Health Affairs, doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.27.5.w391 (Published online August 19, 2008) © 2008 by Project HOPE	New Online   McAllen, TX & Beyond: An Expert Roundtable   Geography & Reform   Medicaid or Insurance Exchange?   Siren Song of New GME   Public Plan Option: Pro & Con

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Health Information Technology: Strategic Initiatives, Real Progress

¹ Robert Kolodner is the national coordinator for health information technology, in Washington, D.C.
² Simon Cohn is associate executive director of the Permanente Federation in Oakland, California.
³ Charles Friedman is deputy national coordinator for health information technology.

^*Corresponding author.

Abstract

We fully agree with Carol Diamond and Clay Shirky that deployment of health information technology (IT) is necessary but not sufficient for transforming U.S. health care. However, the recent work to advance health IT is far from an exercise in "magical thinking." It has been strategic thinking. To illustrate this, we highlight recent initiatives and progress under four focus areas: adoption, governance, privacy and security, and interoperability. In addition, solutions exist for health IT to advance rapidly without adversely affecting future policy choices. A broad national consensus is emerging in support of advancing health IT to enable the transformation of health and care. [Health Affairs 27, no. 5 (2008): w391-w395 (published online 19 August 2008; 10.1377/hlthaff.27.5.w391)]

Key Words: Business Of Health, Consumer Issues, Health Reform, Quality Of Care, Research And Technology, Health Information Technology

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