Final answer:
Health information departments can contract services for electronic health records systems, data analysis and research assistance, and secure communication platforms which help manage patient information while maintaining privacy and improving healthcare quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
A health information department may contract several services to enhance the management of health records and address concerns related to treatments, diagnoses, patient quality of life, and individual privacy. Three types of contract services that might be used by health information departments include:
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) Systems Services - These services manage the digitalization and sharing of health records across different health providers, aiming to improve healthcare quality and reduce costs, while ensuring patient privacy as mandated by laws like HIPAA.
- Data Analysis and Research Assistance - Contracting with firms or individuals who can assist in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting health data can support evidence-based decision-making and impact assessments of public health programs.
- Secure Communication Platforms - To protect the confidentiality of patient information, secure messaging apps or phone applications may be developed to facilitate the safe transmission of sensitive health information to care providers or research databases.
This integration of contracted services can also assist in the collection of data on disease incidence and help health agencies make informed decisions. The appropriate use of these services can support a balance between treatment and diagnosis costs, the quality of life for patients, and the risks to patient privacy.