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The Cost of Free EHR – Your Data or Theirs (part 1)

“There is no such thing as a free lunch.”

We all remember that old adage but in this golden age of online services we sometimes want to think it doesn’t apply to computer-based products.  Google and other tools are “free” so why can’t other software and computer-based tools be free?

In reality there is still is no such thing as a free lunch.  Just ask any of the pay per click advertisers using Google – and influencing your Google searches and buying decisions.

Is EHR any different?

 

To find out, just read (yeah, really read!) the user agreement for one of the “free” EHRs.  You are likely to find contract terms such as:

“In consideration of our provision of the services, you hereby transfer and assign to us all right, title and interest in and to all de-identified Information that we make from your health information or your personal information…”

“You agree that we may use, disclose, market, license and sell de-identified information for any purpose without restriction, and that you have no interest in such information.”

“You acknowledge that the rights conferred by this section are the principal consideration for the provision of the services, without which we would not enter into this agreement.”

“you agree that we may provide de-identified Health Information and other information (including your personal information and information concerning your practice) to any medical group, independent practice association of physicians, health plan or other organization with which you have a contract to provide medical services, or to whose members or enrollees you provide medical services.”

In other words, the company is selling your data (and you) and that is one of the ways that they are making money off you.

C Huddle, VP Market Development

 

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