Final answer:
The most accessible source for a cross-provider patient history view in the U.S. is payor claims data, collected by insurance companies. Balancing the uses of this data with privacy protection is critical, governed by policies such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Step-by-step explanation:
The most widely available source for a cross-provider view of patient history in the U.S. is c. Payor claims data. This data is collected by insurance companies as they process payments and maintain records of healthcare services received by patients. While personal electronic health records, smart cards, and cloud-based proprietary healthcare data also hold significant amounts of patient information, payor claims data encompasses a broader scope since it includes information from various providers with whom a patient may have had encounters. Insurance companies serve as common points of contact for multiple healthcare providers, thus compiling extensive patient history records over time.
However, balancing the effectiveness and reach of payor claims data with concerns for privacy is important. Policy discussions to address these matters should take into account questions including: How can patient confidentiality be protected while sharing data? What are the cost implications of securing data? And how do these practices impact patient quality of life?
It is imperative that policies and systems find a balance between improving healthcare quality, accessibility, and managing costs while also maintaining strict confidentiality as mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).