Clark had a terrible time getting his medical records recently when he needed them for an operation he was going to have. Eventually, he had to go to an ombudsman to get his records in time. It’s absurd that, in the year 2005, people have to go to these extremes and root through files to find medical records. Electronic files would be much easier and less risky to use, and Hillary Clinton and Newt Gingrich are trying to move that enhancement along. When people are brought into emergency rooms these days, there is no quick way to access their medical records and doctors could unknowingly harm or kill them. It’s also easier for consumers who won’t have to search to remember when their last tetanus shot was. In addition, Blue Cross Blue Shield is introducing a new system that will allow members to access their medical records online. It’s going to be a tremendous money saver and life saver. About 800,000 BCBS members will be able to look at their records. So, in spite of the fact that medical care is modernizing slowly, it’s a start. And Clark hopes that tens of millions of people will soon have this kind of access.