American Medical Association also addresses male breast cancer, anti-aging hormone use
TUESDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- The American Medical Association (AMA) adopted guidelines for any breach of patients' electronic medical records and passed policies recognizing breast cancer in men and the dangers of hormone use in anti-aging procedures on June 15 at its annual meeting held from June 13 to 17 in Chicago.
To protect patients' privacy and security, the AMA adopted four guiding principles for physicians to follow if a patient's electronic medical record is breached. According to these guidelines, if a record is breached, a physician should make sure the patient is properly informed of the breach; follow the ethically appropriate procedures for disclosure; ensure that the interests of the patient are placed above those of the physician, institution and medical practice; and, if possible, give the patient information to enable him or her to diminish adverse consequences.
The AMA also adopted a policy that recognizes breast cancer as a disease affecting men as well as women and supports education about the signs, symptoms and risks of breast cancer in men. In addition, the organization passed a policy to provide information on the scientific evidence on the use of hormones for anti-aging therapy. The AMA points out that this type of scientific evidence is lacking and that long-term use of some hormones has more risks than benefits.
"The AMA wants patients to know the risks and benefits of hormones promoted to reduce the signs of aging," AMA board member, Steven J. Stack, M.D., of St. Joseph Hospital East in Lexington, Ky., said in a statement. "Patients should weigh the risks and benefits and base their decisions on scientifically valid information."
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