Physicians News Health news for doctors and patients.
As part of its continuing efforts to help physicians learn about and adopt new technology, the American Medical Association (AMA) announced a new, free webinar series that will help physicians understand the health information technology (HIT) provisions laid out in the recently passed economic stimulus bill. The three-part series will lay out what these provisions mean for physicians and how they can take advantage of the $19 billion in funds allocated for the purchase and use of HIT. The first webinar is Thursday, May 21.
“The stimulus bill marks the first significant federal investment in HIT and offers both financial benefits for physicians and the promise of national standards that will increase the interoperability of systems,” said AMA Board Chair-Elect Rebecca J. Patchin, M.D. “As new information becomes available, the AMA will tap experts and health care leaders to review key components of the stimulus bill and offer insights on what they mean for physicians.”
The schedule for the webinar series is below.
· Stimulus 101: Basics of the Health Information Technology Provisions
May 21, 12:00 PM CT
· Stimulus 102: Update on the Health Information Technology Provisions
June 9, 2009, 12:00 PM CT
June 9, 2009, 12:00 PM CT
· Stimulus 103: Real World Perspectives
July 14, 2009, 12:00 PM CT
“The AMA is optimistic about the promise HIT holds for increasing patient safety, improving care coordination between multiple physicians and reducing unnecessary paper work,” said Dr. Patchin. “We are eager to help physicians determine when the time is right to invest in HIT and how to make implementation as easy as possible.”
Recently the AMA launched an online electronic prescribing learning center for physicians looking to implement this aspect of HIT into their practice and take advantage of the Medicare incentive program. In the coming year, the AMA will continue unveiling new resources and solutions for physicians that will simplify the HIT decision-making and implementation process. These products and services will be aimed at meeting individual needs and helping simplify physicians’ day-to-day routines so they can focus on what they do best – caring for patients. To register for the webinars and view the HIT tools and resources the AMA currently has available, visit www.ama-assn.org/go/hit.
