Patient access to images is all upside

Since HIPAA was enacted in 1996, patients have had the right to read and modify their medical records. While some healthcare insiders worry that direct access to medical images may cause unnecessary anxiety, others believe it is crucial for patient-centric healthcare. Direct access to images can lead to more informed decision-making, improved continuity of care, and cost savings. A central image repository, such as a cloud, can make healthcare more efficient. The current system is cumbersome and delays access to care, leading to unnecessary costs and additional testing. The use of a cloud or image exchange can help connect disparate radiology storage systems and improve healthcare quality. It’s time for stakeholders to embrace these technological tools and give patients complete access to their medical records.