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Answer to Your Question

If I don’t have access to Blue Button now, why should I care about this?

Even if you don’t have access to Blue Button through your health plan, doctor or other health care provider such as pharmacies, nursing homes and labs, you still have a legal right to see and get a copy of your health records. You should be able to get your health records from most doctors, hospitals and other heath care providers, as well as from your health plan (insurer) in the form that fits your needs—either electronically or in a paper form—as long as your health plan or provider is able to do so. Having electronic access to your health record allows you to have the information you need at your fingertips to share with other doctors or in case of an emergency. More health care providers and health plans are adopting Blue Button, which means more people are gaining a convenient and secure way to access to their health information on demand, rather than having to ask for that information from their provider or health plan.

As more providers adopt electronic health records and meet the meaningful use requirements that support patients and families having access to their health information online, more patients will be able to have the information they need to play a more active role in their health care. To meet “Meaningful Use” requirements, more doctors will be using electronic health records and providing patients with easy, electronic access to that information. And more and more, that information is getting converted from paper records into a digital health format, allowing for more information to be integrated into the Blue Button.

Blue Button - Using and Understanding the Blue Button

How safe is the information in Blue Button?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) helps keep entities covered under HIPAA accountable for the privacy and security of patients’ health information. Although electronic...
How does the Blue Button work?
The Blue Button enables you to securely access your personal health data online by clicking on a “Blue Button” logo or icon. You may have access to your claims and personal health information that...
What is “Blue Button for America”?
Blue Button for America is a collaborative effort by the Department of Health and Human Services, the White House, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand consumer access to personal health...
How do I maintain the privacy of my electronic health records and my own health information through the Blue Button?
To ensure that your personal health information is kept private and secure, typically only you can access the Blue Button after you have logged into your health care provider or health plan’s patient...
What if I don’t want to use Blue Button?
You are not required by law to use Blue Button. However, being able to “blue button” your health data and share that information with others you trust could be helpful in the event of an emergency...
What other options do I have to manage my care if I don’t use Blue Button?
You should already be taking care of yourself—or managing your care—by watching what you eat, exercising and taking advantage of preventive health benefits your health plan might offer. And many...
My doctor’s office was asking me questions about medicines I had purchased at the local drug store. With the Blue Button will my doctor have all of my information even if I don’t explicitly give them the authority to use it?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets rules and limits over who can look at and receive your health information. The rules still apply with Blue Button so your doctor...
What information will I get through Blue Button?
It depends. The data that you are able to get from your health plan and your health care provider (doctor, hospital, etc.) may be different. Health plans may have both claims and personal...
Can I sign up for Blue Button today?
It depends if your health care provider, health plan (insurer), or other entity that manages your health data (e.g. pharmacy, lab, etc.) offers a way for you to get secure access to your health...
Is the Blue Button available to everyone?
Many people in the United States still don’t have easy, electronic access to their health information, and many don’t know that the Federal government has taken a large step towards solving that...
You talk about having information to manage my care. My doctor manages my care, and I check my blood pressure every day, so what do you mean when you say Blue Button will help me manage my care?
“Blue Button” is a term that connotes easy, secure electronic access to your health data. Having access to this information can help you manage your care by having information you need to coordinate...
What kind of technology do I need to access the Blue Button?
Remember that unless you are a veteran, Medicare beneficiary or service member or your health plan, health care provider (doctor or hospital) or other entities where you seek care use Blue Button, it...
What if my doctor doesn’t want to use Blue Button?
Although your doctor may not want to offer you with a way to securely access your health record online, they are required by law to provide you with a way to view and get a copy of your medical...
Does my doctor have to use the Blue Button?
Your doctor is not required to offer Blue Button. However, there are financial incentives available from the federal government to encourage health care providers to adopt electronic health record...
Is there a cost to use the Blue Button?
There should not be a cost. Ask your health care provider or health plan if they offer a way for you to view, download, and share your health information online.
Why would I want to use the Blue Button?
The Blue Button allows you to download your personal health information, including information like your emergency contact information, health history, important test results, medications, allergies...
How do I maintain the privacy of my electronic health records and my own health information through the Blue Button?
To ensure that your personal health information is kept private and secure, typically only you can access the Blue Button after you have logged into your health care provider or health plan’s patient...