In The News: Access to electronic records rises dramatically

NEWSWIRE: September 14, 2016

DATELINE: United States of America

The number of U.S. hospitals that enable patients to electronically download, view, and transmit their health information grew nearly seven times between 2013 and 2015, according to data gathered by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT.  

A new ONC data brief shows that last year:

• 95 percent of the nation’s hospitals provided patients with the ability to electronically view health information
• 87 percent provided the ability to download their health information to individuals
• 71 percent offered patients the ability to transmit their health information
• 69 percent of hospitals provided individuals with the ability to download, view, and transmit their health information

In 2013, no states had 40 percent or more of their hospitals with all three capabilities.  By 2015, all states had 40 percent or more of their hospitals with download, view and transmit capabilities.  

Vaishali Patel, a senior ONC advisor, says that last year, 77 percent of hospitals enabled patients to request an amendment to their health data, while 74 percent offered patients the ability to electronically pay their bills.  In addition, 63 percent of hospitals enabled patients to receive or send messages electronically.

She also says that almost 90 percent of hospitals provide at least four patient engagement functionalities as of 2015.   

Read the full article here.