Posted on 05/05/2015 8:44:57 AM PDT by Oldpuppymax
With apologies to Mel Brooks, we examine, once again, the 500 pound gorilla within healthcare information technology—electronic health records (EHRs). Ten weeks ago, we discussed EHRs within the context of Medicare reimbursement penalties—applicable to providers who are not “meaningful users” of EHRs—starting in 2015.
There were plenty of facts and figures in that piece, but this pretty much sums it up: Despite the government’s bribe of nearly $27 billion to digitize patient records, nearly 70% of physicians say EHR systems have not been worth it.
That EHRs are vastly unpopular with the people who actually use them is not news, so now begins the full court press of the fanboys and healthcare mandarins. Since Minnesota prides itself on “leading the nation in adoption of HIT,” who better to lead the charge than the state’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Edward Ehlinger?
As only a combination EHR fanboy and healthcare mandarin could, Ehlinger tries to disarm the naysayers in a piece entitled “Electronic health records advance quality care for all Minnesotans,” published recently in MinnPost. Even the most casual reader, though, will notice that Ehlinger’s article does not offer a single word in support of its title. Rather, he merely repeats his premise in slightly different words; presents statistics with no references cited; makes unsubstantiated sweeping statements; propounds disingenuous arguments; and advances fallacious dismissal of “myths” held by the Doubters.
Here are a few examples:
“Secure electronic health records help achieve both goals [improved health and providing the best possible care] by enhancing the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of our health care system.” This sentence is not only a silly platitude, it sneaks “secure” into EHR, with no further explanation.
“The benefits of EHRs are not disputed…” Well, I guess they are, or you would not be writing this piece.
“When surveyed...
(Excerpt) Read more at coachisright.com ...
The records were never meant to be secure or helpful. This whole requirement was put in place to corrupt the privacy of everyone; providing information that can be used to intimidate/bribe/silence people that this Admin doesn’t like. Obamacare will prove to be the biggest cancer ever on the Constitution.
“You control the world, when you control information’......Newman from Seinfeld.
My wife is a Certified Professional Coder and Insurance Biller and beyond the data risks we all face, the whole plan puts the screws to small offices and small practice providers. Just another instance of trying their damndest to push people out of business and into retirement or another line of work.
I got a call from a collection agency a few months ago for ~$70 for some blood work a doctor did a few years ago and it got lost in the insurance shuffle. But they had some goofy address for me and a SSN that was not mine.
However, she was fishing and gave the doctor’s name and threw out some addresses, one of which was mine. I realized it WAS me. But I don’t give my real SSN to anyone unless I’m involved in a situation that requires it. E.g. I’m applying for a loan or a job.
So I wrote ‘em a check.
But the funny thing was that they wanted to know where I worked, how much I made, and all sorts of fun stuff. I just politely declined in every case. It was actually a pretty funny call. I’ll bet a lot of young people just want to appear cooperative and tell them everything they want to know.
What a world.
Just another instance of trying their damndest to push people out of business and into retirement or another line of work.
Yup, the effect is less providers, because they are driving older Doctors who can't afford to or are too small a practice to need these systems out of the medical field, and when ICD-10 it will get much worse.
The records were never meant to be secure or helpful.”
Interesting that a couple of companies made a whole bunch of money from selling the government mandated software to clinics and doctor’s offices.
Had to have a pre-op physical for cataract surgery. Three doctors in the office, seven clerical staff who do all their work at a computer, two appointment schedulers, three PA’s, two lab techs and two x-ray techs. I asked how many private pay patients they have and the doc I was seeing said “none” that she was aware of. Their practice is primarily Medicare. Local internal medicine doc, on the other hand, sees only private pay for negotiated cash rate, has a two month waiting list, one employee and no computer.
Just amazing what has happened to the practice of medicine.
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