EHRs Would Benefit Consumer-Directed Care, Sen. Porter Writes

"[I]n order to realize the full benefit of consumer-directed health care, policy makers need broad dissemination of health information technology -- particularly providing help from the consumers' perspective -- on the legislative front burner," Rep. Jon Porter (R-Nev.) writes in a Washington Times opinion piece. According to Porter, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, "[I]ntroducing more consumer choice in American health care will never reach its full potential until patients have the information to make informed decisions," and "[e]lectronic health records are an essential component for patients to make informed and safe decisions." Porter writes, "One of the reasons why progress has been slow in adopting new applications like electronic personal-health records is that ... many consumers believe they are already being utilized." According to Porter, "Closing this gap between perception and reality is one of the keys to stimulating more consumer demand." Porter concludes, "There are many health care issues that demand Congress' attention. Legislation promoting speedier deployment of electronic health records has bipartisan support, saves money and will promote better health outcomes. And for those of us interested in advancing consumer-directed health care, it will provide the necessary information to make that goal a reality" (Porter, Washington Times, 4/4).


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