By Christine Von Raesfeld, Founder of People With Empathy
In the intricate web of healthcare information dissemination, a legal battle has emerged between the American Hospital Association and the Federal Government. The dispute centers on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) bulletin on Metapixel Tracking, which the AHA alleges, “exceed statutory authority under HIPAA, limiting hospitals from leveraging widely adopted tools on their public-facing websites.”
At the heart of this matter is a deeper concern — the potential fallout on the quality of information available to patients online. The looming risk of compromised accuracy, leads patients to navigate a landscape of potentially incorrect health information. Notably, many of these resources are based on Electronic Medical Records (EMR), recognized more for billing than accurate medical representation.
Adding to this complex scenario is the intrusion of Meta pixel trackers, shaping online advertisements based on individuals’ health conditions. However, instead of enhancing the patient experience, these personalized ads often miss the mark, bombarding individuals with information related to conditions they don’t have. The result is unnecessary anxiety and the proliferation of misinformation, all rooted in the often imperfect data captured in EMRs.
Beyond targeted advertising, patients find themselves confronted with unconventional products and services in online spaces — personally, I’ve received ads about turning my body into a tree after death, elaborate funeral arrangements and treatments for conditions I don’t have like, making me question some of my own diagnoses with masterful marketing. These ads not only capitalize on fears but also divert attention from essential health concerns, adding an unwarranted layer of stress.
As patients, it becomes evident that the provided resources and support miss the mark in addressing genuine needs. The intersection of legal disputes, metapixel trackers, questionable online information, and the reliance on EMRs underscores the urgent need to reevaluate the ethical use of patient information and technology in healthcare. Striking a delicate balance between leveraging technology for patient benefit and safeguarding us against undue stress is paramount in ensuring a healthcare landscape that truly meets the needs of those it serves.
What are your thoughts? and what kind of ads do you see on your own social media? let me know in the comments!