Access to Sensitive Information in Segmented Electronic Health Records

Abstract

Spurred on by Medicare and Medicaid financial incentives, the prospect of increased efficiency,and the expectation of improved outcomes, the rate of adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) by health care providers has accelerated since 2009. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in 2011, 57% of office-based hysicians had adopted some type of EHR system. Many of the EHR systems currently in use lack essential “functionality” and lag Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) “meaningful use” requirements. Nevertheless, EHR adoption has gained momentum, and it is realistic to contemplate the implementation of a nationwide system of interoperable, comprehensive, and longitudinal EHRs.

Keywords: Privacy, Electronic Health Records, Americans with Disabilities Act, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, Health Information Technology

JEL Classification: K31, K32