The Genomic Health Record

Abstract Genetics and genomics are emerging in clinical practice. The volume and complexity of the information exceed the capacity of even the best providers. This results in medical decisions that are not fully informed by this important information. Clinical information systems such as electronic health records have the potential to aid the provider as they synthesize data about the patient and translate that into medical decisions. Currently, electronic health record systems have significant deficiencies that limit their use for genetic and genomic information. The chapter examines the current state of the electronic health record, catalogs progress in achieving a genomic-enabled electronic health record system, and articulates a vision for the electronic health record in the era of genomic medicine.