The Inevitable Future of Electronic Medical Records

[Anti Federalist]

Within 30 years, these records and databases will all be interconnected, and, among things, will monitor your purchases based on health or mental issues.

You will be required to scan or swipe an implanted ID at purchase, which will approve or deny purchases based on your unique medical records.

High blood pressure? - No fats or salt for you.

Taking "happy pills" like millions of fellow citizens? - No firearms or ammo for you.

Overweight? - No high calorie food for you.

The list is endless, of the possible disqualifications and prohibitions.

Make whatever justification you want, this is not freedom.



The Inevitable Future of Electronic Medical Records

by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

http://lewrockwell.com/koelker/koelker8.1.1.html

For the past year now I’ve been using an Electronic Health Record (EHR) and believe the writing is on the wall. These computerized medical records are not about improving health care; they are about control of both the physician and patient.

Beginning in 2013, doctors who don’t prescribe electronically will be penalized financially. Although this mandate is Medicare-driven, Medicare collects statistics for patients of all ages and insurance groups, not just those receiving Medicare benefits. What Medicare requires eventually effects us all.

So what do I foresee? A primary goal of the EHR is the universal availability of your medical records. If you’re in Florida and visit an Urgent Care center while on vacation, "ideally" your records from your Ohio family physician will be readily accessible. With your health records on computer, theoretically the information can be transferred nearly instantaneously. The problem is, there are hundreds of different EHR systems, and they do not communicate with each other, and your doctor may not be able or willing to provide this information in the middle of the night. The easiest solution to this problem is the adoption of a single system used nationwide by all providers.

If only one system is to be used, it will likely be government-controlled. For timely exchange of information, your records will need to be hosted on the Internet (which many already are). This makes it simple for governing agencies to collect data on both patients and physicians. If America ever goes to a single-payer system, you can guarantee data collection will skyrocket.

You will also need a number, a card perhaps, similar to an insurance or Medicare card. But my patients commonly forget to bring these along. What if you show up in the ER without identification? Why, the simplest answer is to have your EHR-access information available in or on your body. Pets are commonly "chipped" with tiny RFID implants, in case they are lost. What about your Granny with Alzheimer’s, or young children, or mental patients prone to wander? They too can be chipped – and so can we all.

If you think this is crazy, consider that Medicare is already collecting data on your body mass index, your tobacco use, your vital signs, diagnoses, and medications. Insurance companies and pharmacies track which drugs I prescribe and whether my patients are compliant with refills. In Ohio, every controlled drug that is prescribed is reported to a database. Last year it was voluntary for me to check my patients. This year I am mandated to check this database on all patients using any controlled drug or tramadol in an on-going basis. Whereas this mandate is to find the few who are abusing medication, it subjects all of us to governmental monitoring. Additionally, this mandate will require dozens, perhaps hundreds, of hours of my time to detect a problem, wasting both time and money. The benefit to society is unproven, but it’s the law. Your name, too, may be in a government database. A few Vicodin after a dental extraction may land you there.

My only patient to refuse the EHR to date is a former citizen of the USSR. What does that say? Does she know something we don’t?

At least for now, you can refuse an EHR record – at least at my office. Other doctors may not be so accommodating. If they have transferred all their records to computer, they may have no means of maintaining a paper record. And if your doctor is an employee, he or she has little if any say-so in the matter.

The EHR amounts to a little-recognized infringement of your personal freedom. Perhaps this article will engender a rebellion against computerized medical records. I’m actually hoping so. My paper records were better organized, easier to access, and definitely more secure.

[tod evans]

Just think of all the children this will save...:rolleyes:

[Dr.3D]

Heck, I'm already getting mail from my health insurance company telling me I should get certain tests, saying they are sending it for my physician. As if they are my physician and know what I need.

Edit:
I also know some people who are on medical marijuana. They went down to get a concealed pistol permit and were told they couldn't have one, because they were registered as using marijuana.

