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Digital Doc Electronic medical records More information but less access? Jerry F. Potts, MD VOL 101 / NO 2 / FEBRUARY 1997 / POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE Usually in this column, you read about how something in the world of computers works or how to use some new gadget to simplify your work. This time I describe a different scenario; namely, what can happen when physicians let someone else make the decisions regarding access to the information stored in computer files. Physicians want nothing less than full, immediate access to everything that is available so they can use it to give their patients the best care. But a disturbing trend is developing that may do much to block this goal. Many factions are intent on keeping medical information from the hands of those who need it most. Centralized storage systems Private enterprise has long recognized that centralized gathering, storage, and retrieval of information is unwieldy and becoming more so all the time. Members of budgeting, ma...

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