Accounting And Economic Implications Of Healthcare Information Technology

Abstract

There is a growing consensus that interoperability of health care technology is greatly needed so that data can be effectively and accurately exchanged across provider groups and organizations to provide quality healthcare while reducing the cost of healthcare delivery. Benefits are expected for physician groups, organizations, and patients.  Perhaps most exciting is the opportunity for integrated patient and population level data leading to clinical decision support systems which assist with the management of patients by integrating medical knowledge with patient characteristics and generating computer based reminders, alerts, and guidelines.  While research supports a multitude of benefits, challenges exist that require long-term commitment before the reality of an integrated healthcare information technology will exist. This article explores the benefits, the barriers, and the long term impact of Healthcare Information Technology on future healthcare delivery systems.