Electronic access gaining momentum
The National Health Information Infrastructure Act of 2003, sponsored by Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-CT), was introduced July 24. The bill would establish architectural standards so that computerized software systems can communicate with each other.
"The information systems that securely give you 24/7 access to your bank account can be adapted to transform American health care into a 21st century system," said Johnson, who is chair of the House Ways and Means Health subcommittee.
The legislation would put in motion the development of a comprehensive and interoperable information technology infrastructure nationwide — something not possible now, said Johnson. This lack of a national health information infrastructure is costing billions to the health care system.
"It costs us $5.4 billion a year because tests or second opinions cannot be located," she said. "Known medical errors cost us $29.4 [billion] to $35.4 billion a year. It takes an average of 17 years for new knowledge generated by controlled clinical trials to be incorporated into practice. The process is slow and highly uneven across the country because it is largely dependent on the distribution of knowledge via journals and other paper documents."
A national standard would improve both the quality and efficiency at the point of care, argued Johnson. Building on available and developing technology, such as personal digital assistants, is one way to make a patient’s complete and accurate medical record available to the caregiver in real time, she explained.
"Current paper files can be incomplete and illegible. Digital records that can be updated in real time can help prevent errors and eliminate redundant testing. E-prescribing through these new technologies and equipment promises to reduce medication errors and prevent adverse drug interactions."
Patients also would be able to access their medical records and become more active partners in decisions over their own health, Johnson added.
Johnson’s legislation coincides with renewed efforts by several health care organizations working toward the same goal of establishing a national heath information infrastructure.
The National Health Information Infrastructure Act of 2003, sponsored by Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-CT), was introduced July 24. The bill would establish architectural standards so that computerized software systems can communicate with each other.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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