Final answer:
The integration of ancillary programs with an EHR system may lack appropriate systems for conducting long-term follow-up evaluations, potentially affecting patient care and medical research. Additionally, addressing the cost of treatment, patient quality of life, and privacy of health records are significant in policy development for healthcare technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
One disadvantage of the integration of ancillary programs for labs and other diagnostic and therapeutic services with an EHR system is the challenge it presents in conducting long-term follow-up evaluations. The integration may not always have the necessary systems in place, which could limit the capability for tracking patient outcomes over prolonged periods. This could impact not just patient care but also the ability to conduct comprehensive data analysis for medical research.
Additional Concerns in Healthcare Technology
In addition to long-term follow-up challenges, when developing policies for integrating healthcare systems, it is imperative to address several key questions:
- How will the costs of treatments and diagnoses be balanced against patient quality of life?
- What measures will be taken to ensure the privacy of health records?
- How will the risks to individual privacy be mitigated in the context of digital records sharing?
Addressing these questions is crucial for a successful integration that enhances quality and cost-effectiveness without compromising patient privacy.