We must move as rapidly as feasible to digitize medical records, both future and past, for those persons being treated. Scale is important in keeping costs at reasonable levels and the cooperative efforts among small physician practices should be examined as a possible model. Insurers and large hospitals can help this effort along.
"But smaller medical practices have typically been ineligible for such bonuses because the doctors lack the computerized records that help them qualify. The hurdles typically include up-front costs as high as $30,000 for each doctor, and the need for support and training.
As a result, fewer than 5 percent of physicians nationally are using a computerized system as part of patient care, said Dr. Thomas J. Handler, a research director at the Gartner market research group. For most doctors who work in groups of five or fewer, the portion is probably 3 percent or less, he said.
To overcome such obstacles, Dr. Heslin and his regional colleagues, who call their cooperative effort the Taconic Health Information Network and Community, are pooling their resources and knowledge."
No comments:
Post a Comment