Discussion about Kaiser Permanente’s HealthConnect
Here’s a blog post about Kaiser Permanente’s personal health record HealthConnect. The news looks positive. There’s a link to a demonstration in the comments which might be interesting to watch.
One concern I have about institutional personal health record systems is if they are widening the gap between the have’s and have not’s when it comes to access to health care and health care resources in the United States. What is available for those individuals who aren’t lucky enough to work for a company that subscribes to a system that offers such comprehensive services as Kaiser Permanente? Sure they can use one of the free systems that are available, but how many of those have the ability to pull in information from providers, insurance, or pharmacies? It seems like yet another system is being created where those who have to work the most hours to make a living also have to work the hardest to keep track of their own information. What about the little guy?
Link to blog: