1. Image records (and other binaries,) for EKGs, xrays, and so on. This has only recently (last 10 years) become practical even for large centers.
Bandwidth continues to be a problem here. But I agree, standards are still a problem. But government intervention isn't a solution. HCFA has, over the past few years, changed course on claim formats numerous times. Now, it has put off adoption of ANSI X12 (over the still prevalent, but very outdated NSF). These specs do not even have the capability to transmit the most basic (text) op-notes, let alone films. And HCFA has recently moved the mandate on X12 to after 2000, which means at that time there will STILL be no widespread ability to transmit more than the most basic of opnotes, etc.
While there are numerous projects underway to develop reasonable standards for medical records, the problem is vast and is not going to be addressed anytime soon. I don't see where the web involvement is "happening already", at least not at any substantial rate. I think a lot of the holdup is out of concern over security.
I'm not sure I'D agree the medical industry is getting there!!! |
