The use of health information technology (HIT) has increased dramatically over the past decade, resulting in the federal government enacting several pieces of legislation such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009. Continuing to build on your proposal for a healthcare facility from Weeks 1 and 2, you are assigned to research and discuss the following:
Discuss the financial and health benefits that can be realized by implementing an electronic health record (EHR).
Research and explain the estimated cost of implementing an EHR and the estimated cost of managing an EHR over the long run.
Discuss current security concerns surrounding HIT and the EHR.
Discuss how electronic health records can be used for decision-making and problem-solving.
Choose 1 piece of federal legislation (e.g., HIPAA, HITECH Act, Meaningful Use), and discuss the requirements that legislation imposes on the use of HIT and the EHR.
Full Answer Section
- Reduced Costs: By reducing redundant tests, improving efficiency, and preventing medical errors, EHRs can lead to significant cost savings.
Costs of Implementing and Managing EHRs
Implementing an EHR system can be a substantial investment, with costs varying depending on the size of the healthcare organization and the complexity of the system. The initial costs include:
- Software Licensing: Purchasing the EHR software and any additional modules.
- Hardware and Infrastructure: Upgrading hardware and network infrastructure to support the EHR.
- Implementation Costs: Consulting fees, training costs, and system customization.
Ongoing costs associated with managing an EHR include:
- Maintenance and Updates: Regular software updates and technical support.
- Data Storage and Backup: Ensuring data security and compliance with regulations.
- Staff Training and Support: Providing ongoing training to staff to keep them up-to-date with the latest features and best practices.
Security Concerns
The widespread adoption of EHRs has also raised concerns about data security. Cyberattacks and data breaches can compromise sensitive patient information, leading to identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage. Healthcare organizations must invest in robust security measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and access controls, to protect patient data.
EHRs and Decision Making
EHRs can be used to support evidence-based decision-making by providing access to clinical guidelines, research findings, and patient data. For example, clinical decision support systems (CDSS) can alert clinicians to potential drug interactions, allergies, and other relevant information.
The HITECH Act and EHRs
The HITECH Act of 2009 provided significant financial incentives to healthcare providers who adopted and meaningfully used EHRs. The act aimed to promote the adoption of health information technology and improve the quality of patient care. To qualify for incentives, healthcare providers must meet specific criteria, including:
- Meaningful Use: Using EHRs to improve quality, safety, efficiency, and reduce health disparities.
- Privacy and Security: Implementing robust security measures to protect patient information.
- Electronic Exchange of Health Information: Sharing health information with other providers.
By understanding the benefits, costs, and challenges associated with EHRs, healthcare organizations can make informed decisions about their implementation and use.