Information Blocking
The term “information blocking” refers to the interference of access, use or exchange of electronic health information. Information blocking can occur in many forms.
- Physicians can experience info blocking when trying to access patient records from other providers, connecting their electronic health record (EHR) systems to local health information exchanges (HIEs), migrating from one EHR to another, and linking their EHRs with a clinical data registry.
- Patients can also experience info blocking when trying to access their medical records or when sending their records to another provider.
The ONC Cures Act prevents patients’ electronic health information information blocking practices, and the provider compliance deadline is April 5th.
Additional resources on Information Blocking and the ONC Cures Act can be found at HITEQ, ONC, the American Medical Association, and the American Health Information Management Association.