Web Tool Lets Medicare, VA Patients Access Medical Records

“I personally view privacy as a balance between benefit and risk. We could put your records in an encrypted format or in a safety deposit box that no one could get to. It would be highly secure and I would bet it would never be released inappropriately,” he said. “But it's never available to actually help make sure you get good care. And missing data can cause a lot of morbidity and mortality.”

The Markle Foundation's paper, “The Download Capability,” is available at www.markle.org/downloadable_assets/20100831_dlcapability.pdf

Patients who can access their records “are more engaged in their care.”

Source ©Crystal Kirk/Fotolia.com