Dear Friend,
We've all sat in the hospital or the doctor's office and been asked to fill out form after form.
And when we come back to the very same doctor's office or the same hospital, we’ve probably been asked to fill out the very same forms.
All that paperwork is more than just annoying. It wastes time, prevents quick and accurate diagnoses, and makes our health care system less efficient. And it simply doesn't make sense that in today's digital age.
We know that electronic health records can improve the quality of care, reduce medical errors, and make doctors and hospitals more efficient. That’s why the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included new resources to help build a nationwide, interoperable health information network. This network will be built on a foundation of incentives to encourage doctors and hospitals to use electronic health records and protections for medical privacy.
We already know through example that health information technology is working in communities across the country.
Earlier this year, Secretary Sebelius toured Omaha's Alegent Health Lakeside Hospital to see how one hospital is using health information technology.
Today, we're releasing a new video showing some of the highlights of her trip. You can watch the video by clicking here.
Later this morning, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary Sebelius will also be making a major announcement regarding the availability of grants worth nearly $1.2 billion to help hospitals and health care providers implement and use electronic health records. The grants are funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and will help health care providers qualify for new incentives that will be made available in 2011 to doctors and hospitals that meaningfully use electronic health records.
Electronic health records are pillars of a reformed health care system. Together, our investment in health information technology and proposals to improve health insurance options and affordability will help ensure all Americans get the high quality care they deserve.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Lambrew
Director, HHS Office of Health Reform
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