Re: Master Patient Index Workshop

[Robert Gellman <rgellman@cais.cais.com>]

  Lew Lorton just posted a notice about a recently announced workshop on a
  master patient index.  I just want to use it to make a point.  In the
  debate on the medical privacy legislation, some have said that the
  proposed legislation is terrible because it would permit centralized
  computerized databases of patient information.  It is not that simple. 
  The legislation would actually restrict the use of protected health
  information and place limits on how data can be transferred and used by
  all parties. 
  
  The real point is that there are few restrictions in current law that
  prevent centralization and computerization.  As the announcement
  demonstrates, plans are proceeding.  These activities are much easier in
  the absence of controls and restrictions. 
  
  The legislation may not be strong enough for some.  Fine.  But just 
  remember that without a new law, new uses and new users of medical 
  information will continue to develop without limit.  The real issue is 
  not whether a new proposal is perfect but whether it makes some progress.  
  Without new rules, things will surely get worse.  And in the real world, 
  compromises are necessary in order to make any progress at all.
  
  Just something to keep in mind.
  
  Bob
  
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  +   Robert Gellman          rgellman@cais.com   +
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