The Big Apple Adopts EMRs

About 1,000 primary care physicians are participating, with subsidies from the city. [link] Among the benefits:

Cliffs Notes-style advice on how to handle medical problems based on a patient's age, sex, ethnic background and medical history. It prompts doctors to provide routine tests and vaccinations, advises them on appropriate treatment and medication for certain conditions, and warns of potentially dangerous drug interactions….

In April, the city will begin sending participating doctors report cards on how their preventive efforts compare to their peers.

Example of fictional diabetic patient benefiting. However, patients don't get to know their doctor's score. And only five doctors are giving patients access to their own records from home computers.

Print