Link: The Challenge Of Switching To Digital Medical Records
Listen to this 4 minute audio rebroadcast of a piece by Shia Levitt on challenges of switching to digital medical records.
Interesting case example of a physician's use of electronic records. Points made in this audio segment include commentary that says that digital records improve care and reduce medical costs for patients, and e-Prescribing saves time and provides alerts for needed refills, and help physicians address and coordinate opportunities for preventative care for their patients.
Challenges mentioned include cost, privacy concerns, data sharing and lack of financial incentives for providers when they engage with their patients through email and messaging. None of these come as any surprise.
- There is no doubt in my mind that the costs for implementation of EHRs can be enormous if not done properly.
- CCHIT can help with standards for data exchange, and the segment spoke about federal funding in this area.
- Finally, preventative care is a personal "high priority" since many people know that this is an area in which physicians on fee-for-service payment do not receive adequate financial reimbursement.
This NPR segment suggests that payment modifications should be made to physicians that include incentives based on their online interactions (e.g. messaging, email) with patients.
The Buzz is heard - around the Net...
Read and watch this video from today's BusinessWeek on Digital Health Care and a video on How to Play It
Interestingly, in a report released today the first electronic healthcare network opened in Buffalo, NY. It will be interesting to read about their progress. Seems that NY is "ahead of the curve."
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