MEDICAL RECORD STORAGE
The Medical Record Storage program is a personal medical record solution that gives fast, secure access to complete medical records whenever they are needed. Medical records and vital information are maintained and released safely with a member’s PIN. Members have peace of mind whether they are across town or across the world, assured that in the event that they should ever be unconscious, disoriented or not lucid their vital medical information is rapidly available.
In a medical emergency, time is of the essence. Immediate access to essential medical information can SAVE LIVES by helping to avoid life-threatening delays in treatment, medical/surgical complications, allergic reactions and medication errors. Immediate access to personal medical information can also SAVE HEALTH
HealthTracer members determine when and with whom their medical information is shared. Also, keeping the customer's privacy in mind, HealthTracer has a complete system of security controls, including a PIN to ensure records are released only with member's authorization.
Highlights
STATISTICS
One in five Americans (22%) report that they or a family member have experienced a medical error of some kind. Nationally, this translates into an estimated 22.8 million people with at least one family member who experienced a mistake in a doctor's office or hospital.
- The Commonwealth Fund, 2002
Of those experiencing a medical mistake, 10 percent reported that they or a family member had gotten sicker, and about half of those said the problem was very serious. Nationally, this means that an estimated 8.1 million households reported a medical mistake that was very serious.
- The Commonwealth Fund, 2002
The new Commonwealth Fund study suggests that the 1999
- The Commonwealth Fund, 2002
Based on the
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2002
In 2002, Americans made 110.2 million visits to hospital emergency rooms, or about 38.9 visits per 100 persons.
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Diagnostic and screening services were ordered or provided by hospital staff at 86.8% of ER visits.
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In nearly 1 out of 100 ER visits, the patient required immediate attention (e.g. unconscious or required resuscitation efforts).
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Medical Records Storage FAQ
Q. What is the Medical Records Storage program?
A. Our Medical Records Storage program is a centralized database that allows retrieval of personal medical data within minutes from virtually anywhere in the civilized world, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Personal medical information is securely stored and can be retrieved so medical responders have a fast and secure system to obtain the critical data they need to save lives.
Q. Why would a healthy person want to join?
A. In the event of an emergency, especially one rendering someone unconscious, it would be just as important for medical providers to know someone isn’t sick, doesn’t have any known allergies, and isn’t on any medications as it is for those who are.
There is also a private, personal “Notes” section on our web site where non-medical information may be stored and accessed. This portion is password protected on the Internet, but may also be accessed by calling our toll-free number 24-7 and speaking with an employee directly. Examples include credit card numbers and customer service phone numbers (if lost or stolen), bank/financial records and safe deposit box information, legal papers and information, and any other information someone would want to securely store in one place for easy access.
Q. How can someone be assured of the security of his or her information?
A. Our security features include dual file servers running on a 100-Megabit per second network. Both servers are dual-processor Intel PIII 400’s with mirroring hard drives and automated backups for dual redundancy. Each server is capable of mirroring each other for added security and speed of transaction. Each server is capable of housing 1 million records each and more servers may be added at any time on an as needed basis.
Our software is custom built, utilizing C++, Visual Basic and SQL. The program may be reconfigured and setup in a different location within minutes in the event of a catastrophe. The stored information is backed up daily and may be retrieved in multiple manners based on varied search criteria.
Our automated Fax-Back System is a standalone server, capable of 200 incoming and/or outgoing calls per hour. Records are recognized and retrieved via the PIN and are automatically faxed to the number requested by the user. Because the PIN is on the Member’s card, information may be accessed even if the member is unconscious, disoriented or not lucid.
Q. How can someone be assured of the privacy and confidentiality of his or her information?
A. Members are required to sign an authorization for release of Medical Information for anyone who has access to their PIN at the time of application. Personally identifiable information will not be willfully disclosed to any source without prior expressed consent of the Member. Members’ information is solely retained on private servers and will not be sold or otherwise shared with outside individuals or companies for
Q. How do members change the information on their Card?
A. Additional cards may be obtained at no cost but if the information on the member’s card requires a change, the member must contact the Medical Records Storage office for a new card.