Carrots and sticks may make a good diet for healthcare
A recent news report describes the stimulus plan for healthcare as a series of carrots and sticks used to encourage hospitals to get their electronic recordkeeping up to speed. The carrots come as financial incentives for proving that you are progressing on the path; sticks will be financial holdbacks for not getting with the program.
Come on folks. Would you put your money in a bank where the teller sat with a big ledger and handwrote your deposit or withdrawal? My guess is you would run out the door. But why aren't patients running out the door of doctor offices, clinics and hospitals that are still scribbling?
One of our customers, Norman Regional Health System in Oklahoma is chomping down a healthy diet of carrots. They're expecting to receive $381,000 to continue their push down the road to EMR. Dr. Brian Yeaman, director of physician informatics for Norman Regional Health System, said the patient benefits the most with what he calls a records database. The database can include patient records, allergies, medication lists, medical history, surgical history and lab test results. "The intent isn't to replace a physician talking to a patient, it's intended to provide information the patient might not be able to report or they forgot what happened on a hospitalization," he said. Yeaman said this also will avoid duplication of costs, testing and drug allergy interactions. "Ultimately, it's about better care upfront." (The full article is here)
The stimulus plan offers incentive and encouragement for healthcare professionals to change the way they do business. And just like changing your diet contributes to a healthier body, the carrots and sticks of the stimulus package will result in better patient care.
