[…] But like any big project, nobody said this will be an easy transition. The government has created an incentive program to help providers with the financial aspect of transitioning from paper records to EHR, but of course there are hoops to jump through. It’s not as simple as just setting up the first EHR system you come across and then getting money from the government to help pay for it. In order to qualify for the incentive program, EHR systems must meet meaningful use criteria as laid out by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services last year. […]
Health Care Reform
Health Care Costs Are The Driving Factor Behind Premium Hikes
I’ve long supported the idea that our health care system was in need of reform that would make care more affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of their health or financial situation. But I’m starting to feel a bit frustrated by what feels like an over-emphasis on regulation of health insurance carriers and not enough focus on ways to actually control the cost of health care (including over-utilization). If people are thinking of this process as health insurance reform rather than health care reform, it’s doomed to failure. […]
How The Public Views Health Care Reform
[…] The people who are hurting the most are those who purchase their own health insurance, and people who work for very small businesses that struggle every month to continue to pay the premiums to keep their policies in force. These people make up a relatively small percentage of the population, and their voices are being drowned out by all the people who don’t have to deal with the issues being addressed by health care reform.
Transparency Lacking In Final Health Care Negotiations
Both of the Senators from Colorado are calling for more transparency in the way congressional leaders are working to hash out a health care reform plan that combines the versions passed last year by the House and Senate. Senators Udall and Bennet, both Democrats, are unimpressed with their own party’s actions in keeping the final negotiations secret. […]