Taking care of an ailing loved one is often complex. Along with ensuring their needs are met, family caregivers will also need to help with their loved one’s medical treatments and care. Access to medical records is beneficial in this respect, but accessing information is often easier said than done.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) imposes privacy rules that dictate who medical professionals can share personal healthcare information with. Doctors and specialists can share private information with family members, provided that they receive permission from the patient. However, the situation may become complicated if the patient is unwilling or unable to grant permission.
Even if patients do grant permission to have their personal medical records shared with others, caregivers can still encounter quite a few roadblocks. Access to records is often easier said than done, especially for individuals who require care from a lot of different medical professionals. In this case, records may be spread out over many hospitals and clinics.
If your loved one is hesitant to grant you access to their private medical records, sit them down to discuss the importance of sharing medical information. Caregivers can serve as trusted healthcare advocates when they understand the complete picture of their family member’s health.
For instance, a caregiver can ask questions and raise concerns to ensure the ailing patient receives the best care possible. In situations where a person is unable to grant access due to incapacity, having a power of attorney in place imbues the caregiver with the power to access information and make healthcare decisions on the other person’s behalf.
Easy access to records is equally important, and the DrOwl app makes it possible to access essential information right from the convenience of a mobile device. Fully HIPAA-compliant, this telehealth app ensures secure storage of all types of medical information. It also enables patients to share information with whomever they see fit, including caregivers and family members.
Patients can sign up for DrOwl to begin storing and sharing their personal medical information. You can also visit us online to see how this app works and the many benefits it offers.
