Visit the Microscopic Colitis Foundation Website
A good move for patient empowerment, more complete disclosure by docs, and ease of health record portability.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. medical patients would be able to get their laboratory test results directly from the labs rather than wait for a copy from their doctors under a new rule proposed by federal health officials.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Monday proposed new rules giving patients more rights to access their health information.
Speaking at a meeting on consumer health information technology, Sebelius recounted her own frustrations with a lack of communication between doctors that led to extra testing or having to refile the same forms over and over again.
The proposed rule would amend the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) to require that labs covered by HIPAA provide test results to patients or their personal representatives in a secure manner.
U.S. health regulators have been promoting innovation in health IT, and especially health information access and exchange, in a broader effort by President Barack Obama's administration to update the U.S. medical records system.
In May, HHS proposed another rule allowing patients to see a list of everyone who has accessed their electronic medical records.
The HHS is accepting comments on the proposed rule for 60 days. To read the proposal, see http://www.ofr.gov/(X(1)S(cp53mc3sjd3cbdfu4r32fhcj))/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-23525_PI.pdf
(Reporting by Alina Selyukh; editing by John Wallace)
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US proposes direct patient access to lab tests
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
It's about time. Under the current rules, doctors, insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, government agencies, attorneys, (which means that just about anyone, down to and including the guy who mows your lawn), can access those records - everyone but the patient, that is. Of course, as is the case with all such regulations - they're for the protection of the patient. 
Yeah, sure.
Tex
Yeah, sure. Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
This is something that I would have to think about further!!
Personally, I have never been told that I can’t have my lab reports. And as a matter of fact, since we happen to live something of a nomadic life style, I carry them all along with me, -- always. I do wish there was a way to put it all on a computer chip which could be universally accessed. I think this will become available too.
We do get these labs as soon as they come available. Don’t know why we here would be an exception, -- might have something to do with the fact that Docs, Clinic, Lab, Hospital are all connected, and if patient desires, can set up internet portal to access everything their little heart desires. This is something that is plainly possible, but the investment in the technology to do such a thing just may not have been made everywhere at the current time.
Why do we really NEED more laws to do what is already available and possible. To me it seems the problem is with some folks who just don’t know how, nor do they really wish to exert any effort on their own behalf, to get such information.
I am as skeptical of this as I have always been about the privacy laws (which have nothing to do with the patient’s privacy, and everything to do with giving insurance etc. access to all your information (to use as they please!).) And they continue to kid a lot of people with the intention of that frequently signed document.
IMHO --- this is more un-necessary Bureaucratic Balder-dash!
Gayle
Personally, I have never been told that I can’t have my lab reports. And as a matter of fact, since we happen to live something of a nomadic life style, I carry them all along with me, -- always. I do wish there was a way to put it all on a computer chip which could be universally accessed. I think this will become available too.
We do get these labs as soon as they come available. Don’t know why we here would be an exception, -- might have something to do with the fact that Docs, Clinic, Lab, Hospital are all connected, and if patient desires, can set up internet portal to access everything their little heart desires. This is something that is plainly possible, but the investment in the technology to do such a thing just may not have been made everywhere at the current time.
Why do we really NEED more laws to do what is already available and possible. To me it seems the problem is with some folks who just don’t know how, nor do they really wish to exert any effort on their own behalf, to get such information.
I am as skeptical of this as I have always been about the privacy laws (which have nothing to do with the patient’s privacy, and everything to do with giving insurance etc. access to all your information (to use as they please!).) And they continue to kid a lot of people with the intention of that frequently signed document.
IMHO --- this is more un-necessary Bureaucratic Balder-dash!
Gayle
Gayle,
Those reports are usually available free of charge, for the asking, from one's doctor. For simple tests, the results are available to the doctor who ordered the tests, ASAP. More extensive reports, however, are an entirely different matter. Around here, during the last few years, hospitals have begun charging for those reports. 5 years ago, they were free, to the patient, and to his or her doctor - anyone else had to pay. They are apparently still free to the doctor, only, except that they are typically not available in a timely manner. They are no longer free to the patient, unless the patient gets them from his or her doctor, (and there may not be any laws to prevent the doctor from charging for that information, if they want, for all I know).
Soon after I had my surgery, a year and a half ago, I requested a bunch of reports from the hospital, on the procedures, lab test results, drugs administered, etc., because my platelet count suddenly decided to head for the moon, (which is a life-threatening issue for anyone who is a stroke risk to begin with), so I needed to see what those reports had shown, and what kind of drugs I had been given, while I was in the hospital. They demanded over $325 for those reports, and said it would take at least a couple of weeks to come up with them. I couldn't wait that long, so I settled for a few blood test results, and headed back to my doctor. My doctor couldn't access them, himself, because regulations allow the hospitals at least a couple of months to deliver them, and my doc's nurse said that it usually takes a month or so for them to receive such reports. So I had to pick them up at the records department of the hospital, and hand deliver them to my doctor, before we could decide on a plan of action. Fortunately, I was ambulatory. The system sucks, IMO. YMMV.
