To lower medical costs, streamline records, and improve overall health care are several examples of what can be gained by digitizing medical records throughout the country.
The federal government has set aside nearly $20 billion dollars to help the medical profession digitize all of these records, and to do so soon. But the reality is that medical records throughout the country are highly fragmented, and the push to electronically file all of these records is too much, too fast, for the medical industry. The technology to have all medical records digitized is also fragmented. There is no agreement on which platform to use throughout the health industry. https://higginscompanies.com/health-insurance/health-savings-plan/
To receive some of the $20 billion dollars, doctors will have to pass about 24 requirements known as , ‘meaningful use.” A couple of examples would be the ability to supply patients with an electronic copy of their medical records upon request, and the ability to prescribe medications online. Physicians may receive up to $44,000 to switch to digital records. The cost to the physician most likely will be much more when factoring in the time spent learning the new system, additional staff required, and generally slow work completed for the doctor.
The bright news is that a decision should be made within a couple of weeks which software platform will be used by all hospitals and doctors.
Michael Higgins
An Arizona health insurance broker.
602.405.8769