Health IT

For those interested in the health information technology field, here is an update from the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council:

HIT Adoption Moves Forward
The Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology (HIT) this week released for comment a preliminary definition of the "meaningful use" of HIT. By way of background, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) included $19 billion in funding for incentive payments to Medicare and Medicaid providers who adopt "meaningful" HIT systems, including electronic health records (EHRs); and providers who do not implement EHR systems by 2015 will have their payments reduced. Under the draft definition, HIT will be considered "meaningful" if its use: (1) improves quality, safety, efficiency and reduces health disparities; (2) provides patients and families with access to data to make informed decisions about their care; (3) improves care coordination by allowing for the exchange of clinical information among health care providers; (4) allows for communication with public health agencies; and (5) ensures adequate privacy and security protections for personal health information.