Looking back at 2009
John Glaser, Ph.D., chairman of the CIO SmartBrief Advisory Board
2009 will be regarded as the most transformative year in the history of health information technology in the U.S.
The HITECH legislation introduced interoperable electronic health record incentive payments (and penalties) that are substantial. The legislation shifted the focus of the industry from adoption to achieving meaningful use. Moreover, the legislation expanded the "definition" of the EHR to go beyond support for the implementing provider to include engaging the patient and exchanging data with other providers and public health agencies.
HITECH placed significant HIT responsibilities on the states and will spawn the creation of dozens of extension centers to provide EHR support to small hospitals and physician practices. The HIT workforce will be expanded materially in the years ahead.
HITECH advances interoperability and associated privacy and security standards. Privacy regulations have been tightened. The proposed meaningful-use requirements to submit data on care quality and efficiency will accelerate the country's ability to use the technology to improve outcomes.
Transformation is an overused word. However, in 2009 that word legitimately can be applied to the HIT industry. In a remarkably short period of time (less than a year) the HIT industry has been forever changed.
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发表于 2009-12-13 09:25:07
