, seconds matter, and the inability to access vital health information promptly can mean the difference between life and death.

Revenue Loss

Though information blocking may seem like an excellent way of retaining patients for healthcare providers, it often leads to revenue loss. For example, when healthcare providers deny patients access to their records, the patients may opt to seek other healthcare providers who can provide the necessary care. This results in loss of revenue for the healthcare providers, which can be detrimental to their practice.

Increased Healthcare Expenses

Information blocking also leads to significant expenses in the healthcare system. For instance, patients may end up undergoing repeated tests and procedures because the healthcare providers lack access to their previous test results. This not only leads to higher healthcare expenses but could also lead to medical errors, which can result in devastating effects.

Lack of Research and Innovation

The lack of data sharing often stifles research and innovation in the healthcare industry. Researchers are not able to access the data they need to come up with new and innovative treatment plans that could help patients with chronic conditions. Ultimately, this leads to a slower pace of technological or clinical innovation, which could have far-reaching effects on the health of our population.

Conclusion

Information blocking ought to be considered a significant hindrance to patient care. Increased reliance on healthcare data and the exchange of patient data will be paramount to address the ongoing health disparities and successes faced by the healthcare industry. As such, healthcare providers, EHR vendors, and all other entities must prioritize patients’ interests by enabling seamless information exchange, which would lead to better health outcomes for all.