Top of Page Statutes vary by state, but minors may become emancipated when they marry, serve in active duty in the U.S. military, or obtain a declaration from the court. The Pros and Cons of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) By Editorial Team. Conclusion WebHere are some Pros and Cons of personal health records: Pros: Correction of medical errors within the medical record was possible Patients had a broader knowledge base of their health concerns and decreased utilization of healthcare services Opportunities were provided for increased effective communication between patients and physicians WebThe Cons Confidentiality and the institution of HIPAA hasnt been all positive. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. These registries are usually kept confidential, and in many cases the information is kept separately from any individually identifying information. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reviews its publications regularly; however, its publications may not reflect the most recent evidence. Still, they are horrified by the potential that their insurance company may need access for reimbursement purposes. The problem is that personal information (which is whats at stake with medical confidentiality) is not protected at law in the same way ones home or bodily integrity is protected. Require a parent or guardian code word to access an adolescents patient portal. Variations in practice may be warranted when, in the reasonable judgment of the treating clinician, such course of action is indicated by the condition of the patient, limitations of available resources, or advances in knowledge or technology. WebConfidentiality. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encourages obstetriciangynecologists and other health care providers to ensure that their existing EHR systems protect the confidentiality of minor patients, including any OpenNotes features. Knowing what confidentiality laws in your area cover can help you make informed decisions about how your information is shared. Ethical Issues in Nursing: The Impact of Smartphones on The Pros of Using AI. However, it also has the potential to negatively influence patient care. It is helpful to conduct staff sensitivity training on the following topics: Comfort with issues regarding adolescent sexuality, Knowledge about confidentiality issues, including state and local laws, How to provide relevant information to parents or guardians and patients about private conversation time with the adolescent patient and obstetriciangynecologist, How to identify appropriate contact information for the adolescent patient (eg, personal cell phone) and parents or guardians for future follow-up, How to set up a code word to ensure the identity and security of the adolescent patient, Comfort with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) issues and pronoun (she, he, they) usage. Because online therapy involves communication via computers or mobile devices, it has security issues pros and cons pros and cons Confidentiality for adolescents accessing health care is complex, and concerns about lack of confidentiality can be a barrier to receiving appropriate care 2 3. For example, it is much easier to obtain a persons credit history (even legally) than it is to gain access to his/her medical history, even though both may be considered highly personal and private information. Pros and Cons Pros of the Confidentiality, Safety, Rights, and the Security of Patients in an Era of Increased Socialized Medicine The parent or guardian and patient should be aware that these discussions are considered private, not secret, and obstetriciangynecologists may disclose private information when concerned for the immediate danger of patients to themselves or others, or both, and when reporting is required by public health laws 6. In some research protocols, identifiers remain so that data can still be traced to particular individuals. With appropriate safeguards, EHRs may offer more security than traditional paper-record systems. There are many aspects of our lives that are available for anyone to access, and yet most people are either unaware of these possibilities, or unconcerned with this loss of confidentiality. Cons: Physicians have less autonomy and less continuity with patients. Whether or not to disclose personal medical information is often said to be a balancing act between the benefits of keeping confidentiality and the benefits of waiving it. The Pros of Using AI. In practice, the major issue that faces health care providers and patients is the health care providers ability to provide confidential care using EHRs, such as when parents or guardians have the ability to access some of their adolescents health information when comprehensive health services are provided and billing systems generate statements that detail confidential services (eg, problem lists, laboratory tests, or prescriptions). Finally, the clinician has weighed up the pros and cons, the rights and the consequences, and has determined that on balance, confidentiality should be breached to parents and/or other authorities. Many associations of health professionals caring for minors, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, recognize the importance of confidentiality in providing health care for adolescents 7 8 9. In the medical field, confidentiality even dates back to the Hippocratic Oath, but there are many updated versions of confidentiality, defined by various medical associations around the word. WebDisadvantages of Paper Medical Records. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is a law enacted by US congress in July 30, 2002. Breaking Confidentiality in Clients with Again, it is a matter of weighing the pros and cons between keeping and breaching confidentiality. AI can be used for diagnostics, helping Read terms, Number 803 (Replaces Committee Opinion Number 599, May 2014). All rights reserved. Webthe confidentiality of adolescents health care in-formation are fundamentally necessary to allow health care professionals to provide appropriate health care to adolescents and WebData access limitations. WebThe uniqueness of HIEs-structures, relationships, funding, and authority-adds new complexities to the familiar issues of privacy, confidentiality, security, and information use. ACOG does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse the products or services of any firm, organization, or person. She had been admitted with HIV-related complications from pneumonia. Available at: Confidentiality in Adolescent Health