How Electronic Medical Records Can Impact Your Medical Practice
Last month was the first in a two-part series of questions and answers on documentation. This month, I will be expanding into the realm of electronic medical records (EMRs) with some common concerns and questions. What does the economic stimulus package have to do with medical records? The economic stimulus plan, as approved by the House and Senate in February, included sizable funding in several areas related to health information technology. $300 million was allocated to the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology's regional or sub-national efforts. Another $20 million was allocated for the Department of Commerce's health care information enterprise integration activities related to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. $50 million was indicated for the Department of Health and Human Services computer and information technology security. Obviously, with this kind of financial impact, the proliferation of electronic medic...