The EMMER would have a pronounced effect on health care delivery. It would make care delivery less costly since multiple paper documents and repeated tests would not be needed. In addition, patient frustration over filling out similar forms time and time again each time a new provider Is used would be alleviated. The Information for any particular patient would be shared among all providers so a new provider In the patient's care system would have the same Information as the patients primary care physician. The main fear in the industry due to this technology is protection of privacy.
The rent [I]system (the article cites the VA system which is already in use) does not control access, it merely monitors it. With no way of managing who has access to what level, the fear is that patients would be less forthcoming with their medical matters and may not seek treatment as often as they might in a private setting. In addition, the embarrassment of certain diseases or symptoms may more than what the patient is willing to bear with an EMMER. The author concludes the article by noting the overwhelming need for an EMMER, but mentions that such a solution must include functions to protect privacy and limit access.
