I couldn't agree more.

Today I had my annual physical exam and the office had signs asking patients to please let all care providers know to send information to the doctor's office so they can maintain a complete data file. I asked about it and he said we need annual eye exams, any clinic visits, any tests performed by specialists. We need a complete picture in order to provide high quality of care.

It was clear to me that our health system is still far from where it should be with electronic data records that are attached to a patient wherever the care takes place. Then each and every care provider should have access to the information that is relevant for the care they are providing. But the record should be the patient's data and they should decide how it is used, when and what value they receive when the health industry uses their data for their own benefit outside of the direct care they providing.