With the widespread availability of information through the Internet, despite the convenience it provides, there is also much to be concerned about with security and privacy issues, especially in the health care industry.

As electronic health information systems move closer to becoming a reality, there is an increasing need for patients to maintain a healthy awareness of the risks and play an active role in monitoring their health information.

In the interest of raising awareness among the public about the importance of personal health information privacy and security, the American Health Information Management Association is sponsoring Health Information Privacy and Security Week, which began Sunday.

The idea of a shared database for health information is not that far off, said Kara Jo Carson, chief financial officer of Pinckneyville Community Hospital.

"The futuristic vision of all this is that there will be a central repository for your health records to be on," she said. "Whether you see a specialist in Illinois or one in the St. Louis area; for all those providers to be able to access your electronic health records."

Often patients do not have all the information a doctor needs, which would be the major benefit of the database.

"It's just to make sure that providers have all the information there to make an informed decision about their health care," Carson said.

"If you're seeing one or two physicians, that's not the problem. It's when you're seeing multiple physicians. That's where this information comes in handy."

Though these types of developments are intended to be beneficial, in the interest of privacy, the American Health Information Management Association has several recommendations for health care consumers.

First, it's important to understand your information rights. You have the right to view and receive copies of your medical information; request amendments or corrections of information you believe to be incorrect; know who has reviewed or received copies of your medical information; and the right to complain about medical privacy practices or breaches of privacy.

Make sure to read the Notice of Privacy Practices that your health care provider and health plan are required to provide to you at the time of service or upon request. Understand your rights, what types of information are maintained, and how each entity uses or handles it.

Also, be aware that not all organizations or entities that collect and maintain your health information are covered by federal or state privacy laws.

Obtain and maintain copies of your medical records and information so you can use the information to monitor your care and spot any errors in the information.

Something that is very important is establishing a personal health record to monitor the accuracy of your health information. A "PHR" is an excellent way to monitor your health status or that of family members in your care.

It can be as simple as a file folder with copies of your health records. Electronic PHRs may be more efficient than paper, especially once more physicians move to electronic health records, but the important thing is to have a single source of health information.

Copies of your health records can be easily obtained by contacting your doctors' offices or the health information management or medical records staff at each facility where you receive treatment. Some providers have their own plan for helping patients to create PHRs.

Ask for an "authorization for the release of information" form. Complete the form and return it to the facility as directed. Your health care provider is allowed to charge a reasonable fee for copies of your health records. It can take up to 60 days to receive your medical records, so ask when you can expect to receive the information you requested.

"Do it at your own pace, as you go to for your next physical, or office visit," said Carson.

brent.stewart@thesouthern.com

351-5074