Obama's Stimulus Package May Lead to a Medical Records Bonanza

Physicians must begin using EMR systems toAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is
process their patient data by 2014. In fact, theexpected to make the use of electronic medical
time for physicians and hospitals to begin theirrecords nearly universal by 2015, when up to
switch overs is NOW. Stringent conditions exist in90% of U.S. physicians will be fully invested in
order for physicians and hospitals to takeEMR. Physicians will be paid less by that year if
advantage of the new economic stimulus packagethey aren't using EMR. The American Recovery
pertaining to EMR software packages. Amongand Reinvestment Act, or ARRA, is also
those conditions is 80% usage while purchasing aexpected to engender multistate computer
federally certified package. January 1, 2011 is thenetworks so that physicians and hospitals will be
day it all begins. It's worth noting that aable to exchange medical records over the
preparatory "learning curve" window (3-6 monthsInternet instead of via fax lines. But the getting
lead time) is essential for the required 80% usagethere won't be easy. The figure for physicians
rate is to be achieved by the Obama-mandatedcurrently using EMR systems is estimated at
deadline.38%, according to a February 2009 survey
Even prior to the introduction of Presidentconducted by the Centers for Disease Control in
Obama's stimulus, the U.S. healthcare informationAtlanta.
technology industry spent $28 billion annually. ThisThe period between autumn 2010 and January 1,
figure could triple by 2019. Some of these2011 is expected to resemble a "gold rush" as
increased expenditures are expected to bephysicians and hospitals rush to take advantage.
recouped in the digitizing of Medicare and MedicaidSo the timing is urgent, during 2009, not late in
programs.2010, for physicians to potentially exploit what
The stimulus bill, already renamed as thelooks to be an electronic medical records bonanza.