Answer to Question 1
An electronic health record (EHR) is a computer-readable record of health-related information on an individual. It is extremely convenient and can be easily referred to in case of an emergency. However, EHR skeptics point out that the rate of adoption of EHR systems has been slower than expected, and that the systems are often difficult to use. Critics also point out that most EHR systems do not allow care providers to share patient information across different vendors systems. Some critics believe that the use of EHR may actually have contributed to increased healthcare costs by making it easier to bill for patient services. On the other hand, some physicians believe that the data collected by the government through EHR reporting will be used to justify a decrease in their Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.
Answer to Question 2
Enhanced technology makes it possible to address a wider variety of diagnoses. To really gain control over soaring healthcare costs, patient awareness must be raised and technology costs must be managed more carefully. In the meantime, however, the improved use of IT in the healthcare industry can lead to significant cost reductions in a number of ways.