The Importance of Information Blocking Exceptions: Real-Life Examples from Healthcare
In today’s world, data is king. It’s not just important for companies, but for individual people as well. In the healthcare industry, access to data can literally mean the difference between life or death. This is where information blocking exceptions come in. In this article, we’ll discuss what information blocking is, why it’s important to have exceptions, and how real-life examples show the impact of information blocking.
What is Information Blocking?
Information blocking is the act of intentionally blocking or interfering with the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information. This can be done by healthcare providers, vendors, or health information exchanges. It can be done for a variety of reasons, such as maintaining market dominance or protecting intellectual property.
Why are Information Blocking Exceptions Important?
Information blocking exceptions are important because they allow for the safe and secure exchange of electronic health information. Without exceptions, healthcare providers and vendors may be hesitant to share information due to legal and financial risks. This can lead to delays in treatment, misdiagnosis, and increased healthcare costs.
Real-Life Examples
One real-life example of information blocking is the case of Karen Onel, who was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. Her doctor recommended a new drug, but her insurance denied coverage. Without access to her health records, she was unable to appeal the decision. After months of delays, her cancer had progressed to stage IV. Had she had access to her health information, she may have been able to challenge the decision and start the treatment sooner.
Another example is the case of John Doe (name changed for privacy reasons), who had a heart attack and was taken to the emergency room. The hospital he was taken to was not the hospital he usually went to for his health needs. As a result, the hospital did not have access to his health records, which delayed his treatment and caused him to stay in the hospital longer than necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, information blocking exceptions are crucial for the exchange of electronic health information. Without exceptions, healthcare providers and vendors may be hesitant to share information, which can lead to delays in treatment and increased healthcare costs. The real-life examples mentioned in this article demonstrate the importance of having exceptions and the impact that information blocking can have on patient care. As the healthcare industry continues to rely more heavily on data, it’s important that we work towards ensuring that the appropriate exceptions are in place to ensure safe and efficient healthcare practices.
