A Dose of Reality in the Virtual World of Health IT
Electronic devices are pervasive throughout our culture. Still, they are a relatively new phenomenon in the physician’s office, even though electronic health records (EHRs) can help consumers stay connected with their care managers, monitor their health, and get reminders that it’s time to take their medicine. They can also help to better coordinate care, avoid duplication of services and eliminate medication errors.
Recently, adoption of EHRs, even those by physicians in smaller practices, has taken off. The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, a provision of the 2009 economic stimulus package, provides incentives to physicians if they can demonstrate they are making “meaningful use” of the technology for clinical and administrative functions.
The September 28 briefing assess the progress of the act. How do HITECH programs such as Meaningful Use and Beacon Coedmmunities support the adoption of electronic health records? How does health information technology fit in the strategy for health care delivery transformation? What role are EHRs playing in care coordination, accountable care organizations and other innovations? What are the special challenges facing solo and small physician practices? How about safety net providers? What does the evidence show about the contribution health IT can make toward improving care and lowering costs?
A distinguished panel of experts addressed these and related questions. Speakers were: Farzad Mostashari, HHS’s National Coordinator of Health IT; Craig Samitt, Dean Health System, WI; Christine Sinsky, M.D., Medical Associates Clinic and Health Plans, IA; and Andrew Racine, M.D., Montefiore Medical Center, NY. Deanna Okrent of the Alliance and Anne Marie Audet of Commonwealth co-moderated.
CONTACT: Deanna Okrent or
Marilyn Werber Serafini
202/789-2300
Speaker Presentations
Anne Marie Audet Presentation (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
Craig Samitt Presentation (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
Andrew Racine Presentation (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
Christine Sinsky Presentation (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
Farzad Mostashari Presentation (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
Event Details
Agenda (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
Speaker Biographies (Adobe Acrobat PDF)