[phill4paul]

Heck, I'm already getting mail from my health insurance company telling me I should get certain tests, saying they are sending it for my physician. As if they are my physician and know what I need.

Edit:
I also know some people who are on medical marijuana. They went down to get a concealed pistol permit and were told they couldn't have one, because they were registered as using marijuana.

QFE. It is worth repeating but, honestly, what did they expect?

[Dr.3D]

QFE. It is worth repeating but, honestly, what did they expect?
I guess they expected to be treated like people who use any other prescription drug.

[Anti Federalist]

I guess they expected to be treated like people who use any other prescription drug.

Mistake the first.

We are no longer people, or citizens, of a free republic.

We are, in fact, "human resources", to be used, folded, spindled and mutilated in any way the corporate/government complex wishes.

[phill4paul]

I guess they expected to be treated like people who use any other prescription drug.


The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sent out a memo last week clarifying their stance that a sportsman with a shotgun and a medical marijuana card is no different than a cocaine dealer with a silenced TEC-9.

<snip>

Though the timing on the memo was surprising, the stance of the ATF isn't. Westword actually got clarification on the marijuana/gun ownership issue last year in a blog post by former staffer Joel Warner. At the time, the Colorado Bureau of Investigations, which processes the ATF gun applications, had no access to the medical marijuana registry. New state medical marijuana laws have changed that situation to some degree. Law enforcement still can't blindly cross reference the entire MMJ registry with gun registries and concealed handgun permits. But agents do have the ability to search on a case-by-case basis to see who may or may not have concealed permits in the state.

http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/09/medical_marijuana_guns_prison_atf.php

[Dr.3D]

http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/09/medical_marijuana_guns_prison_atf.php
Hell, isn't it?

[devil21]

QFE. It is worth repeating but, honestly, what did they expect?

DEA and ATF declared about 8 months ago that medical mj users are banned from purchasing or owning firearms. No due process, no criminal record necessary, etc. Just "declared" it.

[Dr.3D]

DEA and ATF declared about 8 months ago that medical mj users are banned from purchasing or owning firearms. No due process, no criminal record necessary, etc. Just "declared" it.

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
I wonder what part of "shall not be infringed" they don't understand.

Edit: I also find it interesting how after the fact and getting all those people on a list, they then decided to tell them all the "benefits" of being on that list.

[Anti Federalist]

DEA and ATF declared about 8 months ago that medical mj users are banned from purchasing or owning firearms. No due process, no criminal record necessary, etc. Just "declared" it.

Yeah, and what's your problem with that, Mundane?

[youngbuck]

That last time I went to the hospital and/or saw a doctor, it was because of a bad injury that required surgery. Other than that, I care for my health myself and don't see a doctor. I try and keep medical records to the minimum.

[youngbuck]

DEA and ATF declared about 8 months ago that medical mj users are banned from purchasing or owning firearms. No due process, no criminal record necessary, etc. Just "declared" it.

That is true. However, you simply don't admit it as it's none of their business. I got my CCW in two different states while also possessing an MMJ card.

[phill4paul]

Hell, isn't it?

Which is why some choose to stay out of the whole damned system. No MMJ card and no CCW. No worries.
Those individuals are well aware of the ramifications for having neither. They are also well aware of the ramifications of obtaining either. They choose not to swim for the bait of the 'appearance' of legality and getting caught in the net.

[youngbuck]

Which is why some choose to stay out of the whole damned system. No MMJ card and no CCW. No worries.
Those individuals are well aware of the ramifications for having neither. They are also well aware of the ramifications of obtaining either. They choose not to swim for the bait of the 'appearance' of legality and getting caught in the net.

It's certainly a balancing act. I figure if things get so shitty that my name in a past mmj database or current ccw registry is going to cause too much of an issue, we'll have much larger fish to fry, and the oil will be hot.

[Anti Federalist]

That is true. However, you simply don't admit it as it's none of their business. I got my CCW in two different states while also possessing an MMJ card.

