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Amy Murphy, American College of Cardiology,
(202) 375-6476, amurphy@acc.org
May
23, 2008
The American College of Cardiology Calls
For Action on E-Prescribing Legislation and Challenges CBO
Analysis of Health IT
ACC Encourages Cardiology Profession to Lead the Way to
Early Adoption
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) today stated its
strong support for adoption of health information technology.
The ACC views electronic prescribing (“e-prescribing”)
as a very important and necessary tool that will improve patient
safety, reduce medical errors, decrease adverse drug events,
reduce hospitalizations, improve patient adherence, and increase
patient satisfaction.
The College remains committed to implementing policies that
improve the quality of patient care and believes the widespread
adoption of e-prescribing is a necessary component toward
that goal.
Cardiologists were on the hill this week encouraging Congress
to include provisions that encourage physician adoption of
e-prescribing in the Medicare package now under consideration.
“We are asking our more than 34,000 cardiology members
to lead the way to early adoption, so we can pass along e-prescribing
benefits to our patients,” said Jack Lewin, M.D., CEO
of the ACC. “E-prescribing is critical for improving
the safety, efficiency, and quality of care in clinical practice.”
In a letter to the Senate Finance Committee, the ACC recommended
legislation that creates a specific date for physician e-prescribing
adherence and adequate one-time and on-going incentive payments
for physician use of e-prescribing among others.
The ACC also challenges the recent Congressional Budget Office
(CBO) analysis that questioned the cost savings of health
information technology.
“The specific details can be debated, but a transition
to electronic medical records with clinical decision support
systems that promote evidence-based care and guideline adhearance,
as well as e-prescribing, will no doubt allow physicians to
provide a higher quality of care for our patients and save
lives. These innovations require an upfront investment but
will ultimately improve the effectiveness and efficiency of
health care.” said Lewin.
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About the American College of Cardiology (ACC):
The American College of Cardiology is leading the way to optimal
cardiovascular care and disease prevention. The College is
a 34,000-member nonprofit medical society and bestows the
credential Fellow of the American College of Cardiology upon
physicians who meet its stringent qualifications. The College
is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards
and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular
research. The ACC provides professional education and operates
national registries for the measurement and improvement of
quality care. For more information visit www.acc.org.
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