Users of electronic health record (EHR) in the Czech Republic have reached two millions by the end of the summer 2010, which was the target of IZIP, the company providing EHR. By using web based eZK (electronic health record), currently more than the fifth of the population have the ability to access their own health information, including information about visits, test results and prescribed drugs. In addition, more than 15,000 caregivers are using the electronic records to share information with each other. The records are offered free of charge for those insured by the VZP, the largest state owned health insurer in the Czech Republic.
Head of IZIP, Pašek, said: "During this year the eZK service has seen a very dynamic development. Compared to late 2009, the electronic health records have 60% more users. We continued working on increasing the percentage of health workers involved - a third of them are now involved in the system and more than half of national hospitals make use of it." The system has been present and ready for use seven years ago, but only gained attention and interest in May, when the VZP allowed people to register via a website to receive records access codes in the post. "There are several ways of joining IZIP, but with the new online registration system we expect a further dramatic increase in the number of users," Pašek added. Patients can access their data any time throughout the day where information is stored in two separate places with health data going on one server and contact information on another one to ensure high security. Future plans include incorporating e-prescribing and emergency service support.
