Electronic medical records have been touted by many health care experts and lawmakers as an easy way to cut health care costs in the long term, and even improve the delivery of care.
Florida lawmakers agreed. Four years ago, they said there would be a statewide switch to an electronic records system. But it never really happened because there just wasn’t any money for it in the state budget.
One bill was proposed last year to provide funding for an electronic system, but it failed to get approval. Another bill was passed unanimously by the state House of Representatives which would provide grants and no-interest loans, but it still hasn’t been funded.
State Representative Denise Grimsley introduced the bill, and wanted to get at least $2 million from the state, reported the Miami Herald.
But that chances are slim — Florida health insurance and health care programs were first on the list to be cut as the state faces a budget deficit.
Still, health care organizations such as the South Florida Health Information Exchange are pushing ahead to prove that electronic medical records are worth the investment.
“It would save taxpayers’ dollars and improve patient care. Everyone wants to look at how we can deliver quality service to the uninsured but decrease the money we spend, ” said Dr. Kate Callahan, the Information Exchange’s executive director.