American Health Information Management Association. Position statement. Issue: healthcare reform--information systems and the need for computer-based patient records.
Timely, reliable information is a critical part of healthcare reform. The Clinton Administration's current proposal would streamline health information through the use of standard forms and data definitions and establish a nationwide electronic highway to link health records and exchange needed information. Information would be captured, retained, and transmitted as a routine byproduct of patient care. These goals can be achieved only through broad implementation of the computer-based patient record (CPR). The CPR will contribute to more effective and cost-efficient care through (1) ready access to longitudinal (lifetime) health information; (2) support for continuous quality improvement; (3) easy access to clinical knowledge bases; and (4) patient participation in health documentation and disease prevention. The technology exists to implement the CPR, but further work is needed to develop the necessary standards and security mechanisms. The American Health Information Management Association is committed to working with applicable state and federal agencies, professional associations, accrediting agencies, voluntary standards organizations, and the Computer-Based Patient Record Institute (CPRI) to achieve the information management objectives of the current health care reform plan. With their expertise in health information systems and strong commitment to patient privacy, health information management professionals can make significant contributions to the development, implementation, and ongoing security of national and state health information networks.
D018166:Health Care Reform; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D016134:Organizational Policy; D012952:Societies; D014481:United States