If you filled out an ATF form 4473 to purchase firearms and answered "NO" to question 11-e, you just committed a federal felony.

http://www.atf.gov/forms/download/atf-f-4473-1.pdf

[Dr.3D]

Which is why some choose to stay out of the whole damned system. No MMJ card and no CCW. No worries.
Those individuals are well aware of the ramifications for having neither. They are also well aware of the ramifications of obtaining either. They choose not to swim for the bait of the 'appearance' of legality and getting caught in the net.
I'm sure many who are already card carrying MMJ users, now wish they had stayed underground.

[Working Poor]

DEA and ATF declared about 8 months ago that medical mj users are banned from purchasing or owning firearms. No due process, no criminal record necessary, etc. Just "declared" it.

Well I guess if you want a gun and to use MM then you need to get the gun first then get the MM then call and report your gun stolen.

[Anti Federalist]

Well I guess if you want a gun and to use MM then you need to get the gun first then get the MM then call and report your gun stolen.

Three or four felonies there.

[Dr.3D]

Well I guess if you want a gun and to use MM then you need to get the gun first then get the MM then call and report your gun stolen.
Or get a gun "illegally."

[Anti Federalist]

I'm sure many who are already card carrying MMJ users, now wish they had stayed underground.

My point in all this, and why I have no tolerance any more about "private" companies requiring drug tests, for instance.

They send you to a doctor, he DNA tests your hair, it pings back a positive, it goes into the database, now you are a felon.

[phill4paul]

Three or four felonies there.

Quit beating me to the punch. That's twice now in this thread. :p

[youngbuck]

If you filled out an ATF form 4473 to purchase firearms and answered "NO" to question 11-e, you just committed a federal felony.

http://www.atf.gov/forms/download/atf-f-4473-1.pdf

Actually my MMJ card made me a lawful user, so I would not have to lie on it. Also, I didn't buy a gun, just got my CCW.

[Dr.3D]

My point in all this, and why I have no tolerance any more about "private" companies requiring drug tests, for instance.

They send you to a doctor, he DNA tests your hair, it pings back a positive, it goes into the database, now you are a felon.
It's just like Bush said.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PTiMKsTo-o

[tod evans]

DEA and ATF declared about 8 months ago that medical mj users are banned from purchasing or owning firearms. No due process, no criminal record necessary, etc. Just "declared" it.

It's time to flush Washington!

http://www.trendir.com/archives/water-monopoly-high-tank-toilet-1.jpg

[Dr.3D]

It's time to flush Washington!

http://www.trendir.com/archives/water-monopoly-high-tank-toilet-1.jpg
Wow, that's a beautiful toilet. I wish my high tank toilet looked as nice.

Bet that will be illegal before long, if it isn't already.

[tod evans]

Wow, that's a beautiful toilet. .

Kinda like Washington........pretty and polished, full of shit and stinks to high heaven!

[Dr.3D]

Kinda like Washington........pretty and polished, full of shit and stinks to high heaven!
I also notice the water supply line is missing. It should be on the left and go into that fitting on the side of the tank.
I guess that's sort of like Washington too. They don't have a supply line and therefore, can't be flushed.

[Anti Federalist]

Actually my MMJ card made me a lawful user, so I would not have to lie on it. Also, I didn't buy a gun, just got my CCW.

OK, fair enough that you didn't buy a gun, but WRT to the MMJ card, in the eyes of ATF there is no such thing as a "lawful user".

Regardless of what any state says, if you smoke pot and answer "NO" on 11-e, as far as the ATF and Feds are concerned, you've just committed a class "A" felony.

[Working Poor]

It's time to flush Washington!

http://www.trendir.com/archives/water-monopoly-high-tank-toilet-1.jpg

Yea but I would not use a pretty toilet like that one to do it.

