Technology and Cost Containment
Technology and Cost Containment
In response to continually rising health care costs, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) provision was created to promote the meaningful use of health care information technology through numerous incentive programs for health care providers. By enhancing data collection, streamlining electronic medical records, and increasing transparency, it is believed that significant cost savings can be realized as well as other positive outcomes. What are some of the tradeoffs involved in this type of policy?
To prepare:
• Reflect on the challenges of containing health care costs in the U.S.
• Consider how information technology may be used to address health care issues related to cost.
• Examine the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) provision and its goals.
