The use of health information technology (HIT) has increased dramatically over the past decade, resulting in the federal government enacting several pieces of legislation such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009. Continuing to build on your proposal for a healthcare facility from Weeks 1 and 2, you are assigned to research and discuss the following in 3-4 pages
Discuss the financial and health benefits that can be realized by implementing an electronic health record (EHR).
Research and explain the estimated cost of implementing an EHR and the estimated cost of managing an EHR over the long run.
Discuss current security concerns surrounding HIT and the EHR.
Discuss how electronic health records can be used for decision-making and problem-solving.
Choose 1 piece of federal legislation (e.g., HIPAA, HITECH Act, Meaningful Use), and discuss the requirements that legislation imposes on the use of HIT and the EHR.
Full Answer Section
Health benefits:
- Improved quality of care: EHR systems can help healthcare facilities improve the quality of care by providing clinicians with easy access to patient information, enabling better communication and coordination of care, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
- Reduced medical errors: EHR systems can help healthcare facilities reduce medical errors by providing clinicians with alerts and reminders, and by automating tasks that are prone to human error.
- Improved patient satisfaction: EHR systems can help healthcare facilities improve patient satisfaction by making it easier for patients to access their own medical information, schedule appointments, and communicate with their providers.
Estimated Cost of Implementing and Managing an EHR
The cost of implementing and managing an EHR system can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the healthcare facility, the features and functionality of the EHR system, and the cost of training staff.
According to a 2023 report by HIMSS Analytics, the average cost of implementing an EHR system for a small hospital is between $1 million and $3 million. The average cost of implementing an EHR system for a large hospital is between $10 million and $50 million.
The cost of managing an EHR system is typically 5-10% of the initial implementation cost. This includes the cost of software maintenance, support, and training.
Current Security Concerns Surrounding HIT and the EHR
EHR systems contain a wealth of sensitive patient data, making them a prime target for cyberattacks. Some of the most common security concerns surrounding HIT and the EHR include:
- Data breaches: Data breaches can occur when hackers gain unauthorized access to EHR systems and steal patient data.
- Malware: Malware is malicious software that can be used to infect EHR systems and disrupt operations, or to steal patient data.
- Insider threats: Insider threats occur when employees or authorized users of EHR systems misuse or steal patient data.
How Electronic Health Records Can Be Used for Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
EHR systems can be used for decision-making and problem-solving in a number of ways. For example, EHR data can be used to:
- Identify trends and patterns in patient care.
- Develop evidence-based clinical guidelines and best practices.
- Support quality improvement initiatives.
- Conduct research to improve patient outcomes.
Federal Legislation Governing the Use of HIT and the EHR
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is a federal law that protects the privacy and security of patient health information. HIPAA applies to all healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses.
HIPAA requires healthcare facilities to implement certain security measures to protect patient data. These security measures include:
- Administrative safeguards: These safeguards include policies and procedures for managing and protecting patient data.
- Physical safeguards: These safeguards include security measures to protect physical locations where patient data is stored.
- Technical safeguards: These safeguards include security measures to protect electronic patient data.
HIPAA also gives patients the right to access and control their own health information.
Requirements of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009
The HITECH Act was passed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The HITECH Act provided financial incentives to healthcare facilities to implement and use EHR systems. The HITECH Act also established the Meaningful Use program, which defined specific requirements for the use of EHR systems in order to qualify for financial incentives.
The Meaningful Use program was phased out in 2016, but many of the requirements for the use of EHR systems are still in place today. For example, healthcare facilities must still use EHR systems to demonstrate that they are meeting certain quality and safety benchmarks.
Importance of Provider Contracts in Maintaining a Provider Network
Provider contracts are essential for maintaining a provider network. Provider contracts define the terms and conditions of the relationship between the healthcare facility and the provider. This includes the services that the provider will provide, the fees that the provider will be paid, and the quality and safety standards that the provider must meet.
Provider contracts also help to ensure that patients have access to a high-quality network of providers. By contracting with a variety of providers, healthcare facilities can offer their patients a choice of providers