News From Maine

AARP in Your State

October 2009

Sharing critical information — A new statewide network of electronic health records is expected to improve quality of care and reduce the risk of medical errors. HealthInfoNet will allow hospitals, physicians and other health care providers to share complete, up-to-date medical information, with the patient's consent. Eventually, the network also will give individuals access to their own medical records.

Sharing records electronically can improve coordination of care for patients who see several providers or receive care in more than one setting. In addition, having access to such records can save lives in emergencies, especially if patients are incapacitated and unable to communicate their medical history or their allergies and current medications.

AARP Maine participated in planning the network, underscoring consumers' needs for privacy and security.