ONC releases guide on patient access to EHRs

Jessica Kim Cohen -

The ONC published an online guide April 4 to educate patients and caregivers on how to access and use their health information.

The resource, titled "The Guide to Getting & Using Your Health Records," outlines advice for how patients are able to gain access to their health record, review the information to ensure it's complete and up-to-date, and use their EHR as a tool to better coordinate and manage their care.

The ONC's goal for the guide is to eliminate misconceptions patients may have regarding their right to access health information under HIPAA, and to educate patients about the various benefits of accessing their health information.

"It's important that patients and their caregivers have access to their own health information so they can make decisions about their care and treatments," Don Rucker, MD, national coordinator for health IT, said in an April 4 statement.

The guide aims to support efforts related to interoperability and patient engagement outlined in the 21st Century Cures Act, along with CMS's recently unveiled MyHealthEData initiative, which aims to empower patients by giving them control of their health information.

To access the ONC's guide, click here.

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