The first step towards implementing Health Information Technology has begum with the HIT Policy Committee meeting today to define the meaningful use of EHR (Electronic Health Records). The meeting discussed the recommendations made by the HIT Policy Committee on defining “meaningful use” of EHR, the way it is related to individual patient care and its impacts on population health outcomes. The recommendations are said to be based on the inputs from members of the HIT Policy Committee, the general public at the hearing convened in April and from HIT and additional stakeholders.
Dr. David Blumenthal, National Coordinator for HIT, said that the work of the Hit Policy Committee is the first step towards using EHR for better patient care.
Earlier this year, the US government made an investment of $19 million to modernize USA’s healthcare system. The historic investment was made through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act).
As per the Recovery Act, Physicians and hospitals that demonstrate meaningful use of EHR shall receive incentives. The move is aimed at increasing the digitization of medical records all over United States. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expects to develop a rule that shall clearly define “meaningful use” by the end of this year. A comment period shall follow.
Dr. David Blumenthal, HHS’ National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, said, “We are moving fast to achieve the President’s goal to improve the health and well-being of every American through the on-going use of health information technology”.
The public comment period on the recommendations discussed today shall be open till the 26th of June, 2009. Interested parties may visit http://healthit.hhs.gov to view instructions on how to submit a comment.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and the CMS shall host a press conference at 3:00 pm today. For more details on the press conference, contact [email protected].
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