Health Information Technology: One Step At A Time

Abstract

The development, implementation, and management of health care information technologies are prominent components of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. How these technologies will affect our health care system will depend on the collective choices made in the months ahead. Focusing on a limited set of near-term objectives will build trust, confer near-term benefit, and create the building blocks required to harness the altruistic and entrepreneurial motivations most likely to create future health care delivery systems. Decisionmakers must concentrate on putting in place the immediately important information technology foundations that will be essential for reaping long-term benefits.