"Meaningful Usage" The real start of US healthcare reform marathon
When the reform guarantees the change in role of the government, moving from being a passive to a more active purchaser and providers are ensured to earn increased reimbursement based on outcomes, quality and patient satisfaction- I honestly see, Dr. Blumenthal's directives promising the foundation stone for the reform. An active initiative which can surely break the silos through semantic interoperability, detailed clinical communication; standardize the clinical practices; aids efficient decision making can really actualize the dream US healthcare delivery model- an efficient, quality rich care services at affordable cost with integrity of privacy & security. Precisely, "Meaningful Usage" is a real start of this US healthcare reform marathon, a catalyst to extend the reform momentum much farther to achieve an exceptional level of healthcare performance much beyond the set "meaningful use" goals.
So as I stop today: Let's ensure that the vision for reforming a healthcare system already paralyzed with myriads of challenges cannot simply happen with one bill. There must be persistent aim for excellence and not complacence through just one "Meaningful usage" compliance. US healthcare has miles to go....
