Online medical records may soon become a reality in CA

Nearly a quarter of all Californians could soon have their medical histories accessible to doctors and emergency rooms all over the state with just a few strokes on the keyboard. Two of the state's largest insurers are launching perhaps the biggest health information network anywhere in the country, putting California at the center of the decade-long push to digitize medical records. Supporters say the project could mean faster and better healthcare, with less spending on unneeded tests — if it can clear a thicket of technical challenges and privacy concerns. Dubbed Cal Index, the system is set to launch by the end of the year, connecting the nearly 9 million patients of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California with doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers.