Health IT Coalition Forms
A coalition of corporations, patients, and healthcare practitioners formed in response to the laggard steps of the U.S. healthcare system to integrate information technology tools. The group includes two former congresspeople: Nancy Johnson, previous Chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, and John Breaux, a former member of the Senate Finance Committee.
The group’s mission is to advocate Congress to legislate requirements for integration of health IT tools. The coalition, Health IT Now!, cites the numerous benefits for both healthcare practitioners and patients. The group advocates for technology-based solutions commonplace in other industries.
The organization also notes the significant opportunities for cost savings with widespread IT adoption. One estimate, from the Department of Health and Human Services, suggests a minimum seven percent reduction in overall healthcare costs.
The founding group includes an impressive, diverse array of participants. The American Society of Clinical Oncology, the nationwide group of oncologists, and the National Medical Association, the largest national organization of African American physicians, are both members.
Also taking part is the American Academy of Nursing and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. These patients and provider groups are joined by corporate parners Verizon, Consumers for Cable Choice, and the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers, among numerous other groups and agencies.
Related stories:
- VA Infection Program Goes National
- Real-World E-Prescribing Far from Vision
- Patient Safety Acknowledges Benefits of PACS
- More Health IT Legislation
- GAO Criticizes HHS
June 5, 2007 Related topics: Legal & legislative, Trends, Quality, Safety, Errors