Frequently Asked Questions from Patients

1. What is an electronic health record (EHR)? It is a person’s health information kept on a computer. All information that is on a person’s paper chart is moved to a computer and saved as an electronic file. The file usually has a person’s:
   
   
   • Name, Address, Phone #
   • Height / Weight
   • Blood Type
   • Past Medical Treatments
   • Health Problems
   • Medicine
   • Lab Results
     
     
2. Are electronic health records secure? Yes. Like paper records, doctors’ offices that use EHRs must obey national privacy laws, such as the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). They must also follow other state and federal laws. All EHR systems are made with patient privacy and security in mind. Unlike paper records, EHRs are developed so that only authorized people can see them. There is also a record of who reviewed each file.
   
   EHR systems have functions in place to block hackers and people who may try to see private information without permission.
   
   
3. What is Health Information Exchange (HIE)? The Health Information Exchange is a network that allows doctors’ offices across the country to see a person’s health information. This way, doctors, hospitals, clinics, insurers and pharmacies are able to get the information they need at the time and place they need it.
   
   
4. How secure is the HIE? Up-to-date systems will be used to make sure records are kept as secure as possible and prevent those without permission from seeing them. All systems must meet HIPPA security requirements. Strict state laws and regulations will also apply.
   
   
5. How will EHR/HIE be useful in an emergency? If a person needs emergency care and is far from home, unable to talk or remember vital health information, a doctor can find out the needed information and care for the person in a hurry. It also helps to avoid tests that are not needed, medical errors and extra costs.
   
   
6. How would EHR/HIE be useful in a disaster? During a disaster like a flood, hurricane, or fire, paper records can be lost or ruined. Electronic health records can be saved safely and kept in several locations, if needed.
   
   
7. Why would EHR/HIE lead to fewer duplicated medical tests and a more efficient system? When a doctor has all of a person’s information right in front of them, repeated tests don’t need to happen, unless there is a reason. This way the doctor can begin to care for the person more quickly and with less room for errors.
   
   
8. Aren’t most doctors and other health care providers already using EHR? While most providers have computerized their financial records, many of them are still keeping patient medical records in a paper file. Just because you receive a computerized invoice from your doctor, it does not mean that they have an EHR system.
   
   
9. What is e-Prescribing and how does it relate to EHR/HIE? e-Prescribing is when your doctor enters information about drugs you may need into a computer file. This file is then sent securely to the pharmacy you choose. The pharmacy gets the prescription and can begin filling it. e-Prescribing also lets doctors and pharmacies get information about a person’s eligibility and medication history from drug plans. e-Prescribing is a FREE service to the patient.
   
   
10. How would EHR/HIE improve patient safety? With access to all of the patient’s health information at the time of treatment, a doctor can to make better decisions. Also, EHR/HIE systems can routinely let doctors know when there are problems between drugs. Ultimately, electronic medical records get rid of any “handwriting issues” on paper records and prescriptions.