U.S. residents fear lack of EMR confidentiality

Isn't it possible that people are more concerned with their quality of care than the confidentiality of their healthcare information? If 55% think it's very or extremely important for their providers to use electronic medical records, presumably in spite of the fact that they aren't confident that the confidentiality of these records will be maintained, then maybe a degree of the concern expressed about privacy is driven by interests outside those of patients. Of course confidentiality is important, and we need to find ways for patients to take a greater role in managing access to their medical records, but it seems that privacy is sometimes an excuse for stalling progress.

Agreed. It is also a case of risk vs. reward. Consumer require a more tangible benefit for EHRs/HIE before embracing them completely (think of the ease and convenience of online shopping and the first time you entered your personal information and credit card online). For this reason, e-Prescribing, and the ease and convenience of having your doctor electronically sending in his script and medications ready for patient pick-up upon arrival at the pharmacy may prove the greatest boon yet for advancing the broader adoption of EMRs and HIE.

It's not private now! I believe the average patient thinks, 'so who cares if someone knows my blood pressure.' I don't think they have a clue as to the information contained in their health record, like date of birth, social security number, employer, and phone numbers of your relatives and if you pay your bill on time. The informaton is already out there, esp if you have Medicare Advantage. The charts are audited by coders, not only in the US but India and elsewhere. I know, I worked for them, and I had the freedom to go all over inside the provider EMRs. I don't think we can stop info from becoming public once it's in a computer.

FYI there's an important discussion going on about these issues that ends
TONIGHT:
www.thenationaldialogue.org

It's called the National Dialogue on Health IT & Privacy. On the site, you
can contribute ideas, and read and rate others' ideas. Watch in real time as
the best ideas "rise to the top."

** The results of this online dialogue are being compiled into a report to
the Federal CIO Council, Office of Management and Budget, and the incoming
Administration by the National Academy of Public Administrators. **

Please come join us! Make sure your voice gets heard, and included in the
report, which will help shape America's Health IT policy.

Maggie, The National Dialogue