Digital Health

By Bruce

The New York Times examines efforts — and struggles — in turning health records digital:

Encouraged by the billions of dollars in government funding, technology companies are making a big push to help bring computerized health records into small-office physician practices.

This is crucial if the goal of bringing doctors’ offices into the computer age is to be achieved, with its promise of improving care and curbing costs. Three-fourths of all the nation’s physicians practice medicine in offices with 10 or fewer doctors.

But the challenge ahead is daunting, for reasons that have more to do with economics than technology.

According to the Times, practices that are successful in making the digital transition fall into two groups: large physician groups with the resources the make the shift, and small practices willing to take the challenge on. Up until now, however, very little help has been available for most smaller practices. That’s sure to change now that the Obama administration has pledged $19 billion in incentives to help make the digital shift.