Information Blocking: What is it and Why You Need to Care

In recent years, the healthcare industry has been grappling with a new problem known as information blocking. Information blocking occurs when hospitals and other healthcare providers are unable to access important patient data due to electronic health record (EHR) system interoperability issues. This lack of data accessibility can have a significant impact on patient care, as it can prevent clinicians from making fully informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, information blocking can even lead to delays in care or potential errors. As the healthcare industry continues to rely more heavily on EHRs, it is essential that information blocking is addressed to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. This article will explore:

1. What is information blocking and what are its effects on the healthcare industry
2. The different types of information blocking and how they impact patients and providers
3. How to prevent information blocking from happening in your hospital or clinic
4. The consequences of not preventing information blocking
5. Ways to overcome the challenges posed by information blocking

What is information blocking and what are its effects on the healthcare industry?

Information blocking refers to the practices of healthcare providers that prevent or discourage the sharing of electronic health information (EHI). That is, information blocking concerns the intentional interference with the ability of electronic health information to be exchanged between different systems. It can take many forms, from preventing data from being shared with outside parties to exclusive partnerships that make it difficult for other systems to interface with a given system. The effects of information blocking can be far-reaching, and they have the potential to disrupt the flow of information throughout the healthcare industry and prevent patients from getting the care they need in a timely manner. Ultimately, information blocking can impede the delivery of care and cause frustration for both patients and providers.

While information blocking may sometimes be intentional, such as when a provider wants to limit the number of providers who have access to a patient’s records, other times it may be unintentional, such as when a provider uses a system that is not compatible with other providers’ systems. Regardless of the intent, information blocking can have a negative impact on patients and providers. For example, if a patient’s records are blocked from being shared with other providers, the patient may receive duplicate tests or procedures, which can lead to longer wait times and increased costs. In addition, information blocking can also make it difficult for providers to coordinate care, which can ultimately lead to poorer health outcomes for patients.

The different types of information blocking and how they impact patients and providers

There are four different types of information blocking: legal, economic, clinical and technical. Each type has a different impact on patients and providers.

• Legal information blocking occurs when providers are unable to share patient information due to legal reasons, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA.) This can impact patient care by preventing providers from getting the full picture of a patient’s medical history.
• Economic information blocking happens when providers are unable or unwilling to share patient information because it is economically advantageous for them not to do so. For example, if a provider uses a proprietary EHR system, they may be reluctant to share patient data with a provider who uses a different EHR system. This can impact patients by preventing them from getting the best possible care if their providers cannot access their full medical history.
• Clinical information blocking happens when providers withhold information that they believe could negatively impact a patient’s care. For example, a provider may withhold information about a new treatment option if they believe the patient is not ready to hear it. This can impact patients by preventing them from getting all the information they need to make informed decisions about their care.
• Technical information blocking happens when systems or processes make it difficult or impossible for providers to share patient information. For example, if two EHR systems are not compatible, then it may be difficult for providers to share patient data between them. This can impact patients by preventing them from getting the full benefit of their care if their providers cannot access all of their medical history.

A new federal rule is coming into effect prohibiting information blocking. The rule, a modification of HIPAA, prohibits covered entities from interfering with the exchange of EHI. This includes preventing patients from accessing their own health information or sharing it with third parties such as family members or caregivers.

The rule’s primary aim is protection of patients’ first party right of access to own protected health information (PHI.) It also has the potential to improve the quality of care by making it easier for providers to share information. For example, if a patient’s primary care physician can easily access their medical history from a specialist, they can provide better continuity of care. In addition, the increased availability of information may also help to reduce errors and improve outcomes.

How to prevent information blocking from happening in your hospital or clinic

In any healthcare facility or clinic, the free flow of information is essential to providing quality patient care. Information blocking can often occur when healthcare professionals fail to communicate effectively. This can lead to errors, delays and a breakdown in the delivery of care. There are a few simple steps that healthcare facilities can take to prevent information blocking from happening.

• Encourage open communication between all caregivers. Ensure the professional workforce understands everyone is responsible for sharing important information.
• Establish clear communication protocols. Unless the workforce is well-versed in their application, protocols do no good, so training on proper communication technique must be provided for the entire professional staff. This will help to ensure that vital information is not inadvertently left out.
• Implement a system for tracking and sharing patient information, including a feedback control. Encourage caregivers to speak up if they feel like someone is withholding important information. It is important to create a culture where this type of behavior is not tolerated.
• Regularly conduct formal reviews of policies and procedures regarding the sharing of patient information. These reviews should examine the effectiveness and any identified weaknesses in existing policies. The level at which everyone is aware of the proper procedures, and that those procedures are being followed should be considered.

By taking these simple steps, healthcare facilities can help to ensure that information blocking does not occur and that patients receive the best possible care.

The consequences of not preventing information blocking

Information blocking may have serious consequences. When patients are unable to receive timely and accurate information about their health, it can lead to misdiagnoses, duplicate testing, increased healthcare costs and delays in treatment. Information blocking can impede research and development.

In some cases, providers may be motivated by a desire to protect their own interests, such as preventing competitors from accessing their patients’ data. However, information blocking ultimately hurts patients and poses a risk to public health. It is important for governing bodies to take affirmative steps to prevent information blocking and ensure that healthcare providers are not engaging in this practice.

Ways to overcome the challenges posed by information blocking

Despite rules against it, the challenges posed by information blocking are significant. In overcoming these challenges, senior leadership must have a clear understanding of what information blocking is and how it can be prevented. Information blocking obstructs communication that could be used to improve patient care. Withholding data from EHRs, refusing to share laboratory results and failing to provide access to medical records ultimately harms the patient. There are many motivations for information blocking, even some seemingly ultraistic, but the end result is always the same: patients receive lowered standards of care. To prevent information blocking, senior leadership must place a priority on promoting transparency and collaboration among healthcare providers. By sharing data and working together, healthcare providers can ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Information blocking is a major problem in the healthcare industry that is being addressed by regulators and law. Despite the challenges posed by information blocking, there are ways to overcome them. By working together and sharing ideas, we can find solutions that work for everyone involved. Through continued education and training, we can make sure that information blocking does not have a place in our healthcare system. By understanding what information blocking is, its causes and effects, and how to prevent it, we can make sure that our patients receive the best possible care.

Konica Minolta can help with your HIPAA compliance challenges. For information this and other business compliance services offered through Konica’s All Covered division contact your account representative.