Starting in 2021, a new federal rule made it easier for patients and Medicaid recipients to access their medical records.
Alabama Medicaid recipients and Alabama patients can view their health information from their smartphone or mobile device through a health application (app) of their choice.
Having access to your health information through a third-party health app can make it easier to view and share your medical information with your doctor, caregiver, and family members.
A third-party health app can help you:
-
Securely view your medical health information and history
-
Keep track of your health and make better decisions about your health care
-
Share your health information with doctors, caregivers, or others by showing them health details on your phone or mobile device
NOTE: Third-party health apps may have different information. Each health app decides what information and services to provide. You can choose which health app will better serve you. Additional information, sharing features and the ability to view health information may or may not be available.
Your doctor must share your medical records with the third-party app for you to view your information.
Third-Party Health Apps
There are many health applications that can connect with providers and hospitals.
Alabama Medicaid offers the Alabama One Health Record App
With Alabama One Health Record®(ALOHR), you can view the following:
Benefits of Alabama One Health Record®
-
Secure: No one—including doctors, care managers or family—can access your health information without your permission.
-
Portable: You can access your health records from your smartphone or tablet with your username and password, whenever you need to.
-
Easy to use: You can manage your health care materials in one place and on your own.
-
Informative: Include your health information and history.
If you are not a Medicaid recipient, you can still use the app if your doctor participates with Alabama One Health Record®. If you are not sure, please contact your doctor.
Privacy and Security
Your privacy and the security of your personal health information (PHI) is a top concern. The only person who can log in to your account is you or, if you have one, a person you’ve picked to help you view your information. In addition, ALOHR allows recipients, patients, and providers to view medical information within a safe and secure environment. ALOHR uses a combination of safeguards to protect patient health information. Technical safeguards include encryption password protection, and the ability to audit user trails. Other technical safeguards used include written policies controlling access to information. All participating providers and health insurers are also regulated by federal and state privacy laws. Alabama One Health Record® is also the HITRUST Common Security
Framework (CSF) Certified.
Video 1 - Your Health Information, Your Rights
Video 2 - Your Health Information, Your Rights
Video 3 - Your Health Information, Your Rights
Filing A Complaint
If you feel your data has been breached or an app has used your data inappropriately you may file a complaint.
Submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Since the FTC has jurisdiction over these apps, you should submit a complaint to the FTC using the FTC Complaint Assistant.
File a HIPAA complaint. Your situation may fall under the HIPAA Privacy, Security, or Breach Notification Rules, or the Patient Safety Act and Rule. HIPAA is overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR).
Individuals can find more information about patient rights under HIPAA and who is obligated to follow HIPAA.
Learn more about filing a complaint with OCR under HIPAA.
Individuals can file a complaint with OCR using the OCR Complaint Portal.
Resources
Health Information FAQs
Using a Health App
CMS Interoperability and Patient Access Rule
Interoperability and Patient Access Fact Sheet
State Medicaid Health Information Technology Strategy Plan (SMHP) Update for 2021 - 3/4/22
State Medicaid Health Information Technology Strategy Plan (SMHP) 2021 Health IT Environmental Scan - 2/8/22