Care, Addressing Patients and Parents or Guardians About Confidentiality, Provision of Health Care to Adolescent Patients, Suggestions for Protecting Adolescent Confidentiality Within Institutions, https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/overview-minors-consent-law, https://www.aafp.org/about/policies/all/adolescent-confidentiality.html, https://www.nihcm.org/component/content/article/5-issue-brief/1287-protecting-confidential-health-services-for-adolescents-young-adults, https://www.opennotes.org/tools-resources/for-health-care-providers/implementation-toolkit/, https://www.cahl.org/state-minor-consent-laws-a-summary-third-edition, Alliance for Innovation on Women's Health, Postpartum Contraceptive Access Initiative. Introduction Confidentiality in pediatric and adolescent gynecology: when we can, when we can't, and when we're challenged. Those who have good insurance Obstet Gynecol 2020;135:e1717. Any updates to this document can be found on acog.org or by calling the ACOG Resource Center.While ACOG makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information, this publication is provided as is without any warranty of accuracy, reliability, or otherwise, either express or implied. HMOs often only cover WebSolution for Explain the pros and cons of multipurpose pins on microcontrollers. Although this can be viewed as a good thing because patients do have the right to see their own health data, it also opens doors for security concerns. The Importance of Supplemental Disability Insurance. 758. On the other hand, in contrast to other definitions, the AMA immediately recognizes a number of exceptions to confidentiality, which include reporting of threats to inflict serious bodily harm on others, certain communicable diseases, and gunshot wounds or knife wounds. Parents are often too quick to give medications to lower a fever and make a child more comfortable. Committee on Adolescence. Journal of Adolescent Health, 25: For products jointly developed with other organizations, conflict of interest disclosures by representatives of the other organizations are addressed by those organizations. According to a study from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, under a single-payer system, in which all citizens are guaranteed a right to health care, total public and private health care spending could be lowered by up to $1.8 trillion over the next 10 The minor can consent to medical, dental, or psychiatric care. OpenNotes. The United States continues to move toward a nationwide health information network that will allow health care providers to obtain quick access to patient medical information through EHRs. A 2016 study demonstrated that, when given the opportunity, adolescents use of EHRs afforded enhanced medical care and, although they accessed the portal less for laboratory results, appointments, or prescriptions, adolescents did engage in frequent confidential communications with their health care providers through patient portals 4. One of the biggest problems in confidentiality protections is the lack of clarity about when patient confidentiality can be breached. As citizens become more aware of the many issues involved in medical confidentiality, they can help shape the discussion and make their voices heard as lawmakers address the issues. Obstetriciangynecologists are encouraged to know their individual systems and institutional policies regarding confidentiality, EHRs, patient portals, and the open access for visit notes. Therefore, it is important to develop "front-end" safeguards that prevent unauthorized breaches from occurring. Additionally, it is costly for vendors to develop and maintain the levels of mandated confidentiality because the laws regarding confidentiality vary by state 4. Implementation toolkit. They are of the argument that privacy is in itself objectively valuable, as an important component of human well-being. Social media and health care professionals: benefits, risks, and best practices. Pros and cons The other advantage for concealing health information to the service provider may end up being detrimental to the patient. It is important for obstetriciangynecologists to be aware of their individual state and local laws. American Academy of Family Physicians. But these safeguards must be designed to achieve a balance between protecting confidentiality and the need to share information in order to need to treat patients, assure quality health care, and conduct research that will lead to health advances. The use of telehealth continues to grow, reaching multiple medical specialties and providing care to a greater population of patients. Adolescents face considerable potential harms to their health from mental health disorders, interpersonal violence, substance use, and unprotected sexual activity. ABSTRACT: Confidential care for adolescents is important because it encourages access to care and increases discussions about sensitive topics and behaviors that may substantially affect their health and well-being. The most obvious benefit of utilizing AI technology is its ability to improve patient experiences. Recommendations for electronic health record use for delivery of adolescent health care. Most EHRs have the capability for patients to view any combination of appointments, medication lists, allergies, most recent vital signs, laboratory values, health care provider notes, and communication between patient and health care provider. ACOG does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse the products or services of any firm, organization, or person. Potential for disclosure of laboratory results, prescriptions, and diagnoses may occur with itemized explanation of benefits statements. Optimally, obstetriciangynecologists should ensure that medical record information, including EHR information, for care provided under minor consent or mature minor provisions is considered confidential and should not be disclosed to parents or guardians without adolescent consent. They are required to keep information about patients health private unless the patient give permission to release his/her health information (De Bord et al, 2013). The most obvious benefit of utilizing AI technology is its ability to improve patient experiences. As adolescents navigate this important developmental period, obstetriciangynecologists should engage with them and promote best practices that protect adolescents vulnerability and assist them in developing autonomy. Legal protections for confidentiality are the result of our societys interest in privacy, but they can