Always expect the unexpected. That’s why everyone needs to be prepared. In healthcare, that means understanding the contents of your medical records and being able to correct them on a regular basis. DrOwl makes it easy to access all of your medical records and review in one easy-to-use app.
For those that don’t already know, your medical records are exactly that – yours. The Interoperability and Patient Access Final Rule, which went into effect earlier this year, focuses on making your records accessible to those you wish to share them with. This new regulation puts patients in the driver’s seat, which in turn, enhances care.
Healthcare isn’t a “one size fits all” endeavor. Doctors have to make decisions, in very short time periods, about how to care for their patients. When the information they rely on isn’t accurate, that can, and likely does, impact the diagnoses or treatment plans. When you access your records and make corrections, you are literally changing the trajectory of your healthcare.
Did you know that experts estimate that a whopping 70% of medical records contain at least one major error? That’s a staggering number when you consider how many patients providers are treating consistently. And errors come in many forms. Imagine going into the doctor’s office and being given a prescription that can’t mix with one of your other commonly taken medicines. If those prescriptions aren’t noted on your record properly, the provider would never know. This may seem like a simple error of omission, but it can have life-altering consequences.
Understanding your medical records also means knowing who to share them with. By putting the patient in control of sharing their records, caregivers, family members, and other medical providers are able to better understand an individual’s full health picture. As parents age, children are more likely to assist them with doctor’s appointments and other related medical duties. By having digital access to medical records, there is never a need to wonder what is really going on. The opportunity for deeper communication and education, as well as discussion about potential options comes to the forefront of the conversation. By making sure your dedicated advocate understands your wishes, you can better guarantee the outcomes you desire.
Empower your advocates – even if one of them is you! You can do that by creating a health “cheat sheet” which includes your allergies, medications, diagnoses, and, of course, providers. Be sure to also include your caregiver or advocate(s) on the list, as well as all of their contact information. This will make it much easier to get help in an emergency.
Technology has made the ability to access medical records a breeze. Gone is the stress and anxiety associated with medical records. By keeping it all on your phone, with a sharable QR code, you are empowering your care. It only takes a few minutes to download DrOwl from any app store and sign in. Once you answer a few simple questions, your records are readily accessible – and shareable – when and where you choose to do so. Let’s face it, managing your medical records in one location, and making sure they are factually correct, will help you put your best foot forward – even when the unexpected happens.
