Privacy for the patient, convenience for the patient and medical providers, and access to anonymous data for medical researchers are all important and in many w

Privacy for the patient, convenience for the patient and medical providers, and access to anonymous data for medical researchers are all important and in many ways conflicting goals. I think one aspect of a good solution is for identifiable patient data to be stored on a USB key or similar device. That way the patient must be present and must approve of all data access, and the patient can also access the data himself at any time. Some/most/all access could also involve an online service which stores non-private patient info and anonymized patient info. The device could also be used to securely transmit data between providers. For example your doctor might put a cryptographically signed prescription on your key, which you take to the pharmacist to get filled. The doctor (or you) could also transmit the prescription electronically. When you get to the pharmacy, your key confirms that the prescription is for you.