Information Blocking – A Major Concern for Healthcare Providers
Many healthcare providers are struggling to provide quality care for their patients due to information blocking. The act of information blocking, where electronic health record (EHR) systems do not share patient information with other providers, is jeopardizing patient care and putting lives at risk. This article delves deeper into information blocking and why it has become a major concern in the healthcare industry.
What is Information Blocking?
Information blocking is the act of intentionally interfering with the exchange of electronic health information. It can take many forms, from technical to legal and financial. Health IT developers, health information exchanges, healthcare providers, and health systems can all contribute to information blocking.
Why is Information Blocking a Problem?
The healthcare industry relies heavily on patient data to provide quality care. When patient data is not shared between providers, it can result in misdiagnosis, delayed care, and even death. This is especially true for patients with chronic conditions who see multiple providers across different healthcare organizations.
For example, a patient with diabetes may see an endocrinologist, primary care physician, and a podiatrist. Each provider needs access to the patient’s full medical history and current medications to provide effective care. If this information is not shared due to information blocking, it can result in a missed diagnosis or incorrect treatment.
Why does Information Blocking Occur?
Information blocking occurs for many reasons. For some providers, it may be a financial incentive to keep patients within their organization. For others, it may be a technical challenge in sharing data between different EHR systems. In some cases, providers may not even be aware that they are blocking information.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has outlined seven exceptions where information blocking is allowed. These include situations where the requested information is not available, not shareable due to technical limitations, or where sharing would result in patient harm. However, some providers may misuse these exceptions to justify information blocking.
The Consequences of Information Blocking
Information blocking can have severe consequences for patient care. Patients may receive an incorrect diagnosis or delayed treatment, leading to prolonged suffering or even death. Providers may also face legal and financial consequences if they are found to be intentionally blocking information.
How can Information Blocking be Addressed?
The ONC has proposed regulations to address information blocking. The regulations include prohibiting healthcare providers from engaging in information blocking practices, making EHRs more interoperable, and providing patients with access to their health information through applications they choose.
Providers can also address information blocking by promoting a culture of transparency and communication. They can ensure that all providers have access to patient information and work to remove any technical barriers to information sharing.
Conclusion
Information blocking is a major concern for healthcare providers and patients alike. It impedes the exchange of patient data between providers, jeopardizing patient care and increasing the risk of incorrect diagnoses and delayed treatment. Providers must work together to promote transparency and communication and support the ONC’s proposed regulations to address information blocking. Only by collaborating and sharing information can healthcare providers provide the best possible care for their patients.
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