Understanding the Importance of the ONC Information Blocking Rule
The ONC Final Rule, issued in May 2020, has introduced changes that impact healthcare providers, developers, and patients alike. One of the most critical components of this rule is the information blocking provision. This provision was designed to ensure that patients have better access to their health information and prevent healthcare providers from blocking access to it.
In this article, we will explore how the ONC information blocking rule is significant and what it means for different healthcare actors.
The Need for the ONC Information Blocking Rule
Healthcare data is critical to the delivery of high-quality care. However, the siloed nature of data storage and inconsistent access controls have made it complicated to deliver timely, accurate information to patients and providers. The ONC Information Blocking Rule addresses these interoperability challenges by mandating healthcare providers to share healthcare information and end information blocking.
With the new provision in place, healthcare providers must adopt standardized application programming interfaces (APIs) to allow free-flow of data exchange between different health systems. Patients will have increased access to their medical health records. Providers have a legal obligation to provide access to all health information, including clinical notes, imaging data, and lab results.
Impact on Patients
For patients, the information blocking rule will enable better control of their health information. They can access their medical record via a mobile application or a third-party application instantly. Patients, caregivers or family members may log in to their patient portal to obtain their electronic health records, providing them with the opportunity to take ownership of their health information.
The Final Rule further requires providers to utilize Health Level Seven International’s Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (HL7® FHIR®) standards. By using FHIR, patients can receive their medical records as anHL7 FHIR®vatable resources. An HL7 FHIR® consultation summary can be visualized, which allows a clinician to see an outline, summarizing the patient’s visit, without having to read the complete note.
Impact on Healthcare Providers
The information-blocking rule requires healthcare providers to deliver secure access to electronic health information at no charge to third-party applications, which can display it back to the patient. Health providers who follow these regulations will benefit their patients while also expanding their reach. Providers are required to use standardized APIs without policies or technology that restrict the use and sharing of electronic health information.
Impact on Developers
Software developers will play a crucial role in the advanced utilization of the information-blocking rule. With the use of standardized APIs for information exchange, many application developers will be able to build new applications around patients’ medical records. Given the ONC’s push towards FHIR APIs full adoption, software development companies must improve their skills and begin to develop and adopt this framework.
Conclusion
The ONC information blocking rule aims to integrate different health systems to ensure data sharing between healthcare facilities, physicians, and software developers. By doing so, patients will be guaranteed access to their medical records and benefit from enhanced healthcare offerings. It is critical-not only for the healthcare industry but also for patients to comply with this regulation fully. This undoubtedly represents an essential step toward a better future for American healthcare.
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