Charley,
you raise many valid arguments against the use on electronic medical records. I get the distinct impression that we are destined to them, and eventually it will all be done that way.
My doctors all input my information during our checkups directly into laptops or pda's. that is then stored in some other computer, someplace else. Like you point out, errors can be made and I believe we are going to have to be vigilant at routinely reviewing our records and making sure they remain up to date and accurate.
A strong argument can be made in favor of electronic records by looking at the destruction done in New Orleans from Katrina. Complete hospitals, clinicis, offices, and other repositories of medical information were wiped out by the wind and water. Paper records were completely lost. I use that worst case scenario as my motivation to maintain a copy of all my test results in my own custody. I don't live in a hurrican prone area, but we have been known to have devastating tornadoes which could do the same.
Experiency of medical service is another reason why electronic records are being justified. Being a heart patient myself, and have a husband who has had open heart as well as stent procedures, if we are in the ER I want our records available immediately.
This is a very hot topic - I'm not sure there will ever be a perfect solution. MY dh and I have joked that perhaps our records should be microchipped and implanted under our skin just like we tag dogs!
Thanks for bringing this one up!
Lulu
If the alleged North Koreans can hack into government computers, could you really consider your digital medical files safe? This is going to be a sticky subject for many. I can probably agree with copies of my MRI's and such things as safe (but I do have a rather boring brain) but I don't think I would want my very personal "women" information and such stored on a computer somewhere.
You have to think....would be it possible for potential employers to ever get ahold of these records or insurance company's? The thought scares me.
Heather
I just looked at what I wrote "Experiency of medical service " .....
I think it was probably supposed to be EXPEDIENCY of medical service .....
There is a whole other thought in my brain, but I believe that anything that anyone really wants to know about me is already accessible - I'm resigned to that. I just keep hoping that some really evil person doesn't want my info or identity.
wish the world were safer,
Lulu