Vindell Washington, MD, the new national coordinator of health information technology, backed the government's strong support for EHR adoption, during a press conference, according to Medscape.
Here are five insights:
1. Under his reign, Dr. Washington said the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT will strive to enhance EHR interoperability and promote information sharing.
2. Many physicians have not viewed EHRs favorably, as they take time away from patient face time. But, Dr. Washington emphasizes that EHR documentation far surpasses the capabilities of previous paper chart documentation.
3. He noted that EHRs have largely eliminated complications due to illegible physician orders and missing information.
4. As the industry transitions into a value-based environment, Dr. Washington said integration will prove key, and interoperable EHRs play a crucial part of that integration.
5. In order to achieve interoperability, Dr. Washington laid out three key focus areas:
• National IT standards: The government should consider setting IT standards in specific areas
• Payment standards: Physician reimbursement is changing, and right now health IT is struggling because some physicians are practicing in accountable care environments while others are in fee-for-service
• Cultural changes: Ensuring patients know their information is accessible at the right place and time