Pattern matching? Why bother. If the last name matches, merge the patient data. Whoops! How did John Smith end up with 600 diagnosis? Oh…someone call Epic.

Conviction from toxicology results is highly structured legal chain of custody process that must be executed didactically including 100% demonstration of traceability, accountability and review by Medical Officer for interpretation. Toxicology analysis must be performed under the guidelines of SAMHSA/NIDA accredited testing facility to be admissible as evidence in a court of law the last time I read the regulations. DUI is not a dipstick urine test performed in the Emergency Department and held for further pending litigation. The rationale for ED toxicology screen is for clinical staging of the patient status unless a chain of custody is initiated. Direct Access Patient Testing that would convict the subject under DUI/DWI/OMVI requirements appears highly “suspect” to me.

Remember the disturbing announcement about radio talk show host, Rush Limbaugh as an example and his prescribed pharmaceutical regiment? Where were HIPAA and the oversight regulations during the pubic media announcement of his medical treatment specifications? The total conversion of “pulp” medical data to digital database is the prime directive of healthcare information technology; HIPAA requirements for portability and a safeguard to privacy ; )

Please Paul Harvey, tell us the rest of the story!