The fear is that disclosure of their medical records may result in embarrassment, insurance declination, loss of employment or failure to be hired for a new job. Privacy rules are coming, and fast. Final action of some kind is expected this year. Among the challenges to telemedicine advocates is that security implementations to date have generally been lax. In addition, the culture of most healthcare environments makes increasing security to protect patient information difficult.
Cost is a roadblock as well.
Margins in healthcare are razor thin so it is difficult to find the dollars for these systems. Long-term, however, investments in technology are predicted to result in tremendous savings. For now, at the very least, healthcare organizations can get their own privacy policies and systems in place as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute to start crafting and implementing a privacy policy and security system could result in additional future costs and potential exposure to legal liabilities as well. Draft a privacy disclosure notice outlining privacy policies and practices.