Survey: Most Individuals Want Control of Personal Health Data

A new poll found that 97% of respondents say physicians, hospitals, labs and health IT systems should not sell or share personal health data unless they obtain patient consent, Healthcare IT News reports.

The poll — conducted by Zogby International for Patient Privacy Rights, a watchdog group — surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. adults to gauge consumers’ views on health care IT, privacy and health information access.

Key Findings

According to the poll:

• 98% of respondents oppose allowing insurance companies to share or sell health information without receiving consent;
• 91% say that they want the power to decide who can see and use their electronic health information; and
• 78% report that they would be somewhat likely or very likely to use a website that lets users choose who can view their health information.

Patient Privacy Rights’ Suggestions

Patient Privacy Rights supports the creation of a “one-stop shop” website where patients can make decisions about who views their electronic health information.

The group describes the website as a “do not disclose” list, similar to the national “do not call” list. Health care organizations would need to explain to patients how the information would be used to receive consent (Miliard, Healthcare IT News, 11/11).

Source: iHealthBeat