“I know that adopting electronic health records is not easy or problem-free or cost-free or atraumatic, because it can be all those things,” he said. Still, Dr. Blumenthal points to the 18,000 healthcare providers that have already registered as participants in the meaningful use incentive program and the regional extension centers that have been created to serve as resources for struggling healthcare providers.
In reference to several studies that suggest EHRs do not necessarily improve the quality of care, Dr. Blumenthal said, “We have comprehensively reviewed the literature, over 4,000 studies, and we have a manuscript in press that will rebut the allegation.”
Read the news report about meaningful use struggles.
Read other coverage about meaningful use:
- Achieving Interoperability for Your Hospital: Q&A With Dr. Charles Jaffe, CEO of HL7
- Preparing Hospitals for Stage 2 and 3 of Meaningful Use: 7 Recommendations
- Physician Hospital Contracting – A Compliance Approach: 11 Key Concepts