“The passage of the HITECH Act and the 2011 launch of the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs (now known as the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program and commonly referred to as Meaningful Use) were pivotal events in health information technology (IT). They began the historic, nationwide effort to rapidly convert our health care delivery system from paper to electronic health records (EHRs). Through large public and private financial investments, as well as enormous “sweat equity” from provider organizations and technology developers, more than 90 percent of hospitals and physician practices now use EHR systems.”
“This dramatic change in what is arguably the most complex and fragmented sector of our economy is a mammoth achievement. However, EHR adoption was but a first step to delivering on the promises of a modern, digital health care system. Process change often lags technology change, and the health care industry and intertwined regulations remain deeply imbued with workflows and mindsets born of a paper-based world. Although we haven’t yet wrung paper (and faxes!) completely out of health care, it’s now time to firmly focus on a 21st century health care system freed from paper’s constraints. Health system reform should be reconceived on the premise of electronic data that can securely, appropriately, and easily flow wherever and whenever needed to improve health care quality, safety, efficiency, affordability, and equity.”
“This year will be a transformative year. Policy and technical infrastructure needed for information sharing at a nationwide scale will become a reality. This year providers, patients, payers, public health practitioners, technology developers, researchers, and other stakeholders will take the decade-long investment in health information technology to the next level.”
“Our potential to innovate and use information to deliver value in health care has never been greater. Key provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act), passed in 2016 with overwhelming bipartisan support, will be implemented this year and will be critical factors in dramatically enhancing clinical interoperability. These include…” Read the full article here.
Source: Delivering On The Promise Of Health Information Technology In 2022 – By Micky Tripathi, February 22, 2022. Health Affairs.
