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Chamber members voice support for creation of Health Information Exchange
Electronic medical records will improve accountability, control health-care costs The PA Chamber recently submitted testimony in support of legislation (H.B. 2106) that would create a Health Information Exchange for the implementation of electronic medical records within Pennsylvania’s health-care system. The shift to electronic medical records is just the first of many steps to be taken toward improving accountability and reducing the costs of health care. “The benefits are clear,” PA Chamber President Floyd Warner said. “Updated, accurate, and comprehensive patient information at the point of care will prevent medical errors and will allow physicians, nurses and providers to make better, more informed decisions.” In addition, electronic access to information would reduce duplicative and unnecessary tests and treatments. By automating outdated modes of communication and processes, health-care providers could streamline workflow, eliminate inefficiencies and lower costs. “Aside from cutting paper costs, this initiative also would reduce the likelihood of errors in prescriptions and in the transfer of information between hospitals,” Warner said. “These are mistakes that can cause medical errors and prompt the need for expensive ongoing care.” Medical errors also can lead to costly lawsuits. This is a commonsense approach to cutting down on the number of errors being made and allowing health-care providers to concern themselves with patient care and not malpractice suits. The bill is currently under consideration in the House Insurance Committee. The PA Chamber’s comments are available here. The PA Chamber looks forward to working with the General Assembly to implement a successful health information network. ### Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state’s largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of Business. |
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