One of the components of Meaningful Use as specified in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is the electronic exchange of personal health information to improve the quality of healthcare. The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have established multiple stages of meaningful use, with the second stage placing a heavy emphasis on health information exchanges capabilities and interoperability. Professionals and hospitals who do not meet these requirements can be subject to penalties. Palomar UC San Diego Health’s goal is to meet meaningful use and support the policy goal for the secure exchange of electronic health information. Ultimately, this will allow data to closely follow patients to the point of care and better inform critical health decisions.

Protecting the security and confidentiality of our patient’s information is of the utmost importance. Health Information Exchanges have created a secure system for information exchange that complies with state and federal privacy laws. Their advanced technology uses specific protocols to ensure that your health information remains private and secure.

Palomar will only share your Health Information electronically through a Health Information Exchange to support your continuation of care and as required or allowed by law. For example, when you see a healthcare provider who participates in the Exchange outside of Palomar UC San Diego Health or to notify your primary care provider of your recent visit to Palomar UC San Diego Health facilities.

By allowing your medical records to be included in the Health Information Exchange, providers and caregivers can easily and more quickly view your health history electronically from other participating healthcare providers. Having more complete and current information available to your providers will help them make more informed decisions to provide you with extraordinary care, including avoiding unnecessary tests or procedures.

Yes. The goal of a Health Information Exchange is to provide your caregivers outside Palomar UC San Diego Health secure access to the best available information about your health. By opting out of Health Information Exchange, your caregivers outside Palomar UC San Diego Health may have less information about you when making a diagnosis for you, or when making decisions with you about your care.

Palomar UC San Diego Health medical information will be visible to your non-Palomar UC San Diego Health caregivers through a Health Information Exchange, unless you opt-out by completing our online form at the top of this page. You will be asked to provide the last four digits of your social security number.

Your choice to opt-out of the Health Information Exchange will not affect your ability to access medical care. Opting out will not prevent your caregivers from sharing your health information with authorized entities when necessary for public health or research purposes that are permitted or required by Palomar UC San Diego Health as well as federal and state law. In cases of medical emergency, your doctor may request to view your health record to diagnose or treat your emergency medical condition and Palomar UC San Diego Health will make your records available under such circumstances.

Your opt-out request will be effective approximately ten business days after Palomar UC San Diego Health receives your request. You are free to opt-in again at any time during the registration process at any of our Palomar UC San Diego Health Registration locations or by calling Medical Records at 760-480-7901 to obtain an opt-in form. Return the completed opt-in form to the attention of by completing and returning our opt-in form to us at:
Palomar UC San Diego Health
Privacy Office
120 Craven Road, Suite 224
San Marcos, CA 92078

If you previously chose not to participate, you will need to notify us during the registration process at any of our Palomar UC San Diego Health Registration locations or by calling Medical Records at 760-480-7901 to obtain an opt-in form. Return the completed opt-in form to the attention of:
Palomar UC San Diego Health
Privacy Office
120 Craven Road, Suite 224
San Marcos, CA 92078