By Dennis R. Horrigan

An electronically connected health care system promises better access, improved reliability and lower costs. A portion of President Obama’s stimulus plan is aimed at having an electronic health record in every exam room. This investment in health information technology has the great potential to improve the functioning of our health care system.

Supporters and critics are facing-off on the pros and cons of this initiative. Supporters cite the potential savings that will be achieved through increased efficiency and patient self-directed care, while critics point out that cost savings is exaggerated and implementation will be slow.

Technology alone will not improve our health care system, and simply having a computer in every exam room will not be sufficient. Physicians and nurses will need continuous training on how to improve care. Equally important is engaging patients. Patients who take responsibility for their health care will have better outcomes. Make no mistake, the transition from paper to an electronic system will be disruptive, but it is important work that must be done.

The electronic health record may aid physicians in documentation, coordination of care, adherence to quality guidelines, ordering tests and prescribing medications. Electronic prompts can alert physicians to adverse drug interactions, when laboratory results are not normal and enable physicians to better monitor the care for patients with chronic health conditions to help avoid emergency room and hospital visits.

These systems are designed to be “interoperable” so that physician-to-physician and physician-to-hospital communication can be timely and reliable. The physician you see on Wednesday will have an electronic report of the services you received the day before at the specialist office.

Patients will be able to access their records, review test results, schedule appointments and request prescription refills. No more waits and delays on the phone trying to reach the office. A connected health care system will enable patients to communicate to their physician using e-mail and to have an electronic visit. Imagine e-mailing your physician for assistance with non-emergent medical issues and receiving medical advice and treatment online or accessing your physician’s Web site to gain valuable information you can use to manage your health care needs.

An electronically connected health care system has the greatest potential to reduce the duplication of services and the poorly coordinated care that is responsible for a large share of rising health costs. All physicians and hospital leaders need to embrace this formula for success by adopting technology, training staff and proactively engaging patients. Now is the perfect time for the health care system to embrace electronic health records and let the patients reap the benefit.

Dennis R. Horrigan is president and CEO of Catholic IPA Western New York, a partnership between Catholic Health and a network of associated physicians.

Above article published on www.buffalonews.com