| Computers and technology have long played a role in | | | | forth certain regulations and guidelines regarding |
| the medical system. In more recent years, however, | | | | keeping track of medical records with specialized |
| computers have started to become an increasingly | | | | software. The primary goal of the act was to |
| relied upon method for helping to keep patient | | | | maintain patient privacy while still allowing medical |
| records straight and for keeping people healthy. In | | | | professionals to take advantage of the conveniences |
| fact, the use of computer sciences combined with | | | | technology provides. |
| the information sciences in the medical field has | | | | Since then, the Certification Commission for |
| become so prevalent that a term has been | | | | Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) was |
| developed to describe this merging of fields: health | | | | formed through the United States Department of |
| informatics. | | | | Health and Human Services. This non-profit |
| Health informatics, also referred to as medical | | | | organization has developed a set of standards |
| informatics, focuses primarily on the use of | | | | regarding electronic health records and the networks |
| computers and information science to help acquire, | | | | that support them. Those vendors that meet these |
| store, and retrieve information in both biomedicine | | | | standards receive certification through the |
| and health in general. This may involve communication | | | | organization. In 2006, the organization certified 22 |
| amongst and between medical facilities and | | | | electronic health record products that have been |
| professionals, retrieving current information regarding | | | | approved for use. |
| treatment methods for certain disorders, and even | | | | Computers are playing an increasingly important role |
| helping medical professionals diagnose a disease. It | | | | within the medical field. With their help, medical |
| may also involve the sharing of patient information | | | | professionals are capable of providing more effective |
| amongst specialists in order to give the patient the | | | | and efficient care to their patients. With the many |
| best treatment possible. | | | | standards, guidelines, and regulations set forth |
| With the use of computers in the medical system | | | | through government bodies and organizations, the |
| becoming increasingly common, the United States | | | | practice is likely to become even more widespread |
| congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and | | | | while simultaneously protecting the rights of patients. |
| Accountability Act (HIPPAA) in 1006. This act set | | | | |