By: Hannah Molette
On Monday February 11, PMI Atlanta Chapter held a Healthcare Panel to discuss "The HITECH Act and its impact on Healthcare IT”. The panel was moderated by Gregory Barnett, PMP, and included Lenny Swinson, CEO of Pristine Technology Solutions and Ponce Kenton, Director of Engineering Physician Practice Solutions at McKesson. The discussion included highlights of how technology enhancements benefit Healthcare practitioners. In 2004, President George W. Bush issued an executive order to implement the interoperable electronic patient records system by 2014. In 2009, the Obama administration put in place the HITECH Act and allowed for use of federal stimulus programs to fund Healthcare IT initiatives. (US Department of Health and Human Services Recovery)
Through what is now known as Electronic Health Records (EHRs) physicians and medical practitioners are able to shorten billing cycles, improve quality of healthcare service, maintain audit and regulatory compliance (HIPAA), and manage associated risks. Most organizations that implemented EHRs, saw 97% return on billing claims. EHRs allow doctors and medical staff to securely share information involved in the treatment of a patient’s care. In addition, EHRs helps to do away with paper records which save medical care offices time and money. A patient’s health record now moves with them across states and can be quickly shared amongst respondent health care providers. Medical practitioners are now capable to track patient illnesses to decrease deaths associated with misdiagnosis and inappropriate medication prescribing. Through EHRs, medical practitioners are also able to anticipate more accurate solutions.
How does this impact those in the project management field?
The information paneled during our discussion provided insight on how project managers can make strategic transitions into the Healthcare IT industry. HITECH Act grants were given for an estimated 39 Billion to program providers to educate persons pursuing careers in the Healthcare IT field. Some of the challenges faced by IT Project Management Professionals looking to delve into the Healthcare IT industry is healthcare have for a long time maintained a culture in isolation. There is a bit of mistrust as well between medical and technology professionals. IT Project Management Professionals can add value to the field Healthcare by using their skills, abilities, and expertise in the application of project management principles and proven process improvement techniques.
Prior to the dinner meeting, local PMI members attended an extremely informed Professional Growth Presentation by guest speaker Dr. Denise W. Hines, PMP FHIMSS and CEO of eHealth Services Group. Her presentation focused on the use of electronic personal health records and the impact on patient health.
Bibliography
US Department of Health and Human Services Recovery. (n.d.). Recovery Act-Funded Programs. Retrieved February 16, 2013, from HHS.gov: http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/#Health%7CHealth