Contact: Amy Murphy, amurphy@acc.org, (202) 375-6476

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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