Phone: (516) 487-8207
The New York Times has a piece this weekend, exploring the debate between industry leaders, government officials, and others about the way forward for electronic medical records. While the government embarks to play a greater role in incentivizing and standardizing this emerging technology, most agree that it would ideally streamline information sharing, improve care, and curb costs. The way forward, however, remains contentious.
Doctors and nurses will use these digital files for "recording a patient’s basic information, ordering lab tests, electronically prescribing medications and checking for possibly dangerous drug interactions." The government's primary focus in standardizing the technology is risk aversion: to make it as safe as possible.
Complaints have been plentiful, however. A 2009 federal study dubbed the software poorly-designed, error-prone, cumbersome, and frustrating. One doctor from New York complained it took eight mouse clicks to access information that could easily be obtained by opening a standard paper chart.
Besides safety, the government hopes to incentivize use of the program. This year, Washington begins spending billions -- up to $44,000 per doctor over five years -- to incentivize participation.
Making the software user-friendly is also a priority to incentivize use. The debate over the design drew heat from all corners. One software developer was not thrilled about government interference. Another hoped government would study and encourage best practices, but recommended the government not mandate designs. In response, the administration assured that their standards would be non-intrusive and would promote innovation. The Times was optimistic that much useful study has already determined user-friendly practices in other fields.
As a practicing medical malpractice, wrongful death, and personal injury attorney in New York, I deal with errors in the medical community -- many of which may be prevented with better technology like this.
If you would like more information about how medical malpractice cases work in the state of New York, I encourage you to explore my educational website http://www.oginski-law.com. If you have legal questions, I urge you to pick up the phone and call me at 516-487-8207 or by e-mail at lawmed10@yahoo.com to answer your questions. That's what I do every day. I welcome your call.
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