This data brief uses the Health Information Trends Survey (HINTS), a nationally representative survey, to assess individuals’ access, viewing and use of their online medical records, and the use of smartphone health apps and other electronic devices in 2017 and 2018.

National level survey results regarding interoperability among office-based physicians show that while physicians’ rates of querying or finding patient health information from outside sources increased by 50 percent between 2015 and 2017, the rates of electronically sending and receiving data did not change.

HHS announced it is extending the public comment period by 30 days for two proposed regulations aimed at promoting the interoperability of health IT and enabling patients to electronically access their health information. The new deadline for the submission of comments – June 3, 2019 – will allow additional time for the public to review the proposed regulations.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today issued for public comment draft 2 of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) that will support the full, network-to-network exchange of health information nationally. HHS also released a notice of funding opportunity to engage a non-profit, industry-based organization that will advance nationwide interoperability.

In the 1990s, many Americans interacted with the Internet through America Online. While this platform was revolutionary, providing users with e-mail services and access to content, it was also a closed network.