ABSTRACT
Ensuring that our society continues to protect both patient privacy and individual rights in the pursuit of the computer-based patient record requires that we also recognize the potential threats of the emerging systems and technology. Simultaneous parallel trends and advances in high technology could jeopardize underlying democratic principles if they converge without adequate protections in place.
Subject(s)
Computer Communication Networks/standards , Computer Security/standards , Medical Records Systems, Computerized/standards , Privacy , Computer Communication Networks/legislation & jurisprudence , Computer Security/legislation & jurisprudence , Computer Systems/trends , Confidentiality , Diffusion of Innovation , Liability, Legal , Medical Records Systems, Computerized/legislation & jurisprudence , United StatesABSTRACT
More efficiently managed programs of health insurance claims processing and remittance with reduced costs and paperwork burdens hold out the potential for increased benefits to subscribers and health insurers alike. The computer/telecommunications systems and databases by which these efficiencies may be realized also hold great promise for improved services in other arenas. Early and candid recognition of the equally great potential for danger and abuse in those systems and the technology can guide the development and implementation of appropriate and necessary safeguards to individual privacy and to a democratic society in concert with system design.
Subject(s)
Civil Rights/legislation & jurisprudence , Computer Security/legislation & jurisprudence , Confidentiality/legislation & jurisprudence , Databases, Factual/standards , Computer Communication Networks/standards , Databases, Factual/legislation & jurisprudence , Guidelines as Topic/standards , Medical Records Systems, Computerized/legislation & jurisprudence , Medical Records Systems, Computerized/standards , United StatesABSTRACT
This survey indicates that, although substantial computerization of MRD functions was found among survey respondents, use of KDE technologies is very limited. Opportunities exist for medical record practitioners to selectively exploit KDE technology where it can speed data entry and improve data accessibility and availability for patient care, billing, and the like while maintaining or improving accuracy. Appropriate incorporation of KDE technologies into medical record processing could thus benefit all participants in patient care--including MRDs, hospitals, patients, payors--a win-win situation found too infrequently in any setting.
