In mid-September, HHS proposed changes to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 and HIPAA privacy regulations to allow patients access to test results directly from labs.
The authors said that while limiting patient access to these results may discourage patient engagement, immediate and direct access without a physician’s interpretation may create unnecessary anxiety for patients. In addition, they said there is little evidence on the effect of patient lab access on physician workload, workflow and follow-up with patients.
Related Articles on Health IT and HHS:
HIMSS’ Comments Address Proposed Rule on Patient Access to Laboratory Tests
HHS Proposes Rules That Would Allow Patients to Access Labs Via Health IT
HHS’ Annual Report on HIPAA Compliance Reveals Top Issues for Investigation
