Americans concerned about medical privacy, survey finds.

• Author: Swartz, Nikki
• Position: UP FRONT: News, Trends & Analysis

Despite new federal protections, 67 percent of Americans are worried about the privacy of their personal health information and are largely unaware of their rights. Moreover, many consumers may be putting their health at risk with such behaviors as avoiding their regular doctor or forgoing needed tests, according to the National Consumer Health Privacy Survey 2005.

The survey, commissioned by the California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) and conducted by Forrester Research, also found that a majority of consumers are concerned that employers will use their medical information to limit job opportunities.

Despite these fears, the survey revealed that consumers have a favorable view of health information technology and are willing to share their personal health data when it offers a benefit, such as improving the coordination or safety of their care. For example, 65 percent of respondents said they believe computerization could potentially reduce medical errors.

Although the U.S. government and private sector is pushing for electronic health records for every American within 10 years, the survey found that 66 percent of consumers believe that health information stored in paper files is secure, but 58 percent believe electronic records are more secure.

And, despite passage of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the survey revealed that 67 percent of Americans continue to show high levels of concern about the privacy of their personal health information. Ethnic and racial minorities (73 percent) and chronically ill populations (67 percent) show the most concern. The survey also found that one in four consumers is aware of recent privacy breaches reported in the media. Of those who are aware of these incidents, 42 percent said the reports increased their concern about their own medical privacy.

Additionally, the survey found that fears about employer use of medical claims...