Health Information Technology – Consumer Principles

An interoperable system of electronic health information holds many potential benefits for consumers, including: better coordination of health care regardless of patient location, higher quality and more efficient care, increased system transparency, and patient access to information about providers that allows them to make better decisions. At the same time, such a system raises serious concerns among consumers about personal privacy, data security, and the potential misuse of their information. And while an interoperable system of electronic health information holds great promise, the many possible benefits will not be realized unless appropriate policy measures are established up front.