It's my information, and I should be able to access it anytime I want, for free. They billed over $92,000 for that hospital stay, and they still wanted an additional $325 for copies of the reports. Talk about greedy. The insurance companies, and anyone else who want's it, is going to get the information through their lawyers, so just who is our information being protected from? Apparently, from us, in many cases. Ad agencies may have a tougher time getting it, but as long as I have a trash can, I'm not overly concerned about that risk.
I agree with you that the privacy laws are a joke. There is no privacy today. Not on the internet, and not in the real world. Big Brother is always looking over our shoulder. Why limit our access to our own information? The horses have all charged out of the corral years ago, so it's a bit late to close the gate now.
Tex
Those reports are usually available free of charge, for the asking, from one's doctor. For simple tests, the results are available to the doctor who ordered the tests, ASAP. More extensive reports, however, are an entirely different matter. Around here, during the last few years, hospitals have begun charging for those reports. 5 years ago, they were free, to the patient, and to his or her doctor - anyone else had to pay. They are apparently still free to the doctor, only, except that they are typically not available in a timely manner. They are no longer free to the patient, unless the patient gets them from his or her doctor, (and there may not be any laws to prevent the doctor from charging for that information, if they want, for all I know).
Soon after I had my surgery, a year and a half ago, I requested a bunch of reports from the hospital, on the procedures, lab test results, drugs administered, etc., because my platelet count suddenly decided to head for the moon, (which is a life-threatening issue for anyone who is a stroke risk to begin with), so I needed to see what those reports had shown, and what kind of drugs I had been given, while I was in the hospital. They demanded over $325 for those reports, and said it would take at least a couple of weeks to come up with them.
I couldn't wait that long, so I settled for a few blood test results, and headed back to my doctor. My doctor couldn't access them, himself, because regulations allow the hospitals at least a couple of months to deliver them, and my doc's nurse said that it usually takes a month or so for them to receive such reports. So I had to pick them up at the records department of the hospital, and hand deliver them to my doctor, before we could decide on a plan of action. Fortunately, I was ambulatory. The system sucks, IMO. YMMV.It's my information, and I should be able to access it anytime I want, for free. They billed over $92,000 for that hospital stay, and they still wanted an additional $325 for copies of the reports.
Talk about greedy. The insurance companies, and anyone else who want's it, is going to get the information through their lawyers, so just who is our information being protected from? Apparently, from us, in many cases. Ad agencies may have a tougher time getting it, but as long as I have a trash can, I'm not overly concerned about that risk.I agree with you that the privacy laws are a joke. There is no privacy today. Not on the internet, and not in the real world. Big Brother is always looking over our shoulder. Why limit our access to our own information? The horses have all charged out of the corral years ago, so it's a bit late to close the gate now.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I think the original idea was to protect patients from their lab results, since they would not be able to interpret them... You know, since we're knuckleheads? The power of the Internet is very threatening here - and legitimately, anyone can Google anything, and conclude they need a drug or procedure that's totally wrong. But - how can it hurt for someone to know their test results, and then have a further conversation?
I totally agree about the privacy issues, but since *I* pay for any portion of lab tests my insurance does not cover - *and I pay for the insurance* - the idea I should not have access to them on request seems super-wrong. $325 for copies? That's some kinda nerve.
I got a frantic call from my doctor's office a couple of years ago, "Dr. K needs to see you." I asked why - and of course, the person phoning had no idea (and seemed offended that I asked). My doc was w/in earshot and got on the phone. She had received my mammogram results, which indicated I needed a followup ultrasound... which I had already had, because I received the same mammo result, in the mail. She just hadn't gotten around to it yet - but I had already received the "all clear" from the ultrasound results. In fact, so had my doctor - she just hadn't gotten around to reading that yet, either.
So there's one unnecessary co-pay they didn't collect, for a visit I didn't need. I already knew that no one had my best interest at heart *more than I do* - but thanks for making that super-clear, medical bureaucracy!
Prior to MC - when this could really go through the roof - I have had dozens of repeat/unnecessary tests, because some doctor ordered them without glancing at the medical records I dutifully provided, from some other doctor. Staggering, stupid waste - which I could have prevented, if there had been better communication. Or, heck, they could have prevented it, by paying attention.
Gonna stop now, before I whip myself up too much to sleep ;)
L,
S
I totally agree about the privacy issues, but since *I* pay for any portion of lab tests my insurance does not cover - *and I pay for the insurance* - the idea I should not have access to them on request seems super-wrong. $325 for copies? That's some kinda nerve.
I got a frantic call from my doctor's office a couple of years ago, "Dr. K needs to see you." I asked why - and of course, the person phoning had no idea (and seemed offended that I asked). My doc was w/in earshot and got on the phone. She had received my mammogram results, which indicated I needed a followup ultrasound... which I had already had, because I received the same mammo result, in the mail. She just hadn't gotten around to it yet - but I had already received the "all clear" from the ultrasound results. In fact, so had my doctor - she just hadn't gotten around to reading that yet, either.
