A survey released this week by the nonprofit Markle Foundation finds patients enthusiastic about being able to access their health information online. A vast majority say they would use this information to prevent unnecessary care and take better care of themselves.
More than 95 percent of respondents in the survey of 1,000 Americans said that doctors and individuals should have access to all of an individual’s medical records. Two-thirds wanted to have access to their own records electronically.
More than 80 percent of respondents said that they would like to check for errors in their medical records and be able to review test results online. Nearly 70 percent said that having information available online would give them more control over their own health care.
But 80 percent of those surveyed said that they were very concerned about identity theft and fraud and that their information could be used without their permission. About 75 percent said they felt that the government should help establish privacy and confidentiality standards for electronic health information.
Carol Diamond, M.D., managing director of the Markle Foundation Health Program, said “people not only want to see their medical records, they want to use the information to communicate with their doctors and be more involved in managing their care.”
Read the full story on eWEEK.com: Survey: Patients Want Online Health Records
