by Nicole Williams

Created on: March 07, 2008

Is there anything that can't be accessed via the internet? If your answer to that question is "medical records", think again. That won't be the case for much longer. At the end of February, Google announced that they will be releasing a medical records service. Google's initial goal is to be able to securely share health information between doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and medical labs.

How It Works

The medical information relating to a patient will be loaded into Google's database by health care entities, such as your doctor. When other entities, such as a hospital wishes to view your medical history, they can access Google's database to obtain the information. This will be a web-based, password protected service that will not be open to the public.

Google has announced that it has already signed deals with some hospitals and medical-related companies, such as laboratory services provider Quest Diagnostics, Aetna insurance, and Walgreen's and Wal-Mart pharmacies. Google has also announced its future plans to test the product at the Cleveland Clinic. This will involve 1,500 to 10,000 patients' medical records.

The Privacy Debate

There are a lot of security concerns when accessing sensitive information such as medical records through the internet. This product may in the middle of a lot of controversy as it makes its journey through the evolution of this product. The main security concerns revolve around the potential for lawyers to conduct phishing expeditions in order to obtain and subpoena medical records in a court case. Google has stated that they are prepared to resist all attempts to do so and have already begun the battle against the legalities of such actions taking place.

There is no need to panic. You're perhaps already feeling a little vulnerable if you are opposed to this type of service. Will you find that your medical information will be all over the internet without your consent? The answer is no. Under HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) passed in 1996, you are protected. The Act, among other things, states that doctors, pharmacies and other health related entities can't release your medical records without your consent. In short, you would have to agree in writing to have your medical records be a part of this service.

The Benefits

The main foreseen benefit is for our medical providers to have their communications streamlined in a more time efficient manner. There is the rare occurrence where there may be a life or death situation where obtaining medical records quicker can make a difference, but that's a severe long shot. The other benefit is that medical professionals will ask you less questions about your medical history because they will have already had access to it.

In this age of rapidly growing technology, we are bound to see numerous occasions of new and different ideas and products. Some will look appealing to us and others will shock us. Before lunging forward with being a part of any service, investigate the facts and risks ahead of time. Remember, above all else, you are in control and there are privacy laws to protect you.

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