What Is the Cures Act?
The Cures Act promotes interoperability, meaning that information can flow freely from one place to another. When it comes to patient health records, interoperability allows patients to easily access information from hospitals and health clinics electronically.
Discouraging information blocking is another essential aspect of the legislation. Information blocking occurs when a person or organization discourages patients from accessing information they’re authorized to view, through interference or prevention. Information blocking can be performed by multiple organizations within the healthcare industry, including medical providers, IT companies, information networks, and information exchanges.
What Impact Does the Cures Act Have on Medical Providers?
In order for
medical providers to be compliant with the Cures Act, they must:
- Provide easy, low-cost access to patient records
- Accept a wide range of healthcare apps used to access information
- Be vigilant about information blocking and take steps to prevent it
- Balance the patient’s right to access their information with their right to privacy
By taking the above steps, hospitals and clinics empower patients to play a greater role in their care. Easy access to records allows people to have the information they need to tailor their lifestyle choices accordingly. They can also share this information with others, including family caregivers.
How Can I Easily Access My Healthcare Records?
With so many methods of accessing medical records available today it can be challenging to find the best app for your needs. Fortunately, the
DrOwl app is user friendly, featuring a personal health portal containing your health history. You you can see your medications, view test results, and review past procedures you’ve undergone.
