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Electronic, Personal Health Records definitions seen as Evolutionary. Speaking at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Dr. David Blumenthal, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology addressed the need for information technology to improve patient care across the "complex and difficult" spectrum of the US healthcare system.

Dr. Blumenthal's keynote address, presented at the Health Information Exchange Summit in coordination with the Canadian Consulate in Philadelphia and the Eastern Technology Council, focused on resolutions related to Health Information Technology from the Office of the National Coordinator's Policy Committee.

Primary among the issues related to adoption of Electronic Medical Records ( EMR ) for all physicians and patients by 2014, Dr. Blumenthal spent a large portion of his 40 minute speech on achieving "meaningful use" from Electronic Medical Records. Citing advisory committee findings and the need to improve patient care, Dr. Blumenthal indicated that a definition of "meaningful use" EMR should be in place by the end of 2009. Following will be a 60 day comment period and a period of reconsiderations leading to a final definition of meaningful use. Based on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, physicians can qualify for up to $44,000 in incentives for switching from paper-based to Electronic Medical Records. In order to receive such funds, an EMR system must demonstrate "meaningful use" which is currently defined as having the ability to electronically prescribe medications, exchange information and report on quality data.

Blumenthal commented on the evolutionary nature of both EMR and Personal Health Records in reaching a final definition on meaningful use, and that public comments and wisdom will help to frame the EMR policy. Additionally, Dr. Blumenthal commented that estimates hold that the health IT vertical market may be 50,000 workers short in an increasingly complex field. Based in Fort Washington, PA, connects physicians to healthcare technology solutions and assists healthcare providers in fulfilling their vision for outstanding patient care.

Source: MyEMRChoice

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