Working in hospitals for the past two years was a real eye-opener for me as far as medical records are concerned. It seems to be impossible to share records between units never mind between the patient's doctor and the hospital. We've had to redo costly procedures (MRI's, CT's, bone scans etc.) because we didn't have immediate access to the MRI they did last week and we couldn't wait for hand delivery due to the sickness of the patient. Some things can be faxed but the quality isn't always perfect and e-mail isn't acceptable for privacy reasons.

I know it will be costly and there will be privacy issues to address but it needs to get done someday. Is the stimulus plan the place for it? Perhaps not. I think it should be addressed on its own merit.