Fixing the broken system: How the U.S. can modernize health records

The U.S. healthcare system processes millions of patient records every day, yet many patients still face frustrating barriers when accessing their own medical information. Despite major advancements in technology, scheduling appointments, sharing records between providers, and reducing paperwork remain persistent challenges.

Over the last 15 years, the federal government has poured more than $35 billion into improving health data-sharing infrastructure. The goal was to create a seamless digital system that would improve patient care, reduce medical errors, and make record-keeping more efficient. Instead, many of the systems put in place are outdated, difficult to use, and often prevent different hospitals and clinics from easily exchanging information.

While electronic health records (EHRs) have improved certain aspects of healthcare, they have also introduced new problems. Doctors and nurses often struggle with inefficient software that adds to their workload instead of streamlining it.

Patients are frequently required to log into multiple portals just to schedule an appointment or review test results. For a system that was supposed to improve access and efficiency, the reality has fallen far short of expectations.

The evolution of electronic health records

The concept of digital medical records dates back to the 1960s and ’70s, when academic institutions first experimented with computerizing health data. By the late 1980s, the health IT industry had begun to take shape. In the early 2000s, studies highlighted the potential benefits of electronic records, such as reducing medical errors and improving communication between doctors.

During his presidency, Barack Obama strongly supported the adoption of electronic health records, emphasizing the need for every hospital and doctor’s office to modernize. His administration introduced financial incentives to encourage rapid adoption, but many providers rushed to implement systems that were poorly designed or not yet fully developed. As a result, doctors and hospital staff were left with frustrating software that made their jobs harder instead of easier.

One major flaw in the rollout of EHRs was the failure to ensure different systems could communicate with each other. Many hospitals and healthcare networks invested in software that does not easily share data with competitors. Today, more than 70% of hospitals report difficulties exchanging patient records across different vendors. Nearly 57% struggle with accurately identifying patients when transferring records.

Ongoing challenges in the healthcare system

Despite widespread belief that digital records are easily accessible, many patients still have trouble using them. More than 20% of Americans have not accessed their online medical records in over a year. Some patients, particularly those in lower-income or rural communities, still receive paper records because their healthcare providers lack the funding to fully digitize their systems.

For doctors and nurses, the problems are just as frustrating. Many medical professionals complain that current EHR systems are not intuitive, making simple tasks—like finding a patient’s past test results—needlessly complicated. Studies show that only about 13% of general practitioners can easily navigate the information in electronic records.

The financial burden of switching systems also prevents hospitals from improving their technology. Even when healthcare executives recognize that their current software is inefficient, the cost and complexity of replacing it often outweigh the benefits. Instead, they continue using outdated systems, forcing doctors, nurses, and patients to work around the flaws.

New innovations aimed at improving patient experience

Despite these challenges, progress is being made. A public-private initiative launched in 2022 aims to eliminate barriers to sharing patient data between different healthcare providers. Additionally, a major health records vendor recently announced plans to allow patients to share their medical data with third-party apps. This could make it easier for patients to bring their health information with them when seeing new doctors, reducing the need for duplicate tests and paperwork.

Another step forward is the expansion of patient portals, which provide online access to medical records, prescription refills, and secure messaging with doctors. These platforms give patients more control over their health by making information more accessible.

Wearable technology is also playing a growing role in digital health. Devices that track heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs are helping doctors monitor patients remotely, providing real-time data that can improve treatment decisions. If integrated into existing electronic health record systems, these tools could significantly enhance patient care.

A path forward

Fixing the flaws in the U.S. health record system will require cooperation from hospitals, technology companies, and lawmakers. Strengthening regulations to ensure better compatibility between different EHR systems is essential. Hospitals must also prioritize user-friendly software that reduces administrative burdens on healthcare providers rather than adding to them.

Privacy and security concerns remain a major issue, as patients need reassurance that their sensitive medical information will be protected. Congress must clarify how existing privacy laws apply to emerging digital health technologies and invest in research that evaluates how electronic records impact patient outcomes.

While the current system remains far from ideal, the gap between inefficiency and true modernization is not insurmountable. With smarter reforms, better technology, and a focus on patient needs, the U.S. can create a healthcare system that finally delivers on the promise of digital health records.