Your Complete Guide to Information Blocking FAQs
Have you ever tried to access your health records, only to be met with barriers and delays? Such obstacles are a result of information blocking, a practice in which healthcare providers withhold electronic health information from patients, other providers, or entities.
Information blocking can create significant problems for patients and healthcare providers. Therefore, the healthcare industry has taken action to address this matter and raise awareness about this issue. If you’re unsure of what information blocking is or how it affects you, this article serves as a complete guide to information blocking FAQs.
What is Information Blocking?
Information blocking refers to practices that prevent electronic health information from being exchanged or used effectively. For example, when a healthcare provider refuses to exchange a patient’s health records with another provider or denies access to electronic health information, that is information blocking.
In April 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) implemented a final rule concerning information blocking. The rule requires healthcare providers to share electronic health information with patients, other providers, and third-party apps. Failing to comply with these rules can result in significant penalties.
How Does Information Blocking Affect Patients and Providers?
Information blocking can have negative consequences for both patients and healthcare providers. One significant impact is on a patient’s ability to receive proper healthcare. Without access to complete medical records and information, healthcare providers may struggle to make the best decisions about a patient’s care.
For example, imagine that you’ve visited several healthcare providers for the same medical issue. However, each time you visit a new provider, you have to start again from scratch because your medical records haven’t been shared or accessible. This situation causes delays in diagnosis, treatment, and overall healthcare delivery.
Information blocking can also result in harm to a patient’s health. For example, a provider may withhold medical information to prevent the release of unfavorable findings, but this can prevent other providers from making informed decisions about a patient’s care.
For healthcare providers, information blocking can also negatively impact their ability to deliver quality care and comply with regulations. Providers may face unnecessary administrative work when trying to access necessary health information, causing delays in essential care delivery and increased costs.
What are the Common Types of Information Blocking?
There are different types of information blocking that providers may engage in, either intentionally or unintentionally. The four most common types of information blocking are:
1. Technical barriers: These include any type of technological issues that prevent the sharing or accessibility of electronic health information. For example, a provider may use a specific EHR system that is incompatible with other providers’ systems.
2. Fees: Providers may charge excessive fees for patients or other providers to access electronic health information, making it unaffordable or impractical to obtain.
3. Contractual arrangements: These refer to agreements between healthcare providers that limit the sharing of electronic health information. For example, a provider may require other providers to sign a contract before exchanging health information or set specific requirements for sharing information.
4. Misinformation: Providers may spread misleading and false information about information sharing or hold inaccurate beliefs about regulations governing health information sharing.
How Can You Prevent Information Blocking from Affecting You?
If you’re a patient, you have certain rights when it comes to accessing your electronic health information. You can take the following steps to prevent information blocking from affecting you:
1. Familiarize yourself with your rights: Learn about your rights to access and share electronic health information and how to file complaints in case of any violations.
2. Be proactive about requesting access: Don’t hesitate to ask healthcare providers for access to your information, and make sure that you’re familiar with any fees or agreements involved.
3. Use digital tools: Use apps and tools designed to store and manage your health information, such as MyChart, to gain greater control of your data.
For healthcare providers, preventing information blocking requires complying with federal rules, such as the HHS Final Rule, and adopting health information technologies that improve data exchange and sharing.
Conclusion
Information blocking creates significant obstacles to healthcare, both for patients and healthcare providers. However, recent regulations and industry efforts have been made to increase access to electronic health information. Familiarizing yourself with your rights and being proactive in requesting access to your information can help you overcome challenges posed by information blocking. As a healthcare provider, you can play a role in promoting access to health information and technology, which can lead to better healthcare outcomes and more efficient workflows.