still be outweighed in cases where other society values (such as public health and safety) outweigh them. BMJ Qual Saf 2017;26:26270. HMOs often only cover It is not intended to substitute for the independent professional judgment of the treating clinician. What's the Pros & Cons Of Digital Health? - The Healthcare Guys Since its much easier and faster to access patient details and history through an electronic health record, its also much easier to immediately place imaging and laboratory work orders. Obstetriciangynecologists who work with adolescent patients have a unique perspective and are encouraged to work with their institutions to protect patients confidentiality. What is managed Care One form of medical coverage is the managed-care plan. State confidentiality protections vary widely. This article will explore how confidentiality should be conceived and if and when it should be broken. How do we weigh the pros and cons of sharing personal health information with others in the medical community and with the government? Employed physician in academic institution. Being aware of alternate health care referral centers for free or substantially decreased costs may be of benefit for the adolescent if there is a risk of billing disclosure. The Pros And Cons Of Confidentiality - 1814 Words Importance Of Confidentiality In Health Care Sexual and reproductive health care services in the pediatric setting. An email address may be helpful for contacting the patient. Electronic Medical Records: Pros and Cons | Virtru Literature discussing confidentiality and AIDS patients supports the notion that health care professionals (including counselors) have a duty to warn and protect at-risk third parties. Patient portals are mechanisms within the EHR system that provide patients with electronic access to their personal health record. Universal health care may encourage entrepreneurship. Elk Grove Village (IL): American Academy of Pediatrics; 2017. Obstetriciangynecologists and other health care providers who care for minors should be aware of federal and state laws that affect confidentiality. New England Journal of Medicine, 361(21), e46. HIPAA are essential to review periodically to understand your rights as a patient under this legislation. Hospitals and office-based systems that currently use or are initiating OpenNotes should take steps to ensure that adolescent confidentiality is protected. WebPros of Confidentiality in Healthcare: Encourages patients to seek care: Confidentiality helps build trust between patients and healthcare providers, which may encourage patients to Unlike electronic medical records stored on cloud servers, paper medical records need physical space for storage purposes. Confidentiality, Privacy, and Unreliable Technology Keeping your personal information private is a major concern in psychotherapy, but online treatment adds a layer American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstetriciangynecologists are encouraged to know their individual systems and institutional policies regarding confidentiality, EHRs, patient portals, and the open access for visit notes. Genetic information is likely to be regarded as extremely useful to family members for predicting their own health care needs (possibly even more so than other types of medical information), and thus there may be a strong argument in favor of disclosure after a patient has died. Advantages & Disadvantages of an EHR Washington, DC: NIHCM; 2011. WebConfidentiality is one of the main duties of health care providers. Other states have consent laws that include substance misuse treatment, pregnancy prevention and care, and, sometimes, abortion services, mental health care, and emergency care. Developments in technology have challenged our traditional understanding of "personal" information and privacy. When providing care for neurotypical (ie, without a defined neurologic difference) adolescents, obstetriciangynecologists and other health care providers should consider issues of parental access to the adolescents login information. Did you know that according to the Social Security Administration, 1 in 4 of todays 20-year-old Americans will become disabled before age 67?1 HealthMarkets can help you find a health plan should a serious condition leave you unable to work. Telehealth: The advantages and disadvantages - Harvard Health Use of this site is your Agreement to the Terms Available at: Esch T, Mejilla R, Anselmo M, Podtschaske B, Delbanco T, Walker J. For patients ages 18 and older, require a signed release of information for a parent or guardian to ask health questions about the adolescent by telephone. Any concerns the patient has regarding the presence of a chaperone should be elicited and addressed if feasible. As part of comprehensive health care, it is our practice to ask parents to wait outside for part of the interview and to encourage the adolescents to discuss their own interests and concerns. 803. In Tarasoff, a patient informed his therapist of his intention to kill a young woman. Given these parameters, duty to warn cases are not without controversy, and some people believe that they place the physician in the undesirable role of law enforcer, rather than healer. Lack of confidentiality affects healthcare staff too Pros and cons House confidential information in a separate section of the EHR that is not open access. Parent or guardian access to the patients visit notes through the electronic patient portal poses the potential that confidential and sensitive information may be accessed, resulting in a breach of confidentiality and potentially adverse outcomes for the adolescent patient. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2017;30:17683. WebPros And Cons Of Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002. What Is Supplemental Disability Insurance? Advantages of Medical Technology in Healthcare: 1. My patient was a petite woman in her mid-forties with long dark hair. Available at: Promoting healthy relationships in adolescents. Finally, keeping private the information about the health of the patient, this will negatively affect his or her life. Published online on March 26, 2020.Copyright 2020 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chapel Hill (NC): Center for Adolescent Health and the Law; 2010. The ACOG policies can be found on acog.org. WebThe Pros And Cons Of Confidentiality Soapstone Formal Analysis. Online medical professionalism: patient and public relationships: policy statement from the American College of Physicians and the Federation of State Medical Boards.