Here is one that can do the red white and blue job'

http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=BM9&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1280&bih=667&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=Qi9uhWInO610IM:&imgrefurl=http://envirowasteservicesgroup.com/sewer-services/sewer-and-drain-cleaning/&docid=3CUGawxBjRhaFM&imgurl=http://envirowasteservicesgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/sewer-and-drain-cleaning-22.jpg&w=2592&h=1944&ei=em0tUNr5KdLOyAHr_4GgDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=463&vpy=132&dur=175&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=150&ty=130&sig=109465761273963077294&page=4&tbnh=153&tbnw=205&start=55&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:55,i:275

[youngbuck]

OK, fair enough that you didn't buy a gun, but WRT to the MMJ card, in the eyes of ATF there is no such thing as a "lawful user".

Regardless of what any state says, if you smoke pot and answer "NO" on 11-e, as far as the ATF and Feds are concerned, you've just committed a class "A" felony.

Yea that's true. But f'k the ATF. IMO states' rights trump that shitty beaucractic travesty that the ATF is. I know the states' rights argument may not be a realistic defense against the Feds, but IMO it is correct, and somebody should in good conscience, under penalty of perjury even, be able to truthfully check NO on 11-e if they have their MMJ card.

[Dr.3D]

Yea that's true. But f'k the ATF. IMO states' rights trump that shitty beaucractic travesty that the ATF is. I know the states' rights argument may not be a realistic defense against the Feds, but IMO it is correct, and somebody should in good conscience, under penalty of perjury even, be able to truthfully check NO on 11-e if they have their MMJ card.
True, state law should trump federal law.

[donnay]

This is just getting us ready for the forced microchipping and the cashless society.

[Anti Federalist]

Yea that's true. But f'k the ATF. IMO states' rights trump that shitty beaucractic travesty that the ATF is. I know the states' rights argument may not be a realistic defense against the Feds, but IMO it is correct, and somebody should in good conscience, under penalty of perjury even, be able to truthfully check NO on 11-e if they have their MMJ card.

I agree, and let me make something clear.

I often cite these laws and codes and perhaps sometimes it comes off as me "encouraging" compliance with the system.

Far from it, in fact, just the opposite is true.

I just use these incidents to illustrate how, basically, everything is against the law, and the draconian penalties associated with even the slightest breaking or "bending" of the millions of laws, rules, codes, edicts, mandates, policies, regulations and ordinances that are hanging over our heads each and every day, violation of any one of which is liable to ruin your life, career, reputation and finances, overnight.

And in this case, how the interconnected databases tied in to the surveillance grid will result in seamless and airtight 24/7 monitoring of every citizen for full compliance.

[LibForestPaul]

Mistake the first.

We are no longer people, or citizens, of a free republic.

We are, in fact, "human resources", to be used, folded, spindled and mutilated in any way the corporate/government complex wishes.

Worldwide no less...
The future of the US, look toward China, Argentina, Mexico. So much chattle ruled by so few farming families. This is what your children and grandchildren will be inheriting.

[heavenlyboy34]

I agree, and let me make something clear.

I often cite these laws and codes and perhaps sometimes it comes off as me "encouraging" compliance with the system.

Far from it, in fact, just the opposite is true.

I just use these incidents to illustrate how, basically, everything is against the law, and the draconian penalties associated with even the slightest breaking or "bending" of the millions of laws, rules, codes, edicts, mandates, policies, regulations and ordinances that are hanging over our heads each and every day, violation of any one of which is liable to ruin your life, career, reputation and finances, overnight.

And in this case, how the interconnected databases tied in to the surveillance grid will result in seamless and airtight 24/7 monitoring of every citizen for full compliance.
Indeed. Hope you got your daily 3 felonies done, mundane. Pretty sure I did, but I've still got a few hours left.

[phill4paul]

Indeed. Hope you got your daily 3 felonies done, mundane. Pretty sure I did, but I've still got a few hours left.

If you don't break the law three times a day, you ain't livin' life right.