News: CMS initiatives would give patients more access to medical records data

CMS recently announced MyHealthEData, an initiative aimed at standardizing medical record data and giving patients the ability to share it with providers, Revenue Cycle Advisor reported.

The MyHealthEData initiative could give patients access to their entire medical record from the device of their choice. Allowing patients access to their entire medical record supports patient choice and allows patients to gain a better understanding of their healthcare needs so they can make informed decisions about the care they seek, according to CMS.

Of course, for CDI professionals, CMS’ move also further emphasizes the need for complete and accurate documentation within the medical record. With this initiative, other clinicians and coders understanding the medical record and coming to the same conclusions as the treating physician wouldn’t be the only concern; non-clinicians would also be interpreting the documentation and possibly coming to their own conclusions.

On the heels of its announcement about MyHealthEData, CMS announced the launch of Medicare’s Blue Button 2.0, which provides Medicare beneficiaries with secure access to their personal health data in a universal digital format. Medicare’s Blue Button 2.0 allows patients to share information about their treatment, procedures, and medication with new providers. The agency urged other insurers to follow suit and offer patients data in a similar format, Revenue Cycle Advisor reported.

Editor’s note: To read Revenue Cycle Advisor’s coverage of this story, click here. To read more about the MyHealthEData initiative, click here.