Information Blocking: FAQs to Help you Understand
In today’s digital age, access to health information has become relatively easy, thanks to the proliferation of electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchanges (HIEs). These advances have resulted in improved healthcare outcomes through the quick and efficient sharing of patient data. Unfortunately, in some cases, health information is deliberately obstructed from being shared, which is known as information blocking.
Information blocking is a significant challenge in the healthcare industry, as it impedes progress in health IT and hinders interoperability between different systems. In this article, we will explore frequently asked questions about information blocking to help you understand this problem better.
What is information blocking?
Information blocking occurs when a person or the organization prevents or interferes with the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information. Some common methods of information blocking include charging unreasonable fees for interoperability, creating information blocking policies or procedures, and prohibiting the sharing of EHR data.
What are the impacts of information blocking?
Information blocking has numerous negative consequences, including interfering with patient care, hindering research and discovery of new treatments, reducing patient engagement, and limiting competition in the healthcare marketplace. Additionally, this issue increases healthcare costs because it requires healthcare providers to repeat tests and treatments because of the lack of access to patient data.
What are the different types of information blockers?
There are various types of blockers that can prevent access to health information. These can include technology-related barriers such as incompatible software or network infrastructure, organizational hurdles such as lack of policies and procedures, financial barriers such as high fees, and legal barriers such as non-disclosure agreements.
How can we avoid information blocking?
There are several ways to prevent information blocking. First, healthcare providers should develop and implement better policies and procedures to ensure that information is not unlawfully obstructed. Second, the industry needs to invest more resources to improve the interoperability of EHR systems and networks. Finally, the federal government has introduced new regulations to curb information blocking and increase data sharing.
What are the regulations against information blocking?
To combat the problem of information blocking, the federal government has introduced new regulations known as the “Information Blocking Rule.” This rule prohibits health IT developers, healthcare providers, and health information exchanges from obstructing access to health information purposely. Under this rule, offenders can face significant financial and legal consequences.
Conclusion
Information blocking is an incredibly complex and difficult issue that hinders progress in healthcare. However, by understanding its causes, consequences, and solutions, we can collectively work towards a future where health data is freely accessible and shared between healthcare providers and patients. It is essential for both healthcare providers and patients to be informed about the potential issues caused by information blocking, and to work together to improve medical care outcomes.
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