Electronic medical records advocates to survey patients

(Harrisburg) -- Advocates for electronic medical records are conducting a statewide survey on a practice that lets doctors, pharmacies and others in the medical community share computerized patient information securely.

It’s known as the health information exchange.

The Pennsylvania eHealth Partnership Authority wants to make sure people understand the benefits and privacy standards.

Alix Goss, the group’s state Health Information Technology Coordinator, says electronic records have a number of benefits.

"Health information exchange is the pivot point for enabling us to improve the overall safety and quality of health care while reducing the costs."

Goss says patients should ask their doctors if they are using electronic medical records.

The authority's survey on health information exchange will be conducted over the phone and will also be available online.

witf's Transforming Health has a comprehensive look at electronic medical records.