"Health information technology
(HIT) refers to The application of information processing involving
both computer hardware and software that deals with the storage,
retrieval, sharing,
and use of health care
information, data, and knowledge for communication and
decisionmaking.
Brailer D, Thompson T. Health IT Strategic Framework.
Washington, DC: Dept. of Health and Human Services;
2004.
| HIT Benefits: | HIT Concerns: |
|---|---|
| Improve health care quality | Too Expensive |
| Prevent medical errors | Patient Privacy |
| Reduce health care costs | Too much time required to change workflow |
| Increase administrative efficiencies | Too much time required to change business operations |
| Decrease paperwork | Too much time required to retrain staff |
| Expand access to affordable care |
Practice Brief: Update: Maintaining a Legally Sound Health Record Paper and Electronic
The health record is the legal business record for a healthcare organization. As such, it must be maintained in a manner that follows applicable regulations, accreditation standards, professional practice standards, and legal standards. The standards may vary based on practice setting, state statutes, and applicable case law. The American Health Information Management Association's addresses the transition many organizations face in the migration from paper to hybrid to fully electronic health records. Issues unique to EHRs are addressed specifically if they are different or require expansion. Many organizations use a hybrid record (which includes both paper and electronic documentation).
One HIT task force analysis suggests that the projected value of implementing an electronic health information infrastructure across the Texas health care system could save $14.2 billion annually once fully implemented.
TMA supports the concept of moving Texas physicians’ offices to an environment of shared health information technology. This white paper offers advice and information to help you decide.