Stimulus Bill Implementation: Expanding Meaningful Use of Health IT

Authors

Rob Cunningham

Document Type

Issue Brief

Publication Date

8-25-2009

Abstract

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act authorizes an estimated $38 billion in incentives and supports for health information technology (IT) from 2009 to 2019. After years of sluggish health IT adoption, this crisis-driven investment of public funds creates a unique opportunity for rapid diffusion of a technology that is widely expected to improve care, save money, and facilitate transformation of the troubled U.S. health system. Achieving maximal effect from the stimulus funds is nevertheless a difficult challenge. The Recovery Act strengthens the federal government’s leadership role in promoting health IT. But successful adoption and utilization across the health system will also require development of a supportive infrastructure and broad-based efforts by providers, vendors, state-based agencies, and other health system stakeholders. Optimal use of IT for health care may require extensive reengineering of medical practice and of existing systems of payment. The future course of health IT adoption will also be subject to the effects of any health care reform legislation and of technological innovation in the fast-changing world of electronic communications.

Comments

Issue brief no. 834

Recommended Citation

Cunningham, Rob, "Stimulus Bill Implementation: Expanding Meaningful Use of Health IT" (2009). National Health Policy Forum. Paper 214.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/sphhs_centers_nhpf/214

Open Access

yes