Although critics have questioned the utility of government-mandated transitions to healthcare IT, Dr. Farzad Mostashari – an internist who was recently appopinted by Department of Health and Human Service as the National Coordinator for Health IT – is suggesting that healthcare IT is propelling forward in a positive manner.
Using the rhetoric of "on the march," Mostashari references that adoption rates have been steadily climbing, with 40 percent of primary care providers adopting a system of electronic medical records software, up from only 20 percent when the HITECH Act was passed in 2009.
As Mostashari mentioned in an interview with ACP Internist – a news source surrounding internal medicine – undertaking such a significant transition is undoubtedly a challenge. But, with technology evolving to generate enhanced levels of security and interoperability, Mostashari suggests now is the best time to get started.
"Technology is always moving and always improving," said Mostashari in the interview. "We could think, 'let's just wait until the standards are all worked out and the perfect system is out there.' There's never going to be that time. I think the time is now for moving ahead and the vendors are committed."
Facility mangers concerned with their ability to transition to digital healthcare practices successfully would benefit from utilizing the services of a medical technology consulting firm. These professionals can help implement crucial product suites into an existing infrastructure and ensure that staff are trained on how to use the products in conjunction with existing practices for optimal benefit.
Microwize Technology is a leading healthcare IT consultant offering products such as electronic medical records software and medical billing software from top providers like Allscripts and McKesson, including McKesson's Medisoft, Lytec and Practice Choice products.