The Ebb and Flow of Health Info. Technology's Momentum

The discussion of health information technology continues to be encouraging.

A new Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive Healthcare Poll shows increasing consumer interest in the power of electronic health records to improve healthcare.  Among the poll participants, a majority believed that it is fair to evaluate the quality of healthcare by whether an entity uses electronic health records and other information tools.  58% had this belief - an 11 point jump since 2006.

In recent NACDS research, the following statement ranked an impressive third among 12 statements describing the benefits of pharmacies to healthcare: "pharmacies are investing in electronic prescribing which allows two-way communication between doctors and pharmacists to help ensure patients take their medications as prescribed and reduce errors."

However, despite evidence of a strong tide lifting health information technology, we are hearing that one of the major obstacles to increased prescriber utilization of e-prescribing is the fact that it is not allowed for controlled substances.  Some are not interested in using e-prescribing if it is not applicable across the board.  As recently as March 12, NACDS submitted a written statement (see page seven) to Senate panels in conjunction with a hearing on drug abuse prevention.  We took the opportunity to urge the ability to e-prescribe controlled substances.

There is definitely more "flow" than "ebb" when it comes to momentum behind health information technology.  For the good of patients and the entire healthcare system, let's keep it going.