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With the announcement of Google Health on February 21, 2008, the popular Website joins the revolution in personal medical records management. The Site promises to provide a central repository for U.S. patients' records from doctors, hospitals, laboratories and pharmacies, in order for healthcare professionals to share the sensitive medical data and for patients to gain control of their own records.

"Having access to all of a patient's medical records in one place would make diagnosis and treatment more efficient and effective, especially in cases where the patient forgets what medications he or she is taking, or is unable to communicate with medical staff," states Maria Lopez, triage nurse at Sunrise Hospital.

Pharmacists and medical office secretaries agree. They further believe that Google Health will make it easier for patients to refill their prescriptions, schedule appointments and keep abreast of drug and health-related issues. The service will also make it easier for patients to obtain their medical records whenever they change doctors or health insurance plans, or move to a new area.

"Unfortunately, most medical professionals are not yet using computerized records management systems," observes Teresa Wong, the receptionist in a small, private-practice doctor's office. Indeed, only about 14% of American medical practices currently keep their records electronically. Therefore, in order for Google Health to accomplish is goal to improve the national healthcare system, more doctors and medical groups need to convert their paper records to a computerized system.

Despite privacy and security concerns, 75% of consumers want their medical professionals to provide online access to an integrated medical record system and would use the system. One out of four consumers would be willing to pay for this service, according to a survey by the Deloitte Institute for Health Solutions.

Although Google is currently testing the system in a pilot project with the nonprofit Cleveland Clinic, Marissa Mayer, the Google executive in charge of the project, expects the password-protected, ad-free Google Health service to be available to the public in a few months. Such companies as Wal-Mart, Walgreen's, Quest Diagnostics and Aetna Insurance have already agreed to participate in the program.

Learn more about this author, D. F. Mackwood.
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