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Re-introducing Health Information
As more people across the world have access to medical care, we face the challenge of ensuring that their information will be available to them whenever they need it.
The United States has a long history of providing healthcare information. The health information industry dates back to 1928 when the American College of Surgeons promoted improved health record standards. Thanks to its many benefits, the recent implementation of electronic health records continues to make news.
As more people worldwide access medical care, we face the challenge of ensuring their information is available when needed. Healthcare professionals should not struggle to access patient information, as there are technologies used daily that provide data to evaluate, monitor and manage patients.
However, our health records are fragmented, with each doctor visit, test or prescription compiled in separate systems with no connection. It's difficult for healthcare professionals to view a complete health history and determine the best treatment when information is fragmented across different systems.
Health information encompasses complete medical records, medications, conditions, outcomes, doctor visit notes, emergency room stays, procedures, and more. Accurate medical information is crucial, so health information professionals need tools to keep records error-free, private and confidential.
There is tremendous desire to modernize healthcare, as the current system suffers from outdated technology, rising costs, and increased fraud and safety issues with patient information. However, technology alone will not meet future needs. A core value of health information professionals is harnessing data power to improve outcomes.
Health information professionals help create and maintain the health stories comprising our lives. They provide solutions to complex health information management problems for patients and professionals throughout the care continuum.
We believe health information is human information. Health information professionals have a responsibility to steward data produced by the healthcare system. All people should have access to their health information anywhere.