The Push For Electronic Medical Records

Friday, May 22 2009

Thanks to President Obama providing $20 billion in stimulus funds towards computerized medical records, there is much new discussion about the subject.  The idea of electronic medical records (EMR) opens up a whole new world of opportunities for information technology companies.  Additionally, EMRs could have a tremendous impact on the quality of healthcare that patients receive.  However, due to high up-front costs, getting health providers to adopt a new system could delay the nationwide switch to electronic medical records.

Some health care providers have already converted their records to electronic systems.  With startup costs in the tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars though, many doctors, especially those with smaller practices, are moving slowly when it comes to the implementation of an electronic records system.

Various incentive programs are helping to push healthcare providers towards electronic medical records systems.  The stimulus program passed by Congress in February provides financial incentives to hospitals and doctors to convert to electronic medical records.  Pushing is also being done at the state level, as seen in Maryland where the governor recently signed a bill intended to encourage doctors to switch to electronic medical records.

Electronic health records are expected to save money (an estimated $17 billion over the next decade), and more importantly, lives.  However, for the true benefits of EMRs to be seen, a nationwide conversion to electronic records is needed.  President Obama wants to see a complete conversion in five years, but getting every doctor and every healthcare facility to change their records system in that period of time will certainly prove to be a challenge.
 

Jason McClellan

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About The Author -
Jason McClellan is a professional health writer who specializes in sexual health and men's health.
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