Members of the U.S. Olympic team are using electronic health records for the first time

U.S. Olympic team members are being given the option to use electronic health records for the first time in this year’s London games. Because the athletes see multiple doctors and medical personnel throughout their career, it provides the opportunity for more efficient patient care and improved medical treatment. [1]

“I would say that I’ve probably seen at least 30 doctors in my lifetime,” said Alex Morgan, a member of the U.S. women’s soccer team. “I couldn’t even tell you how many different medical records I have all around the country and outside of the country. It’s a huge benefit to have it all in one place.”

To enable U.S. Olympians digitized their health records, the United States Olympic Committee partnered with General Electric. The GE-based system is only available to Olympic athletes at this time. Through a designated portal, the athletes, the USOC and doctors authorized by the athletes can access the medical information.  The system is built with multiple security layers to ensure privacy.

At this time, 3417 athletes, and 512 Olympians, including those headed to London, have gone digital. The USOC is currently approaching each sport’s governing body to ask athletes if they want to join the system.

Electronic health records allow anyone treating an Olympic athlete to take a quick glance at the individual’s medical history and update it at the point-of-care. The athlete can decide what is entered into the file, and the updated records are then sent to the coordinating physician.

The only information that isn’t part of the electronic health record is the athlete’s drug testing results, which are maintained by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and kept in a separate file.

Olympians currently see an average of eight doctors at a time. There is no doubt this system will save an ample amount of time. And knowing their medical records are in one place and easily accessible lifts a burden for athletes.

“I’m looking forward to having everyone who treats me able to look at one source for my medical information,” expressed Morgan. “It’s a huge benefit, and we definitely could have benefited from this in the past.”