So there's one unnecessary co-pay they didn't collect, for a visit I didn't need. I already knew that no one had my best interest at heart *more than I do* - but thanks for making that super-clear, medical bureaucracy!
Prior to MC - when this could really go through the roof - I have had dozens of repeat/unnecessary tests, because some doctor ordered them without glancing at the medical records I dutifully provided, from some other doctor. Staggering, stupid waste - which I could have prevented, if there had been better communication. Or, heck, they could have prevented it, by paying attention.
Gonna stop now, before I whip myself up too much to sleep ;)
L,
S
-
MBombardier
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1523
- Joined: Thu Oct 14, 2010 10:44 am
- Location: Vancouver, WA
FWIW, I have access to all my medical records going back several years online. When the MD releases my lab results (which he's been known to do at 8:30pm on a Saturday) I get an e-mail.
It's good to know what the diagnoses of my health issues are, but annoying that every single one is wrong.
It's good to know what the diagnoses of my health issues are, but annoying that every single one is wrong.
Marliss Bombardier
Dum spiro, spero -- While I breathe, I hope
Psoriasis - the dark ages
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Dec 2001
Collagenous Colitis - Sept 2010
Granuloma Annulare - June 2011
Dum spiro, spero -- While I breathe, I hope
Psoriasis - the dark ages
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Dec 2001
Collagenous Colitis - Sept 2010
Granuloma Annulare - June 2011
Sara wrote:but thanks for making that super-clear, medical bureaucracy!
You sound a bit like Jimmy Fallon there, when he's doing his "Thank You Notes" routine. Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex said:
I would agree, that system sucks!!! What is being described here is a totally dysfunctional system. (They surely do exist) The immediate picture that came to mind reading this recounting of events, was that of the traveler who was going to N.Y., and the counter agent who sent his bags
to L.A. (Exact locations might not be right here, but I bet everyone recalls that commercial.) No law passed in the US congress is going to have much affect on what is going on there at this particular ground zero. There ARE some real obstacles in your system! Some things in Texas are no different, not worse(?), and it surely appears -- no better(?), than anywhere else.
But a Doc is still a Doc, no matter where he/she rests their boots on their desk. If the Doc in this instance REALLY wanted/needed this report be made available to him/her, he/she would have gone ROMPING and STOMPING to the highest level of the hospital/lab facilities. And if for some strange reason, the lab wasn’t equipped to do a particular test, a Doc could/would have pursued further -- to the bloody end. (I never knew a Doc that wasn’t quite capable of this if their hackles were up.)
The system which we use here has become totally tech. integrated, as of about 18 months ago. And I was niggling them about when this might become reality for a couple years prior because of other experiences elsewhere -- where some of these systems were probably basically pioneered. Possibly (???) I am just fortunate enough to know the “early adopters”. Some area’s are better equipped than others to venture forward with the coming, and now available, tech approaches for patent access to information. But it’s coming soon to a place near you.
But will this be accomplished by passing yet another law (which I think was the original question here) ---- still, … I DOUBT IT VERY MUCH!
Thank you VM,
Gayle
They demanded over $325 for those reports, and said it would take at least a couple of weeks to come up with them. I couldn't wait that long, so I settled for a few blood test results, and headed back to my doctor. My doctor couldn't access them, himself, because regulations allow the hospitals at least a couple of months to deliver them, and my doc's nurse said that it usually takes a month or so for them to receive such reports. So I had to pick them up at the records department of the hospital, and hand deliver them to my doctor, before we could decide on a plan of action. Fortunately, I was ambulatory. The system sucks, IMO. YMMV.
I would agree, that system sucks!!! What is being described here is a totally dysfunctional system. (They surely do exist) The immediate picture that came to mind reading this recounting of events, was that of the traveler who was going to N.Y., and the counter agent who sent his bags
to L.A. (Exact locations might not be right here, but I bet everyone recalls that commercial.) No law passed in the US congress is going to have much affect on what is going on there at this particular ground zero. There ARE some real obstacles in your system! Some things in Texas are no different, not worse(?), and it surely appears -- no better(?), than anywhere else. But a Doc is still a Doc, no matter where he/she rests their boots on their desk. If the Doc in this instance REALLY wanted/needed this report be made available to him/her, he/she would have gone ROMPING and STOMPING to the highest level of the hospital/lab facilities. And if for some strange reason, the lab wasn’t equipped to do a particular test, a Doc could/would have pursued further -- to the bloody end. (I never knew a Doc that wasn’t quite capable of this if their hackles were up.)
The system which we use here has become totally tech. integrated, as of about 18 months ago. And I was niggling them about when this might become reality for a couple years prior because of other experiences elsewhere -- where some of these systems were probably basically pioneered. Possibly (???) I am just fortunate enough to know the “early adopters”. Some area’s are better equipped than others to venture forward with the coming, and now available, tech approaches for patent access to information. But it’s coming soon to a place near you.
But will this be accomplished by passing yet another law (which I think was the original question here) ---- still, … I DOUBT IT VERY MUCH!
Thank you VM,
Gayle