ahima patient portal

Are patient portals the future of patient information access?

AHIMA Store is the place to find products and services for Health Information Management professionals.

What is Ahima’s mission?

October 11, 2017 - Eighty-two percent of consumers took advantage of patient data access through a patient portal in 2016, an increase from less than 5 percent who did so in 2013, according to a...

Why AHIMA certification?

The American Health Information Management Association has developed a patient portal toolkit for health information management professionals to provide guidance on the issues, latest regulatory requirements, opportunities and challenges of providing patient access to their health records through a patient portal.

How many consumers access patient data through patient portal in 2016?

Patients are expected to continue to request paper and electronic copies of their medical records. This research project was initiated to obtain up-to-date data regarding health information management (HIM) practices related to patients’ access to their health information. Keywords: patient portal, electronic health record (EHR), Health ...

Abstract

Patient-centered healthcare initiatives are underway to enable patients to take more responsibility for their healthcare. To do so, patients must be able to access, utilize, and share their health information.

Introduction

This research was undertaken to identify contemporary practices in providing patients with access to their health information.

Background

Patient-centered healthcare initiatives are underway to enable patients to take more responsibility for their healthcare. To do so, patients must be able to access and share their health information. 1–3 Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patients have a right to see and obtain a copy of their medical records.

Methods

Under a partnership between Texas State University and the AHIMA Foundation, selected AHIMA members were invited to complete an anonymous survey regarding policies and practices surrounding patients’ access to their health information.

Results

Of the 2,444 AHIMA members invited to participate in the survey, 313 responded, resulting in a 12.8 percent response rate. All but three states and the District of Columbia were represented in the responses.

Discussion

These survey results were similar to previous studies that revealed wide variation in whether patients were being charged for their medical records and the fees that were being charged. The results also demonstrate adoption of EHRs and availability of patient portals.

Conclusion

The healthcare industry is at a crossroad of converging technology and regulations influencing patients’ access to their personal health information. This research revealed wide variation in contemporary practices affecting patient access.

What is the purpose of AHIMA?

To enhance individuals’ access to their information, AHIMA believes that public policy that seeks to increase and automate individual access to health information must: Guarantee an individual’s right to access his or her health information.

When is the AHIMA call for 2021?

January 5, 2021. AHIMA Calls for Biden Administration and Congress to Ensure Health Information is at Forefront of Health Policy. AHIMA calls for the incoming administration to consider the implications of health information as they begin to implement new health policies in 2021. January 4 , 2021.

What is HI in healthcare?

Health information (HI) professionals are the frontline professionals when individuals seek access to their health information, and they have the expertise and knowledge to inform and enhance public policy that seeks to improve individuals’ access to their health information .

Do hospitals have access to health information?

Today, nearly all hospitals provide patients with the ability to electronically view and download their health information. However, despite these technological advances and the right of individuals to access their health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ...