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New Database Links Health Records

New digital age already underway

Last Edited: Thursday, 22 Jan 2009, 12:37 AM EST
Created On: Thursday, 22 Jan 2009, 12:37 AM EST
Tricia Cruz

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - President Barack Obama says one of the goals of his administration is to bring health care into the 21st century when it comes to patient health records.

The new digital age is already underway in western New York.

Nearly 500 physicians now have access to the new database known as "HEALTHeLINK™."

HEALTHeLINK™ Executive Director Dan Porreca said, "The emergency room doctor who's never seen that patient before ever, will have access to their information, their medication history, any lab work, any radiology reports."

Participating hospital systems include Erie County Medical Center, Kaleida, Roswell and the Catholic Health Systems.

And three major insurance companies including Blue Cross Blue Shield also have access to the database.

The goal? To reduce costs and improve patient care.

Erie County Commissioner of Health Doctor Anthony Billittier said, "The reduction in the need for duplicate testing, it'll be a safety issue. For example, I see patients in the emergency department. Patients will often come in and tell us they had a cat scan the day before but we won't be able to get the test results."

23 physicians reviewed the two-year pilot program to make sure it was ready to launch.

Dr. Raghu Ram says emergency care isn't the only time doctors will need immediate access to the database.

Dr. Ram (advisory committee, Chairman) said, "But other times in the day to day care of patients from the primary care setting. The information that is available at that point can be very valuable to prevent an emergency."

President Barack Obama wants to see health records computerized within five years.

Local health leaders say the new database is part of that plan.

But should patients be worried about their privacy?

"We're very comfortable and confident that the security is there in terms of patients privacy."

Doctors can't store their patients information into the new database unless they receive a signed waiver with their patient's consent.

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